Join us on a journey from north to south to explore some of Norway's most unique food destinations! Get tips on what local delicacies you should sample along the way. Reindeer meat, skrei (Atlantic cod), award-winning cheese, king crab, and much more – what do you want to try first?
Experience Norway’s unique
CULINARY DESTINATIONS
Are you a real foodie?
Then you should explore these culinary destinations in Norway!
Read the whole guide, or go directly to:
Arctic cuisine in Northern Norway
Seafood straight from the fjords, lakes and rivers, wild game from animals roaming on the mountain plateaus, and traditional Sami cuisine are some of the highlights from Northern Norway.
The nature in this part of the county is raw and untamed, and creates the perfect conditions for excellent ingredients.
Here's what not to miss:
1. Kirkenes: King crab
This is the king of seafood in the North. Imagine catching it yourself in wild and beautiful Kirkenes or Varanger, in Northern Norway.
An hour later, you’re inside, warm and comfortable, adding a squeeze of lemon before digging in to the world’s most exclusive meal.
King crab meat is sweet and aromatic, and is often compared to lobster. You can get it served in restaurants in the North, but there's something special about catching it yourself on a guided king crab safari.
2. Lofoten: Skrei
Skrei (Atlantic cod) is one of the world’s best and most sustainable edible fish. Every year, the skrei migrate to Lofoten, Vesterålen, and other parts of Northern Norway to spawn.
Go on a skrei adventure during winter, and experience the season at its peak from February to April.
And don't forget to also sample the world-famous stockfish, tørrfisk, that has been dried in fresh air in the traditional way. It can be enjoyed steamed, grilled, or baked – or even as a dry snack like crisps!
3. Finnmark: Reindeer
Nutritious, lean and rich. The meat has a gamey and complex flavour due to the fact that reindeer roam freely and graze in the wild. It's simply pure flavour from nature.
Reindeer were originally hunted, but over time people started practising reindeer husbandry, especially in Northern Norway. In Sami areas, only Sami can carry out reindeer husbandry, which is how more than 3,000 Sami people currently make a living.
Taste it dried, roasted, or as the star in the traditional Sami dish bidus.
Take a deep dive into Arctic cuisine
And get even more inspiration on where to visit.
Local food at its best in Trøndelag
Venison, reindeer, cheese, and all kinds of seafood and shellfish are all delicacies you can expect to sample when visiting the Trøndelag region in Central Norway.
All across the region you’ll find an abundance of small farms producing quality products, and farm shops.
With more than 200 local food producers, Trøndelag is one of the most important local food regions in the country, and offers everything from cosy farm cafés in the countryside to urban Michelin-starred restaurants in Trondheim.
Here are some highlights:
4. Trondheim: European region of gastronomy
Thanks to incredible local food producers and innovative chefs, Trondheim and Trøndelag was named European region of gastronomy 2022.
The cosy, historical city of Trondheim has become a culinary hot spot in Norway, with several Michelin-starred restaurants as well as ultra-local informal eateries and bars. If you want a little bit of everything, Trondheim is the perfect place to visit.
PS: Don't miss Norway's most tasty detour from the E6 motorway along The Golden Road at Inderøy, where you will find an abundance of farm shops, bakeries, aquavit, meat, cheese, and juice producers, and the unique Øyna Cultural Landscape hotel, serving fantastic local food!
5. Røros: Cheese and dairy
Delicious cheeses, reindeer, moose, ice cream made of cloudberries, and local treats like pjalt and lemse cakes.
Intriguing Røros has long been an epicentre for locally sourced food in Norway, and its culinary scene is filled with pure, authentic flavours from local forests and mountain plateaus – both savoury and sweet.
The local freshwater fish sik, European whitefish, is delicious and its roe has become an exclusive delicacy, often compared to Russian caviar.
The area is especially known for its dairy products. Try the cultivated milk Tjukkmelk from Røros and the cheese Skjørost from the Røros area, which are both Protected Geographical Indications.
Indulge in the unique flavours of Røros on a local food safari!
6. Hitra: Crab
The Hitra crab is unlike any other crabs, and it's a true delicacy you must try while in Trøndelag. It's so tasty that it's exported around the globe and served in gourmet restaurant from Dubai to San Francisco.
The crab thrives in the waters off Hitra island, where the oxygen-rich seawater and ideal temperatures provides perfect conditions for it to grow. Scallops, salmon, deer, and Old Norwegian Sheep are other delicacies you should try here.
Tip: Visit in late summer and autumn, when the quality is in peak season!
