As I’ve traveled through Norway over the years, few places have captured my heart quite like Levanger. This charming town, nestled along the scenic shores of the Trondheim Fjord, is not only known for its rich cultural history and beautiful landscapes but also for its exceptional local products. Whether you’re in search of a unique souvenir or a special gift to bring home, Levanger offers plenty of treasures that are perfect for remembering your Norwegian adventure.
If you’re anything like me, you’ll find that shopping for local products is one of the best ways to truly experience the culture of a destination. From locally crafted goods to delicious food products, Levanger is full of hidden gems. So, let me take you on a shopping journey through Levanger, where I’ll share ten fantastic items you should consider bringing back with you. Each one tells the story of this small yet vibrant town and will serve as a lasting memory of your trip.
1. Traditional Norwegian Wool Products
One of the best things about Levanger is its connection to traditional Norwegian craftsmanship, especially when it comes to wool. Norway has a rich history of textile production, and the country’s wool products are renowned for their quality and warmth.
In Levanger, you’ll find a variety of wool items that make perfect souvenirs. From knitted sweaters to scarves, mittens, and hats, these products are not only practical for colder climates but are also beautiful pieces of Norwegian culture. Many local shops offer handcrafted wool goods, often made by artisans using traditional techniques passed down through generations.
I highly recommend visiting local boutiques like Levanger Husflidslag for unique woolen products. These cozy items will not only keep you warm but also remind you of the craftsmanship of the people who call Levanger home. You can find everything from simple scarves to intricately patterned sweaters and even the famous Norwegian “Lusekofte” sweaters.
2. Handmade Wooden Crafts
Norway is known for its rich woodworking tradition, and Levanger is no exception. As you stroll through the town, you’ll notice a variety of shops selling handmade wooden crafts. These items are perfect for anyone looking to bring home a piece of Norwegian artistry.
One of the most popular items to purchase is wooden spoons or carved figurines, which showcase the delicate craftsmanship of Levanger’s artisans. You’ll find intricately carved wooden animals, such as reindeer or bears, and even beautifully crafted totem poles inspired by the country’s indigenous Sami culture. These handcrafted pieces are not only stunning works of art but also serve as meaningful reminders of the connection between the people of Levanger and their natural surroundings.
For those interested in high-quality woodworking, Lindseth Trearbeid in Levanger is a must-visit. It’s a family-run business with a long tradition of crafting unique wooden goods, from kitchen utensils to decorative items, all made from locally sourced wood.
3. Norwegian Honey and Jams
If you’re looking for something that speaks to Norway’s natural beauty and its culinary traditions, then look no further than local honey and fruit jams. Levanger, with its lush landscapes and proximity to nature, is home to some of the best honey and jams you’ll ever taste.
Norwegian honey is often made from the nectar of wildflowers found in the fjords and mountains, giving it a unique flavor that is far different from what you might find elsewhere. The “fjellhonning” (mountain honey) is particularly renowned for its rich, floral taste, and you can often find it in local shops and farmer’s markets.
I also recommend picking up local jams made from wild berries like cloudberries, lingonberries, and blueberries. These jams pair wonderfully with Norwegian bread or can be enjoyed on their own as a sweet treat. A jar of these delicious preserves is a perfect gift for anyone who loves to cook or enjoys high-quality, natural products.
You can find these products in local stores such as Levanger Delikatesser, which specializes in showcasing regional food products.
4. Norwegian Ceramics and Pottery
Norwegian ceramics are a great way to bring home a practical yet beautiful piece of Levanger. The pottery in this region is deeply inspired by the landscape and the colors of nature, with many artists using earthy tones and natural motifs in their designs. Whether it’s a hand-painted ceramic mug, a decorative plate, or a unique vase, you’ll find a wide array of beautifully crafted pottery in Levanger.
What’s amazing about buying ceramics in Levanger is that many of the pieces are made by local artisans, ensuring that every item has its own distinctive look and feel. Many of these shops also offer classes and workshops where you can try your hand at pottery, making it an unforgettable experience.
Kulturhuset Levanger offers a wide range of locally made ceramics, perfect for those who want something beautiful to remind them of their visit.
5. Norwegian Beer and Spirits
Norway has a long tradition of brewing, and Levanger is home to some fantastic local craft beers and spirits. If you’re someone who enjoys tasting the local beverages wherever you travel, then you’ll find that Levanger offers some unique options that you won’t easily find elsewhere.
The Levanger Bryggeri is a local craft brewery known for its artisanal beers, brewed with the finest ingredients from the surrounding region. You can pick up a bottle or two of their finest brews to take home, or even visit the brewery to learn more about the brewing process.
