A woman holding a tray with local products.
After noon tea at Lillavendel in Vestfold.
To Elise from Marius restaurant in Utskarpen, chef Marius outside the main red building

Road trip map for foodies

Where to eat on the go

On a road trip in Norway, culinary experiences await around every corner. From cosy cafés and artisan bakeries…

…to fine dining and Michelin-starred restaurants in the most unlikely of places.

Where do you find the best Norwegian local food when you're on a road trip in Norway? The Norwegian road trip map for foodies is the ultimate guide to delicious food and places to eat all over Norway!

Secret food gems

In Norway, a world-class meal can appear where you least expect it. A tiny fishing village might hide one of the coolest cafés on the coast. A traditional mountain lodge can offer the most heart-warming meal. And Michelin-starred restaurants? You'll find them both underwater and above the Arctic Circle.

Use your taste buds to plan your next road trip in Norway – a perfect way of experiencing the country while deep-diving into the Norwegian cuisine. Just remember, the most beloved spots fill up fast (a sure sign you've found something worth seeking out!). Also, many farm cafés and smaller eateries open seasonally. It just means when they're open, everything is at its absolute freshest!

The guide to great food

The Norwegian road trip map for foodies will guide you to some of the best places in Norway to discover and enjoy local and regional food when you are travelling around the country.

  • A man in nature holding a plate with local products.
  • Baked goods from Bakeriet i Lom on a table.
  • A guest being served dried cod
  • Interior, food and exterior of Under restaurant

From farms to fine dining

From farm shops, cosy cafés, bakeries and small eateries perfect for a coffee break or light lunch, to award-winning restaurants offering fine dining in spectacular surroundings: There's something to suit every taste, budget, and culinary ambition. Taste, enjoy and let yourself be surprised.

Many of these destinations are worth the detour alone!

Hand-picked by locals

The road trip map for foodies showcases destinations hand-picked by locals for people who want to try typically Norwegian dishes, produce and local food.

But remember that there are a lot of other great cafés and restaurants, too, where you'll also find tasty dishes inspired by international cuisine, as well as great burgers, pizzas, sushi, salads and pastas for a tasty bite on the go.

Missing something on the list? Tips us!

Norwegian foods to take home

Make your holiday last longer by bringing home some Norwegian culinary specialities.

Røkelaks (smoked salmon)
Available as a whole fish or in vacuum packed slices that are thin and delicate. Complete your purchase with an accompanying mustard sauce.

Brunost (sweet brown cheese)
Take home a bit of our national soul, made of cow’s milk, or goat’s milk (it has a sharper flavour). Don't forget to pick up an ostehøvel, cheese slicer, a beautiful tool that's typically found in every Norwegian kitchen.

Fenalår (cured meat)

Fenalår is traditional Norwegian cured meat made from salted and dried leg of lamb. Like Serrano and Parma ham, 'Fenalår from Norway' is also a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI).

Sild (pickled herring)
Herring is used in a wide variety of dishes and comes in a myriad of delicious marinades and flavours.

Cheeses & ciders

The award-winning Norwegian cheeses, ciders and fruit juices make great gifts.

Flatbrød (crisp bread)
Flatbrød is a dried and crisp type of flatbread, far thinner than even the fanciest laptop, and is sold in a small protective box. Perfect with soups and stews, or topped with cured meats and sour cream.

Lefse (potato or flour tortilla)
A traditional thin flatbread consisting of flour, potatoes, milk and butter, made with traditional techniques. Often served folded with a thin layer of butter, sugar and cinnamon inside.

Waffle mix (and a waffle iron)
If you want to experience real Norwegian kos, try a tasty Norwegian-style waffle. Buy the waffle mix in the grocery shop and bring a waffle iron that make those cute heart shaped waffles back home.

Tørrfisk (dried cod) Small slices of brittle stockfish make a perfect (and healthy!) snack. Dried cod is available in small portion bags.