Explore the flavours of Trøndelag
This area is a paradise for foodies.
Hearty mountain food in Eastern Norway
Eastern Norway offers a great variation of flavours. From Michelin-starred restaurants in the capital Oslo to traditional local food at the many summer pasture farms in the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Expect all kinds of game, trout, lamb, and seafood in the southern areas. You'll often be able to sample some of the best local food at traditional mountain lodges and farm hotels in the area.
Oslo is a great place to start your food adventure. Explore cute cafés, exotic street food, or the very best of Nordic cuisine before heading out to explore more areas.
Here are some special places to explore:
7. Gvarv: Fruit
Life in the country never tasted better than this!
The small village of Gvarv in Telemark takes serious pride in calling itself Fruktbygda, the Fruit village. There are more than half a million fruit trees here, enjoying Norway's warmest microclimate. Every fourth Norwegian apple is grown here!
Sleep in a wine barrel at a vineyard (!), visit some of Norway's coolest farm pubs and microbreweries, and many other charming farm shops and galleries.
And of course, indulge in fruits and juices while here, including apple juices, raspberries, cherries, plums, and more.
8. Summer pastures in Valdres
Summer mountain farms have always played an important role in Norwegian agriculture.
In old times, farmers had to move their livestock up in the mountains during summer to graze. This way of farming is still practised in some areas in Norway, and the Valdres region is the place with the most operative summer mountain summer farms in all of Northern Europe.
Pasture farms produce tasty sweet brown cheese, cured meats and more. Some even have their own cafés where you can enjoy a freshly made waffle or sour cream porridge. Or maybe you want to stay the night?
And while in Valdres: Try rakfisk, semi-fermented trout, and kurv, cured sausages, both of which are Protected Geographical Indications.
9. Mountain food in Jotunheimen
A fantastic way to explore Norwegian mountain cuisine is to visit a traditional Norwegian mountain lodge, fjellstue, situated in beautiful locations all over Eastern Norway.
Taste game from the mountains, berries, and mushrooms from the forests, and fish from mountain lakes and rivers. The food at the mountain lodges is usually hearty and functions as excellent fuel before exploring the mountains.
The Jotunheimen mountains have a lot of great options and mountain lodges. For a gourmet dining experience, head out to Vianvang in Vågå, run by famous Norwegian chef Arne Brimi.
The National Park Village Lom, surrounded by Norway's tallest mountains, is also a gem for foodies. Visit the many great hotel restaurants and local food shops, and the famous Lom Bakery in the town centre.
10. The cheese village Hol
Over the course of just a few years, a small village between Oslo and Bergen has transformed itself into a veritable cheese heaven.
Stop by Hol Ysteri a cool, small cheesemaker with more than 20 cheeses from eight local producers and a lot of other tasty local food. The cheeses from Prestholt are some of Norway's most renowned goat cheeses – try sweet brown cheese or aged white! You should also try the soft cheeses from Rueslåtten cheese factory, one of which is a World Cheese Awards winner.
Many cheeses are made from delicious and nutritious milk from livestock that graze at summer mountain farms.
Taste Eastern Norway
From big cities to small villages. This area offers a fantastic variation of flavours.
Coastal cuisine in Western Norway
Norway has one of the world's longest coastlines. This gives great access to the very best seafood. While visiting the coast, you can get the freshest of the freshest seafood, served directly from the source, and Western Norway is no exception.
This part of the country is also known for being home to some of Norway's most famous fjords. In the dramatic fjord landscape, deer and livestock roam freely and fruit trees thrive.
Stavanger and the nearby Jæren area has emerged as one of Norway’s most exciting culinary destinations, while Bergen offers unforgettable seafood experiences by the sea.
What do you want to try first?
11. Clipfish in Kristiansund
Before oil and salmon, dried and salted cod was one of Norway's biggest exports. Ideally located by the Norwegian sea, Kristiansund naturally became one of the biggest export hubs for clipfish - the main ingredient in the Portuguese (and Norwegian) dish bacalao.
Sample the world famous cod fresh or deliciously prepared, or try a quick fishan, the local version of fish and chips, while watching the fishing boats sail by. You can learn more about the fascinating history of this local staple at the Norwegian Clipfish Museum.
12. Fruit farms in Hardanger
The microclimate found along many of the fjords in Western Norway creates ideal conditions for growing fruit.
Apple juices and ciders from Hardanger apples are considered among the most exclusive in the world.
