We participated in the daily (at 12:30) cider and food tasting consisting of a 1-hour information session conducted by the "dad" of the business followed by a sampling of five very different ciders each paired with a small plate of Norwegian food. There was around 30 people attending on our Wednesday session from all over Europe and North America. The information about growing apples and the different types and styles of apples was fascinating and they've got a beautiful setting just a short walk from the big hotel. Food wise it was interesting to try things but my tastes clearly don't run to the Nordic cuisine. This is definitely a must for cider lovers. Reservations and advance payments (online) are required. read more

See all

Amazing building in a great location, owners and staff were very friendly. Food was beautiful and delicious, we did the cider pairings with the multi-course meal and thoroughly enjoyed it all. The owner also gave us a tour of the cider works and explained the processes for the different products which was very interesting. We were very glad we experienced this place! read more

A fantastic place all around both for cider and dinner! We had a 2 night stay in Balestrand. After our boat arrived in the afternoon we walked over from our hotel to check this place out. We had a lovely cider tasting outside. The cider was great and the views were phenomenal, really hard to beat the scenery of the Fjords. While we were there we heard that the restaurant above us was about to open for the season the next night, so we made a reservation. We took a long hike up the mountain the next day, so we were starving by the time we got to dinner. We had a wonder array of dishes that were all delicious and filling. The food was a combination of Norwegian and Turkish which was a wonderful combination of flavorful and hearty. Our favorite were the potatoes and the little cheese filled pastry rolls. A great place stop if you are making a stop in Balestrand (which I highly recommend). read more

Ciderhuset - Breweries Near Me - Balestrand, 14

See all

Most definitely, yes - make the .75mi walk from town to go here. Their tasting experience is super fun. It was the best food we had in Balestrand so decided to go back for lunch which was also superb. Peaceful setting with beautiful views. And the cider was delicious. You'll want to buy some for later so bring a backpack. read more

"He that drinks his cider alone, let him catch his horse alone." (Benjamin Franklin) ALWAYS LOOK ON THE BRIGHT CIDER LIFE Sitting on a balcony facing snow-capped mountains and the Sognefjord, and overlooking an organic orchard of 2,000 apple, plum, and apricot trees, we proclaimed Ciderhuset to be the most idyllic place on Earth. The gorgeous views created the perfect backdrop to our dinner, a shared heaping plate of stir-fried meatballs in a creamy herb sauce from the Scandinavian/Turkish fusion menu. They were tender and delicious with flavors and spices we hadn't experienced before in a meatball, and were filling without sitting heavy in our stomachs. We also added some roasted potatoes with garlic and herbs from the garden and flat bread. For the main event, we selected a few cider flights to share. Between our group and those at surrounding tables, we found that preferences skewed by gender. Favorites with the ladies were the elderflower cider, pear cider, and berry cider (mix of apples, raspberries, red currants, rhubarb, and hops). The men preferred the malted apple cider and hopped cider (mix of dessert apples, elderflower, and hops). While noshing, sipping and savoring, we plotted quitting all of our jobs to start up our own cidery...but it was likely just our drinks talking. Pipe dreams taste so sweet swimming in cider, don't they? DON'T THROW STONES IN GLASS CIDER HOUSES The Ciderhuset is a short 15ish minute scenic walk from town. You'll pass by some of the cutest homes you've ever seen...so pristine and quiet that you'll wonder if anyone actually lives inside them! There are Ciderhuset signs along the way, but you'll know you've found it when you see the Swiss chalet style building. Dining areas include the solarium with views overlooking the fjords, or the balcony on sunny days. THE IN-CIDER SCOOP The Ciderhuset and orchard are owned and run by the Høyvik Eitungjerde family who produce their own Balholm ciders, brandy, jams and juices on site. The fruit orchard was established in 1922, and in 1999 the family imported branches of cider apple trees from Normandy and Somerset, grafting new trees yearly thereafter. Summer tours are offered for cider tasting and to learn the traditional methods of distilling brandy and making cider. Menu ingredients are organic, sustainable, and sourced locally based on what is in season. Herbs from the garden on site are used in stocks, broths, sauces, and soups. Desserts feature fruit from the orchard. Recon-Cider eating anywhere but here in Balestrand! May you get the chance to visit the Ciderhuset at least once in your lifetime, and may you never sip your cider or catch your horse alone. 5 Meatballs for the view and friendly service/4 meatballs for the ciders "How we love to love things for other people; how we love to have other people love things through our eyes." (John Irving, "The Cider House Rules") read more

See all

Awesome experience! The tour guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. The cider and food pairings were delicious!

