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The Best Cider Producers in Norway Photo: Siv Dolmen
Extraordinary cider from the heart of Fjord Norway At an idyllic location in Sørfjorden, one of the innermost branches of the spectacular Hardangerfjord, Lofthus Sideri is building on the proud legacy of local agriculture traditions. Here, four friends are making delicious juice and cider from hand-picked apples of the highest quality.
brought the impressive local heritage to new heights by launching juice based on high-quality apples from Lofthus, followed by the addition of cider in 2018.
By Maria Sødal Vole
“We are committed and passionate fruit farmers – it’s truly a lifestyle,” says Ivar, managing director, who represents the 9th generation of his family to farm in Lofthus. “There are long-standing traditions of apple farming at Lofthus and in Hardanger, and we’re proud to be part of it.”
Hardanger is renowned for its ideal conditions for growing fruit and long history of making apple cider. English monks began growing apples and making cider in Hardanger as far back as the 13th century, and cider making competitions have been held in the area since the 1700s. All along the magnificent fjord, charming old fruit farms cling to the steep mountainsides. The area is known as the fruit orchard of Norway, and apple juices and ciders from Hardanger are considered to be some of the best in the world. Lofthus Sideri is the joint venture of four childhood friends whose families have run farms in the area for centuries. Fruit farmers Ivar Eidnes, Halldor Gjernes 58 | Issue 168 |
July 2024
Lofthus, Halldor Elling Eidnes and Åsmund Eidnes Nedrevåg have continued the work that their ancestors have been doing for generations. In 2008, they Photo: Ivar Eidnes
Keeping proud traditions alive Lofthus Sideri combines generations of specialised knowledge and experience with modern methods to create extraordinary drinks. 70% of the apples produced at the four farms are cultivated for consumption, while the remaining 30% goes into the team’s juices and ciders. The expansive fruit fields carry seven different varieties of apples, and each variety has its own unique qualities and characteristics. The close-knit team