Norway again takes centre stage in the action-packed world of Mission: Impossible. The newest instalment, “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning – Part One,” premieres on July 12th, featuring scenes shot in some of Norway’s most stunning landscapes, despite the film’s narrative being set in Austria.

The film sees Tom Cruise pull off one of the most monumental stunts in movie history. Viewers will be on the edge of their seats as Cruise’s character performs a heart-stopping motorcycle leap off Helsetkopen, a towering 1246-meter cliff, morphing mid-air into a daredevil base jump. This electrifying stunt occurred in Hellesylt, a picturesque town close to the UNESCO-heritage-listed Geirangerfjord in Sunnmøre, western Norway. Notably, the area’s largest city is Ålesund.

Director Christopher McQuarrie stated, “This is by far the most dangerous thing we’ve ever attempted.” But as is typical for the seasoned actor, Cruise took on the stunt himself, repeating the death-defying feat six times in a single day to ensure its perfection. The striking promotional material for the movie celebrates the grandeur of Norway’s wilderness and the extraordinary Helsetkopen stunt.

Esai Morales and Tom Cruise in Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning – Part One from Paramount Pictures and Skydance.

Adventure-seekers now have a chance to follow in Cruise’s footsteps. There’s a guided hiking tour that leads to the breathtaking Helsetkopen, or for those preferring a less strenuous option, bikes are available for rental to take in the majestic views from the comfort of the valley floor.

A second thrilling scene also brings us back to Norway’s captivating landscapes, featuring an intense rooftop train brawl. This scene was shot along the Rauma Railway, dubbed Europe’s most beautiful railway line, and beautifully framed by the dramatic Northwestern nature. The film includes a fictional explosion of the Kylling Bridge, though rest assured, this iconic structure remains untouched in reality.

After the day’s shooting, Cruise would return to the quaint village of Valldal in Sunnmøre, known for its adventure valley, complete with rafting, a climbing park, and fjord kayaking. The renowned actor commuted from this peaceful village to various locations, blending work and appreciation for Norway’s extraordinary beauty.

This isn’t the first time Mission: Impossible has showcased Norway’s dramatic landscapes. Fans will recall the iconic cliffhanger finale of “Mission: Impossible – Fallout 6,” filmed at Preikestolen, one of Norway’s most visited tourist spots. With “Mission: Impossible 8” rumoured to have an Arctic vibe and currently filming in 2023, the crew’s love affair with Norway’s wild landscapes shows no signs of abating. Indeed, the series will return to Norway, venturing further north to the polar island of Svalbard.

However, visiting these locations isn’t solely the realm of Hollywood actors and crews. Travelling to these breathtaking places is a mission very possible for everyone. For those inspired to experience these stunning locations first-hand, check out this guide on planning your visit: visitnorway.com.

Written by: Bridget Gomez

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