Kosher in Norway
Norway
Norway is a small but welcoming Jewish community, and with some preparation it is fully possible to keep kosher during your stay – whether you're visiting Oslo or exploring the country's stunning fjords, mountains, and Arctic regions.
The Jewish Community of Oslo – Det Mosaiske Trossamfund (DMT)
The Jewish Community of Oslo, founded in 1892, is the central organisation representing Norwegian Jewry. It operates the Oslo Synagogue and is home to the country's only kosher shop, Kosher Mat, located in the community centre at Bergstien 13, adjacent to the synagogue.
The kosher shop (Kosher Mat) is open Wednesdays from 15:00 to 19:00. This is the only place in Norway where you can purchase kosher meat and hard cheeses such as gouda. In regular supermarkets, kosher dairy is limited to soft cheeses such as Philadelphia cream cheese, feta, and other spreadable varieties.
Note that shechita (ritual slaughter) is prohibited by law in Norway, so all kosher meat is imported.
A Kosher Coffee Stop in Oslo
Norway has no kosher restaurants, but if you're in Oslo and looking for a place to sit down with a coffee and something to eat, Åpent Bakeri is a welcome option. Several of their baked goods are approved as kosher under the supervision of Chief Rabbi Joav Melchior – including all breads and most cakes and pastries. Note that quiche, sandwiches, toast, grissini, and marshmallows are not kosher.
Åpent Bakeri has several locations around Oslo and is a beloved institution in the city – a great spot to relax, people-watch, and enjoy a slice of Norwegian café culture while keeping kosher.
The Jewish Community of Trondheim – Det Jødiske Samfunn i Trondheim (DJST)
Norway's second Jewish community is based in Trondheim, where the synagogue has been active since 1925. The community is warm and inclusive, welcoming visiting Jews from all backgrounds and traditions. Services are held according to Orthodox Ashkenazic practice, and the community hosts a range of cultural and religious activities throughout the year.
🌐 djst.no
Chabad Lubavitch of Norway
Chabad is present in Oslo and offers a welcoming address for Jewish travellers seeking Shabbat hospitality, prayers, or guidance.
Kosher Product Resources
Most products in Norwegian supermarkets carry no kosher label, but a large number are nonetheless approved as kosher by the Orthodox Rabbinate of Norway. Two resources can help you navigate what to buy:
The Kosherlisten is the official PDF guide published by the Jewish Community of Oslo, listing approved products by category. 📄 [Download the Kosherlisten (PDF)]
The Kosher Norway searchable database covers the same approved products in a digital, searchable format. 🔍 koshernorway.shop
Kosher Wine in Norway
Kosher wine is very limited in Norway. All wine and spirits are sold exclusively through the state monopoly Vinmonopolet, and the selection of kosher-certified wines is minimal and subject to availability. If you wish to have kosher wine during your stay, we strongly recommend ordering well in advance through Vinmonopolet, or – if possible – bringing kosher wine from home.
The Mikveh
There is a mikveh in Oslo. For access and bookings, contact the Jewish Community of Oslo or Chabad directly.
Jewish Museums
Norway has two Jewish museums worth visiting – one in Oslo and one in Trondheim – both offering insight into the history of Jewish life in Norway, including events of the Second World War.