‘The Valhalla Murders’ also known as Brot is an eight-episode police procedural television series from Iceland. It first aired in Iceland in 2019 and was later released worldwide on Netflix on March 13, 2020. In the UK, the show was also available for free on BBC Four.
This is the second Icelandic show to be featured on Netflix, following ‘Trapped’ (Ófaerð). The plot of ‘The Valhalla Murders’ is loosely based on an actual event. According to a MEAWW story, something similar occurred in a remote area of Iceland in the late 1940s. There was a state-run institution that housed disturbed young males aged seven to fourteen. The workers battered and abused the lads. Though there was no murder in real life, as depicted in the series, the incident sparked widespread attention, and the boys were finally compensated financially.
Where was “The Valhalla Murders” Filmed?
The entire show was filmed in Iceland, particularly in Borgarnes and Reykjavík, from October 2018 to February 2019. The filming locations in Iceland played a significant role in creating the dark and mysterious atmosphere of the show.
Borgarnes, Iceland
Borgarnes, a small town in Iceland, was one of the key filming locations for ‘The Valhalla Murders.’ The town’s cold and isolated environment perfectly matched the show’s intense and suspenseful storyline. The filmmakers chose this location to reflect the haunting and eerie mood that runs throughout the series.
Reykjavík, Iceland
The capital city of Iceland, Reykjavík, was another important location for the filming of ‘The Valhalla Murders.’ The city’s urban setting contrasts with the remote and quiet town of Borgarnes, adding depth to the story. One notable scene in the series is the stabbing of Þór Ingimarsson, which takes place at Reykjavik Harbour. This scene is crucial in the storyline and shows the dark side of the city.
The House from the 1950s
Another unique location used in the filming was a house built around 1950. This house had multiple purposes in the past—it was used as a post office, bus stop, and radio and telephone operation center. The history and old-world charm of the house added an authentic touch to the series, making it even more believable.
The stunning and mysterious landscapes of Iceland played a vital role in making ‘The Valhalla Murders’ a gripping and visually captivating series. The choice of locations like Borgarnes, Reykjavík, and the old house from the 1950s added to the eerie and tense atmosphere of the show. The filming locations were carefully selected to match the dark and thrilling nature of the story, making ‘The Valhalla Murders’ a must-watch for fans of crime dramas.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – The Valhalla Murders
Q: Where was The Valhalla Murders filmed?
A: The Valhalla Murders was filmed in Iceland, primarily in the town of Borgarnes and the capital city, Reykjavik. These locations provided the perfect backdrop for the dark and suspenseful atmosphere of the series, with their snowy landscapes and unique Icelandic architecture.
Q: When was The Valhalla Murders filmed?
A: The filming of The Valhalla Murders took place from October 2018 to February 2019. The production team chose the winter months to capture the cold and eerie Icelandic setting that is essential to the show’s mood.
Q: When did The Valhalla Murders premiere?
A: The Valhalla Murders originally aired in Iceland in 2019. It was later released worldwide on Netflix on March 13, 2020, allowing audiences around the globe to experience the gripping Icelandic crime drama.
Q: What is the significance of the filming locations in The Valhalla Murders?
A: The filming locations, especially Borgarnes and Reykjavik, played a crucial role in creating the series’ tense and mysterious atmosphere. The cold, isolated landscapes and the historic buildings used in the show added depth to the story and helped immerse viewers in the narrative.
Q: How does The Valhalla Murders connect to real-life events?
A: The Valhalla Murders is loosely based on a real-life incident in Iceland from the late 1940s, involving the abuse of young boys in a state-run institution. While the series introduces a fictional murder plot, it draws inspiration from this dark chapter in Icelandic history, making the story even more compelling.
