Festival of Slovenian Film – Portorož 2025

Background & History

The Norwegian Rakfisk Festival, held annually in Fagernes, Valdres, since 1993, is one of Norway’s largest food festivals, celebrating the traditional delicacy of rakfisk—semi-fermented trout or char. Originating from a modest event in December 1990, initiated by Reidar Dieserud and Eivind Fossheim, it has grown into a major cultural event attracting 30,000–40,000 visitors over three days.

Owned by the Fagernes Chamber of Commerce, the festival promotes Norwegian food culture, particularly Rakfisk from Valdres, a protected geographical indication since 2006. With over 100 exhibitors, it features local food, handicrafts, and concerts, generating around NOK 40 million (~$3.8 million USD) for the region. A professional jury awards the best rakfisk annually, a tradition since 1990.

Event Highlights

• Main Program: Over 100 exhibitors along the Rakfisk Trail, offering rakfisk, local foods, and handicrafts (October 30–November 1, 2025). Evening concerts in the Big Tent and Lavvoen feature artists like Vassendgutane, Kjartan Lauritzen, and The September When.
• Rakfisk Tasting: Dedicated tasting tent with the annual “Best Rakfisk” award (November 1, 14:30, Rakfisk Tent).
• Concert Venues: Three arenas—Big Tent (Fagernesparken), Lavvoen, and Rakfisk Tent—host live music, from folk to rock (e.g., Bare Egil Band, JT Lauritsen & The Buckshot Hunters).
• Local Food Restaurant: Offers rakfisk dishes and other Norwegian specialties (opens daily at 11:00).
• Cultural Significance: Celebrates Valdres’ culinary heritage, with 13–15 tons of rakfisk sold over the festival.
• Accessibility: Most venues in Fagernes city center are step-free; HC parking available. Contact info@rakfisk.no for specific needs.
• Eco-Initiatives: Promotes public transport (festival buses from Valdres destinations), digital programs, and recycling.

Date & Duration

• Dates: October 30–November 1, 2025 (confirmed). Duration: 3 days.
• Hours (based on user-provided schedule):
  • Rakfisk Trail: 10:00–18:00 daily.
  • Local Food Restaurant: 11:00–18:00 daily.
  • Lavvoen: 19:00–01:00 (Thursday–Saturday).
  • Big Tent: 19:00–01:00 (Friday–Saturday, daytime events Saturday 11:00–17:00).
  • Rakfisk Tent: 11:00–15:00 (Saturday).
• Note: October weather (30–40°F, rain/snow possible); bring waterproof jackets, warm layers. Full schedule at rakfisk.no (October 2025).

Main Event Address

• Venues (Fagernes city center, walkable):
  • Rakfisk Trail: Fagernes sentrum, along Valdresvegen, 2900 Fagernes (outdoor market, step-free).
  • Big Tent: Fagernesparken, near Valdresvegen 6 (main concert venue, temporary structure).
  • Lavvoen: Near Fagernesparken (smaller tent, evening events).
  • Rakfisk Tent: Fagernes sentrum (tasting and awards, step-free).
• Administrative Contact: Rakfisk Festival, Valdresvegen 6, 2900 Fagernes, Norway; info@rakfisk.no; (+47) 917-10-803 (no SMS, Mon–Fri, 9:00–16:00).
• Festival General: Håvard Halvorsen, (+47) 99-03-75-00, generalen@rakfisk.no.
• Note: Public transport: Festival buses from Valdres destinations (~NOK 100–300, ~$9.50–$28.50 USD, book via nor-way.no). Valdresekspressen from Oslo (~3 hours, ~NOK 400, ~$38 USD). Limited parking (~NOK 100/day, ~$9.50 USD); HC parking is free near Valdresvegen 6. Bicycle racks (~10 spaces, free).

Contact Information

• Email: info@rakfisk.no (general inquiries); generalen@rakfisk.no (Festival General).
• Phone: (+47) 917-10-803 (no SMS, Mon–Fri, 9:00–16:00); Håvard Halvorsen (+47) 99-03-75-00.
• Website: https://rakfisk.no
• Social Media: @Rakfiskfestivalen (Facebook).
• Key Staff:
  • Festival General: Håvard Halvorsen (generalen@rakfisk.no).
• Press/Volunteers: Contact info@rakfisk.no (deadline September 2025).
• Note: Response time ~24–48 hours. Volunteer inquiries via info@rakfisk.no.

