Real Turmat: Norway’s Iconic Meal for Arctic Adventures
- brtmusiol
- Aug 15
- 3 min read
Exploring the rugged Arctic landscapes around Tromsø demands energy, warmth, and convenience, and one culinary companion has become almost legendary among adventurers: Real Turmat. These freeze-dried meals are more than just food—they are a practical taste of Norway’s Arctic heritage, crafted to fuel outdoor exploration while celebrating local ingredients.
The Origins of Real Turmat
Real Turmat was born in Tromsø in the late 1980s, when founder Rolf Hansen collaborated with the Norwegian Armed Forces to improve field rations. Traditional canned meals were heavy, bulky, and slow to prepare, making them impractical for long journeys in harsh Arctic conditions. Hansen developed advanced freeze-drying techniques to preserve both taste and nutrition, creating lightweight, compact meals that quickly became indispensable for soldiers and adventurers alike.
Over the decades, Real Turmat evolved from military rations to a trusted staple for local tour companies, outdoor enthusiasts, and hikers. Today, companies like Best Arctic incorporate these meals into their tours, emphasizing quality, authenticity, and sustainability. Guests on dog sledding tours, snowshoeing expeditions, Arctic fjord adventures, or road-trip tours across Kvaløya Island can enjoy a warm, satisfying meal in the middle of the wilderness.
Real Turmat vs. Classic Instant Soups
Unlike generic instant soups, which often rely on artificial flavoring and offer limited nutritional value, Real Turmat meals are crafted with carefully sourced Norwegian ingredients. Each dish is designed to deliver a balanced mix of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, providing the energy necessary for cold-weather outdoor activities.
Signature dishes, such as Reindeer Stew, combine tender reindeer meat, potatoes, mushrooms, and lingonberries, offering a rich, authentic taste of the Arctic. Other varieties include cod fish stew, lamb curry, and vegetable medleys, all freeze-dried to retain flavor, aroma, and nutrients.
How to Prepare Real Turmat
Preparation is simple, even in freezing temperatures or remote locations:
Open the package and pour the contents into the supplied bag or a cup. Boil water according to the instructions, typically 200–250 ml per meal. Pour hot water into the meal bag and stir thoroughly. Seal the bag and allow it to sit for 5–10 minutes until fully rehydrated. Carefully open the bag and enjoy a warm, nourishing meal, perfect for Arctic conditions.
Because preparation is so straightforward, Real Turmat is ideal for campers, hikers, and tour guests, who can enjoy a gourmet-quality meal without carrying heavy cooking equipment.
A Commitment to Local Ingredients and Quality
What sets Real Turmat apart is its focus on locally produced food. Tour operators in Tromsø choose these meals not only for their convenience but also to provide guests with authentic Arctic flavors while supporting local farmers and producers. Every meal reflects a careful balance between nutritional value, taste, and sustainability.
By serving Real Turmat, companies ensure that visitors:
Experience genuine Northern Norwegian cuisine in remote landscapes.
Consume meals made with responsibly sourced ingredients.
Minimize environmental impact, since freeze-dried meals reduce packaging waste and food spoilage.
Why Real Turmat is Perfect for Tromsø Adventures
romsø’s outdoor activities—dog sledding, snowshoeing, Arctic fjord tours, hiking, or Kvaløya road-trip excursions—require meals that are portable, nutritious, and satisfying. Real Turmat delivers all three, making it a favorite among both locals and visitors.
Guests can enjoy a hot meal in the middle of the Arctic wilderness, whether pausing on a snowy mountain trail or taking in the spectacular fjord views. The experience adds a uniquely Norwegian flavor to every adventure, allowing travelers to taste the Arctic while
immersed in it.
Real Turmat as a Souvenir
Real Turmat is not only perfect for outdoor adventures—it also makes a unique and practical souvenir. Lightweight, compact, and full of authentic Norwegian flavors, it’s easy to pack in luggage and share with friends and family. Bringing home Real Turmat allows travelers to recreate a taste of the Arctic at home, preserving the memory of their Northern Norway adventures.
A Must-Try in Tromsø
Real Turmat is more than just freeze-dried food—it’s a taste of Tromsø’s Arctic heritage and a symbol of thoughtful, local innovation. From its military origins to its role in modern adventure tourism, it combines practicality, flavor, and sustainability. For anyone exploring Northern Norway’s wild landscapes, a Real Turmat meal is the perfect companion, providing warmth, energy, and a genuine connection to local culture.
Whether you’re hiking, dog sledding, or enjoying a guided road-trip tour on Kvaløya, Real Turmat ensures your Arctic adventures are fueled by quality, locally produced food—and offers a memorable souvenir to take home.
