Why Goat Cheese? A long lasting tradition in the fjords
When you visit this area that we are lucky to call our home, be sure to not miss on of our long lasting culinary traditions: brown goat cheese, or brunost.
In the Flåm and Aurland region, and especially in villages like Undredal and Skjerdal, goat cheese has been produced using traditional methods for many many years. And today, we at Fjordsafari are proud to offer unique, hands-on experiences that let guests not only taste this iconic food — but also learn the story behind it.
So, What Makes Brown Cheese So Special?
Unlike typical cheeses, Norwegian brown cheese isn’t made from curds. Instead, it’s made by slowly cooking down whey — the liquid leftover from cheesemaking. The long cooking time causes the natural sugars in the whey to caramelize, creating that signature sweet-salty caramel flavor and its distinctive tan color.
The goat version (geitost) has a slightly tangier flavor and firmer texture than cow’s milk varieties — and it’s this deep taste that makes it a favorite among locals. And there’s no better place to try it than where it’s made — right here in the fjords.
Try It With Us: Fjordsafari's Goat Cheese Experiences by Boat
Fjordsafari Taste / Fjordsafari Aurland Taste: Join us on a scenic boat journey through the Aurlandsfjord and the UNESCO protected Nærøyfjord, stopping in Undredal, the goat cheese capital of the fjords, to sample the village's renowned goat cheese. Learn how the village’s 60 residents and 400 goats keep this rich tradition alive and enjoy the stunning fjord views. Fjordsafari Taste starts and ends in Flåm while Fjordsafari Aurland Taste has Aurland as its base.
Fjordsafari Gudvangen Taste : This tour takes you from Gudvangen to Flåm, with a stop in Undredal. Enjoy a guided cheese tasting and learn about the history of goat cheese production in the region .
Fjordsafari & Hike: a trip to Skjerdal Stølsysteri, A Mountain Goat Cheese Farm
For a more hands-on experience, a Fjordsafari & Hike tour with a visit to Skjerdal Stølsysteri offers a unique opportunity to follow the cheese-making process. This traditional spring farm produces both white and brown goat cheeses. Guests can meet the goats, observe the cheese production, and try freshly made cheeses, all while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
There are a lot of things that makes this tour extra special, here are some of our hightlights:
Upon reaching the farm, our hostess will guide us through a tour, showing us the methods behind making traditional goat cheese. The goat cheese is still made the old-fashioned way — by hand, in small batches
In this amazing setting, we will relax on the farmhouse terrace while enjoying a goat cheese tasting and a delicious lunch prepared with local produce.
The tour starts with a 1,5 hour long boat ride with Fjordsafari and follows with a hike up to the farm - a tour that provides a little bit of everything!
Regardless which tour that fits you palette, all the tours provide authentic experiences that shows you the way of life here in the area.