Ticket Information

• Admission: Prices not fully announced. Based on prior years and sources:
  • Single Tickets: ~NOK 200–600 (~$19–$57 USD, speculative, for concerts, e.g., Etterraken, November 1, 19:00, Big Tent).
  • Wristbands: Required for concert entry, exchanged at Fagernes Turistkontor (Valdresvegen 6) or venue entrances. Non-transferable for age verification (19+ for evening concerts).
  • Rakfisk Trail & Tasting: Free entry; food purchases separate (~NOK 50–200 per dish, ~$4.80–$19 USD).
  • Note: A resale listing for Etterraken at $3,684 USD is likely an error; disregard.
• Ticket Range:
  • NOK: ~200–600 (speculative, concert tickets).
  • USD: ~$19–$57 (based on 1 NOK ≈ $0.095 USD, mid-2025).
• How to Buy:
  • Online: rakfisk.no or ticketmaster.no (opens ~September 2025). Wristbands are activated electronically.
  • In-Person: Fagernes Turistkontor (Valdresvegen 6, opens October 2025, ~9:00–16:00, cash/card); Kitch’n (Fagernes Kjøpesenter); or venue entrances (card preferred).
• Note: Non-refundable (speculative, festival norm). Wristbands non-transferable. Mobile tickets accepted. Group discounts TBD (contact info@rakfisk.no). Avoid unofficial resellers.

Cultural Experience

The Rakfisk Festival transforms Fagernes into a vibrant celebration of Norwegian culinary heritage, centered on rakfisk, a fermented fish delicacy with roots in the Middle Ages. The Rakfisk Trail, a bustling street market, offers tastings of Rakfisk from Valdres, a protected delicacy, alongside local cheeses, meats, and handicrafts like wool socks.

Evening concerts in the Big Tent and Lavvoen blend Norwegian folk, rock, and pop, creating a lively atmosphere. Culinary highlights include rakfisk with flatbread, sour cream, and potatoes (~NOK 100–200, ~$9.50–$19 USD). Set in Valdres’ scenic valley, the festival reflects Norway’s rural traditions and community spirit.

Food & Drinks

• Venue Stalls: Rakfisk, flatbread, cheeses, cured meats, soups (~NOK 50–200, ~$4.80–$19 USD). Drinks: coffee, soda (~NOK 30–80, ~$2.85–$7.60 USD), beer, aquavit (~NOK 100–200, ~$9.50–$19 USD, 19+).
• Local Food Restaurant (Fagernesparken): Rakfisk dishes, Norwegian specialties (~NOK 100–300, ~$9.50–$28.50 USD).
• Nearby Dining (Fagernes):
  • Fagernes Kafé (Valdresvegen 5, soups, sandwiches, $5–$15 USD, 2-minute walk).
  • Munkekroen (Valdresvegen 17, rakfisk plates, $10–$20 USD, 5-minute walk).
  • Quality Hotel & Resort Fagernes (Jernbanevegen 26, full meals, $15–$30 USD, 7-minute walk).
• Note: Card preferred; cash (NOK) for small vendors. No outside food/drinks. Water stations at Big Tent/Rakfisk Tent.

Family & Accessibility

• Family-Friendly: Rakfisk Trail and daytime events open to all ages. Evening concerts 19+ unless specified; under 16s need supervision. No dedicated children’s program.
• Accessibility: Fagernes city center venues (Rakfisk Trail, tents) are step-free. HC parking near Valdresvegen 6. Limited HC toilets (contact info@rakfisk.no). Festival buses are accessible (book via nor-way.no). Contact info@rakfisk.no for specific needs.

Getting There

• By Air: Oslo Airport Gardermoen (OSL, 190 km, ~3-hour drive, $50–$100 USD taxi). Valdresekspressen bus (~NOK 400, ~$38 USD, 3 hours, nor-way.no).
• Public Transport:
  • Bus: Valdresekspressen (Oslo to Fagernes, ~NOK 400, 3 hours). Festival buses from Valdres destinations (~NOK 100–300, ~$9.50–$28.50 USD).
  • Local: JVB festival buses from Valdres cabins (book via nor-way.no).
• By Car: E16 to Fagernes (~190 km from Oslo). Limited parking (~NOK 100/day, ~$9.50 USD); HC parking free near Valdresvegen 6. Carpool advised.
• By Foot/Bike: Walkable venues (Rakfisk Trail to Big Tent, 5 minutes). Bicycle racks (~10 spaces, free).
• By Taxi/Rideshare: Fagernes Taxi (+47-61-36-00-00, $5–$15 USD). No Bolt in Fagernes.

