🎭 Fastelavn in Norway: boller, fastelavnsris twigs and family plans 🌿

Fastelavn is the cosiest Sunday of winter: light buns with whipped cream and jam, colourful fastelavnsris twigs and homemade crafts for children. For tourists, it's a great opportunity to see cosy Norway without the crowds: morning queues at bakeries, family cafés, warm libraries and short walks along the waterfront. In this article, we'll look at when Fastelavn takes place, where to buy fastelavnsboller and how to bake them quickly at home (including lactose-free and gluten-free versions), what fastelavnsris are and how to make your own twigs. We'll also add some simple family scenarios for the day and answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Whip some cream, add some jam, and you've got the softest February ever.

What is Fastelavn and when does it take place?

Fastelavn is the Sunday seven weeks before Easter. The date is variable: every year it shifts along with the Easter calendar. In Norway, it's a warm family day: fastelavnsboller buns with cream and jam, children's crafts, and fastelavnsris twigs with ribbons and paper "fluffies". There are almost no formal parades; the main atmosphere is in bakeries, coffee shops and at home. If you are travelling, plan your morning early: popular bakeries sell out of boller by noon.

Now that we've figured out the date, let's see where to find the buns and what to do if you want to bake them at home.

Where to buy fastelavnsboller on Fastelavn day?

Your best bet is bakeries and coffee shops in the city centre: they bake classic boller and seasonal varieties (with vanilla cream, raspberry, lemon). In large supermarkets, boller are available in the bakery section, but the quality varies between chains. Come at opening time or book in advance if the establishment offers this option.

If you can't find your favourite filling, bake them at home: it's easier than it seems.

How to bake classic fastelavnsboller at home (quick recipe)?

Ingredients (for ~12 pieces): 500 g flour, 75 g sugar, 1 packet dry yeast (or 25 g fresh yeast), 1 teaspoon cardamom, a pinch of salt, 80 g soft butter, 2.5 dl milk, 1 egg. Filling: 3 dl cream 35–38%, jam (raspberry/strawberry), icing sugar.
Steps: 1) Warm milk + yeast. 2) Mix the dry ingredients, add the milk, egg, then butter. 3) Knead for 8–10 minutes (the dough should be soft). 4) Prove for 60–75 minutes, shape into 12 balls. 5) Prove for 30–40 minutes, bake for 10–12 minutes at 210 °C. Cool, cut open, fill with whipped cream and jam just before serving.

If anyone in the family has intolerances, there are convenient substitutes.

How to make lactose-free/vegan fastelavnsboller?

Replace the milk with lactose-free or oat/almond milk, and the butter with lactose-free butter or vegetable margarine. The cream can easily be replaced with whipped coconut cream (chill the tin the day before) or plant-based barista cream. In the vegan version, you can omit the egg in the dough or replace it with 2 tbsp aquafaba (whipped chickpea brine) — this will add tenderness without eggs. Allow the dough to rise fully: vegetable fats reveal their structure more slowly.

For coeliacs, the flour and structure of the dough are important.

Will it work without gluten?

Yes. Use a gluten-free bread mix (for yeast dough) and add 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum (if not already included in the mix) — this will retain moisture. The dough will be slightly sticky: shape the buns with wet hands or a spoon. Let it rise for 10–15 minutes longer and make sure not to overdry it in the oven: the benchmark is a slightly browned crust and a soft, springy crumb. Fillings — any: whipped vegetable cream, jam, vanilla cream made with vegetable milk.

Add a festive touch to the buns with brightly coloured twigs.

What is fastelavnsris and how do you make the twigs?

Fastelavnsris are birch twigs decorated with paper pom-poms, ribbons and feathers. Historically, they were used to "tap" household members on the shoulder "for good health"; today, they are simply spring decorations and children's crafts. How to make them: collect dry twigs, attach paper pom-poms/ribbons with thread or tape, and place them in a vase. These twigs are often sold by the charity NKS — buying them will support their social projects. Safety: use non-shedding feathers/decorations and glue that is suitable for children.

Let's figure out what's open on Sunday and how to get there.

What is usually open on Fastelavn and how does transport work?

It's Sunday, so Sunday hours apply. Supermarkets: many are closed, but small "søndagsåpne" formats/kiosks often operate on a limited basis. Vinmonopolet is closed. Cafés/bakeries are usually open with reduced hours, museums are open on Sunday hours. Public transport operates on Sunday service.

Operating hours and schedules vary by network/municipality; always check the "hours" of the location and the carrier's announcements.

Now — how to plan a day with children so that everyone is happy.

How to celebrate with children — simple scenarios for the day?

Morning: bakery at opening time (or homemade pastries), then a short walk/playground (20-40 minutes). Afternoon — crafts: make fastelavnsris or paper pom-poms. After lunch — museum/library with a children's area and hot chocolate in a café. Save the "big buns" and a family film for the evening. For toddlers: pram-friendly routes, nappy changing facilities/lift, spare mittens and napkins. Idea for teenagers: photo roulette — who will get the most "creamy" shot of the day.

To ensure the holiday goes smoothly, plan your purchases and deadlines.

Can you prepare in advance and how should you store the buns?

Yes. Bake the buns the day before and store them in a container at room temperature; for longer storage, freeze them immediately after cooling, then defrost them in the oven for 3–5 minutes at 150 °C in the morning. Keep the cream and jam separately in the refrigerator and add them before serving so that the buns do not become soggy. Once assembled, it is best to eat the boller within 4–6 hours. For a picnic, take a "construction set": buns in one box, cream in a shaker, jam in a jar.

If cream is not suitable, there are delicious alternatives.

What can replace cream and jam (allergies/sugar)?

Light options: skyr/sour cream with powdered sugar and vanilla; coconut cream (chilled) for a lactose-free version; custard made with milk/plant-based drink. Instead of jam, you can use sugar-free berry coulis, orange slices (peeled segments) or lemon curd. For nut allergies, avoid praline and Nutella; for children, remember the portion size — a small "mini bun" is often ideal.

Let's gather everything in one place so we don't have to rush around in the morning.

What should the shopping list look like so that nothing is forgotten?

Basics: flour, sugar, yeast, cardamom, butter, milk, eggs, salt.
Fillings: cream 35–38% (or vegetable), jam/berries, powdered sugar, vanilla.
For decoration/crafts: birch twigs, coloured paper, ribbons/feathers, glue stick, thread/tape.
For serving/transport: paper napkins, small plates, knife, containers, thermos.
Save the list in your notes and check your supplies the night before.

Where to find workshops and family programmes.

Where to find Fastelavn city events and workshops?

Check the official websites of municipalities, city posters, library and museum pages — they often hold free workshops and family hours for Fastelavn. It is useful to check the accounts of cultural centres and local children's clubs. For quick navigation, use our city selections — there we will also tell you about the nearest bakeries, cosy coffee shops and warm locations in case of wind.

Fastelavn is a small celebration of kindness to yourself and your loved ones: a sweet break at the end of winter, where warmth and care are more important than rules. Try boller at your favourite bakery or bake them at home, collect bright fastelavnsris twigs, visit a museum or library, and in the evening, have a family movie night with cocoa. This way, you will see Norway without rushing — and fall in love with it for its homely comfort and attention to detail.

We invite you to share your opinion in the comments! If you have interesting photos, personal experiences or questions about the topic of the article, please leave a comment. We will definitely respond, because we are creating the most popular and useful blog about Norway!