Norway advice (passing thru on September 23)

In Oslo, there are too many places to list briefly - the good thing is that many of them are within easy walking distance of each other, in the downtown area near Storgata, and the hipsterish neigbourhood of Grünerløkka. Just to mention a few bars and micro breweries: Schouskjelleren Mikrobryggeri, Café Sara, Hopyard in Mathallen Oslo, Crow Bar & Bryggeri, Grünerløkka Brygghus (The Pub), Nedre Foss Gård, Brewgata, Brygg, BD57, Kniven, Glød, Tilt, Håndslag, Hør Hør, and many more. Closer to the parliament (Stortinget), the old university buildings and the city hall (Rådhuset) you will find good places like Röör, Amundsen Bryggeri & Spiseri, The Whisky Bar and a few others.

 

In Bergen, there are also many good bars: Henrik Øl- og Vinstove, Apollon Platebar and Vinyl Bar should keep you occupied for a while.

 

Don't expect much in the small village of Hafslo. Check out if the hotel has any real local cider. In Ålesund, try Molo Brew (brewpub) and Brosundet Bar. Alta (in Finnmark) is not a great beer destination, but try the brewpub Sorrisniva and the restaurant Trasti & Trine.

 

Currently in Norway on vacation, was searching for Ålesund recommendations for our stay here today and found this thread. Molo brew was fantastic! Second favorite only to Lervig beers so far. In Oslo we liked Mad Goat best for tap and bottle list as well as location and outdoor seating, also liked Brewgata's tap options and live music. Lastly the bar at "The Top" at Radisson Blu City plaza was impressive, not for the beer but for the ambiance and views. In Bergen, Henrik Øl- og Vinstove and Folk & Røvere had great lists but the bar {lucky} was our favorite for list and atmosphere. Next we're off to Kristiansund and Trondheim - in case anyone wants to add recommendations?!

 

In Kristiansund, try No9 bar in Haugata 9, and JP Clausen Bar in Storgata 41.
In Trondheim, there are more beer places, try Daglighallen (brewpub), Habitat, Den Gode Nabo, Trondhjem Mikrobryggeri (brewpub), ØX Tap Room (brewpub), Moskus, Antikvariatet and many more.

 

It seems both your Kristansund places have closed? We really liked Hjørnet though, great selection, service, atmosphere and live music.

In Trondheim we liked Trondheim microbrewery ok, ØX taproom was better, and Habitat was the best! Only had one day so couldn't try the others... Thanks for the suggestions!!

 

Thanks for the update! Yes, a lot of Norwegian pubs and restaurants are struggling financially, particularly in smaller towns, and it is hard to know which ones are out of business at any time, when you don't live in the same town. Glad you found a decent place in Kristiansund, though, and that Trondheim did not let you down.

 

I think I have an Ægir Brageskål in my stash somewhere, but I haven't tasted it yet. Enjoy your time in Oslo!

 

A beer pal of mine who actually lives in Kristiansund has now (on my request) updated his recommendations on another beer website. He concurs that Hjørnet indeed is the best beer bar in Kristiansund now, with a selection of bottles and cans which is better than their somewhat blander draft offerings.

 

Added to the database now, and rated by me.