"Cider from Hardanger" and "Apple Juice from Hardanger" are even geographically protected labels, just like Champagne. The label has also been given to Hardanger cherries, Hardanger plums, Hardanger apples, and Hardanger pears.
Visit the many fruit and cider farms, go on a cider cruise, or even stay at a cider hotel in Utne.
Tip: The Michelin-starred restaurant Iris is located in the middle of the Hardangerfjord, on Salmon Eye. Here, you can indulge in an 18-course tasting meal in the world's largest floating art installation.
NOTE: Restaurant Iris is temporarily closed to further develop the concept. You can still visit the exhibition center at Salmon Eye.
13. Smalahove at Voss
This may be a little bit challenging for some, but we promise that smalahove, or traditionally made steamed sheep's head, is tasty! It's considered one of Norway's oddest culinary specialities, and it's served whole with potatoes and mashed swedes.
The tradition of eating smalahove has its origins in Voss and Hardanger. You can sample it yourself at Smalahovetunet at Voss, a family business that sells it all year round.
A large part of Norwegian traditional food consists of lamb. And while visiting Norway you should also try fenalår, dried leg of lamb, and pinnekjøtt, lamb ribs, a traditional Christmas dish.
And in autumn, you must try our national dish fårikål, literally "lamb in cabbage".
Western Norway
The very best of ingredients in fantastic landscapes.
Treats in Southern Norway
Charming traditional white wooden houses in idyllic costal towns, an archipelago with thousands of islands and a mild climate, is typical of Southern Norway. When you're visiting the South it's all about enjoying time by the sea, and of course fresh seafood, especially steamed mussels and fresh prawns. Lots of prawns!
In Kristiansand, the largest city in the area, you'll find several restaurants that specialise in fresh seafood, often served with a sea view.
A few kilometres from the coast of Southern Norway lays the quaint historical farm estate Boen Gård. French cuisine meets local produce in its lovely restaurant, recommended by the Michelin Guide.
There are also plenty of farmer's markets and farm shops where you can by fresh local products.
Let's explore:
14. Go Under in Lindesnes
Get ready for a once in a lifetime experience! Dining in the world’s biggest underwater restaurant Under is a truly unique treat.
In the restaurant, located just outside of Lindesnes, you will be served Michelin-starred food. Its set menu is seasonal and consist of 10-12 courses, based on the best local ingredients from Southern Norway.
And the restaurant building itself is also a showstopper, designed by Norwegian architects Snøhetta.
Explore Southern Norway
Visit the 'happy south'!
Hungry for more?
Typically Norwegian food
Let the local flavours of Norway surprise and excite your taste buds!
Eat your way through Norway
Find tasty restaurants and learn more about Norwegian cuisine.
Taste Norway
Where and what should I eat? Regional and local food guides.
Restaurants worth a detour
You can find some of the most unique Norwegian restaurants in some truly stunning and remote locations.
InderøyØyna - local food with panoramic views
Øyna is not just a restaurant; it's a venue with conference facilities situated on a breathtaking vantage point overlooking Inderøy in Nord-Trøndelag, right along the Golden Road. Here, you can feast your eyes on a mesmerizingly beautiful landscape while indulging in delectable, top-quality local cuisine. Our meals are served in distinctive structures that pay homage to old construction traditions but with a contemporary twist. At Øyna, we offer not only culinary delights but also opportunities for social interaction and physical activities, all inspired by age-old recipes. Our restaurant, housed in Litjstua, is where we host lunches, dinners, and various events. We are open year-round by appointment, and during the summer season, we welcome drop-in guests. On sunny days, you can savour your meal outdoors, and even when the weather isn't cooperating, you can still enjoy the stunning view from the cozy interior of Litjstua. Table reservations can be made at www.oyna.no. LOFTET LOUNGE - SKYBAR Øyna has expanded upwards and opened the Loftet Lounge, which we claim to be the most exciting bar for miles around. Large windows in the bar ensure that you can enjoy the same breathtaking panoramic view of Trondheimsfjorden that Øyna is renowned for. Loftet is a place where you, as a guest, can relax before and after dinner or simply drop by for a drink. The bar focuses on using locally sourced and Norwegian spirits and mixers. They have even made the syrup for their Signature Drink, "Inderøyningen," themselves from dandelions. A la Carte is served from 6:30 PM (last kitchen order at 7:30 PM). Table reservations are made online via our website. Loftet Skybar: Monday - Saturday: 9:00 PM - 12:00 AM Looking for social activities before or after your meal? How about a game of Putball/footgolf with friends or family? We welcome groups to banquets, meetings and events all year in Litjstua, the Longhouse and the new conference and meeting venue . Contact us for a no-obligation offer. Activities at Øyna. Kristin and Frode, the owners and operators of Øyna, aim to create memorable experiences, whether you visit as a guest in the restaurant, participate in a gathering or event, or simply come to enjoy the view.
