Ulvik: Cider Flight with 4 Types of Cider or Apple Juice

If you’re heading to Norway’s stunning Vestland County and looking for an authentic, flavorful experience, a visit to Syse Gard offers a charming way to explore local tastes. This cider and apple juice tasting tour is a perfect blend of flavor, scenery, and local culture — all within an hour’s window. It’s especially appealing to travelers wanting a relaxing, delicious break from sightseeing, with the bonus of spectacular views over the fjord.

What we love about this experience is how it combines educational presentation with authentic local products in a picturesque setting. The chance to sip on your chosen drinks outside on the terrace, with views of the fjord, makes this tour stand out. However, it’s worth noting that the tour is relatively short—just an hour—so don’t expect a comprehensive cider-making workshop. Still, it’s a lovely, casual way to get a taste of Norway’s cider craftsmanship.

This experience is a good fit for those who appreciate local food and drink, want a small-group, private experience, and are eager to enjoy spectacular natural scenery. It’s suitable for adults and older children but not recommended for very young kids or those with mobility issues. If you’re after a relaxed, authentic flavor experience with great photo opportunities, this is a solid choice.

Key Points

• Authentic tasting of 4 local ciders or apple juices with detailed presentation
• Spectacular views from the terrace overlooking the fjord
• Flexible options to enjoy drinks inside or outside
• Educational insights into the flavors and production process
• Short, accessible experience perfect for a quick cultural break
• Suitable for private groups and travelers with mobility considerations

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Calm, Tasty Introduction to Norway’s Apple & Cider Scene

This tour at Syse Gard in Ulvik offers a laid-back yet enriching way to connect with local Norwegian flavors. With just an hour to spare, you’ll get to sample four different types of cider or apple juice, each with its own unique profile. The experience is designed to be informative without being overly technical, perfect for travelers who want to understand what makes each drink special while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.

The setting itself makes the experience worthwhile: a farm shop nestled in a lush landscape, overlooking the stunning fjord, with a summer cafe that’s open from June to August. The views are genuinely breathtaking, and the outdoor terrace offers a peaceful spot to sip your drinks while soaking in the nature.

One of the highlights is the presentation of each product—you learn what to look for in aroma, acidity, and flavor, which enhances the tasting experience. The staff’s friendly and knowledgeable approach makes it easy to ask questions and deepen your appreciation for Norway’s craft beverages.

A potential drawback is that the duration is brief—just an hour—so if you’re after an in-depth tour or a hands-on cider-making experience, this might fall short. But for those who value quality over quantity, it’s a lovely, laid-back introduction.

This tour suits wine or cider enthusiasts, food lovers, and those seeking a relaxing, scenic experience. It’s especially great for travelers who want a taste of local culture without a lengthy commitment. It’s also an ideal way to break up a busy day of sightseeing or cruise activities.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The experience begins at the farm shop, where you’ll meet your guide and get a brief overview of the farm’s history and its focus on fruit products and traditionally processed lamb meat. From there, you’ll move to the tasting area, either inside or outside, depending on the weather. The guide will introduce each of the four drinks, explaining their origins, flavor profiles, and what makes them unique.

The Cider Flight

You’ll start with the “Aroma” cider, noted for its balanced acidity and fresh, delicate fruit. This is a good opener, especially if you enjoy a cider with a subtle complexity. Following this, the “Kjedlar” cider offers a slightly bitter aftertaste and good length, providing a more robust flavor profile.

Next comes the “Sumar” cider, which balances fresh acidity with a delicate fruit character. Its moderate alcohol content makes it approachable for most palates. For the more adventurous, the “Mont” cider adds a twist — with rhubarb and raspberry, it promises an exciting, slightly tart flavor experience.

Apple Juice Options

For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, the tour provides four types of apple juice. The “Aroma” apple juice is medium-bodied with an aromatic flavor, perfect for those seeking a refreshing, non-alcoholic drink. The “Gravestein” is full-bodied, sweet, with a hint of acidity—a classic apple juice with depth. The “Summered” offers a dry, aromatic profile, great for palate cleansing. Lastly, the “Summered w/ Cherries” adds a fruity twist for an exciting flavor experience.

More Great Tours Nearby

Flexibility in Enjoying the Experience

After the presentation, you can choose to relax on the terrace, enjoying the views and your drinks, or settle indoors in the cozy dining room. This flexibility ensures that weather conditions won’t spoil your experience, and you can enjoy your tasting in comfort.

What Travelers Say

Reviewers highlight the informative presentation as a big plus, with comments like, “The guide explained everything clearly and made the drinks really come alive.” The spectacular setting also gets high marks—“The view from the terrace is unforgettable, and it makes the tasting even more enjoyable.”

Some mention the short duration—“It’s a quick stop, but very worthwhile”—which suggests this experience works best as part of a broader itinerary. The private group setting is appreciated for its intimacy and personalized attention.

The Value of This Experience

While the price reflects a focused, one-hour tasting, the value lies in the quality of the products, the local craftsmanship, and the scenic surroundings. It’s a straightforward, enjoyable way to learn about Norway’s fruit and cider traditions without committing to a full farm tour or lengthy tasting.

You’re paying for a personalized experience with a knowledgeable host, and the included presentation enhances your appreciation of each drink. If you’re traveling in the summer months, the outdoor setting makes this even more appealing.

Practical Tips for Visitors

• Reserve in advance to secure a spot, especially during peak summer months.
• Check the weather forecast, so you can opt to sit outside on the terrace for the best views.
• Since it’s a private group experience, group size is limited, ensuring personalized attention.
• The tour is not suitable for children under 10 or travelers with mobility issues, as it’s a short, seated experience.
• Transportation is not included, so plan your route accordingly—Syse Gard is best accessed by car or arranged transport.
• The farm shop also offers other local fruit products and traditionally processed lamb meat, which could make for a nice additional visit.

The Sum Up

This cider and apple juice tasting at Syse Gard in Ulvik offers a warm, scenic, and educational glimpse into Norway’s fruit and beverage traditions. Its spectacular fjord views and personalized presentation create an inviting atmosphere for anyone eager to connect with local flavors. The experience is accessible, relaxed, and focused on quality, making it an ideal stop for food lovers, scenic enthusiasts, and those wanting a taste of authentic Norwegian craftsmanship.

While it’s a brief experience, its value lies in the quality of the product, the scenic setting, and the friendly guidance. Perfect for travelers seeking an authentic, low-key activity that complements Norway’s stunning natural beauty. Whether you’re sipping cider on the terrace or learning about apple varieties, this is a charming way to spend an hour in Ulvik.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 10 years old, mainly because of the tasting focus and adult-oriented drinks.

Can I enjoy the drinks outside?
Yes, you have the option to enjoy your drinks outside on the terrace overlooking the fjord, which many reviews praise for the stunning scenery.

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts approximately 1 hour, making it a quick and manageable activity during a day of sightseeing.

What languages are spoken?
The tour is conducted in Norwegian and English, making it accessible for most international visitors.

Is transportation included?
No, transportation to Syse Gard is not included. Visitors should plan to arrive by car or arrange other transport options.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility in planning.

This tasting experience at Syse Gard isn’t just about the drinks — it’s an opportunity to slow down, enjoy Norway’s beautiful scenery, and learn about local traditions in a friendly, relaxed setting. Perfect for a short break that leaves you with a little more insight into Norwegian craftsmanship and a handful of memorable flavors.

You can check availability for your dates here: