Seafood heaven

The clipfish city

Head a little further south of Trøndelag to Kristiansund in the Northwest, the home of this dried and salted speciality, mostly made from cod. The city was largely built on fishing and the production of clipfish, which was traditionally dried on rocks by the sea, before being exported to southern European countries, beginning in the middle of the 17th century. In return, traders received spices and imported vibrant culture, including the dish called bacalao (derived from the Spanish and Portuguese word for cod)!

At The Norwegian Clipfish Museum you can learn more about the city's unique history. You can also join Klippfiskfestivalen, the annual clipfish festival, which is usually held in June.

When in town, you must try Kristiansund's speciality fishan – fresh fish and chips. Sample it at the popular Fishanbua by the harbour, or in one of the city's restaurants.

Want to sample local food at home? Try a traditional bacalao recipe made from clipfish from the west coast of Norway.

European Region of Gastronomy 2022

But there is more to the Trøndelag region than just outstanding seafood. Trøndelag and Trondheim is one of the hottest regions for foodies in Europe right now, and there are many tasty reasons why it was named European Region of Gastronomy 2022.

Find the best local treats in this bumper foodie guide to Trondheim and Trøndelag!

A unique taste of nature

If you eat better, you live better. The same goes for the wild sheep and deer that live on the Norwegian coast. The freedom to roam, coastal climate, and plant life on islands like Smøla in the Northwest, and Hitra and Frøya in Trøndelag, give the meat a unique taste of wild nature, and a real tenderness. 

Wild sheep from the Norwegian coastline is a unique quality product, which has been granted Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status. The sheep are excellent stewards of the landscape and graze outside all year round, due to the coastal climate with cool summers and mild winters. They eat herbs and juniper shoots, which are also recommended as spices when preparing your own local food. They even like to wander down to the sea to graze on seaweed and kelp!

At Villsaugården farm at Smøla, you can enjoy lovely surroundings and sample delicious local products made from wild sheep from the farm shop and restaurant.

In Trøndelag, you will also see that deer is a delicacy often served in restaurants. They say that the island of Hitra is home to more deer than people! The island even has a hotel named Hjorten Hotell, or 'Deer Hotel'. Sample local delicacies in the hotel's restaurant, or visit DalPro Gårdsmat, a farm shop that sells a range of deer and wild sheep products.

Have you worked up an appetite for Trøndelag and the Northwest yet? Eat your way from Trondheim to Kristiansund on a coastal journey by express boat, or check out what might be Norway's tastiest cycle trip!