During a three-night stay in Balestrand, we ate here two evenings. Our goal had been to sample the three main dining options in Balestrand, however the Galleri restaurant was booked one night so we revisited this place. The food is quite good, however the setting really adds to the overall experience. The restaurant is set on a working farm and orchard. The dining room is a big solarium and there are herbs growing in plants throughout the dining room. Hopefully you are a fan of cider and brandy, as they are prevalent on the beverage list. One night I tried the apple brandy and it was wonderful. Another night, we split a bottle of white wine, which was ok. The wine selection did leave a bit to be desired. Each night we split a couple of the mezes (this is a Scandinavian/Turkish "fusion" restaurant). The highlights were the eggplant dip (different than baba ghanoush), the smoked salmon, and the baked feta. The grape leaves were good, but super tiny. For entrees, I tried the vegetarian pie the first night. It was more like a frittata with a crust. It was quite good. Full of roasted vegetables and it came with an herb-filled side salad. The second night, I tried the fish cakes which were divine. They came with potatoes and a side salad. It was filling and delicious. For dessert, the highlight was the enormous raspberries with vanilla ice cream. The ice cream was a wonderful accompaniment to the berries. The second night, we split the apple pie, which was a bit of a disappointment. Stick with the berries. For an after-dinner drink, the herb tea was a wonderful way to end the evening. It was full of herbs grown on the farm and was quite relaxing. Reservations are recommended. We made them both nights. In each case, our hotel called on our behalf and made them for us. It was about a 15 walk from the Balestrand Hotel. read more

See all

Just went here for a cider tasting. Delicious, gracious staff and gorgeous views. Sat outside on their upper outdoor patio. read more

Ciderhuset - Enjoyed the afternoon tasting. - Breweries Near Me - Balestrand, 14

See all

Great and super awesome/weird experience. Cider is great, owners are great, food was really unique and good. Norwegian/Turkish food. Probably a first for most of us. Lox with hummus? Wash it down with an 8% cider. Great experience. read more

Great taste and wonderful views. We were a day early to try the food but the flight was good. Gave us a variety of taste. Very unique. Good atmosphere. read more

See all

Definitely the place to eat in Balestrand! This is one of those establishments that reflects the pride of its proprietors as soon as you find your way through the orchard and walk in the front door. The interior is at once cozy and stately, including the greenhouse overlooking the fjord that is clearly the preferred seating (by the window if possible). One could mention a bunch of the standout small plates -- including the grape leaves, aubergine dip, smoked salmon (not fishy at all), salad, meatballs, cheese + herb tostado-type rolls, bacon-wrapped dates -- but you should simply order them all (if in a group of 3 or more) or most of them (otherwise). Many feature greens from the garden. For dessert, the canned plums hit the spot. I asked about their "elixirs"; conveniently, there is indeed a cocktail so named, which went well, and could have gone with the main courses, too. Our waitress disappeared without comment for the night halfway through the meal (!), but the chef-owner eventually came to our rescue. Tip: the kitchen officially closes at 7:30pm or 8:00pm, but if your hotel calls for a reservation, you can be seated at 8:00. Also: the sparkling cider is the way to go, unless you like your apple juice still, dry and spicy. The former is listed only by the bottle, but ask for a glass and they may accommodate. read more

We loved this place and went twice while we were in Balestrand. The views are amazing! The dining area is in an all glass room with gorgeous fjord views. It's a short walk from the downtown area. The cider is delicious and the small plates style means you get to taste a lot of things. It would be fun with a group as you could order so many different plates. We had: Veggie pancakes with carrot dipping sauce, which was amazing Taziki - just the dip, nothing to dip into it. Skip this, you can make it at home Cheese and phyllo dough- delicious. Served with some cucumbers and black sesame seeds Local sausages- ok, not outstanding Salad- lovely dressing, lots of romaine- would have liked some more tender (local?) leaves Meatballs- tiny bits of meat- yummy Smoked salmon- ok, but you can buy this at the supermarket. The 5 cider flight was so fun! Cider is often heavy and too sweet- these were not. Skip dessert. We had the chocolate cake with ice cream- the ice cream was not good. (If they can't bring in good ice cream they should make it themselves or just serve it with cream) We did not have a reservation and were able to get a table both nights, but if you know when you're going, it wouldn't hurt to guarantee a table! My partner pushed me and my wheelchair up a grassy hill to the back door to avoid the steps. read more

Speechless views mixed with cider that is as well balanced and tasty as can be. Worth a trip from anywhere in Norway

We spent one night in Balestrand and knew this was on our to do list! We had a private tour and cider tasting with the owner as well as a delicious meal prepared by his wife. The orchard and cidery are in the most picturesque spot, there is no question that you are in Norway when you are sitting in this beautiful setting. The cider is so good, better than any I've ever tasted! If you are in going on the Sogneford in a Nutshell tour, I highly recommend taking the stop over in Balestrand so that you can visit the Ciderhouse. read more

We were on the nature trail above the town and needed a dry place to rest. We stumbled across this wonderful place. Great armosphere. Very artsy with light jazz. The Cider was fresh and fantastic. I recommend a flight. They have tours and a shop to buy a bottle. read more

Spent three weeks in Scandinavia recently, and our meal here was one of the best. The three of us shared several dishes, including the carrot soup, pickled herring, meatballs, roasted potatoes, and salads, and we weren't disappointed in any of them. The ciders were also superb. read more