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Where Does Frozen Take Place? Land, Village and Castle Explained

1 Jun 2025

by Merchandise4All

Images in this article are owned by Disney and are used for illustration purposes only.

Where Does Frozen Take Place? Land, Village and Castle Explained

The magical world of Disney’s Frozen feels so vivid that Arendelle could almost be real. From Elsa’s icy palace to the cozy village where Anna grows up, the setting feels both familiar and enchanted. But where exactly is Frozen set? In this blog, we’ll explore the fictional kingdom, its Norwegian inspiration, and the meaning behind the locations.

What is Arendelle?

Arendelle is the fictional kingdom where the events of Frozen take place. It is ruled by the royal family—first by Elsa, then by Anna. Arendelle sits on a fjord, surrounded by mountains, forests, and the sea. The setting is heavily inspired by Norway, with Scandinavian influences seen in the architecture, clothing, and landscapes.

Is Arendelle a real place?

While Arendelle isn’t real, it is based on real Norwegian locations such as Bergen, Nærøyfjord, and Oslo. Disney’s animation team visited Norway during development, drawing inspiration from stave churches, dramatic cliffs, and deep fjords. The atmosphere is historical yet whimsically stylized.

Where does Elsa live?

At first, Elsa lives in Arendelle’s royal castle with Anna. After her powers are revealed, she flees to the mountains and creates her iconic ice palace. Built using her magic, the palace represents both isolation and liberation. Its design was inspired by real glaciers and ice formations. Read more about its symbolism in What Is the Story Behind Frozen?.

Where else does the story take place?

Besides Arendelle and the mountains, the story also explores:

The Northern cliffs – where Elsa’s coronation is held
The forest and fjords – where Anna, Kristoff, and Olaf travel
The Northuldra region (in Frozen 2) – inspired by the Sámi culture of northern Scandinavia

What role does nature play in Frozen?

Nature plays a central role in Frozen. The snow, sea, wind, and mountains are not just background—they reflect the characters’ emotions. Elsa’s powers are deeply tied to the landscape. As explored in What Is the Story Behind Frozen?, her environment changes as she begins to accept herself.

Is the castle in Frozen real?

The Arendelle castle is fictional, but its design was inspired by real locations such as Akershus Fortress in Oslo and Chillon Castle in Switzerland. The result is a blend of medieval architecture and fairytale charm.