Craft Bars and Pubs in Norway: A Guide to the Best Places for Beer and Cider Lovers

It's so lovely to see how craft beer culture in Norway is developing so quickly. It's a real treat for tourists and locals alike, with unique beers and ciders made according to traditional and innovative recipes. Hey, if you're looking for the best places to try the best Norwegian craft beer and cider, you've come to the right place! This article is your guide to the most interesting and atmospheric places to try the best Norwegian beer and cider, from trendy beer pubs in Oslo and Bergen to cosy establishments in Trondheim and small towns. We'll be your guides as we share the most popular spots, the most fun festivals, and the unique drinks that are unique to this area.

So, what exactly is craft beer, and what's the big deal about it in Norway?

Craft beer is a drink produced by small breweries using original recipes, natural ingredients and unique brewing methods. In Norway, these drinks have become super popular, and it's easy to see why! They're absolutely delicious, with their high quality and unusual flavours, and they're also a great example of local brewing traditions.

Which craft bars are the most popular in Oslo?

When you're in Oslo, there are some really lovely places you should definitely check out:

Crowbar & Bryggeri is a cosy bar and microbrewery right in the heart of Oslo. They've got a great selection of signature beers, so there's something for everyone!
Hey, why not pay a visit to Schouskjelleren Mikrobryggeri? It's a really lovely basement pub with its own brewery, and the beers they make are totally unique!
Amundsen Bryggeri & Spiseri is a lovely gastropub. We're sure you'll find their selection of beers and snacks absolutely delicious!

I know it's a really tough decision, but I'm here to help you choose the best places in Bergen!

Bergen is known for its authentic bars:

The lovely Apollon Platebar is a cosy bar that also happens to be a music shop. Here you can enjoy more than 30 varieties of local craft beer.
Henrik Øl og Vinstove is a traditional pub where you'll be welcomed with open arms. They have a huge selection of Norwegian and international beers and ciders, so there's something for everyone!

So, where can you go to try some of these amazing craft beers in Trondheim?

When you're in Trondheim, be sure to check out:
Habitat is a lovely bar where you can find a wide selection of craft beers and a menu that's always changing to keep things interesting.
If you're ever in the area, you've got to check out Den Gode Nabo. It's a really cosy pub with an old-fashioned Trondheim atmosphere and a lovely view of the river. They've got a great selection of local beers, too.

What are the most popular beers in Norway?

The most popular local varieties are:

IPA (India Pale Ale): these are bright and aromatic varieties with a pronounced bitterness.
Saison is a lovely, light and refreshing beer, often with a fruity twist.
If you're feeling a bit chilly, nothing beats a warm glass of stout or porter. These dark beers have a delicious chocolate and coffee flavour, which makes them especially perfect for those cold winter days.

Which craft breweries in Norway are worth highlighting?

We've handpicked the very best breweries for you, and their wonderful products are available to try in lots of bars all over the country.

Nøgne Ø (Grimstad) is a lovely little craft brewery, and one of the first of its kind in the country. It's become world-famous, and we're so proud to have it here with us.
If you're ever in Flåm, you've got to check out Ægir Bryggeri. It's a really interesting place, with all sorts of different beers on offer. And the atmosphere is really inspiring, too!
Lervig Aktiebryggeri (Stavanger) is a really innovative brewery that offers all sorts of unique varieties.

Where is the best craft cider produced in Norway?

The most famous region for cider production is Hardangerfjord, and it's a place like no other! There are lots of cider farms here, and the best cider can be tasted in the region's bars and restaurants or at the annual cider festival in Ullensvang (Hardanger Cider Festival).

Which bars offer a wide selection of cider?

You'll be happy to know there are specialised cider bars in the larger cities!

Himkok (Oslo) is an absolute gem of a bar, and one of the best in the world! They have a fantastic selection of craft ciders and cider-based cocktails.
Royal Gastropub (Bergen) is a place where you can find a wide range of Norwegian and international ciders.

I was wondering if you know whether drinks are expensive in Norway's craft bars?

The great thing about craft beer is that the average price of a glass (0.4 l) varies from 80 to 150 NOK, depending on the establishment and the type of beer. You know, a bottle of cider or beer can actually be quite cheap, at only 100 to 200 NOK.

What festivals are dedicated to craft beer and cider?

The most famous events are:

Bergen Ølfestival (Bergen) is the largest beer festival in the country, and it's a great place to meet lots of different breweries.
If you're looking for a fun day out, then the Oslo Craft Beer Festival is definitely worth a visit! It's a really popular event, with a huge range of local and international craft beers to try.
The Hardanger Cider Festival is a really special event where producers from all over Norway come together to celebrate their love of cider.

If you're someone who really appreciates high-quality craft beer and cider, then look no further than Norway! From the trendy pubs and bars in Oslo and Bergen to the cosy establishments in Trondheim and the region's festivals, there's something for everyone! When you're travelling around the country, don't miss out on the chance to really get into Norwegian beer culture! Try some of the unique varieties and experience the special atmosphere of craft establishments that reflect the character and traditions of this amazing northern country.