Do you know how big the Norwegian moose really is? Have you ever held a snake or seen a lynx? You can do all this in Norway's many animal zoos, parks and aquariums.
Animal parks and aquariums
Popular animal parks
Norway’s most popular animal parks, zoos, and aquariums are homes to everything from farm animals and sea creatures to animals from the African savanna, and of course, from the Arctic.
Check out these popular, family-friendly parks:
1. Dyreparken Zoo and Amusement Park
📍Kristiansand, Southern Norway
Most Norwegian kids dream of a trip to the Dyreparken Zoo and Amusement Park in Kristiansand in Southern Norway, and for good reason. This is the biggest zoo in Norway and is home to almost 150 different species, including chimpanzees, lions, and giraffes, but also Norwegian animals like moose, lynx, wolves and wolverines.
Kristiansand Zoo and Amusement Park consists of several parks. In addition to the zoo, you can enjoy an entertainment park and an aqua park – a perfect adventure for families.
With much to explore, why not spend the night in the park or right by the entrance? There are seven different accommodation options to choose from, ranging from cosy huts and camping to a safari hotel.
2. Bjørneparken bear park
📍Flå, Eastern Norway
In Eastern Norway, approximately 2 hours from Oslo, you can get close to a variety of animals, from goats and sheep to wolves and reptiles in Bjørneparken bear park in Flå.
Observe wolverines, Siberian tigers, and bears from a safe distance, and check out the crocodile world, Krokodilleland, where you can see Cuban crocodiles, the boa constrictor snake, and a giant tortoise!
You can stay the night just 300 metres from the park, in Thon Hotel Bjørneparken.
3. Langedrag Nature Park
📍Nesbyen, Eastern Norway
Just a 30-minute drive from Flå is Nesbyen and Langedrag Nature park.
Meet more than 20 different species, help out with the farm work, pet baby goats, and see lynx and wolves! This park is open for visits all year round, and offers a range of fun activities throughout the year.
You can even spend a night or two at the farm in the park, which gives you plenty of time to explore and observe all the animals.
4. The Polar Park
📍Bardu, Northern Norway
The Polar Park in Bardu outside Narvik in Northern Norway has several Arctic animals, including bears, wolves, lynx, deer, moose, reindeer and musk ox.
The park is based on exhibiting animals in their natural surroundings, which is why they live in large enclosures with the liberty to hide. Make sure to plan for plenty of time in the park if you want to experience them all!
5. Den Lille Dyrehage
📍Outside Risør, Southern Norway
Outside Risør, in Southern Norway, you can find Brokelandsheia where Den Lille Dyrehage (The Little Zoo) is located. Visit more than sixty different animal species, including monkeys, meerkats, reptiles and other animals.
The zoo also has a large indoor rain forest with cool plants and animals, and outside there is a farm with pigs, chickens and rabbits, as well as a playground.
6. Tangen Zoo
📍Tangen, Eastern Norway
The zoo Tangen dyrepark is located just an hour north of Oslo, right by the highway E6. Here you can explore more than 200 animals, ranging from Nordic wildlife to more exotic species.
If you want to get even closer to the animals, why not spend a day as a zookeeper and take part in feeding sessions! You can also book exclusive visits with lemurs and foxes.
Note that the park is closed during winter.
7. Park Nordica
📍Trones, Trøndelag
In the open landscapes of Namdalen in Trøndelag, you find Park Nordica, where you can experience native and Nordic animals.
The bear enclosure is a central part of the park, designed with animal welfare as a priority. You can also see wolves, reindeer and moose in their natural habitat.
Near the park is a climbing tower, and a zipline crossing the park lake!
Even more places to visit
Check out these aquariums and parks as well!
Wildlife Safaris
Throughout Norway, you’ll find several kid-friendly destinations, and many of them lie near a zoo, an animal park or an aquarium.
If you wish to observe wild Norwegian animals in their natural habitat, you're in luck. Many companies arrange wildlife safaris in Norway, from musk ox safaris in the Dovrefjell mountains and whale safaris in Northern Norway to royal encounters with the king of the forest, the moose.
Moose safaris
You can also see moose in the Dyreparken Zoo in Kristiansand, in Bjørneparken bear park in Flå and at Langedrag Nature Park in Nesbyen.
More family fun
Planning a trip with your family? Get inspired!