Book nowUtskarpen“To Elise from Marius” – from farm to table
In the village of Utskarpen, between Mo i Rana and Nesna, Elise and Marius established a culinary attraction that is drawing a steady stream of foodies. They offer a dining experience where every dish is made from ingredients fresh from the farm and pasture. They also offer accommodation – charming rooms in a countryside setting.
Book nowAltaRestaurant - Trasti & Trine
Fine dining in Finnmark Our restaurant serves local and organic food of outstanding quality. Book a table via email [email protected] or telephone +47 919 00 460. Bakery Early risers may notice the smoke rising from one of the smallest buildings in the yard. This means that Trasti is up early and has fired up the stone oven in the bakery. How about a whole grain sourdough bread, a crispy croissant or perhaps a loaf of bread with birch sap or juniper berries? Everything is organic and straight from the oven. The bakery shop is open a couple of times a week. Follow us on Facebook (Trasti & Trine AS) for news and opening times. Outdoor café and market Head to Trasti & Trine for your weekend café visit!? Our outdoor café is open every second weekend throughout the summer. You can enjoy lunch and delicious cakes from our bakery. Naturally, everything is completely fresh and most is organic and locally produced. You can enjoy your cup of coffee by the fireplace or perhaps in the Gamma if the Finnmark summer is too cool for your liking. Visit our kennel if you wish or take a closer look at our garden. Welcome! In 2017 our outdoor café is open every second Saturday and Sunday (even numbered weeks) from 12.00 to 17.00 (12 noon to 5pm).
Book nowRosendalIris Expedition Dining - Salmon Eye Floating Restaurant
The Michelin-starred restaurant Iris invites you on an "Expedition Dining" experience – a culinary journey through an 18-course tasting menu. Restaurant Iris is uniquely located in the middle of the Hardangerfjord, on Salmon Eye, the world's largest floating art installation.
Trips for gourmets
Embark on a culinary journey through Norway.
2,5 Hours ・ July - AugustBook nowStavanger Dinner Cruise
A 3-course dinner and fjord cruiseEnjoy a Nordic inspired 3-course dinner with panoramic views of the skyline and archipelago on board a quiet hybrid-electric ship. / Brim ExplorerPrice From 1 490 NOK
4 Hours ・ September - MarchBook nowAurora dinner cruise
Boat tour in TromsøJoin a northern lights cruise and enjoy delicious arctic tapas from our partner in Tromsø, while hunting for the northern lights! / Brim ExplorerPrice From 1 890 NOK
3 Hours ・ All yearBook nowOslo dinner cruise
3-course meal cruise on the OslofjordEnjoy your dinner while cruising silently past the stunning skyline of Oslo with its modern and historic landmarks. A visit to Oslo is not complete without experiencing the Oslo fjord & the city from the water. / Brim ExplorerPrice From 1 490 NOK
7 Days ・ All yearBook nowNorway for foodies
A road trip in and around TrondheimThis journey includes tasty culinary experiences: tastings and talks on biodynamic farming, microbrews, local food, foraging, sustainable food production, and Norwegian culinary traditions. Delicious! / Up NorwayPrice From 42 900 NOK
3 Days ・ All yearBook nowFjord escape in style
The best hotels of SunnmøreStay at the small luxury hotels of Brosundet in Ålesund and Storfjord or Union Øye by the Hjørundfjord. Enjoy a historic 4-course dinner at Apotekergata No.5. / De HistoriskePrice From 6 200 NOK
3 Days ・ All yearBook nowCity break in style – Bergen
World Heritage and fjordcruiseIncludes a 2-night stay at stylish Charmante Skostredet Hôtel in Bergen, fjord cruise and historic dinner at Bryggen Tracteursted. / De HistoriskePrice From 4 500 NOK
3 Days ・ All yearBook nowThe best of Trøndelag
Røros to TrondheimExplore the World Heritage listed town of Røros and visit charming Orkanger in Trondheim. Enjoy the sights and tastes of the Trøndelag region and relax at two of our historic hotels. / De HistoriskePrice From 3 990 NOK
3 Days ・ June - AugustBook nowCider safari in Hardanger
Cider farms and historic hotelsExperience cider farms and a fjord cruise together with an optional stay in a historic hotel. Discover Hardanger’s fantastic culture, flavours, and traditions. / De HistoriskePrice From 4 246 NOK
3 Days ・ July - AugustBook nowManor hotel stays near Oslo
Historic farm and estate hotelsStay at the charming Losby Gods, close to Oslo, and Hoel Gård, in Norway’s Tuscany’, with 3-course dinner included. Enjoy the breathtaking views of Mjøsa lake. / De HistoriskePrice From 4 490 NOK
3 Days ・ All yearBook nowMichelin Experience
A seafood journey with RE-NAA in StavangerEnjoy an exclusive meal at the 3 Michelin starred restaurant RE-NAA, and explore the vibrant streets of Stavanger on a culinary tour of charming Pedersgadå street. / Fjord Travel NorwayPrice From 11 950 NOK
Take advantage of top offers
See our selection of trusted companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.
