COFFEE HOUSES IN NORTHERN EUROPE – A BRIEF HISTORY AND FAMOUS COFFEE HOUSES
Coffee has become a popular beverage globally, and Scandinavian countries are no exception. The Nordic region is known for its coffee culture, and many coffeehouses have played a significant role in the social and cultural development of these countries. In this article, we will take a brief look at the history of coffeehouses in northern Europe and highlight some of the most famous coffeehouses in the region.
SWEDEN
Coffee was first introduced to Sweden in the mid-17th century, and by the 18th century, coffeehouses had become a popular social gathering place. In the early 20th century, Sweden’s “coffee table culture” became famous, and coffeehouses became an integral part of Swedish society. Some of the most famous coffeehouses in Sweden include Café Schweizer, Café Saturnus, and Café Opera. Café Schweizer in Stockholm is known for its traditional Swedish pastries, and it has been serving coffee since 1886. Café Saturnus is a popular café in Stockholm known for its cinnamon rolls, and Café Opera is a historic coffeehouse in Stockholm known for its elegant interior and live music performances.
DENMARK
Coffeehouses in Denmark have a long history dating back to the 17th century, and the upper class initially frequented them. By the 18th century, coffeehouses became more accessible to the general public, and they became popular places for intellectual discussions and socializing. Today, Denmark has a thriving coffee culture, and Copenhagen is known for its coffeehouses. Some of the most famous coffeehouses in Denmark include Café Norden, La Glace, and Coffee Collective. Café Norden in Copenhagen is known for its traditional Danish cuisine and coffee, and La Glace is a historic coffeehouse in Copenhagen known for its elegant decor and delicious pastries. Coffee Collective is a popular coffee roaster in Copenhagen that has won several international awards for its high-quality coffee.
NORWAY
Coffeehouses in Norway have a rich history dating back to the 18th century, and the upper class initially frequented them. By the 19th century, coffeehouses became more accessible to the general public, and they became popular places for intellectual discussions and socializing. Today, Norway has a thriving coffee culture, and Oslo is known for its coffeehouses. Some of the most famous coffeehouses in Norway include Fuglen, Tim Wendelboe, and Stockfleths. Fuglen is a vintage coffeehouse in Oslo known for its mid-century decor and specialty coffee. Tim Wendelboe is a popular coffee roaster in Oslo that has won several international awards for its high-quality coffee. Stockfleths is a historic coffeehouse in Oslo known for its traditional Norwegian pastries and coffee.
FINLAND
Coffeehouses in Finland have a long history dating back to the 18th century, and the upper class initially frequented them. By the 19th century, coffeehouses became more accessible to the general public, and they became popular places for intellectual discussions and socializing. Today, Finland has a thriving coffee culture, and Helsinki is known for its coffeehouses. Some of the most famous coffeehouses in Finland include Café Esplanad, Café Regatta, and Johan & Nyström. Café Esplanad in Helsinki is known for its traditional Finnish cuisine and coffee, and Café Regatta is a cozy coffeehouse in Helsinki that serves coffee and snacks by the sea. Johan & Nyström is a popular coffee roaster in Helsinki specializing in sustainable coffee sourcing and production.
ICELAND
Iceland’s coffee culture has a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century when coffee was first introduced. Coffeehouses became popular among the upper class as gathering places to discuss politics and culture. Over time, coffeehouses became more accessible to the general public and became an integral part of Icelandic society. Today, coffeehouses remain an essential part of Icelandic culture, and some of the most famous ones are Mokka Kaffi, Kaffi Loki, Reykjavik Roasters, Café Babalú, and Café Paris. Mokka Kaffi, which opened in 1958, is known for its cozy, old-fashioned atmosphere and traditional Icelandic pastries. Famous Icelandic writers and artists have frequented it over the years.
