Originally released on February 28, 2022, this article has since been expanded to incorporate new series such as the Netflix Nordic noir titled “The Åre Murders.
If you’re captivated by enigmas and seeking an immersive read offering thrilling plot twists as well as opportunities to explore evocative settings, you could lose yourself in the realm of Nordic crime fiction.
This genre is recognized for intricate, thought-provoking murder mysteries intertwined with political deceit, understated acting, and concise yet impactful writing that delivers an emotional impact. You won’t find many high-speed chases, explosions, or physical fights. Instead, the violence is usually psychological in nature, adding to its chilling effect.
The scenery is equally mesmerizing as the storytelling: Visualize towering snow-covered peaks, breathtaking aerial views of icy fjords, untouched forested landscapes blanketed in snow, and fragments of ice drifting through dark waters. These are the types of settings where you might discover a corpse, a blizzard adding intrigue to an investigation, or snow concealing traces.
Now might be the perfect time to jump right into the genre. Come on in, the water’s frozen solid.
Sweden
The Åre Murders (2025)
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=BY7ChjDm0GY
Set in the picturesque and windswept ski resort town of Åre, this Swedish series by Viveca Sten unfolds amidst pine-studded slopes and expansive snow-covered landscapes. However, the crimes that occur are far from tranquil. The show revolves around two detectives grappling with personal problems. Hanna, on temporary leave from her position in Stockholm due to an internal investigation, is also dealing with a recent breakup. Daniel, the local police chief, finds himself juggling work and personal life, a struggle that endangers his current relationship. When a local girl disappears and a body is found near the train tracks, Hanna and Daniel are forced to collaborate, despite their initial discomfort. The romantic setting contrasts sharply with the turmoil in these two troubled characters’ lives, while the intricate mystery keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
The Breakthrough (2025)
Drawing inspiration from one of Sweden’s longest unsolved cases, this story is an imaginative portrayal of the 2004 double murder in the quaint town of Linkoping, which claimed the lives of a young boy and a middle-aged woman. Remaining unsolved for almost two decades, a breakthrough was made when a genealogist collaborating with the police discovered a DNA match. The tenacious detective in this narrative is portrayed by Peter Eggers, often compared to Michael Fassbender (his angles are never less than striking). The director of this gripping drama is Lisa Siwe, renowned for her work on the original Nordic thriller series The Bridge (see below). At its best, this production delves into the profound and lasting impact of such a tragedy on a community.
The Bridge (2011–2018)
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=fwc5XLFmYtA&t=5s
In a transatlantic adaptation, The Bridge is filmed across Malmö, Sweden, and Copenhagen, Denmark. The story unfolds when a corpse is discovered on the bridge connecting these two cities. Swedish detective Saga Norén (played by Sofia Helin), who has social difficulties and keeps her emotions at arm’s length, teams up with a Danish counterpart to crack the case. Saga’s unemotional demeanor helps her concentrate exclusively on details in a systematic, unadorned fashion. However, this approach can sometimes make her seem uncaring towards people going through sadness or loss. In the initial seasons, Martin (Kim Bodnia) functioned as a mediator and one of the few who truly comprehended Saga. His role was later replaced by Henrik Sabroe in seasons three and four, who assists Saga in discovering her capacity for feelings. The atmospheric shots of the Malmö bridge shrouded in fog and the impressive acting, particularly Helin’s performance, are highlights of this series.
Beck (1997–)
The series running longest in Sweden isn’t strictly a noir, instead it leans more towards police procedurals; however, its captivating thriller nature warranted its inclusion in our list. In this production, Peter Haber portrays Martin Beck, a mature and fatigued cop who experienced a significant loss early in his career. He’s teamed up with the charismatic yet unpredictable Gunvald Larsson, played by Mikael Persbrandt, who is also known for his role in Netflix’s “Sex Education”. Alongside them are a mix of ambitious police officers, corrupt officials, and criminals. The show offers numerous snowy landscapes as well as a fascinating exploration of various neighborhoods in Stockholm and its outskirts. One notable aspect is Beck’s relationship with his peculiar, neck-brace-wearing neighbor, Grannen, who often joins him for an evening drink and listens to his stories that might or might not be factual.