Take me to all restaurants in Norway

World class ingredients

With a dramatic and varied landscape, and one of the world’s longest coastlines, Norway boasts an abundance of fresh ingredients: seafood by the coast, game from the mountains and forests, as well as traditional Norwegian food – in many cases straight from farm to table.

And let's not forget the Norwegian farms and unique fruit villages, producing some of the world's best juices, ciders, berries and fruits, and lots of delicious slow-growing vegetables in season.

All this combined makes Norway the perfect playground for innovative chefs, bakers, and foodies in general.

  • Breakfast at Sigstad farm in Norway.
  • Goat cheese from Nørrestogo farm in Valdres
  • Lofot lamb servet on a silver plate
  • A hand grabbing a salmon snack.

Typically Norwegian food

Must-tries when you are travelling around Norway.

  • Brown cheese from the Norwegian creamery Heidal Ysteri in the Gudbrandsdalen valley, Eastern Norway

    Try our unique brown cheese!

    Have you ever heard of brown cheese? It’s our favourite! Learn more about the traditional Norwegian brown cheese and find out where you can try it.
  • A plate of waffles with sour cream and berries

    Waffle is the king of kos

    In Norway, it’s always waffle-time. In fact, we love waffles so much that we even serve them in the shape of a heart. Try it as a sweet treat or a cutting-edge Michelin dish.
  • Taste Norway’s weird and wonderful cuisine at Smalahovetunet in Voss in Fjord Norway

    Norway’s weird and wonderful food

    Norwegian food is not known for spicy flavours and bright colours, but that doesn’t mean we’re vanilla. From smalahove to lutefisk and brown cheese – this is the food you never knew you wanted to try.
  • Woman eating bun at the Anne på Landet café, in Frognerparken

    Our favourite sweet treats

    Bolle, lefse, and vafler are just some of the things you have to try in Norway. Discover our guide to delicious Norwegian baked goods!
  • A plate with Norwegian gravlaks, cured salmon

    Taste Norwegian salmon

    Norwegian salmon – you may know its salty and rich flavour, since it has conquered the world! Here is everything you need to know about this popular pink fish.
  • Kling lefse served on a platter in Norway

    Lefse: the Norwegian wrap

    We've never met a person who doesn't like lefse. Time to find out why we love our traditional “tortilla” and get tips on how to make a lefse snack at home.
  • Man with shellfish dishes in front of the ocean.

    The Norwegian cuisine

    Discover the delicious and natural flavours of everything from cured meats, award-winning cheeses, and fresh seafood to sweet treats like berries, waffles and the world's best ciders!
  • Wheat buns on a platter in Norway

    Find your favourite bolle

    Norwegian buns are simply irresistible, and the good news is that you can enjoy the bun culture anywhere in Norway. We even added a recipe for you to try!
  • A man is holding up a bread with flour designed as a moustache in Norway

    Bread – our favourite food

    Why do Norwegians eat so much bread, and what in the world is pålegg? Discover more and get a recipe for delicious and healthy wholemeal bread.
  • People enjoying local foods at Stiklestad

    Norwegian culinary calendar

    From winter’s rich comfort foods to the light, fresh tastes of summer seafood and berries, Norway's love for local ingredients is evident year-round.
  • Stockfish of skrei

    13 fun facts about stockfish

    Stockfish, or tørrfisk, is a must-try while visiting Northern Norway. It is usually made of skrei, migrating Atlantic cod. You can try it grilled, baked, in a bacalao style, or even as a pizza topping! Learn more about how the legendary fish shaped Norway.
  • Salted and dried leg of lam - Fenalår

    Fenalår: Cured leg of lamb

    Spain has Serrano. Italy has Parma ham. Norway has fenalår! This dried and salted leg of lamb is one of our most beloved culinary treasures.
  • The award winning cheesemakers of Gangstad Gårdsysteri.

    Try the world's best cheese

    A Norwegian cheese has won the World Cheese Awards – again! Learn about Nidelven blå, Kraftkar, Fanaost, and other dairy delights from Norway's more than 400 creameries.
  • Apple juice on an orchad in Inderøy in Norway.

