Hello! I’m Amiroh, a light roast coffee enthusiast from Sapporo, Japan.
In this article, I’ll introduce you to the must-visit cafes in the Nordic countries.
About the author
- Former barista from Osaka
- Passionate about specialty coffee
- Explored global coffee cultures during 3 years abroad
- Light roast coffee lover
- Always on the hunt for great cafes in new places
Let me guide you through the best cafes not just in Japan, but around the world!☕️
What You’ll Learn from This Article
- The truly delicious light roast specialty coffee shops in the Nordic countries
- Must-visit cafes for your Nordic trip
Who This Article Is For
- Those planning a Nordic trip and wanting to know about great cafes to visit
- Coffee lovers eager to enjoy delicious specialty coffee abroad
- Those looking for Instagram-worthy Nordic cafes
- Anyone wanting to experience Nordic roast in its birthplace
What Makes Light Roast Coffee Delicious?
Nordic coffee is, in a word, LIGHT ROAST.
Many people I know say they dislike light roast because it’s too acidic…
However, a delicious light roast coffee is:
- Fruity
- Full of rich flavors
- Clean aftertaste without bitterness
Compared to bitter coffee, light roasts allow you to experience more aromas and flavors, truly delighting your taste buds.
Each bean’s unique characteristics are carefully considered and maximized through harvesting, roasting, and brewing processes. How could the result not be delicious?
(There are many more steps involved, but I’m simplifying here.)
I’ve personally brewed and tasted coffee from all the shops I’m introducing here during my barista days.
I know not just how delicious they are, but also the background of their bean sourcing and roasting processes.
That’s why I can wholeheartedly recommend these 7 cafes.
Each cafe has its own unique character and conviction, seriously dedicated to coffee. If you’re visiting the Nordic countries, I highly recommend stopping by!
*Note: All shop photos have been used with direct permission from the cafes and are sourced from their official websites and social media.
List of Recommended Nordic Specialty Coffee Shops
| Cafe Name | Nearest Station | International Shipping | Takeout | Table Seating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Timwendelboe | Olaf Ryes plass (3 min) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fuglen | Tullinløkka (3 min, SENTRUM store) | Has Japan branch | Yes | Yes |
| talormade | Bjørvika (2 min) or Oslo Central Station (8 min) | No (currently) | Yes | Yes |
| Da matteo | Gothenburg Kungsportsplatsen (3 min, Victoriapassagen store) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Koppi | No current store | Yes | – | – |
| Coffee Collectiv | Nørreport (1 min, Torvehallerne store) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| La Cabra | Nørreport (6 min, Møntergade store) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Norway
In the coffee market, there’s a term called “Nordic roast”.
It means “Norwegian-style roasting”, and in simple terms, it focuses on:
- Very high-quality coffee beans
- Maximizing the fruitiness and juiciness of the coffee beans
- Light mouthfeel
This roasting method spread from Oslo, Norway to the world, greatly influencing the development of light roast coffee.
Perhaps we can enjoy delicious light roast coffee thanks to Norway’s coffee culture.
Timwendelboe
A cafe/roaster based in Oslo.
“When it comes to light roast, it’s Tim,” my manager at the Dublin cafe where I used to work told me.
The more you research Tim Wendelboe, the more impressive he becomes.
- 2004 World Barista Champion
- 2005 World Tasters Champion
He’s won both world championships!
Even now, he’s one of the leading figures in the global specialty coffee market, and many people influenced by him have gone independent!
As a light roast and coffee enthusiast, this is definitely one cafe I must visit.
The interior with its brick and wood warmth feels very Nordic and relaxing.
The photo below was taken at a cafe in London.
TW (Tim Wendelboe) coffee beans were displayed on the same shelf as beans from UK roasters.
This is proof that their coffee beans are so delicious and valuable that they’re worth importing from another country.
You can even buy small bags of coffee beans from their official website, so give it a try!
Fuglen
When talking about Nordic-style light roast, you can’t leave out Fuglen.
They bring out the unique flavors of each bean, offering a light-bodied coffee with pleasant acidity.
It’s a delightful cafe that also focuses on alcohol, so you can stop by when you want a drink too.
There are two stores in Oslo, located to the west and east of Oslo Central Station.
Both shops offer a wonderful atmosphere and delicious coffee, so you can choose based on your sightseeing route!
talormade
A shop with a charming, pop-art design.
Not only do they focus on coffee, but they also put effort into their donuts, which is enjoyably typical of overseas cafes.
The owner has a wide range of experience, having worked in Melbourne cafes and even at Tim Wendelboe, which we introduced first!
Their packaging is cute too, and you’ll want to take photos of their donuts and coffee.
Currently, they have only one shop in Oslo.
It’s easily accessible, just a short walk from Oslo Central Station!
It’s also convenient to visit before returning home, and you could end your trip with coffee from this shop.
Their packaging designs would definitely make great souvenirs!
Sweden
Light roast coffee culture has also taken root in Sweden, Norway’s neighboring country.
People in Nordic countries seem to have a diet that makes it easier to consume acidic foods daily, which might be why light roast coffee with its acidity became popular without much resistance.
