🧇 Vaffeldagen in Norway: where to eat, how to bake and spend a day "waffle style" 🎉

On 25 March, Norway celebrates Vaffeldagen, a day when people use waffle irons to make waffles. This is a rare day when people come together in coffee shops, offices and families. Travellers can easily experience the "Norwegian cosiness" without the hassle of sightseeing. They can enjoy waffles in city cafés during the day, homemade baking and a warm walk in the evening. In this guide, you will learn where to find waffle shops in Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, Tromsø and Stavanger, how to choose a coffee shop for a workation, how to quickly bake waffles (classic, lactose-free and gluten-free) and what to buy in advance. At the end, there is a large FAQ with practical answers to ensure that your Vaffeldagen is delicious and unhurried.

Lactose-free
Replace the milk with lactose-free/oat milk (barista series) and the butter with lactose-free or rapeseed butter; add milk to achieve the consistency of thick sour cream.

Gluten-free
GF mix + xanthan gum (according to the manufacturer's instructions). Let the batter stand for 15 minutes — this will help the waffles hold their shape.

Life hacks: preheat the waffle iron; bake in batches and cool on a wire rack to keep them crisp. To reheat, stack the waffles in a single layer at 80–90°C.

Where in Norway can you find waffle shops without spending hours researching?

Start with our city navigators: each one has a selection of coffee shops and cafeterias where waffles are served regularly or on special days. Look for phrases such as "vafler", "nystekte vafler" and "vaffel + kaffe". If you want a quiet place to sit, choose rooms with natural light, space between tables and power sockets. If you're looking for a family-friendly place, look for signs saying 'high chairs' and 'space for prams'. Find your city in the list above.

How do you choose a coffee shop for a workation in Vaffeldagen when it's busy during the day?

Come before 11:00 or after 14:00 — this will reduce the risk of time limits at the table. Ask about Wi-Fi and power outlets (they are often near the walls/sofas) and avoid the "peak" tables near the entrance. If you want to make a phone call, bring headphones that block out noise and choose a table in a corner. Remember that many coffee shops have a limit on the number of coffees you can have at lunchtime. In our mini-guides, click on the "Work Coffee Shops" button to see a list of places.

Are there waffles in the café that have no lactose or gluten?

Yes, many bakeries make different batches of cakes at Vaffeldagen, but there aren't many, and they all get sold really quickly. Look for the "laktosefri"/"glutenfri" label on the menu or ask the barista. If you have any allergies, such as milk, gluten or eggs, please let us know in advance so that we can make sure we have the right food available. The home version is easier: use lactose-free milk or an oat/almond drink and a gluten-free mix with xanthan gum — this will make it texture-wise.

If you don't have much time, how can you bake those Norwegian waffles at home?

Use the basic recipe above: one batter, 10 minutes to rest and 15-20 minutes to bake in batches. While the waffle iron is heating up, cut the brunost and prepare the jam. To save time, mix the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder and salt) in advance in a jar. Then, just add the eggs, milk and butter. For a group, set up a "serving station" with waffles and fillings. This stops people having to queue in the kitchen.

What is the traditional way to eat waffles in Norway, and what can you buy quickly?

The most well-known combination is brunost (a type of brown cheese), strawberry/cloudberry/blueberry jam, sour cream or whipped cream. For a savoury version, try sour cream and trout or salmon, soft cream cheese and herbs. If you don't have time, just grab some ready-made jam, soft cheese and a bag of berries. This is a great place for tourists to relax and enjoy a waffle and a hot drink while they watch the boats on the water.

Here's a tip for keeping waffles crispy and tasty when you're eating them on the go.

Put the waffles on a wire rack and leave them in one layer. This will let the steam escape so that the crust stays crisp. Use a container with holes in it to carry them, or wrap the waffles loosely without sealing them. To reheat, put it in the oven at 160–170°C for 2–3 minutes. You can also use the toaster. Waffles soften in the refrigerator – you can restore their texture by lightly drying them. Add creamy fillings just before serving.

Can you celebrate Vaffeldagen in the park or at a hut?

Yes: all you need is a waffle iron that can be plugged in, a portable charger, or a kitchen set that can be put up in a tent — and you're all set. When you want to have a picnic, it's a good idea to bake your food at home first, then take it to the park to eat it. Keep an eye on the weather and wind, and don't use open flames where it's not allowed. Collect rubbish and organic waste in separate bags — many parks have strict rules about this in spring.

How can you combine Vaffeldagen and remote work (workation) in a big city?

Plan a short slot "work → waffles → walk → work": from 09:30 to 12:00 — focus on tasks, at 12:00 — "waffle break", then 20-30 minutes for a walk and back to business. Choose coffee shops with good internet, seating by windows and power outlets that are easy to reach. If you need a quiet place to work, go to the library. This "rhythm" stops you feeling rushed and gives you energy for the second half of the day.

Where can you find ingredients that are lactose-free and gluten-free, as well as alternatives?

In supermarkets, look for the "free for"/"free from" shelves: gluten-free mixes, lactose-free milk, plant-based drinks, and vegetable oil instead of butter. In coffee shops, ask for "havredrikk" (oat drink) and milk substitutes in drinks. If you have strict restrictions, cook at home. You have more control over the ingredients and cross-contamination than in a communal kitchen.

How much should you spend on a day of sightseeing in the city?

If you want a coffee and waffle in a café, you should expect to pay 90–160 kr, depending on the city and toppings. A homemade set for 4–6 servings is usually cheaper, especially if you already have flour and sugar. The cheap way to share food is to buy a large pack of sour cream or jam and share it with friends. When you're on holiday and working, plan to have a drink every one to one and a half hours. This is fair on the coffee shop.

Are there any waffle places that are easy for children and prams to get to?

Yes, there are many. Look for signs in the city that say "high chairs", "wide aisles" or "quiet zones". A good plan is to arrive just before the big rush of people around midday, when the room is still half-empty, and choose a table by the wall. Travel kits for children (water, napkins, small containers for berries) will make things easier and reduce the risk of accidents.

What should you do if all the "cool" spots are taken or the queue is long?

Get creative: take your waffles to go and have a mini-picnic on the waterfront or in the park if the weather is nice, or head to one of the quieter cafés from the "Workation" section. You could also have a party at home in the evening. The dough can be kneaded in 10 minutes, and then it's easy. This option will make you feel very comfortable and at home, which is something that tourists rarely experience in Norway.

Vaffeldagen is a simple, warm and very Norwegian reason to enjoy the present: a relaxed coffee hall, the smell of fresh waffles and a short walk along the waterfront. Travellers get to experience the country's everyday culture without all the fuss: it's relaxed, practical and well thought out. Try one of the city routes, or go to a quiet coffee shop to work or bake waffles in the evening. You'll have a day you'll want to repeat.

Please leave a comment to tell us what you think. If you have interesting photos, personal experiences or questions about the topic of the article, please leave a comment. We will definitely reply, because we are making the most popular and useful blog about Norway!