For Oslo bakeries, Fastelavn is a weekend of war. This year, we tried six different shops — given the limited time and resources (including our BMI — you know, this is a bolle one eats before the fasting season), we could only visit the shops we found most interesting. Understandably, there are many other shops we would also love to try — that will be the task for 2027.
Needless to say, the following ranking reflects only our preferences. We would like to point out that, in addition to taste, flavours and ingredients, we also took accessibility and prices into consideration. As you will see, in order to strike a balance, we tried both bakeries in the city centre and a couple further away from the centre.
6. Gladbakst
75 NOK
One of the most popular independent bakeries in Oslo, Gladbakst features pastries with very rich butter flavours without losing the finer touches. This year, we tried their Fastelavn croissant — the self-explanatory name suggests it’s a croissant, not a bolle. It’s quite common and popular in Copenhagen, but still not so easy to find in Oslo. It may be a bit like comparing apples and pears, but if you prefer the texture of a croissant, you should definitely give it a try. Available in many cafés across the city, including Supreme Roastworks and Kiosk! (where you can also find our book).
Fastlavns-croissant Fastlavns-croissant Fastlavns-croissant
5. Ille Brød
70 NOK
Ille Brød made three different varieties this year: one semla, one with blueberries and one with raspberries. We tried the semla and the raspberry one. In general, the buns from Ille Brød have a dense texture — the semla was borderline being a bit too dry. We preferred the raspberry one, as the bun has a clear and deep sourdough flavour, something of Ille Brød’s signature. The semla, on the other hand, reminded us slightly of bread.
Click here to read more about Ille Brød
Fastlavnsbolle with raspberry
4. Lovinda
50 NOK
A lovely bakery located in Nordstrand next to a church and graveyard. Not the easiest place to reach from the city centre, but definitely worth the trip. Their fastelavnsbolle had the densest texture of the six shops we tried, and therefore the strongest homemade character. Yet you can still detect a touch of finesse. Mind you, despite its location, the fastelavnsbolle here costs only 50 NOK, the cheapest of all.
3. Credo
70 NOK
There are many things to like about Credo — delicate and balanced flavours hidden behind a deliberately simple style — and that includes their fastelavnsbolle. A solid bun, tasty cream and good-quality raspberry jam. The bakery makes it its mission to modernise traditional Norwegian pastries, and fastelavnsboller certainly fall within its remit. If you are looking for a refined take on the traditional Norwegian fastelavnsbolle, Credo should not be missed.
2. Fåbro Gård
69 NOK
Fåbro started making semla almost immediately at the beginning of the new year — a feast that was simply prolonged. Very delicate and sophisticated flavours, topped with light and airy cream. Fåbro delivers almost the textbook example of a good semla one can find across Scandinavia.
Click here to read more about Fåbro Gård
1. The Little Pickle
65 NOK
It was a difficult decision to rank The Little Pickle above Fåbro, but given the accessibility and price, we had to make a deliberate choice. The semla from The Little Pickle contains large chunks of almond, creating an interesting contrast with the light and fluffy bun. If you are sticking to the city centre, head to The Little Pickle — you won’t regret it, provided you arrive before they sell out.
Click here to read more about The Little Pickle