    Cider and juice heaven

    Handcrafted Norwegian apple juices and ciders are securing gold medals around the world. Taste the trends beside beautiful orchards by the fjords, rolling hills, or in some of the world’s best bars.
  • Apples from Syse Gard in Ulvik, the Hardangerfjord region in Fjord Norway

    Fruit heaven

    Hundreds of Norwegian orchards and farms cultivate some of the world’s best fruit and berries, including apples, pears and plums, blueberries, strawberries and cherries.
  • A man getting Norwegian apples at Matstreif food festival in Oslo

    Food festivals

    From street food to seafood and other local specialities, food festivals are popular in Norway. Find an exciting and delicious event where you are headed!

Norwegian food destinations

Join our gastronomic tour of Norway, from north to south.

  • A woman holding a tray with local products in Valdres.
    Norway's unique food destinations
  • Johnny Trasti cooking over a bonfire
    Arctic cuisine
  • The owner of Skåbu mountain hotel with free-range pigs in the mountains.
    Skåbu mountain hotel – Regenerative tourism
  • A woman holding a tray with local products outside of Nørrestogo farm in Valdres.
    A taste of Valdres
  • Chef Lukasz B. Socha outside of Skåbu fjellhotell, Skåbu Mountain Hotel.
    A taste of Gudbrandsdalen
  • A woman holding a tray with local products.
    A taste of Lom and the Ottadalen valley
  • Inside the underwater restaurant Under in Lindesnes, Southern Norway
    Under – the world’s largest underwater restaurant
  • A woman posing with cheese from the cheese factory in Røros, Trøndelag
    Top destinations for foodies in Trøndelag
  • An aerial image of the fruit village Gvarv in Telemark, Eastern Norway
    The Fruit Village in Telemark
  • Young woman in front of pollock stockfish.
    Taste Lofoten: Star chef Mymint's guide
  • Portrait of Tim Wendelboe in front of his cafe
    Visit one of the world's best coffee bars
  • A woman crabfishing in Fosen in Trøndelag
    Seafood heaven in the Northwest
  • People strolling around among the fruit trees in Ulvik, Hardanger
    Visit Hardanger's fruit farms
  • A man getting Norwegian apples at Matstreif food festival in Oslo
    Food festivals
  • Chocolate confect and coffee.
    Chocolate heaven!
  • Live in Palmehaven restaurant at Hotel Britannia in Trondheim, Trøndelag
    Chef Edvardsen's top cultural tips in Trondheim
  • Three food bloggers visit Norway to learn more about Norwegian food traditions and local food
    Foodie road trip in Trøndelag
  • Food from restaurant Tango in Stavanger, Fjord Norway.
    The best food experiences in Stavanger
  • Two woman cycling among flowerfields at The Golden Road, Inderøy
    The Golden Road on two wheels
  • Chef holding mussels on Hurtigruten's deck
    A culinary cruise aboard Hurtigruten
  • The legendary kiosk Raketten Bar & Pølse in Tromsø in Northern Norway
    Soulful eateries in Norway's cities
Cloudberry ice cream with krumkake made by chef Tom Victor Gausdal.

Try it for yourself! Find recipes and culinary travel guides in The Norwegian Cookbook!

The Norwegian Cookbook

Norwegian Scenic Routes

Explore the most beautiful drives in Norway! Find out what to experience along the routes, including lesser-known gems, accommodation, and wonderful detours.

  • Rupja viewpoin on the National Scenic Route Valdresflye.

