About

Our story

Kafé Kjelen has been a well-known and beloved gathering place in Saltstraumen for almost 70 years. The story begins in 1955, when Bergljot and Johannes Stenersen decided to open a café in Ripnes – right by the ferry pier.

Before that time, many people had stopped by their childhood home for a cup of coffee while waiting for the ferry. At Bergljot and Johannes’s, the door was always open, and there was rarely an empty table. Especially on Sundays, when the church people came home from the sermon, the house was full.

This atmosphere – with chat, coffee and fellowship – became the basis for the idea of ​​starting a café. When the two brothers Bård and Olav proposed demolishing the old living room at Ripnes and moving the materials up to Hågen, it didn’t take long before the plans were put into practice. It was a lot of work, everything was done by hand – timber walls were torn down, tables and turf roofs were carried up the slopes, and new windows and panels were installed with help from family, neighbours and good friends.

In August 1955, Café Kjelen was completed. It had room for seven tables, and although some thought the house was a bit exposed to the elements, it has stood the test of time. The only damage that has occurred was when the defences exploded nearby and a piece of metal went through the roof – but the house and café still stood firm.

The name “Kjelen” was chosen with a good dose of humour and consideration. Firstly, after the coffee kettle, which was always hot and ready, but also as a small allusion to the mighty kettles in Saltstraumen.

Gradually, the place became known for its good coffee, sandwiches and warm hospitality. Bergljot worked in the kitchen, Johannes helped out when he could, and the daughters joined the operation early on. Lill Anita, who started working at the café when she was 14, remembers how her grandparents always had time for people – whether they were regulars, fishermen or tourists who dropped in.

At that time, ferry traffic was lively, and many people were waiting for the ferry down by the quay. It was only natural to head up to Café Kjelen for a cup of coffee while you waited. Gradually, the campsite also arrived, bringing with it even more guests, both local and foreign. Many tourists became regular visitors – some, like the couple Elke and Harry from Germany, came back every year for over 45 years!

When the bridges came in the 1970s and the ferry traffic ended, things naturally got a little quieter. But Kjelen managed. The café found its place again – as a place for local gatherings, private parties and tourists who wanted to experience real Northern Norwegian charm. Today, Café Kjelen is run by the descendants of Bergljot and Johannes. Four generations have had a hand in the operation, and many good memories have been created within the same walls. Fishing tourists, locals, holidaymakers and cruise guests have all found their place here – and many have returned year after year.

As Kafé Kjelen now celebrates its 70th anniversary, it still stands as a symbol of work ethic, togetherness and Northern Norwegian hospitality. A place where history lives on in the walls, where the smell of coffee still welcomes you – and the warm smile behind the counter reminds us why this place has meant so much to so many for so many years.