There are many reasons that travelers pack their bags and head to the frozen north of Norway. The Norwegian fjords are some of the most stunning landscapes in the world, a true natural wonder that thrills and excites everyone who sees them. Famed for their majestic natural beauty, they offer adventurous travelers an unbeatable visual experience, one of the most rugged and remarkable landscapes on Earth.
But Norway isn’t just for the backcountry lovers and resilient outdoor explorers. Nestled among the stunning vistas and picturesque villages of its extraordinary landscape are a number of excellent small-batch artisan breweries, brewing up a diverse selection of alternative, innovative beers. From brews made from traditional locally sourced ingredients to the weirdest and most wonderful modern double IPAs and chocolate caramel stouts, here is a handy guide to discovering Norway’s best breweries alongside its magnificent fjords.
Aegir Bryggeri – Flam
The charming village of Flam at the far end of the Aurlandsfjord plays host to one of Norway’s most famous breweries in the shape of Aegir Bryggeri. Founded in 2007 and named after the Norse god of the seas, Aegir combines traditional brewing techniques with innovative, modern perspectives that allow them to produce a huge range of award-winning beers. The brewery itself is a delight, housed in a traditional wooden building designed to resemble a Viking longhouse, and visitors can take brewery tours and tastings before trying delicious food and beer pairings with glorious panoramic views of the fjord and mountains.
Ægir Tasting Room – Oslo
If you can’t make it all the way up to Flam, you don’t have to miss out on the fantastic flavors of the Aegir beer. Aegir Bryggeri has a tasting room in the heart of Oslo, so you can sample their best brews without having to leave the city. Situated in the vibrant neighborhood of Grünerløkka, it is a great place to start your Norwegian brewing adventure, as well as an excellent place to eat as well!
Lervig Aktiebryggeri – Stavanger
Situated on the southwestern coast of Norway, the city of Stavanger is the third largest city in Norway and one of the oldest cities in the country. It is also home to Lervig Aktiebryggeri, an incredibly innovative and experimental craft brewery that has gained international acclaim for pushing the boundaries of artisan brewing since its inception in 2003.
Balder Brygg – Leikanger
Located in the tiny town of Leikanger on Sognefjord, not far from Norway’s second city, Bergen, Balder Brygg is a small-scale brewery dedicated to producing high-quality, artisanal beers using ancient brewing methods and locally sourced ingredients. It is one of the more traditional breweries in the country, and makes for a fantastic day trip from Bergen, thanks to the cozy taproom and rich natural beauty of Sognefjord.
Geiranger Bryggeri – Geiranger
A mind-blowingly beautiful place to brew beer, Geiranger Bryggeri is set right on the edge of the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, offering an extraordinary and memorable beer-drinking experience. The historic brewhouse overlooking the fjord is constructed from rustic timber, and adorned with intricate Norse carvings and Viking-themed decor. The beer is delicious and the dining options aren’t half bad either, with a range of hearty Nordic offerings made with locally sourced ingredients.
Whether you’re exploring the picturesque fjords of western Norway on a cruise or wandering the streets of Oslo, there are plenty of stunning spots to discover the vibrant and dynamic craft beer scene in Norway. From classic ales to edgy sour beers, Norway is far more than just fjords and offers a destination to delight beer enthusiasts of all stripes.
Leave a Reply