Finland
Arctic Circle (2018–2023)
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=oEo2ekuf7l4
Located in the frosty, winter-dominated regions of Finland, famously known as Lapland, this (currently) three-season show follows feisty small-town police officer Nina Mautsaulo tackling high-stakes, global crimes. The cases range from the extraordinary, such as a virus designed to render prostitutes infertile or a wealthy vigilante hunting club, to the bizarre, like an Elon Musk-like antagonist secretly testing autonomous vehicles in the heart of a fjord. Despite these outlandish plots, the snowy landscapes are awe-inspiring, it boasts humor, quirky characters, and comical situations such as missing reindeers or neighbors reporting crimes at the cop’s doorstep. The series also showcases several recurring actors from other Finnish series like Deadwind and Bordertown.
Bordertown (2016–2019)
Nestled slightly north of Helsinki lies Lappeenranta, home to the chilling town of Bordertown, brimming with snowy fjords and eerie forests. The inhabitants seem to reside in sleek Scandinavian-style homes or apartments boasting minimalist interiors. The narrative revolves around the enigmatic detective Kari Sorjonen (Ville Virtanen), known for his exceptional memory and knack for solving perplexing cases, even those deemed impossible. This show presents intricate plots that border on the unbelievable, such as a serial killer who uses anesthesia as a weapon, a mastermind attempting to contaminate a city’s water supply, and a murderer who traps victims in ice-fishing cages. The series shines brightest in its first two seasons, when Kari’s formidable deputy Lena (Anu Sinisalo), a former Russian Secret police operative, plays a significant role. However, season three stands out for its abundant snowfall; Kari’s successor and eye candy, Nikko, often sports ice crystals in his goatee.
Deadwind (2018)
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=oXlWjZZGTq8
In the first season, detective Sofia Karppi (played by Pihla Viitala), having recently moved back to Helsinki from Hamburg, Germany following her husband’s untimely demise two months prior, is assigned a new, albeit inexperienced partner named Nurmi (portrayed with subtle angst by Lauri Tilkanen). The story unfolds as they investigate the murder of a woman linked to a prominent construction company. As Karppi delves deeper into the case, an unusual alliance forms between her and Nurmi, both struggling with their personal issues – his being concealed, while hers is the recent loss of her spouse. This partnership uncovers a tangled web of infidelity and political corruption. The series takes place against the backdrop of the bleak winter landscape, where Viitala delivers a compelling portrayal of a widowed single parent grappling with grief by immersing herself in work. However, the most captivating aspect of the show is the evolving relationship between Karppi and Nurmi, which initially simmers with hostility but eventually develops into something profound – perhaps even blossoming into love.
Denmark
The Killing (2007–2012)
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=HHRNtiKrC44
In the realm of crime dramas, Denmark’s “The Killing” is often credited for establishing the template that later TV series followed. The story revolves around Sarah Lund (played by Sofie Gråbøl), a seasoned detective on the verge of retirement who finds herself drawn into an investigation concerning a missing teenager, ultimately discovered dead. This case leads to a powerful political circle, where influence can suppress truth. The setting is gloomy Copenhagen, where every character could potentially be a suspect. The narrative is filled with misleading clues that keep viewers guessing right up until the end. Notably, an American adaptation was produced, set in the rain-soaked Pacific Northwest and starring Mireille Enos. It wasn’t available for streaming until last summer when Topic secured exclusive rights.
Iceland
Trapped (2015–)
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=uUP5uNDV6DA
In the series “Trapped“, the unforgiving weather acts as another character, playing a crucial role in the storyline. The first season portrays harsh blizzard conditions causing an avalanche, isolating the town and necessitating self-reliance from the local police force when backup from Reykjavik fails to arrive. The brutal Arctic landscape, scant sunshine, and quirky small-town residents make for an intriguing setting. Olafur Darri Olafsson stars as the disheveled detective Andri, who’s recently divorced, while Ilmumur Kristjansdottir plays his cynical partner Hinrika. In a follow-up series titled “Entrapped“, the cast reprises their roles in a less snowy setting but offers breathtaking views of Iceland’s stark volcanic landscapes that will still send shivers down your spine.
The Valhalla Murders (2019–2020)
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=pQyy7DJtwEI
Nina Dögg Filippusdóttir plays Detective Katrin “Kata” Gunnarsdottir, a tenacious and uncompromising member of the Reykjavik police force, in the film “Trapped“. Despite being overlooked for a promotion she deserved, Kata remains resolute as she delves into an investigation of a series of grisly murders linked to a school for troubled boys on the outskirts of the city. She also grapples with her relationship with her new partner from Oslo. Filippusdóttir’s portrayal of Kata is captivating, but it’s her partner Arnar (Björn Thors), a man burdened by secrets and guilt, who truly steals the show. The outdoor shots are breathtaking, from Kata’s daily swim routine in an icy pool to aerial views of deserted highways cutting through snowdrifts like gray serpents.
