ISTOCK
It sounds like a joke, but there really is a place called Hell in Norway! Located in the centre of the country, this small village is famous for its unusual name, which actually comes from an old Norse word meaning “overhang” or “cliff”—not fire and brimstone. The town has a train station, a post office, and even a sign that says “Gods-expedition,” which means “cargo handling” in old Norwegian, but tourists love taking funny photos with it.
In winter, Hell can get very cold—sometimes dropping below minus 20 degrees Celsius—so people enjoy saying, “Hell has frozen over!” The town hosts a popular music festival each year and welcomes visitors who are curious about its name. Locals have a great sense of humour about it, selling postcards stamped “Sent from Hell” and posing with tourists who can’t believe they’re really there.
Despite its scary name, Hell is a peaceful, friendly village surrounded by beautiful Norwegian countryside. It’s a popular stop for train travellers, and during the summer, the area is green and full of wildflowers.
If you ever visit Norway and want a cool story to tell your friends, a trip to Hell is sure to get a laugh!
The local post office offers this fun stamp—perfect for a quirky souvenir.
“Hell” comes from an old Norse word for “overhang” or “cliff,” not the underworld.
Each year, the Hell Blues Festival brings fans and musicians from across Norway to this famously named town.
The award is presented annually to honour nature-based solutions led by Indigenous Peoples and local communities that promote sustainable development and ecological resilience.