In Norway, there exists a sacred, simple, and profoundly practical tradition: the matpakke. This is not just a packed lunch; it’s a cultural institution, a testament to the Norwegian love for nature, practicality, and wholesome food. Translating simply to “food pack,” the matpakke is the lifeblood of every Norwegian adventure, from a simple forest walk to a grueling trek across the Hardangervidda plateau.
For a hiker, your matpakke is more than just fuel; it’s a moment of rest, a reward for a climb, and a crucial source of energy to keep you moving. The Norwegian approach is uniquely suited to this purpose: it’s lightweight, non-perishable, energy-dense, and designed to be delicious even at room temperature after hours in a backpack.
Let’s dive into the philosophy and the delicious ideas that will make your next hike a truly Norwegian experience.
The Philosophy of the Hiking Matpakke: Simple, Sustaining, and Satisfying
The classic matpakke follows a brilliant, no-fuss formula. Understanding this mindset is key to building your own.
- The Foundation: Rugbrød (Norwegian Rye Bread)
This is the non-negotiable base. Forget fluffy white bread. Rugbrød is a dense, dark, sourdough rye bread packed with whole grains, seeds, and fiber. Its complex carbohydrates provide a slow, steady release of energy, preventing the sugar crashes that ruin a hike. It’s substantial, filling, and holds up perfectly in a pack without getting squashed or soggy. - The Topping: A Single, Simple Ingredient (Pålegg)
The golden rule of the traditional matpakke is one topping per slice. This isn’t a towering deli sandwich. It’s about appreciating the individual flavor. Each slice is individually wrapped in parchment paper (a system known as matpakkepapir), keeping them fresh and allowing everyone to choose their favorite combination. - The Practicality: No Fuss, No Mess
Everything is designed for ease. There are no leaky containers, no need for cutlery, and no risk of a soggy disaster. You can eat a slice with one hand while holding a trekking pole with the other, all while enjoying a breathtaking view.
Classic Matpakke Pålegg (Toppings) for Hiking
These traditional options are tried, tested, and trusted by generations of Norwegians for their energy, taste, and resilience.
- Brunost (Brown Cheese): The quintessential Norwegian hiking food. This is not a cheese in the traditional sense but a caramelized whey cheese with a sweet, tangy, and unique flavor. It’s rich in carbohydrates and provides a fantastic energy boost. A slice of rugbrød with brunost is a taste of Norwegian soul.
- Kaviar (Tube Caviar): Don’t think of fancy caviar; think of a smoky, salty, fishy paste conveniently squeezed from a tube. It’s made from cod roe and is packed with protein and omega-3s. It’s a powerful flavor that cuts through the fatigue of a long hike.
- Spekepølse (Air-Dried Sausage): A hardy, cured sausage that requires no refrigeration. It’s a fantastic source of protein and fat, helping you feel full and sustained for miles. Slice it thinly at home and layer it on your bread.
- Jarlsberg or Norvegia Cheese: A simple slice of a good, firm Norwegian cheese is a perfect source of protein and fat. It travels well and provides a familiar, comforting taste.
- Leverpostei (Liver Pâté): Another tube staple! This rich, savory pâté is fortified with iron and protein. Spread straight from the tube onto your bread for a hearty and energy-dense topping.
- Hard-Boiled Eggs: Pre-peeled and lightly salted, they are a perfect, protein-packed hiking snack on their own or sliced on top of a piece of bread.
- Smoked Salmon (Gravlaks): For a luxurious treat, bring along some thinly sliced gravlaks. Wrap it separately and add it to your bread at your lunch stop for a taste of the fjords.
Beyond the Bread: Rounding Out Your Hiking Food Pack
A proper hiking matpakke includes more than just the wrapped sandwiches.
- Knekkebrød (Crispbread): As an alternative to rugbrød or an extra crunch, pack a few sheets of whole-grain knekkebrød. It’s virtually indestructible and perfect with any of the toppings above.
- Fruit: The Natural Energy Gel
- Apples and Pears: These are the hiking fruits of choice in Norway. They are firm, don’t bruise easily, and provide a refreshing, juicy crunch and natural sugars.
- Kvikk Lunsj (“Quick Lunch”) Bar: This is the Norwegian hiking chocolate bar. It’s not just a KitKat; it’s a cultural icon. Norwegians insist it tastes better when eaten outdoors. It’s the perfect quick carbohydrate hit for a steep section.
- Nuts and Dried Fruit: A homemade trail mix of almonds, walnuts, and raisins is a great source of quick and slow-release energy.
- The Thermos of Coffee: No Norwegian outdoor experience is complete without a hot drink. A thermos of black coffee is the ultimate trailside luxury, providing a warm caffeine boost that feels like a hug from the inside out.
Building Your Ultimate Hiking Matpakke: A Sample Plan
For a Full-Day Hike (e.g., Trolltunga or Preikestolen)
- Breakfast (before you start): A hearty bowl of oatmeal to load up on slow-burning carbs.
- Mid-Morning Snack (in your pack): An apple and a Kvikk Lunsj bar.
- Lunch (at the summit):
- 2 x Rugbrød slices with Brunost (wrapped in parchment paper)
- 2 x Rugbrød slices with Spekepølse (wrapped in parchment paper)
- 1 Hard-boiled egg
- A handful of almonds and raisins
- Afternoon Pick-Me-Up:
- A pear
- A thermos of coffee to share with your hiking partners
- Emergency Extra: An extra Knekkebrød with a tube of Kaviar, just in case you need more energy for the return trip.
The Modern Twist: Upgrading the Matpakke for the 21st Century Hiker
While tradition is glorious, there’s always room for innovation.
- The “Burrito” Wrap: Use a soft, whole-wheat lefse (a Norwegian flatbread) instead of rugbrød. Spread it with a thin layer of cream cheese, add slices of smoked salmon, cucumber, and fresh dill, and roll it tightly. Wrap it well in parchment paper—it’s a delicious, all-in-one package.
- The Hearty Salad in a Jar: For a fork-required option, layer a jar with a grain like quinoa or barley, chopped roasted root vegetables (beets, sweet potato), and a sturdy green like kale. Keep the dressing in a separate small container to add at lunchtime.
- Leftovers are King: Don’t overlook last night’s dinner. Cold pasta salad with grilled chicken and vegetables or a slice of a hearty vegetable frittata are fantastic, filling options.
Packing a Norwegian matpakke is about embracing a simpler, more intentional way to eat outdoors. It’s food that is honest, nourishing, and built for purpose. It frees you from complicated preparations and allows you to focus on what truly matters: the crunch of gravel under your boots, the scent of pine in the air, and the staggering beauty of the Norwegian wilderness unfolding before you. So, wrap your bread, pack your thermos, and taste the tradition that fuels a nation of explorers.