Coffee enjoyed in Sweden’s beautiful cityscape and relaxed atmosphere is exceptional.
Da matteo
A cafe & roaster based in Gothenburg.
Not only do they have coffee, but they also have a bakery, making it perfect for breakfast too!
While they might be less known in Japan compared to the others introduced here, they offer coffee that’s just as delicious.
They have 4 cafe locations in total.
While Lindholmen and Kristinelundsgatan are a bit far, the other stores are very accessible and close to tourist spots!
da Matteo Handel Vallgatan Bakery
They have 2 bakery locations
So many delicious-looking breads and pastries…
I’d love to enjoy these with their coffee.
・Store Information:
KRISTINELUND：Kristinelundsgatan 10, 411 37 Göteborg
Vallgatan：Vallgatan 5, 411 16 Göteborg
For more detailed store information, check here
Starting your morning with this bread and delicious coffee would be amazing…!
Koppi *No cafe store currently
A roaster based in Helsingborg, Sweden.
It’s run by two Swedish Barista Champions.
They had a store until a few years ago, but now they specialize in roasting.
Koppi is also world-famous and can even be found in Japan sometimes.
If you come across Koppi while traveling in the Nordic countries, definitely give it a try!
According to shop staff, it’s easy to find in cafes in Stockholm and Copenhagen, so keep an eye out!
Their packaging is stylish and cute, making it great for souvenirs.
They do direct trade with farmers, so it’s healthy, safe, and delicious. It’s an easy souvenir to give to people who care about sustainability.
Denmark
Denmark also has roasters with outstanding global recognition.
These shops are popular not just in neighboring Nordic countries, but worldwide.
You might have seen coffee from the two shops we’re introducing here even in Japan.
Coffee Collectiv
A coffee roaster from Copenhagen, founded by three baristas.
They’re very famous worldwide, to the extent that you might even see their coffee beans in Japan.
With environmentally conscious packaging and direct trade with coffee farmers, their quality is outstanding.
Not only is the taste of their sourced beans excellent, but the transparency of their transactions also makes you feel good about buying coffee from them.
They have 5 stores in Copenhagen, some of which are near tourist spots, making them easy to visit.
All of their shops are stylish.
I just want to relax and enjoy coffee without doing anything else.
It’s great that they have multiple stores in Copenhagen, making it easy to visit based on your destination.
It’s a good idea to check which stores you can stop by during your sightseeing breaks!
Collective Bakery
A bakery that started in 2021.
Their aim is to provide a new experience of enjoying delicious coffee and bread unique to Coffee Collective.
They open from 7 AM, so it’s perfect for a breakfast that will make your day enjoyable.
La Cabra
A shop with a goat illustration as its trademark.
This cafe originated in Aarhus, Denmark’s second-largest city.
In Denmark, they have branches in Aarhus and the capital, Copenhagen.
They’re a high-level shop that regularly places in the top rankings of the Danish Barista Championship.
The photo below is from a cafe in London.
Like Tim Wendelboe, this is also a popular brand in other countries.
I’ve seen it in Japan too, so you might be lucky enough to come across it!
They’re quite global, with stores not just in Denmark, but also in New York, Bangkok, and Oman.
You can even purchase beans from their official online shop!
You can choose based not only on the country of origin but also on flavor characteristics like fruity, floral, or balanced.
LA CABRA BAKERY
LA CABRA BAKERY was opened with the idea that high-quality coffee should be paired with equally high-quality bakery items.
Even just from the photos, you can sense their dedication and deliciousness.
They open every day from 7 AM, so start your morning in Aarhus with delicious coffee and bread here!
Nordic Cafe Recommendations Summary
Coffee enjoyed abroad tastes different.
This is because:
- The difference in water affects the mouthfeel
- The atmosphere is different from your country
- The travel situation
These factors combine to give you a special taste experience.
When you visit the Nordic countries, be sure to enjoy light roast coffee at the shops I’ve introduced!
| Cafe Name | Nearest Station | International Shipping | Takeout | Table Seating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Timwendelboe | Olaf Ryes plass (3 min) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fuglen | Tullinløkka (3 min, SENTRUM store) | Has Japan branch | Yes | Yes |
| talormade | Bjørvika (2 min) or Oslo Central Station (8 min) | No (currently) | Yes | Yes |
| Da matteo | Gothenburg Kungsportsplatsen (3 min, Victoriapassagen store) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Koppi | No current store | Yes | – | – |
| Coffee Collectiv | Nørreport (1 min, Torvehallerne store) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| La Cabra | Nørreport (6 min, Møntergade store) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Basic Etiquette
- The staff are carefully measuring quantities and timing, so try not to talk to them too much while they’re working.
- Some shops limit the number of photos you can take, so always follow the rules.
- Whether hot or iced, coffee’s taste changes from when it’s freshly made to after some time has passed.
Don’t get too caught up in taking photos and ruin the essential coffee experience.
Let’s follow the rules and ensure everyone can enjoy their day!
I also have articles on specialty coffee shops in Japan!(Osaka,Kyoto,Sapporo,Okinawa)
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