Trondheim-Trøndelag: European Region of Gastronomy 2022
Photo: Jarle Hvidsten
You might not believe this, but the food you’re eating from Trondheim and Trøndelag took 100 million years to grow!
Mountains and Valleys
Many centuries ago tectonic plates collided, leading to the high mountains and deep fjords we now know and love, the country of Norway. Positioned in the middle of this country, Trøndelag once lay covered by nutrient waters in a seabed. With the shifting plates the land moved and raised, perfectly situating the country in the northern hemisphere, providing extended sunlight during the summer growing months. This new mainland offered extremely fertile and good soil (marine clay), perfect for agriculture and farming. The Gulf Stream also helped to ensure a perfect climate in Trondheim’s deep Fjord, with 200 different types of fish.
Fannremgården. Photo: Jarle Hvidsten
Mid-Norway's growing conditions are prime for food productions
The soil in Trondheim - Trøndelag is constituted of geological debris that makes it nutritionally rich for agriculture. From the receding glaciers of the last ice age, marine sediments were deposited into this soil. If that wasn’t enough, another glacial blessing enveloped the areas, protecting the soils from the infiltration of toxic elements. The Norwegian Geological Survey has found that in comparison to other arable lands of Europe, Norway has lower concentrations of toxic elements like arsenic, cadmium, and lead.
Skjølberg Søndre. Photo: Jarle Hvidsten
Trøndelag wins!
Why Trondheim - Trøndelag was honoured as prize winner for ERG 2022
The European Region of Gastronomy is an award provided by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT), supported by international and European institutions. Since 2013 IGCAT has granted the European Region of Gastronomy Award for candidate’s gastronomic excellence to a region deemed worthy by the jury. The purpose of this award is to elevate the recognition of the region and their food offerings.
This award is a celebration of local produce, restaurants and agriculture, and awarded to one or more regions in Europe. IGCAT works to support the awarded region with the aim of:
- Raising awareness about the importance of cultural and food uniqueness
- Stimulating creativity and gastronomic innovation
- Educating for better nutrition
- Improving sustainable tourism standards
- Highlighting distinctive food culture
- Strengthening community well-being
Stokkøya. Photo: Jarle Hvidsten
So, what’s so special about our region?
The jury was impressed with Trondheim-Trøndelag for their ethos and high quality food production in the Trondheim - Trøndelag region. Additionally, the pride and passion of everyone they met showed, and their appreciation of the land and waters including the green and blue economy.
According to Dr. Diane Dodd, President of IGCAT:
"The Jury was impressed with the gastronomic strengths of the region and the dedication to sustainability; the commitment to the Food Manifesto and the Food Festival which is already connecting the urban and rural products, enterprises and consumers building a sustainable economy; the interest and involvement of a wide range of stakeholders willing to take part; the integration of IGCAT's focus areas in the bid; evidence of a long-term strategy and lasting legacy for the region."
Now that you have read all about how great the food of Trøndelag is, here’s the perfect place to experience it for yourself: The Food Festival mentioned by Dr. Diane Dodd is a yearly festival that happens every Summer in Trondheim. It is connected to the Brewery Festival and here you can expect locally sourced foods and drinks from among 200 different exhibitors. It is usually timed very well with the Olavsfest, which is one of Trondheims biggest cultural festivals, situated around the Nidaros Cathedral.
So.. See you next summer?
How to Explore the Region
First time tourist or long time resident? These resources will help you see more.