If you’re interested in spirits, be sure to check out Nordic Moon Distillery, which produces small-batch gin and aquavit infused with local herbs and spices. These beverages make for excellent gifts or personal treats and allow you to bring a taste of Levanger back home.
6. Sami-Inspired Jewelry
Levanger, and Norway as a whole, has a rich connection to its indigenous Sami people, and one of the best ways to take a piece of that culture home is through Sami-inspired jewelry. The Sami are known for their traditional silver jewelry, which often features intricate patterns and designs inspired by nature and their nomadic way of life.
Look for silver brooches, pendants, and earrings that feature reindeer antlers or designs inspired by the Northern Lights. These pieces are not only beautiful but also carry deep cultural significance.
You’ll find Sami-inspired jewelry in many local artisan shops, including Nordic Jewels Levanger, which specializes in unique, handcrafted designs. Each piece is a stunning tribute to the Sami heritage and makes for a meaningful, one-of-a-kind souvenir.
7. Norwegian Knives
A Norwegian knife is not just a tool—it’s a work of art. Levanger, with its rich craftsmanship tradition, is home to a number of local knife makers who create beautiful, functional pieces. These knives, often hand-forged with locally sourced steel, are ideal for anyone who appreciates traditional craftsmanship.
A Sami knife with intricate designs on the handle, often made from antler, wood, or bone, is a particularly popular choice. These knives are perfect for collectors or those who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking or fishing.
For an authentic experience, visit Håndverkskniv Levanger, where you can find high-quality knives made by local artisans.
8. Norwegian Wool Blankets
Another quintessential Norwegian product to bring home from Levanger is a cozy, warm wool blanket. Made from the finest Norwegian wool, these blankets are perfect for curling up on a cold winter’s night.
The designs of these blankets are often inspired by Norway’s landscapes, with patterns that mimic the fjords, mountains, and forests of the region. Whether you choose a classic wool throw or a heavier blanket for the coldest of nights, you can be sure that these high-quality blankets will bring comfort to your home.
Visit Levanger Wool and Textiles to explore a wide range of locally made blankets.
9. Norwegian Christmas Decorations
If you’re lucky enough to visit Levanger during the holiday season, you’ll be in for a real treat. Levanger is known for its handmade Christmas decorations, which range from rustic wooden ornaments to delicate hand-blown glass baubles. These decorations are perfect for adding a touch of Norwegian charm to your Christmas tree or holiday décor.
From Sami-inspired ornaments to those adorned with reindeer, snowflakes, and other wintery motifs, these decorations are a lovely reminder of Norway’s winter wonderland. They make perfect gifts, especially for those who enjoy celebrating Christmas in a traditional style.
Check out the Levanger Christmas Market, where you’ll find plenty of these beautiful decorations, as well as other handmade gifts.
10. Norwegian Herbal Products
For those interested in natural health products, Levanger offers an array of herbal goods that are made from plants native to the region. From essential oils to herbal teas, these products offer a slice of Levanger’s natural beauty and are perfect for anyone looking to bring a bit of Norwegian wellness home with them.
The local shops around Levanger sell a variety of natural remedies, skincare products, and herbal teas. Many of these items are handmade and infused with the essence of the surrounding landscape. You can pick up a bottle of wildflower honey, lavender oil, or cloudberry-infused lotion, all of which will help you relive the essence of Levanger long after you’ve left.
You can find these products at local stores like Levanger Apothecary, where they offer a wide selection of wellness products crafted from the region’s natural ingredients.
Where to Book Your Levanger Travel
To make your trip to Levanger even more seamless, there are some fantastic platforms for booking flights, accommodations, and activities.
For accommodation, I recommend Booking.com for a wide variety of options, from cozy local inns to luxurious resorts. If you prefer a more local and unique experience, check out Airbnb for cabin rentals and guesthouses in the heart of Levanger.
For flights, consider using platforms like Skyscanner or Momondo to compare prices and find the best deals on flights to Trondheim Airport, just a short drive from Levanger.
For activities and tours, GetYourGuide offers plenty of options for guided hikes, local food tours, and even visits to nearby attractions.
Levanger offers an incredible array of local products that truly capture the essence of Norwegian culture and nature. Whether you’re bringing home traditional woolen goods, handmade pottery, or natural products, each item tells the story of this picturesque town and the people who call it home. I hope this guide helps you find the perfect souvenirs to remind you of your time in Levanger, a place that has truly captured my heart.
