No matter what part of the world you come from, it is almost for sure that you have heard of the land of fjords and trolls, Norway. The country is full of untouched, impressive nature, especially in the far north. But the south has picturesque fjords and mountains too. The cities are not boring places either. Wherever in Norway, you will end up, you will find something to do, but if you want peace, quiet and untouched nature, come to Finnish Lapland instead! Norway is so popular that it can be full of tourists. Pretty much the same as New Zealand, so we would recommend you traveling off the high season. Anyway, up to the point: here are things to do with kids in Norway! The list comprises nature hikes, short day trips to the countryside, as well as city sightseeing. No matter what age your kids are, you will find something suitable. Infants, toddlers, and even teenagers will not be bored if you decide to use our list as a guide to Norway with kids.
Things to Do in Oslo with Kids
Most of the visitors start their Norwegian adventure in Oslo. Why not spend here some time? The capital city has lots of options for any kind of weather. If it is sunny stay outdoors and enjoy strolls in the beautiful nature around the town. Some places to check are hills around Holmenkollen and Lutvannet lake.
Also, a walk on Bygdøy is a nice idea. It is close to downtown but at the same time away from city noise. If you are unlucky with the weather, and in Norway, it is quite likely that it will be rainy or windy, get inside to some of the museums like Fram Museum. An interesting and stroller friendly place is a Norsk Folkemuseum where you can have a walk around old buildings collected from all over Norway. Some of them are as old as the 13th century. There are inside exhibits too – just in case the weather deteriorates.
A countryside trip from Oslo to the end of the world
After Oslo, it is time to get to know more of nature, but before we go to the real Norwegian wilderness, let’s explore Verdens Ende. The place is located on the tip of Tjøme island. The island is very popular among Norwegians for its sunny and warm weather good for beaching and sailing. The island is home to about 4000 people, but in the summertime, there can be about 40000 people there, so prepare for some crowds. When we visited off the peak season, the island was already warm, but no crowds at all. On the way to the national park, you will pass first Tønsberg, the oldest town in Norway. After that, you will enjoy the countryside of the island and at the southernmost tip, the nice scenery of a rocky coast with many small and rocky islets is waiting for you.
Kristiansand Zoo
The zoo in Kristiansand covers an area of 60 hectares and has the largest animal collection in Norway. Except for the animals, there are some other attractions for kids including but not limited to a water park.
Flam Railway – Flåm Line
If you happen to have any railway enthusiast in your family the railway track is a must. The line climbs 864 meters in 20 km which makes it the steepest unassisted climb in the world. Flåm Line is one of the most spectacular railway tracks in Norway, so it is actually good to take the ride even if you are not into railways.
The 20 km long ride is packed with incredible vistas. This is how the journey on the spectacular Flam railway line looks like. The train goes through Flåmsdalen valley and reaches Sognefjord, the biggest and deepest underwater fjord in Norway.
Stavanger: Norwegian Petroleum Museum – Norsk Oljemuseum
After all the fjords, valleys, beaches and zoos, it is again time for the museum on the list! The petroleum museum seen from the seas looks like an offshore oil platform. It exhibits everything related to the Norwegian oil mining operations in the North Sea. Show me a kid who never thought of working on an oil platform?
In any case, the museum is a good playground for kids. For small kids, there is a playground that resembles an oil platform! Older kids can try to slide down the escape chute and get a feeling of how it is to wear a survival suit in case of an emergency on an oil platform.
Norwegian Fjords with Kids: Geirangerfjord and Geiranger Skywalk
From the museum and city of Stavanger, let us get back to exploring nature. Geirangerfjord is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so a visit can’t be a bad idea, right? Right! The fjord can be admired from a ferry first that takes you to Geiranger village. From there you can walk or drive to see the view from the top. The Skywalk has the highest fjord view from the road in the whole of Europe.
What to Do in Bergen with Kids: Fløyen Mountain & Fløibanen Funicular
Another place for a railway fan, but similarly to the Flåm railway, everyone will enjoy the visit. The mountain right next to downtown Bergen. Surely the kids will enjoy the funicular ride, but on the top more attractions await. The place is perfect for families with infants and toddlers who can be travel in their strollers on the top of the hill. The top station of the Fløibanen is right on the edge of a huge hiking area!
Vøringfossen Waterfall
One of the most famous waterfalls in Norway, Vøringfossen, is only the 83rd highest but looks very impressive. It is easily accessible from a parking lot above the fall, but if you are a more adventurous type you can have a short hike and see it from the bottom. Check our camper trip post for more details about the waterfall.
Norway is a land of waterfalls, so whenever you go there will be a fall to stop by. They make usually a spectacular stop for kids, and yet many of them are accessible right from the car. In fact some of them even you can drive through! Yes, the water from some of the waterfalls splashes on the road!
Lofoten with Kids
Last but not least the most famous archipelago in Norway, Lofoten. As the islands are north of the Arctic Circle, it is possible to experience polar night and day. The midnight sun in summer is a good enough reason to come here. Other reasons include high, rocky mountains touching the sea and little fishing villages hidden in the shade of the mountains. Lofoten is a perfect place for those who seek undisturbed and spectacular nature.
The archipelago has plenty to offer for nature lovers. Many paths lead from the settlements towards the mountains and hidden coves with cute beaches. Most of the hikes will require a baby carrier for smaller kids, but even a stroll in the village is an enjoyable activity. The older kids will manage the trails easily as there are different difficulty levels to be found. Å village is located at the tip of the main road leading to Lofoten. It has the shortest name of the settlement in the world. By the way, the longest one is in New Zealand – another country of great fjords and untouched nature.
About the Author
Katalin
Katalin is a Lapland-based outdoor enthusiast who loves hiking, road-tripping, and traveling with her family. She spends her free time far away from civilization in one of the national parks around the world, explores off-the-beaten-path places, or hops on a road trip with her kids in an RV.
Read more about her adventures and the blog.