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The Skier's Guide to Eating in Norway

Originally posted on Powder | By Max Ritter | Last updated Mar 12, 2025 9:14 AM ET

Eating and skiing are two of life's greatest gifts, and anyone who claims to not enjoy snacking while on the mountain is definitely an untrustworthy soul in my book. One of my absolute favorite activities when traveling to ski is sampling the regional cuisine. Sharing a meal with fellow skiers, whether on a mountaintop or in a crowded après dive is a surefire way to make lifelong friends, no matter what continent you are on.

Norway, the land of the Vikings, fjords, and midnight sun, is also home to some of the most interesting food I've ever discovered. No, it's not as exotic as sampling mystery foods in Japan, but there's all kinds of insane pastries, candies, and savory snacks to be had. Here's a look at 10 of my favorites from a recent trip to the edge of the Arctic.

Kvikk Lunsj Bars

Basically a Norwegian Kit Kat, but way better. You can find these literally anywhere, easily identifiable by their red, gold, and green wrapper. Kvikk Lunsj literally means "quick lunch," and that's exactly what these are best for. I typically packed two or three of these in my ski touring pack every day I went out for some easy calories. They weight nothing, are sturdy enough to keep in your pocket, and even have some fun Norwegian mountain advice on the inside.

Ferry Pancakes or Waffles (Sveler)

Driving around Norway, especially along the coastal roads, requires a lot of time patiently waiting aboard car ferries to cross the many fjords on the country's west coast. Luckily, most of the ferries are equipped with an onboard lounge that serves food, coffee, and offers a cozy place to soak in the views. While in Norway, I learned about (and often indulged in) the official snack of riding on a ferry: a deliciously sweet creation that has the shape of a waffle but the texture of a soft pancake. These are served with jam, butter, or even whipped cream.

Pølse Sausages

All across Norway, from train stations in cities like Oslo or Lillehammer to the ferry lounges, you'll find hot dog stands serving Pølse sausages. These are meant to be eaten quickly, on the go, and are either grilled, steamed, or boiled. Served on a traditional bun, they are very similar to American hot dogs, but offer a distinctly Norwegian taste. Slather one with mustard and ketchup and enjoy the view!

Licorice (Lakrids)

Head into any grocery store in Norway, and you'll find a bulk candy aisle filled with all sorts colorful gummy, chocolate, and licorice candies. Our chef Øivind, at the Hotel Aak in Åndalsnes, explained that Norwegians have a long history of preserving food with salt, hence their modern-day obsession with salty licorice. These come in all shapes and sizes, and make an excellent pocket snack for skiing.

Fresh Bread and Knekkebrød

Unbelievably delicious fresh bread might not be that surprising, given that Norway is in Europe, but the local take on the matter is really something to behold. Here, fresh bread is generally filled with all kinds of yummy seeds, and best eaten with a slice of brown cheese and bit of jam. Alternatively, Norwegians love Knekkebrød, a thin crisp bread that's equally good.

Cinnamon Rolls (Kanelsnurrer)

Likely the lifeblood of any true Norwegian, cinnamon rolls are found literally everywhere. Unlike Cinnabon-style rolls, the Norwegian Kanelsnurrer are rolled and twisted into elaborate braids, then covered in crystallized cinnamon sugar. The dough contains delicious cardamom, adding an extra depth to the flavor. While sticky, they are quite portable, so don't hesitate to bring them along for a ski day.

Tebirkes

Technically Tebirkes is actually a Danish pastry, but there's no skiing in Denmark, and I ate plenty of these in Norway, so it made this list. This buttery, flaky pastry is covered with poppy seeds and filled with marzipan. Think of it as the best almond croissant you've ever eaten. Find these fresh in local bakeries, and eat them immediately. Unfortunately, they're not particularly portable, so these best make an après snack.

Brown Cheese (Brunost)

I'll admit, I was a little skeptical of Norwegian brown cheese at first, especially since I don't particularly like the version you can find in most American stores (Ski Queen). The authentic Norwegian Bruonst, however, is straight-up delicious. It has a fudgy texture and a light brown color thanks to the caramelized whey inside. Brunost is best eaten in between two slices of fresh bread, with a bit of butter, and dollop of jam.

Reindeer

This isn't necessarily a common food in Norway, but is worth trying if you find it on a restaurant menu. Reindeer meat is generally served either as a roast or in a stew, and offers a unique flavor that's a bit in between venison, elk, and beef.

Smoked Salmon (Laks)

Last, but not least, is another staple in Norway: smoked salmon. This one isn't that weird, as it's basically the same as what you'd find on a lox bagel from a New York deli. It's just damn good, and great thing to add to your breakfast plate or onto that sandwich you're bringing skiing.

This article first appeared on Powder and was syndicated with permission.

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