More than 2.5 million tourists were touring Norwegian roads in 2013, and the number is increasing. “To us it’s important to make the driving esperience as pleasant as possible,” says Per Lauritz Lien in Utvalgte spisesteder (Selected eateries). “Resting places is a natural part of a road trip, and our aim is to increase the experience by offering quality food to our visitors.”
Honest Food
The association Utvalgte Spisesteder consists of 16 family restaurants situated along the main roads in Southern Norway. “The summer is our best season, and we typically have 300 – 400 visiting guests every day,” says Håvard Rustad, manager of Rustad Kafe in Sokna. “Vistors are not spoiled when it comes to food on the road, and they do appreciate it when we offer honest food made from scratch. Our signature courses are particularly popular,” he adds.
Spectacular resting places
Road trips in summer are often long distance, and drivers should be in a good mood and alert.
“Stops are important, and equally important are food and drink, which go a long way and stabilize the blood sugar,” advises Guro Ranes in Norwegian Public Roads Administration (NPRA). “There are many spectacular places along our national routes, and breaks should be a part of the driving experience,” she adds.
Free Meal
Ask for Fordelskortet (Advantage Card) when you visit the member eateries. Every tenth meal is free. Children may also enjoy an ice on the house. Ask for details.
Feature image on top: Filet of mackerel
Food on the Road in Norway, written by Tor Kjolberg