Program Details

• October 2025: Full program at rakfisk.no.
• October 30:
  • Rakfisk Trail: 12:00–18:00 (food stalls, Fagernes sentrum).
  • Local Food Restaurant: 11:00–18:00 (Fagernesparken).
  • Lavvoen: 19:00–23:59 (Bare Egil Band 20:00, Strandingarne 22:00).
• October 31:
  • Rakfisk Trail: 10:00–18:00.
  • Local Food Restaurant: 10:00–18:00.
  • Lavvoen: 10:00–01:00 (Two Fools and a Piano 11:00–11:45, 14:00–15:00; Anne Fagermo 12:00–12:45, 15:15–16:15; Tumblin Dice 13:00–13:45, 18:00–19:15; Van Ravens 16:30–17:30).
  • Big Tent: 19:00–01:00 (Glimmer Twins 19:45–21:00, Van Ravens 21:15–22:15, JT Lauritsen & The Buckshot Hunters 22:35–00:20).
  • Rakfisk Tent: 11:00–15:00 (Shine 19:30).
• November 1:
  • Rakfisk Trail: 10:00–18:00.
  • Local Food Restaurant: 10:00–18:00.
  • Lavvoen: 10:00–01:00 (Two Fools and a Piano 11:00–11:45, 14:00–15:00; JT Lauritsen & The Buckshot Hunters 12:00–12:45, 15:15–16:15; Split Pine 13:00–13:45, 18:00–19:15; Glimmer Twins 16:30–17:30).
  • Big Tent: 11:00–17:00 (daytime: Hillbabies 14:00; Funkytown 15:00), 19:00–01:00 (Etterraken: Hillbabies 19:45–21:00, Glimmer Twins 21:15–22:15, The September When 22:35–00:20).
  • Rakfisk Tent: 11:00–15:00 (Best Rakfisk award 14:30).
• Note: Evening concerts 19+. English/Norwegian signage. Wristbands are required for concerts. Check rakfisk.no for updates.

Past Notable Features

• 2024: Featured artists like Staut and Julie Bergan. Sold 13 tons of rakfisk.
• 2009: Consumed 3 tons of rakfisk, highlighting growth.
• 1993: Fagernes Chamber of Commerce took over, expanding outdoor events.
• 1990: First event with “Best Rakfisk” award at Fagernes Hotel.

Educational Impact

• Cultural Learning: Promotes rakfisk’s historical significance (traced to 1348) and Valdres’ culinary traditions. Tasting tent educates on fermentation techniques.
• Community Engagement: Engages local producers and artisans, fostering regional pride. Jury selection process highlights expertise in food quality.
• Historical Context: Reflects Norway’s medieval preservation methods, with Valdres as the modern rakfisk hub.

Cultural Activities

• Rakfisk Trail: Outdoor market with 100+ stalls (food, handicrafts, 10:00–18:00 daily).
• Tasting Tent: Rakfisk sampling, Best Rakfisk award (November 1, 14:30).
• Concerts: Folk, rock, pop in Big Tent and Lavvoen (e.g., Vassendgutane, Kjartan Lauritzen, November 1).
• Local Food Restaurant: Rakfisk and Norwegian dishes (11:00–18:00 daily).

Travel Tips

• Book Early: Tickets expected on sale ~September 2025 (rakfisk.no). Hotels fill in October; book 6–12 months (e.g., Quality Hotel Fagernes). Festival buses via nor-way.no.
• Weather Prep: 30–40°F, rain/snow possible; bring waterproof jackets, warm layers.
• Explore Locally: Valdres Folk Museum ($10 USD, 10-minute walk), Fagernes Skysstasjon (free, 5-minute walk), Valdres Alpinsenter ($20 USD, 10-minute drive).
• Transport: Use Valdresekspressen or festival buses. Walkable venues. Avoid driving due to limited parking.
• Crowd Tips: Arrive early for the Best Rakfisk award (November 1, 14:30). The Daytime Rakfisk Trail is less crowded than evening concerts.

Local Attractions

• Valdres Folk Museum: Jernbanevegen 28 ($10 USD, 10-minute walk).
• Fagernes Skysstasjon: Valdresvegen 7 (free, 5-minute walk).
• Valdres Alpinsenter: Tyinvegen 44 ($20 USD, 10-minute drive).
• Tisleifjorden Lake: Free (15-minute drive, scenic walks).
• Fagernes Church: Kirkevegen 1 (free, 7-minute walk).

Accommodation Options

• Hotels:
  • Quality Hotel & Resort Fagernes (Jernbanevegen 26, $80–$150 USD/night, 7-minute walk).
  • Scandic Valdres (Jernbanevegen 22, $90–$160 USD/night, 5-minute walk).
• B&Bs: Fagernes Bed & Breakfast (Valdresvegen 10, $60–$120 USD/night, 3-minute walk).
• Cabins: Valdres Camping ($50–$100 USD/night, 10-minute drive, festival bus access).
• Note: Book early for October; limited availability. Discounts via rakfisk.no (speculative).

Safety & Health Measures

• Medical Support: First aid at Fagernesparken; Nord-Aurdal Hospital (10-minute drive).
• Security: Bag checks at concert tents; no glass bottles. Info points for lost items.
• Health Protocols: Sanitizer stations; masks optional. COVID-19 policies TBD (October 2025).
• Safety Tips: Secure valuables; stay hydrated; supervise under-16s at concerts.