Ever since the 18th century, juice has been made from apples in Hardanger. Today, the thirst-quenching drink is perhaps more popular than ever. In this article you can find out what makes the apple juice from Hardanger unique - and where you can get yourself a bottle!
There is nothing wrong orange juice, but when the Hardanger apples are picked and autumn’s first boxes of freshly squeezed juice are shipped, it's hard to choose anything other than this aromatic drink.
Photo: Hotel Ullensvang/Morten Knudsen
Something unique about apple juice from Hardanger
Everyone knows that there is something unique about Hardanger's apple juice. The apple trees thrive in the mild climate, long, light days and a light soil. Of course, the environment also affects the juice that is made, often characterized by a particularly fresh and sour taste. In addition, production is based on hundreds of years of inherited knowledge.
Something else that makes apple juice and apple cider so exciting is the potential for variety. The infamous cider, for example, can have a completely different aroma based on the composition of apple varieties. It leaves plenty of room for play and experimentation - and the “Hardinger,” people from Hardanger, are creative people!
A craft juice from the fjords
Did you know that "Apple juice from Hardanger" is one of the country's first protected geographical "designation"? This means that if you want to label your product as Hardanger apple juice, the apples used to produce the juice have to be from this particular area. You will understand why when you taste it. Not because all the juices are alike, but because they are all distinctive “Hardangersk”.
In addition to the selection offered at the convenience store, apple juice is also produced on a smaller scale - with exciting, local farm-to-farm variations. Similar to other food trends, juice production has now become even more craft focused.
Photo: Linn Kjos Falkenberg
Juice tours in Hardanger
If you are looking for excuses to travel to Hordaland, you are absolutely in the right place. Traditional, freshly squeezed apple juice is definitely one of them! If you are in the fruit village Ulvik you should check out the Cider Tour. If you love fruit and aromatic drinks, this is like coming to the Garden of Eden (except that here you can eat as many apples as you like!).
Here you will find, for example, Hardanger Saft- and Siderfabrikk, which makes apple juice, cider, and apple spirits. Do you love juice? Then this is a must!
Overall, Hardanger has an abundance of cozy farm shops offering the most delicious juice drinks. Here you can get guided tours, courses, tastings - and become better acquainted with the dishes we all so gladly supply. It will make you appreciate even more the precious refreshment from the west.
The manufacturers in Hardanger say they want to be the Champagne of apple cider. Here you can read more about it.
If you are going to Bergen, but do not have time for a detour, you can still experience a small piece of Hardanger by choosing Hardanger apple juice or apple cider with dinner. Several restaurants and bars have Hardanger apple juice on the menu. Check out restaurants in Bergen here!
If you are travelling by car, check out this road trip to Hardanger.
to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
