You have many great reasons to visit Hjartdal, Sauland, and Tuddal on an empty stomach! The region offers diverse food experiences for everyone. Enjoy a superb 4-course menu inspired by the four seasons, traditional Norwegian farmhouse cooking (husmannskost) and mountain farm fare (setermat), or harvest your own organic ingredients for dinner.
In Hjartdal, Sauland, and Tuddal, you can savor delicious food and drink combined with warm hospitality and memorable experiences.
A Gastronomic Journey at Tuddal Høyfjellshotell
In the heart of Telemark’s scenic landscape, on the sunny side of Gaustatoppen, lies Tuddal Høyfjellshotell. Since 1895, tourists have found their way to this unique timber hotel to enjoy fresh mountain air, beautiful nature walks, and luxurious meals.
- The Chef: Executive Chef and Director Einar Zakkæus Gurholt is a talented chef with experience from Michelin restaurants, passionate about the aesthetics of the meal.
- The Menu: A set 4-course menu is served every evening, featuring exquisite dishes inspired by seasonal ingredients.
- Wine & Beer: Carefully selected wines from the hotel's rich wine cellar complement the dishes. The hotel also owns "Fjellbryggeriet" (The Mountain Brewery), producing local craft beer (brown ale, blond ale, and pilsner). Non-alcoholic flavored juice packages are also offered.
Note: Tuddal Høyfjellshotell is open all year, and you can enjoy meals in the restaurant without being an overnight guest. Reservations are highly recommended at least 24 hours in advance.
Gildehallen: Norwegian Farmhouse Fare
Also located at Tuddal Høyfjellshotell is Gildehallen, a café with a pleasant atmosphere focusing on traditional Norwegian food and husmannskost. Specialties include the Telemarksfe-burger (Telemark Cattle burger) and rømmegrøt (sour cream porridge).
- Location: Gildehallen is the perfect place to conclude a walk around the Kjerringstein Trail, which starts and ends just below the hotel.
- Seasonal: From November until Christmas, a delicious traditional Christmas plate is served, featuring pork ribs, meat cakes, and sausages made from pork sourced locally from Løndal in Tuddal and Rørtveit Gard in Flatdal.
- Hours: Gildehallen is open Friday to Sunday year-round, with extended opening hours during summer, autumn, Christmas, winter, and Easter holidays.
The Bakery and Zakkæus Landhandel
Across the yard from the hotel, you will find the bakery, where the hotel’s very popular flatbread and crispbread are made.
Visit Zakkæus Landhandel (General Store) for a selection of fine delicacies, house-made food products, and beer from Fjellbryggeriet. You can purchase fresh bread, crispbread, flatbread, coffee, tea, and other tempting goods. The store is named after Zakkæus, who, with his wife Gudrun, were the first-generation operators of Tuddal Høyfjellshotell.
Stavsrohytta: Fueling Your Hike to Mount Gaustatoppen
If you are one of the many visitors hiking Mount Gaustatoppen, nothing beats a well-deserved bite after a great mountain trek. Stavsro is the most popular starting point, and here you will find Stavsrohytta, owned and operated by Tuddal Høyfjellshotell.
Menu: Enjoy rømmegrøt (with or without cured meats), lapskaus (stew) with bread, Telemarksfe-burger, waffles, and more. Try the homemade bread and baked goods from the Tuddal Høyfjellshotell bakery.
Hours: Stavsrohytta is open every weekend from mid-June to mid-September. During peak season (July–August), the cabin is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Bøen Gatekjøkken: Local Pizza and Fast Food
In the heart of Tuddal, Bøen Gatekjøkken (Bøen Street Food) is a popular gathering spot for locals, cabin owners, and tourists.
- Specialty: The pizzas here are named after well-known places in Tuddal!
- Menu: They also serve hamburgers, fish and chips, nuggets, hot dogs, French fries, steak platters, and more.
- Tradition: Bøen Gatekjøkken also serves traditional homemade husmannskost every Sunday. They offer catering and venue rental.
- Summer: Enjoy your meal on the great outdoor terrace with views of Bjårvatn lake and the surrounding nature.
Nordbø Gard og Stule: Elite Milk and Mountain Fare
Nordbø Gard og Stule is nestled in the hills of beautiful Hjartdalsbygda, renowned for its lush cultural landscape. Learn how farm products are made and how the art of cooking has been passed down for generations.
- Setermat: Every summer, you can experience authentic mountain farm life, where cows graze freely and milk is processed into cheese, butter, sour cream, and prim.
- Recognition: In 2022, Nordbø Gard og Stule was honored with a "Sølvtine" (Silver Churn) for supplying elite milk continuously for 18 years.
- Products: All Nordbø products are for sale at the farm, at Meny in Seljord, and Spar in Sauland.
- Hours: Bjordal Stule is open seasonally from June to August, daily from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Tjønnås Økogård: Organic Delights in Nature
Located 15 minutes from Saulandstunet, TjønnåsEcological farm offers accommodation and exciting cultural experiences.
- Cuisine: Meals are prepared with love and care for organic ingredients, using traditional methods. Enjoy pinnekjøtt (ribs), fenalår (cured lamb leg), sausages, and flatbread made on the farm.
- Experience: Participate in gathering ingredients for your meal, such as fresh eggs from free-range hens and berries from the forest.
- Products: Honey, yarn, and baked goods are available for purchase.
- Booking: Tjønnås Økogård is open for booking all year round.
Holm Landhandel: A Taste of Local History
Along the Sogevegen via Nutheim in Hjartdal, visit Holm Landhandel, an authentic general store that has historically been a central meeting place.
- Local Products: Purchase local goods like sheepskins from Funnerfellen, yarn from Telespinn in Svartdal, dairy products from Nordbø Gard, honey from Haatveit Nordre, and many other exciting items.
- Café: Enjoy views of the Hjartdal cultural landscape with freshly baked waffles and a delicious cup of coffee.
Grocery Stores in Hjartdal, Tuddal, and Sauland
The region is a popular outdoor area with nearly 2,500 cabins and short distances to many of Telemark's major attractions.
Joker Tuddal: Located in Tuddal center, this is a 24-hour, partly self-service grocery store.
Spar Saulandstunet: Features a fresh food counter and a wide selection of freshly baked bread, fruits, and vegetables.
Shell Sauland: Located near Saulandstunet, offering fast food sales.
Joker in Hjartdal: Another grocery option in the municipality.
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