Delicious holidays: Gladmat, Rakfiskfestivalen, Matstreif and other food festivals in Norway

From the vibrant summer market bustle of Stavanger to the aromas of fermented trout in the mountains of Valdres, Norway's food festivals attract hundreds of thousands of foodies. They offer a chance to try everything the country has to offer in just a couple of days, watch chef competitions and learn how to smoke salmon or brew cider. Below is a guide to the main events on the calendar: what to expect, how much it costs and how to get the most out of each festival.

Gladmat (Stavanger) — "the joy of food" in the south-west

When: last week of June (Wed–Sat).
Format: 200+ stalls along Vågen harbour, a culinary stage, and a children's area.
Key attraction: Gladmatbillett — 12 tokens for NOK 350; exchange for 3–4 bite-sized portions. Tip: arrive at opening time (12:00) before the queues form.
Must-try 2014–2025: "Fish & Chips in Cider Tempura" from Fisketorget, Brunost whey ice cream from Is rosa.

Rakfiskfestivalen (Fagernes, Valdres)

When: First full weekend in November (Thursday–Saturday).
What: fermented rakfisk trout of all ages, from 2 to 12 months.
Highlights: the Smaksgata tasting corridor, where a ticket for NOK 200 gets you 10 different types of rakfisk + local beer. There is a Mild Zone for beginners (less ammonia aroma).
Life hack: book your hotel a year in advance — this town of 2,000 residents welcomes up to 30,000 guests.

Matstreif (Oslo)

When: mid-September, Friday–Saturday, Rådhusplassen square.
Concept: a national open-air event organised by the Ministry of Agriculture; 250 farmers from across the country.
Special features: free admission; buy a smaksbong (70 NOK) — any mini-set. The chef's stage shows how to cook salmon without fire (gravet), and the Kids' Kitchen teaches how to make Krumkake.
Tip: bring a foldable bag and ice packs — this is the best place to buy Kraftkar cheese and Lynghonning honey.

Hardanger Siderfest (Lofthus)

When: first week of May, start of apple season.
What to expect: 15 cider farms, apple tree pruning workshops, a "Sider cruise" on the fjord (550 NOK, 4 tastings + cheese).
Highlight: Best Brut competition — visitors vote via the app; the winner is sold at Vinmonopolet with a gold sticker.
Life hack: it's better to buy tickets in packages "Festivalpass + cruise" (890 NOK), as they will be more expensive separately.

Rørosmartnan (Røros) — winter fair of flavours and crafts

When: the last full week of February, since 1854
What to see: 250 food and handicraft stalls, horse-drawn carriage parades. Gastronomic highlights include Røros organic butter, wild reindeer sausage and stølsost cheese.
Don't miss: the night-time Smak i Kulda, where you can sample soups and mulled wine at -15°C (pass = 295 NOK).
Tip: wear warm boots, the town is 628 metres above sea level and it gets very cold.

Smaller but colourful events

Trøndersk Matfestival (Trondheim, July) — focus on lamb and fjord fish.
Polar Beer Fest (Tromsø, October) — 30 craft breweries from the North.
Kveik Fest (Voss, June) — a festival of kveik farmhouse yeast and farmhouse ale.

Food and drink festivals are the best shortcut to the diversity of Norwegian gastronomy. They bring together farmers, chefs and food lovers in one place, where each tent tells the story of its fjord, mountain pasture or cider garden. Check the dates, buy a tasting pass, make room in your suitcase for cheese and cider, and let Norway reveal itself through the hustle and bustle of the fair, the aroma of rakfisk and the clinking of glasses filled with sparkling Hardanger Brut.