When thinking of traveling and the best countries in terms of foods to try, Scandinavia might not be the first place to pop in your head. However, they in fact hold some of the world’s best food festivals. Not only do these festivals highlight local foods, they also do a great job showcasing chefs and cuisine from around the world.
If you find yourself in Norway, the third largest city known as Trondheim hosts the Trøndelag Food Festival. Trondheim is known as the “home of Nordic flavors” due to its easy access to local ingredients from the sea and land. This year, the festival runs from August 3- 5th and it features sampling, cooking classes, and even activities dedicated to youth to get them involved in local traditions. Another wonderful festival in Norway is the Bergen Food Festival which goes on September 1st and 2nd. This festival is unique in that it intentionally hosts events throughout the city to be as inclusive as possible. You can enjoy a delicious restaurant meal or partake in a food lecture at the Bergen Public Library.
Sweden is also home to lively food festivals. A Taste of Stockholm is one of Sweden’s larger festivals drawing 300,000 attendees over it’s five-day course. One of the main themes is sustainability. And of course, we can’t forget the Malmö Festival that takes place in mid-August. It is said this festival is the oldest city festival in Northern Europe, starting in 1985. In addition to its focus on food, the festival also includes music and performances to reflect the culture of the city.
Just a short drive from Malmö you can visit the Copenhagen Cooking & Food Festival in Denmark. This festival lasts a remarkable ten days and focuses on locally-sourced foods they refer to as ‘food of the wild.’ This is a great festival for not only food novices, but also industry professionals as it offers symposiums and conferences to attend. If big crowds and large events don’t entice you, there is a more “relaxed” food festival all throughout Denmark known as the Midsummer Festival of Saint Hans. This occasion is marked on the Danish summer solstice by eating dinner at home with friends or family and then gathering at a community bonfire for songs and speeches.
Be sure to check out any of the festivals above if you’re in the right place at the right time. What better way to learn about the local environment than by delighting in a tasty dish and great conversation.