Discover Norway's Gastronomic Cheese Trails
- Written by Natasha Eldred
Ever since the blue cheese 'Kraftkar' was voted the world's best cheese in the 'World Cheese Awards 2016', Norway has cemented its position as a genuine cheese destination. When the Norwegian producer Ostegården won gold for its 'Fanaost' in the 2018 awards hosted in Bergen, they quickly became a hot destination for visiting for cheese lovers and foodies. Up Norway invite you to take part in this competitive whey-in by following their curated cheese trails to some of the world's best producers and idyllic locations in the world.
Three different complementary trails have been curated, each highlighting the unique terrain of the different region and guarantee an out-of-the-ordinary and memorable experience. You can choose just one or combine two or more, with transfers organized for a seamless transition.
Trøndelag Cheese Trail: Located in central Norway, this is one of the most fertile regions of Norway with a large agricultural output. This trail takes in the food hub and cathedral city of Trondheim; the scenic Inderøy Golden Route; and last but not least, Tingvoll dairy farm, producers of the World Champion Kraftkar cheese. For the full itinerary, click here
Price: From GBP 1,455 per person, based on two people travelling together sharing one room
Duration: 6 days
Season: All year
Includes:
- 5 nights in twin room accommodation with breakfast
- Rental car (6 days) and transfers
- Curated cheese tastings with producers and chefs
- Local dinner in Øynaparken Guesthouse, Inderøy, plus dinner and beer tasting at Klostergården, Tautra
- Local Aquavit Tasting at Berg Farm
- Privately guided tour of Nidaros Cathedral
- Gastro evening in renowned Trondheim restaurant
- Up Norway services and Digital Travel Guide.
Oslo Cheese Trail: Norway's capital city sits on the country's southern coast at the head of the coast. It is known for its rich green spaces and panoramic view of the fjord. This trail introduces the Norwegian cheese revolution in the city and then takes you to the rural country towns of Thorjornrud where you will follow the food from farm to fork and Granavolden, the heart of history and former home of authors, poets and secret political meetings. Don't miss the guided tour of the city's two stone churches that date back to the 12th century. For full itinerary click here.
Price: From GBP 880 per person, based on two people travelling together sharing one room
Duration: 4 days
Season: All year
Includes:
- 1 night in a leading boutique hotel in Oslo with cheese tasting in Gutta Pa Haugen Deli
- 1 night at a countryside hotel Thorbjornrud with full board and a beer tasting experience
- 1 night at countryside inn Granavolden including dinner and storytelling
- Local farm visit and an introduction to ecological farming
- Rental car (4 days)
- Up Norway services and Digital Travel Guide.
Lofoten Cheese Trail: Lofoten is an archipelago in the far northwest known for its dramatic scenery and untamed beauty. In winter, a snowcapped mountain and a mysterious twilight daytime and in summer, the sun never sets. You will meet a family of Dutch origin who settled here and make cheese from biodynamic milk and also get hands-on experience making goat's cheese with the Hugo, the farmer. Taste a signature cheese with a local tang of seaweed and enjoy a homegrown lunch with the family. At Hattvika you will enjoy local storytelling while enjoying a festive plate of stockfish, a local speciality which was Norway's first exported product and learn about the influence of this delicacy in global cuisine. The next visit is to the boutique Aaland Farm and dairy run by Knut and Tove who make several different types of goat's cheese and grow herbs. Their award-winning cheeses are unique, including their special brown cheese.
For the full itinerary, click here.
Price: From GBP 1,230 per person, based on two people travelling together sharing one room
Duration: 5 days
Season: All year
Includes:
- Four nights in a modern version of a traditional Fisherman's Rorbu house in Ballstad
- Three dinners prepared from local ingredients
- Excursion to Unstad beach (a surfer's paradise) and a visit to an ecological goat farmer at Lofoten Farm with cheese making, lunch, tasting and introduction to cheesemaker at Aalan Farm
- Guided excursion of the Island's highlights of the season
- Rental car (4 days)
- Up Norway Services and Digital Guide.
About Up Norway:
Established in 2016 with a mission of delivering high quality and uniquely Norwegian experiences; the best hosts; local food and drink; a sustainable approach and a seamless journey that opens up new perspectives. Up Norway have sourced partners who share these core values. The company takes pride in offering experiences off the tourist trail and offers access to sites and stories that would be a challenge to discover otherwise. Their love and enthusiasm for Norway shine through the experiences offered; over land and sea, they want to expose visitors to Norway's stunning nature. They'll put guests in touch with native Norwegians who take pride in serving local cuisine, showing off their vibrant culture, from music, art and architecture to winter sports. From Viking ancestry to modern democracy, Up Norway will tell the story of what has shaped today's successful, happy society based on trust and equality. www.upnorway.com