Norway
Occupied (2015–2020)
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=yfqRRHaFyJg
In this engaging political drama featuring a diverse cast, the narrative unfolds in a not-so-distant timeframe where America has achieved energy independence and Europe faces an energy crisis. Russia subtly annexes Norway by seizing control of its oil production and orchestrating a puppet government that governs the nation. The story unfolds across various locations in Norway (and Lithuania standing in for Russia), from the imposing concrete structures of Oslo to picturesque villages nestled in the Norwegian countryside. The writing and character development in this series are exceptional, as characters struggle with the moral dilemma of resisting or collaborating with the Russians due to necessity. What makes this skillfully crafted show truly chilling is how convincingly it mirrors real-world possibilities.
Wisting (2019–)
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=Dn7HRgVEI50
For all eternity, William Wisting (Sven Nordin), portrays the quintessential image of a resilient, weather-beaten Scandinavian. Struggling to adapt to his new role as a widower and reconnect with his adult offspring, he is drawn into an investigation involving an elusive American serial killer who has sought refuge in Norway. Partnering with FBI agents, including one portrayed by Carrie-Anne Moss from ‘The Matrix’, they collaborate to apprehend the murderer. This ongoing case significantly complicates his life, particularly as his daughter, a journalist, finds herself endangered while reporting on the story. Unlike other shows on this list, it has a quicker pace and includes more action, earning the title of Norway’s most expensive TV production ever made – yet retains a distinctly Nordic ambiance rather than Hollywood-like flair.
Not Nordic But Still Chilly
Shetland (2013–)
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=rB4zEDFrrXA
The drama series “Shetland,” set amidst the rugged, tree-less islands of Scotland, follows Detective Jimmy Perez, portrayed by Douglas Henshall. A solitary and frequently frustrated widower, he investigates crimes from his base in Lerwick, all while navigating life in a close-knit community where gossip is rampant. Assisted by a tenacious team led by Alison “Tosh” McIntosh (Alison O’Donnell), Perez unravels mysteries. After seven seasons, Henshall left the show, but it seamlessly continued with Ashley Jensen as DI Ruth Calder. The latest season eight maintains its tradition of intricate plot twists and witty humor, echoing Anne Cleeves’ mystery novels and serving as a spin-off of the U.K.’s enduring series “Vera.
19-2 (2014–2017)
Revisiting an acclaimed gem, a popular French Canadian series has found its way onto Netflix. This show follows two police officers who are reluctantly paired together due to their strained relationship. Officer Nick Beroff is still grieving the loss of his late partner, who was killed in the line of duty and could possibly have links to the underworld, while his partner, Ben Chartier, is known for his adherence to rules – often referred to as a “Boy Scout.” However, their bond deepens over time, though it’s more loyalty than friendship. The story takes place beyond winter, yet there are plenty of scenes showcasing Montreal in the snow, with characters wearing parkas, stomping boots, and visible breaths. The wit and camaraderie within this fictional precinct makes for an enjoyable watch.
The Wall (2019)
In this gripping series set in Quebec, Isabel Richer plays the role of DS Céline Trudeau, a detective who relies heavily on her intuition and often works independently, much to the dismay of her peers. However, her superiors are willing to give her some creative freedom due to her impressive track record. Her character is unique as she effortlessly charms a younger police officer at the start of the show. The first season revolves around Trudeau investigating the intricate murder of a stripper in a snowbound mining town, shrouded in both snow and secrets. The second season unfolds primarily in and around the iconic Château Frontenac hotel in Quebec City, while the third presents a more serene mystery set amidst the picturesque countryside during springtime.
Detective Forst (2024–)
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=g70lOY0aWUY
Recently added to Netflix, this intriguing detective series unfolds amidst the picturesque Tatras Mountains of Poland, complete with scene indicators of the altitude. The protagonist, Detective Forst, portrayed by Borys Szyc, is a lone wolf and non-conformist, who may also struggle with drug addiction. After being dismissed from a high-profile ritualistic murder case, he teams up with a brave journalist to pursue the investigation independently. The series boasts stunning landscapes resembling the Alps, filled with towering pines and snow-capped peaks. The plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns, and features villains reminiscent of Austin Powers, such as an eyepatch-wearing former Nazi living atop a mountain fortress. Forst’s rugged charm and romantic escapades add warmth to the frosty setting. Given its popularity in Poland and basis on the Detective Forst novels, there is a strong possibility of more seasons ahead.
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2025-02-27 00:56