    Scenic Route Valdresflye

    Combine tasty mountain food and outdoor activities with a trip along the Scenic route Valdresflye.
  • Reindeer crossing the road in Varanger, Northern Norway

    Scenic Route Varanger

    Join us on Norwegian Scenic Route Varanger, the northernmost drive in Norway. Explore birdwatching sites and unique hides, street art, historical sites, and much more!
  • The trollstigen road in the evening

    Scenic Route Geiranger–Trollstigen

    Hairpin bends, mighty waterfalls, rugged mountains, famous landmarks, and a UNESCO-listed fjord all feature on this thrilling and equally breathtaking road trip between Geiranger and Åndalsnes.
  • The Atlantic road which meanders though the most western islands out in the open sea, at The northwest

    The Atlantic road – Norwegian Scenic Route

    The Norwegian Scenic Route Atlanterhavsvegen, or The Atlantic Road, in the Northwest, is often named one of the most beautiful and impressive roads in the world. Just ask James Bond!
  • The Stegastein viewpoint by National Scenic route Aurandsfjellet in the Sognefjord area of Fjord Norway

    Scenic Route Aurlandsfjellet

    Read our detailed travel guide to the 47-kilometre Aurlandsfjellet Norwegian Scenic Route, known as the "Snow Road", between Aurlandsvangen and Lærdal via the spectacular Stegastein Viewpoint.
  • Autumn colours and snow-capped mountains

    Scenic Route Rondane

    Experience architecture, art, and Norwegian cultural heritage as you drive through vast landscapes and past towering snow-capped mountains in Rondane.
  • A lush valley with a river below

    Scenic Route Hardangervidda

    From breathtaking fjord landscapes and dramatic waterfalls to a vast mountain plateau stretching further than the eye can see — the Hardangervidda Scenic Route has it all!
  • A water fall rushing down a mountain with people walking behind it.

    Scenic Route Hardanger

    Drive along the picturesque roads of the Norwegian Scenic Route in Hardanger, past mountains, apple orchards, fjords, mighty waterfalls, and glimmering glaciers.
  • A woman biking along Norwegian Scenic Route Andøya in Vesterålen

    Scenic Route Andøya

    Experience giant whales, wild nature, surprising architecture and plenty of other wow moments on Andøya's scenic route in Northern Norway.
  • A road in a mountain valley.

    Scenic Route Gamle Strynefjellsvegen

    Experience a piece of Norwegian history on this old road that was completed in 1894. Hand-built stone walls and long rows of guard stones define this mountain road, built through sheer manual labour.
  • Sognefjellet

    Scenic Route Sognefjellet

    Check out our inside guide to the 108-kilometre long Norwegian Scenic Route Sognefjellet. Running from Lom to Gaupne, you can even pass Galdhøpiggen, Northern Europe's highest peak, on the way!

Food guide to the cities

Starting or ending your food journey in one of Norway's largest cities? Find a place to eat!

Food and drink at Solsiden Restaurant in Oslo, Eastern Norway
Food and drink in Oslo
Halibut meal at restaurant Skirri in Tromsø
Food and drink in Tromsø
Food and drink in Trondheim, Norway
Food and drink in Trondheim
The Norwegian cuisine

Take advantage of top offers

See our selection of trusted companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.

