Taste the Authentic Flavours of Setesdal

Take a seat at the table and discover the distinctive flavours of Setesdal through dishes such as sour cream porridge, cured meats, traditional flatbreads, and other local specialties. Many of the ingredients come from the valley’s farms, mountain pastures, and forests, giving the food its authentic and unique character.

Traditional food in Setesdal is about more than great taste. It tells the story of life in the valley, of resourcefulness, hospitality, and a close connection to nature. Whether you visit a  traditional restaurant or eat at a hotel, you will experience food that connects the past with the present.

No visit to Setesdal is complete without exploring its rich food culture. Here, you can savour genuine Norwegian traditions in beautiful surroundings, served with warmth, pride, and a passion for sharing the very best the valley has to offer.

The Taste of Setesdal – Crafted from Mountains, Forests and Tradition

Setesdal offers more than memorable food experiences. The valley is also home to a unique beverage culture where local ingredients, craftsmanship, and tradition come together to create distinctive flavours.

Brokkestøylen

At Brokkestøylen, traditional mountain farm culture meets modern gastronomy. Inspired by the surrounding landscape, drinks are crafted through fermentation, foraging, and the use of local herbs, berries, and plants. Guided by a “farm-to-table” philosophy, Brokkestøylen focuses on organic and locally sourced ingredients that reflect the character of Setesdal. The result is a range of unique flavours deeply rooted in the region’s natural heritage.

Award wining Gin from Brokke destillery

Among Setesdal’s newest flavour experiences is handcrafted gin inspired by the mountains and forests surrounding Brokke. Distilled with carefully selected botanicals, herbs, and wild ingredients, these spirits capture the pure and refreshing character of the region. With notes that reflect the landscape’s forests, highlands, and fresh mountain air, the gin offers an authentic taste of Setesdal in every glass.

At Brokkestøylen, local herbs, berries, and wild plants are transformed into unique drinks that reflect the surrounding landscape. Their Highland Gin, Skog has received international recognition, winning a Silver Medal at the London Spirits Competition.

Book your exclusive tasting experience in Brokke distillery

Whether you prefer traditional farmhouse beer, innovative fermented beverages, or award-winning craft spirits, Setesdal offers drinks that are deeply connected to the region’s nature, heritage, and people. Every sip tells a story of the valley,  from the mountain plateaus to the table.

Traditional Brewing at Bygland Bryggeri

Bygland Bryggeri carries forward one of Norway’s oldest brewing traditions, inspired by medieval and farmhouse methods that have been used for centuries.

The brewery uses traditional techniques such as open fermentation, natural ingredients, and historic Norwegian brewing practices. A key element is the use of kveik — a traditional farmhouse yeast that has been preserved in rural Norway for generations. This yeast ferments quickly at high temperatures and gives the beer a distinctive, fruity character rooted in old rural brewing culture.

In some of their special productions, Bygland Bryggeri also draws inspiration from historical brewing methods, including techniques similar to those used in the Middle Ages, where brewing was closely connected to farm life, local ingredients, and seasonal cycles.

The result is authentic Norwegian farmhouse beer that connects modern visitors to a living brewing heritage from Setesdal.