HurtigrutenExperience the world's most beautiful sea voyage on an unforgettable cruise along the stunning Norwegian coast.
My Nordic TravelChoose between DIY itineraries and pre-packaged holidays to the very best destinations in Norway.
Vy expressDiscover Norway on comfortable express buses that take you between major cities, mountains, and fjords.
Radisson HotelsGreat value offers and comfortable quality stays in Norway´s major cities, airports, and ski resorts.
Booknordics.comUnique holiday packages, adventure hotels, tours, and activities.
CampcationBook a camping stay in stunning and unique locations all across Norway with Campcation.
Thon Hotels ASFantastic breakfast included! Experience true comfort and reasonable rates at our 80 hotels in Norway.
NOR-WAY BussekspressEnjoy scenic views on comfortable bus trips to the fjords and from city to city with our express buses.
Go FjordsBook fantastic tours and experiences! We offer tours in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Lofoten, the North Cape, and more.
Scandic HotelsExperience Nordic hotel hospitality at its finest at more than 90 hotels across Norway. Special offers are available.
Up NorwayBespoke luxury hand-picked by local experts. We combine your preferences and our knowledge to make an unforgettable journey.
NorwegianNorwegian offers cheap flights in Norway and direct flights from more than 70 European destinations. Book flights through our low fare calendar to your destinations.
Discover NorwayOffers a range of exciting self-guided hiking, biking, and skiing holidays in Norway. Luggage transfer included.
Vy TrainGlide through scenery on a train between Oslo and Bergen on the Bergen Railway and explore the greater Oslo region.
Benzini CampersThe adventure of your life starts here. Book a campervan with Benzini Campers now.
Auto EuropeAlways a smooth car rental experience. Search and compare rental rates. Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to pick-up.
De HistoriskeHave an unforgettable stay at one of Norway's unique, authentic historic hotels. Enjoy first-class dining experiences and a broad range of activities.
Brim ExplorerQuiet fjord tours on award-winning electric catamarans in Oslo, Tromsø, Lofoten, and Svalbard.
SJ NordSJ NORD - the adventure starts on the train
50 Degrees North NordicChoose between unforgettable tailormade individual trips and small, exclusive group tours of Norway.
Fjord ToursHome of Norway in a Nutshell, Norway's most popular tour. Fjords, mountains, and stunning destinations — all in one trip!
Rent-A-Wreck of Scandinavia ASThe smart and affordable car rental alternative.
CityboxModern and affordable hotels in central locations in Oslo, Bergen, and Kristiansand.
StrawberryA different hotel company! Look out for great weekend deals at more than 100 hotels in Norway.
Arctic Campers ASDo you want to try van life? Explore Norway in comfort and style with our smart and cosy campervans.
CampanyonUnique camping in nature. Book a stay in a treehouse or glamping tent or rent a motorhome pitch.
Norwegian HolidaysLow-price package holidays with Norwegian. Book your flight, hotel, and rental car all in one place.
Classic Norway HotelsWhen the hotel is the destination. Book a night to remember in one of Norway's most unique and distinctive hotels.
CampioNorway's biggest camping booking site. Find the best camping and motorhome pitches throughout Norway.
NorgesbookingBook your perfect cabin stay in the fjords, mountains, and valleys of Norway.
Norrøna AdventureGet ready for expeditions and adventure holidays with Norrøna Adventure. Hiking, skiing, and biking trips.
Fjord Travel NorwaySleep in an ice hotel, hunt the northern lights, and discover the magical fjords. Book your tour now!
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StrömmaSightseeing by bus and boat in several major tourist spots and cities in Norway.