Freia chocolate Flødeboller, hand-knitted Marius sweaters, cod liver oil bottles… Norway is full of treasures to bring back. To save time, here are the 9 must-have souvenirs to slip into your suitcase before leaving Oslo or Bergen.
| Souvenir 🎁 | Why take it? | Where to buy 🛒 |
|---|---|---|
| Freia chocolates 🍫 | Gourmet icon since 1906 | Freia Shop, Karl Johans gate 31, 0159 Oslo |
| Marius & Dale of Norway sweater 🧶 | National pattern inspired by skiing | Dale Concept Store, Valkendorfsgate 2, 5012 Bergen |
| Porsgrund porcelain 🍽️ | Clean Scandinavian design | Porsgrunds Butikk, Storgata 33, 3921 Porsgrunn |
| Aurlandskoen shoes 👞 | The Norwegian penny loafer | Aurland Shoes, Bjørgavegen 3, 5745 Aurland |
| Reindeer skins & throws 🦌 | Typical cocooning | Heimen Husfliden, Rosenkrantz’ gt 8, 0159 Oslo |
| Wooden trolls 🧌 | Folklore symbol | Troll Shop, Bryggen 3A, 5003 Bergen |
| Stabburet spices 🌿 | Flavors of “lapskaus” stew | Coop Mega, Torggata 16, 0181 Oslo |
| Helly Hansen clothing ❄️ | Outdoor technicality | Helly Hansen Flagship, Verksgata 1, 4013 Stavanger |
| Jotun paint 🎨 | Fjord shades for decor | Jotun Inspirasjon, Hystadvegen 28, 3209 Sandefjord |
Norwegian gourmet products to enjoy at home
The local gastronomy is ideal for edible gifts: durable, easy to transport, and synonymous with authenticity.
- 🍫 Freia chocolates: the “Melkesjokolade” bar remains a classic. On-site, a visit to this gourmet guide helps to vary the flavors.
- 🐟 Smoked salmon & gravlax: favor brands labeled “Seafood from Norway” for optimal traceability.
- 🫙 Lingonberry jam and spruce syrup: perfect with pancakes or brunost.
- 🥫 Stabburet spices: ready-to-use mixes to recreate “fårikål” at home.
Key addresses for seafood products
At Bergen Fisketorget (Torget 5, 5014 Bergen), stalls ship vacuum-packed salmon all over Europe. The Oslo market in the Vulkan neighborhood, meanwhile, offers Geilo Snø smoked trout certified sustainable.
Textiles and craftsmanship: knits, throws, and Nordic traditions
A Marius sweater is more than just clothing: it’s a piece of history knitted since the 1950s.
- 🧶 Dale of Norway: 100% Norwegian wool, patterns inspired by the 1952 Olympic Games.
- 🧣 Woolen throws: available at Røros Tweed (Kjerkgata 76, 7374 Røros).
- 🧌 Wooden troll figurines: each piece is hand-carved; they bring good luck according to legend.
Care advice
Wash cold, dry flat. Norwegian fibers retain their elasticity, even after several harsh winters.
The peninsula’s minimalism exports well; sometimes all it takes is a Porsgrund cup to transform a kitchen.
- 🍽️ Porsgrund: limited editions signed by emerging designers.
- 🪑 Small birch furniture: folding stools inspired by Alvar Aalto.
- 🎨 Jotun test pots: the “Fjord” and “Nordlys” shades replicate the light of the northern lights.
Where to hunt for vintage design?
The store Keepsakes from Norway (Markveien 54, 0554 Oslo) brings together vintage pieces and upcycled creations.
Outdoor equipment: between Helly Hansen and Geilo Snø
Norway is a paradise for skiers and sailors; gifting high-performance gear always hits the mark.
- ❄️ Helly Hansen jackets: eco-friendly LIFA Infinity™ membrane.
- ⛷️ Geilo Snø goggles: anti-fog treatment ideal for the Folgefonna glacier.
- 🛶 Reversible life jackets: compliant with the new European 2025 standard.
Field test: weekend at Sognefjord
Anna and Erik, two local guides, covered 60 km on snowshoes; their report confirms the waterproofness of HH jackets after 8 hours in the snow.
Practical tips for buying and transporting your souvenirs
Before filling your suitcase, a few tricks help avoid overweight and breakage.
- 📦 Use vacuum bags for throws and skins.
- 🧊 Slip approved cooling blocks in insulated bags for fish.
- 💶 Look for the “Tax Free” logo; refund is made at Gardermoen airport.
- 🔗 For other checklists, see this pro file or our related articles on Rome, Limoges, or Majorca.
Average souvenir budget in 2025
| Category 💼 | Average price | Saving tip 💡 |
|---|---|---|
| Food | €20 / kg | Bulk purchase at Coop Mega |
| Textile | €180 per sweater | Winter sales (January 1-15) |
| Decoration | €35 per item | Porsgrund factory stores |
| Outdoor | €250 per jacket | Helly Hansen outlet, Vestby |
These ranges already include the average VAT of 25% applied in Norway.
FAQ
Which Norwegian souvenir weighs the least in carry-on luggage?
Freia bars and cod roe tubes do not exceed 200 g each, perfect for backpacking.
Can reindeer meat be taken into the European Union?
Yes, if vacuum-packed and accompanied by a veterinary certificate; however, check the 2 kg limit set by French customs.
Where to find a cheaper Marius sweater?
Producer markets in Trondheim offer artisanal versions 30% below the shop price.
Are animal skins sourced from ethical breeding?
The “Norsk Husflid” labels guarantee strict respect for animal welfare and the environment.
Is there a direct shipping service for wooden furniture?
Yes, the “Bring Home Nordic” platform collects in-store and delivers throughout Europe within 10 days.