  • Food - Brim Explorer
    Brim ExplorerQuiet fjord tours on award-winning electric catamarans in Oslo, Tromsø, Lofoten, and Svalbard.
  • Performancce Marketing
    CityboxModern and affordable hotels in central locations in Oslo, Bergen, and Kristiansand.
  • Blazerbu -  Norgesbooking
    NorgesbookingBook your perfect cabin stay in the fjords, mountains, and valleys of Norway.
  • Scandic Holmenkollen Park Hotel in Oslo, Eastern Norway
    Scandic HotelsExperience Nordic hotel hospitality at its finest at more than 90 hotels across Norway. Special offers are available.
  • The Thief - A lifestyle boutique hotel in Oslo
    StrawberryA different hotel company! Look out for great weekend deals at more than 100 hotels in Norway.
  • Standard Room -  Svolvær - Thon Hotel
    Thon Hotels ASFantastic breakfast included! Experience true comfort and reasonable rates at our 80 hotels in Norway.
  • Valevåg Camping
    CampcationBook a camping stay in stunning and unique locations all across Norway with Campcation.
  • Hotell Refsnes Gods - fasade
    Classic Norway HotelsWhen the hotel is the destination. Book a night to remember in one of Norway's most unique and distinctive hotels.
  • Two people sitting in a sofa in Eagle Nest Eco Lodge in Eastern Norway
    50 Degrees North NordicChoose between unforgettable tailormade individual trips and small, exclusive group tours of Norway.
  • Family in outdoor pool in winter at Radisson Blu mountain resort & residences in Trysil, Eastern Norway
    Radisson HotelsGreat value offers and comfortable quality stays in Norway´s major cities, airports, and ski resorts.
  • Hardangerfjord - Authentic Scandinavia
    Authentic ScandinaviaTravel curated by locals. Our tailormade tours suit every type of traveller and budget.
  • Lit-up tent in snow with colorful northern lights and mountains behind it
    Booknordics.comUnique holiday packages, adventure hotels, tours, and activities.
  • Two women viewing scenic Norwegian fjord from a boat, with dramatic mountains reflected in calm water under blue sky.
    Fjord ToursHome of Norway in a Nutshell, Norway's most popular tour. Fjords, mountains, and stunning destinations — all in one trip!
  • Eidfjord village - Go fjords
    Go FjordsBook fantastic tours and experiences! We offer tours in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Lofoten, the North Cape, and more.
  • The Hurtigruten ship MS Nordkapp in Geirangerfjord in Fjord Norway
    HurtigrutenExperience the world's most beautiful sea voyage on an unforgettable cruise along the stunning Norwegian coast.
  • Skiing on finnmarksvidda
    Norrøna AdventureGet ready for expeditions and adventure holidays with Norrøna Adventure. Hiking, skiing, and biking trips.
  • Sykkeltur i Hardanger
    Discover NorwayOffers a range of exciting self-guided hiking, biking, and skiing holidays in Norway. Luggage transfer included.
  • Happy family taking a selfie in an airport after arriving to Norway
    Norwegian HolidaysLow-price package holidays with Norwegian. Book your flight, hotel, and rental car all in one place.
  • Hop on hop off bus - Stromma
    StrömmaSightseeing by bus and boat in several major tourist spots and cities in Norway.
  • Hikers approaching a small wooden cabin with grass roof in mountainous landscape
    Up NorwayBespoke luxury hand-picked by local experts. We combine your preferences and our knowledge to make an unforgettable journey.
  • Woodward - Arctic Campers
    Arctic Campers ASDo you want to try van life? Explore Norway in comfort and style with our smart and cosy campervans.
  • Auto Europe
    Auto EuropeAlways a smooth car rental experience. Search and compare rental rates. Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to pick-up.
  • Buss bilde - NOR-WAY
    NOR-WAY BussekspressEnjoy scenic views on comfortable bus trips to the fjords and from city to city with our express buses.
  • Shutterstock 4 - Rent-A-Wreck
    Rent-A-Wreck of Scandinavia ASThe smart and affordable car rental alternative.
  • Raumabanen - SJ Nord
    SJ NordSJ NORD - the adventure starts on the train
  • A bus driving along the coast in Norway, Vy express route vy146
    Vy expressDiscover Norway on comfortable express buses that take you between major cities, mountains, and fjords.
  • Vy Train travelling on a scenic railway line between Bergen and Hønefoss, Norway
    Vy TrainGlide through scenery on a train between Oslo and Bergen on the Bergen Railway and explore the greater Oslo region.
  • Malangen resort - My nordic travel
    My Nordic TravelChoose between DIY itineraries and pre-packaged holidays to the very best destinations in Norway.
  • Campanyon - Arctic Dome Smiberget
    CampanyonUnique camping in nature. Book a stay in a treehouse or glamping tent or rent a motorhome pitch.
  • Airplane
    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.
  • Kviknes Hotel on the shores of the Sognefjord, surrounded by mountains.
    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.
  • A woman hiking in the summer mountains by the fjord.
    CampioNorway's biggest camping booking site. Find the best camping and motorhome pitches throughout Norway.
  • Two women waving out the windows of a campervan with Benzini Campers on the hood
    Benzini CampersThe adventure of your life starts here. Book a campervan with Benzini Campers now.