Camping in Norway is fun because you can combine it with numerous family-friendly activities. Camping expert Jan-Henrik Larsen points out some of the many sites that keep the children happy.
Jan-Henrik Larsen
Jan-Henrik Larsen is the head of camping trade promotion at the Norwegian Hospitality Association (the largest employers and trade organization in Norway) and continues to pursue his personal passion for the same field by extensive travelling all over Norway.
Camping guides
Norwegian Camping Guide by Norwegian Hospitality Association (NHO Reiseliv) in Norwegian, English, and German (PDF)
Campingportalen.no (camping portal)
Find Norwegian campsites
“In Norway, camping equals quality”, Jan-Henrik Larsen says. He is the head of camping trade promotion at the Norwegian Hospitality Association (NHO Reiseliv), an organisation that works with the classification of camping sites.
And yes, families with children do go camping in Norway just because of the general quality of the sites. All over the country, you can stay close to nature, even within city areas.
“Travellers also say that Norway feels safe and clean and that the country is a quiet corner of the world”, Jan-Henrik continues.
“And in contrast to the peace and quiet, families can find a great variety of cool activities that will give children of all ages memories for the rest of their lives”, he adds.
Go camping on a playground
Also, many camping sites have recently upgraded their playgrounds and other offers with exciting additions.
Nearby activities range from playing on the beach and paddling to climbing parks, and some sites now even have computer games. Or why not jump into a waterpark, spend a day at a theme park, or discover the life of the Vikings?
“Luckily, no Norwegian camping site is alike”, Jan-Henrik says and recommends that you look them up and plan your route through Norway.
The places below are some of the numerous sites in the Norwegian Camping Guide (in Norwegian, English, and German). Most of them are also found in the listings of Norsk bobil- og caravanklubb (the Norwegian association for motorhomes and caravans).
To get you started, here are some tips to family-friendly camping. Along your route, there will be plenty of other places that have made similar efforts.
Make Fagernes your base
Fagernes in Valdres, Eastern Norway
Fagernes in Valdres lies at the foot of some of Norway’s most famous mountains. By car, there is easy access to Fagernes camping from most directions.
Take part in the lively valley life of Ål
Ål in the Hallingdal valley, Eastern Norway
The lush, V-shaped Hallingdal valley is one of Eastern Norway’s major valleys and a popular tourist destination. The Hallingdalselva river runs right past Hallingdal holiday park.
Discover Grimstad
Grimstad, Southern Norway
Camp by the Hardangerfjord
Kinsarvik in the Hardangerfjord region, Fjord Norway
Hardangertun hytter & familiepark, or Mikkelparken ferietun, in the village of Kinsarvik is situated at a bay where the Sørfjord and the Eidfjord come together to create the most important part of the Hardangerfjord.
Play in Southern Norway
Risør in Southern Norway
Let the kids out at Sørlandet feriesenter near Risør in Southern Norway. The Risør area is characterised by small islands and other islets that protect against the open ocean of Skagerrak.
Enjoy the fairy tale landscape of Nordfjord
Nordfjord in Fjord Norway
North of the Sognefjord you’ll find the beautiful coastline of Nordfjord. Byrkjelo camping by the Storelva river offers a family-friendly pool and easy hiking routes.
Where the quiet Telemark gets loud
Telemark, Eastern Norway
Take full advantage of the diversity of Norsjø ferieland in the countryside in Telemark. This is traditionally a central port of call at the Telemark canal.
Kick back in Ballangen
Nordland, Northern Norway
Spend eventful days at Ballangen camping in Northern Norway. The site is located by the Ofotfjord only a few hours from Lofoten. The nearest bigger city is Narvik.
Be close to Tromsø
Tromsø, Northern Norway
Troms county offers some of the most exotic experiences of Northern Norway in one place. Tromsø lodge and camping combines wild Arctic nature with closeness to Tromsø city centre.
Family time near the Swedish border
Indre Østfold, Eastern Norway
Discover Inner Østfold and Aremark at Kirkeng camping close to the Swedish border. Life in the forest by the lakes offers a lot of unseen activities.
Hornnes camping & Mineralparken
Evje in the Setesdal valley, Southern Norway
Camp at Hornnes camping near Evje in Setesdal, located in connection with the diverse Mineralparken mineral park, an activity park for the whole family. At Hornnes you can choose to participate in the activities or stay in a more private area.
Go swimming in Setesdal
The Setesdal valley, Southern Norway
The Otra river runs southwards from the Byglandsfjorden lake in Setesdal. Where the river makes a turn, you’ll find the idyllic Odden camping on a peaceful tongue of land.
Wake up to the Molde panorama
Molde in Northwest, Fjord Norway
The city of Molde has a picturesque charm and panoramic views. Kviltorp camping mixes urban fun with child-friendly activities.
Go camping with the children
More child-friendly fun
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See our selection of trusted companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.
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