Beer brewing has been part of Norway’s culture for centuries, and it’s only continuing to grow. In the March 2022 issue of Viking, we cover the history and current state of beer in Norway and highlight a few key craft breweries. Here are 10 to put on your travel list.
Aass Bryggeri
Established in 1834, Aass Bryggeri is the oldest active brewery in Norway. Many of its brews are rooted in history and tradition, but it continues to follow a long-held culture of innovation by experimenting with new ingredients, flavors and more in its Pilotbryggeriet.
Nøgne Ø
Not only is Nøgne Ø the largest supplier of craft beer in Norway, it’s also the first sake brewery in Europe. In its quest to find new and exciting flavors, the brewery has an ever-changing menu of seasonal and experimental beers.
7 Fjell Bryggeri
The brew master of 7 Fjell Bryggeri, Gahr Smith-Gahrsen, was cited by the Norwegian Brewery Association as “one of the founding fathers of the Norwegian beer revolution.” This Bergen-based brewery is inspired by British techniques and ingredients from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Oslo Brewing Co.
Inspired by their love of Oslo, the people behind this brewery make beers that will put their city on the map. While based in Norway, they also have ØL by Oslo Brewing Co., a beer bar located in Shibuya, Tokyo, that’s dedicated to exploring both Scandinavian and Japanese craft beer culture.
Ægir Brewpub
In Norse mythology, Ægir was known to brew the best beer. With dragon heads and Viking-themed menus, Ægir Brewery brings Norse mythology straight to your table. The signature Ægir Viking Plank pairs modernized Viking-era cuisine with beers meant to complement their flavors.
Grünerløkka Brygghus
This small but mighty brewery is known for its annual beer festivals, including Grünerløkka Mikrobryggfestival. Visitors to Grünerløkka Brygghus will find 22 beers on tap, over 100 types of bottled beers and American/English pub fare made with Norwegian ingredients.
Svalbard Brewery
Located on the northernmost inhabited island in the world, Svalbard Brewery is dedicated to explorers. Its beers use ancient Arctic minerals and 2,000-year-old glacier water.
Inderøy Farm Brewery
The brewers at this brewery believe brewing should be a craft. Since 2007 they have created 25 beers, produced mead, braggott [a kind of mead made from honey and barley malt], apple juice, and apple cider, and expanded to include a restaurant, Bryggeriloftet.
Harstad Brewery
Harstad Brewery describes itself as a traditional English brewery and uses yeast sourced from Yorkshire, England. Its English and Belgian style beers use whole hop flowers, which enhances their flavor and nose.
Lindesnes Brygghus
Lindesnes Brygghus started as a homebrewing operation for founder, Benjamin LeMaitre. Its beers include everything from the algae-filled Havets Øl (Sea Beer), to the Bibelbelte (Bible Belt) IPA, which was inspired by the location of the brewery.