Kids biking along the Halden Canal in Eastern Norway.

Norway with kids

Practical travel tips for families

Whether you're planning a weekend getaway to one of Norway's vibrant cities or a road trip through the fjords, travelling in Norway with children is easy and fun! Here's everything you need to know – from discounts and transport to museums and family-friendly hotels.

Here’s our quick checklist – click the buttons below for more details!​

  • Visit entur.no for travel planning
  • Book tickets to attractions in advance and always look for age-specific discounts
  • Choose centrally-located family accommodation
  • Dress in layers – Norway's weather can change quickly

Accommodation

Hotels
Many hotels in Norway cater to families, offering spacious family rooms, extra beds, and cots. Remember to inform the hotel when you are booking that you will be arriving with kids. You'll also often find play areas and free stays for young children.

Abundant breakfast buffets are included in the room rate at most hotels – perfect for picky eaters and early risers!

Cabins and apartments
For even more space and flexibility, consider renting a cabin (hytte). These are a good option for families who want to stay close to nature. Apartments and vacation rentals are also widely available, both in cities and in more rural areas. You'll also have the freedom to cook your own meals!

Pro tip! Pick a base location where you can stay longer to minimise stress and the hassle of constantly packing and unpacking.

  • Tungestølen, Luster
    Cottages and cabins
    Sørlandet feriesenter, one of Norway’s top kid-friendly camping sites in Norway
    17 kid-friendly camping sites
    Children eating outside a camping tent on Hamre famliecamping in Kristiansand, Southern Norway
    Camping and caravanning
    Apartment buildings in Hemsedal, Norway
    Apartments
    Author Camilla Collet's house behind the Royal Palace in Oslo
    Hostels
Plan where to stay

Discounts and offers

Transport
Visit entur.no, Norway's official travel planner, to check schedules and plan your journey. Children often travel for free or at a big discount on public transport. Ferries and express boats are also a fun and scenic way to get around, especially in the fjord regions and many offer free or discounted fares for kids. Ferries also offer a break during long car rides.

If driving, plan short trips with lots of stops. Perhaps you would like to visit a farm og go for a short walk to burn off some energy? Be sure to keep a bag handy for any car sickness, and always plan toilet stops in advance to avoid last-minute rushes. There are decent toilets at petrol stations across the country.

Taking the train is a comfortable and convenient way to get around with kids. Some long-distance trains in Norway have family-friendly carriages with play areas, and you can usually reserve a space for your stroller. Remember to order seats in the family carriage when booking. This particularly applies longer journeys.

City passes
Passes like the Oslo Pass and Bergen Card offer great value for families. They often include free public transport and discounts on museums and attractions.

And remember: always ask! Some child-friendly deals aren’t always clearly advertised.

  • The Flåm Railway going through the landscape of green hills and spectacular mountains in Fjord Norway
    Getting around by train
    A woman and a man riding a bus in Norway.
    Getting around by bus
    Trollstigen - National tourist routes
    Getting around by car
    Hurtigruten sailing under a bridge in Tromsø
    Getting around by boat
It's now much cheaper to go to Norway!

Fairytale Finder

Find family adventures along the road! The Fairytale Finder app is a super handy tool for parents that will make your next family holiday in Norway so much easier. It helps you find fun family-friendly places to stop and cool activities on the way – all specially designed for kids aged 4 to 12.

Don't miss out on Norway's hidden gems – this app is like having a local guide right in your pocket!

Pictures of phone screens illustrating how the Fairytale Finder app works for planning.

And there's more…

Although there are usually baby changing facilities in most places, you may sometimes have to use restrooms that don't have tables. We recommend always bringing a mat and plenty of wet wipes, just in case!

It is socially acceptable to nurse in public.

Supermarkets are perfect for picking up picnic supplies, and rest assured, all water from the tap is safe to drink!

Norwegian restaurants are used to families with kids. Most places have high chairs, kids menus, and often have crayons or games.

Podcasts are a great alternative to screens – your children can enjoy a story while taking in the beautiful views.

Don't over-schedule! One adventure a day is plenty!

  • Young girl crossing the Via Ferrata in Loen in Fjord Norway
    Family fun
    Couple ziplining over waterfall in Geiranger
    Where to travel with teenagers in Norway
    Mum, uncle, grandmother, niece, cousin, dad and nephew – the whole family are going on a holiday in the snowy mountains of Beitostølen in Norway
    Multi-generational holiday
    A family riding a carousel in Lilleputthammer amusement park, Norway
    Where to travel with small children in Norway

Activities for families

Nature adventures
Norway's right to roam allows families to explore nature freely. Enjoy hiking trails or even camping under the stars. With lakes and beaches scattered across the country, there's no shortage of spots to relax and explore.

Cultural attractions
Museums across Norway offer interactive exhibits designed to engage and inspire children. Many museums offer free or reduced admission for children. Look for family tickets or passes, and check if attractions offer bundle deals for extra savings. Always check if it's possible to buy tickets in advance to save time and money!

Look for a playground!
In the larger cities, you'll find playgrounds everywhere – in parks, squares, and residential areas – and many schoolyards and kindergartens are open for public play outside school hours and on weekends. It's easy to combine sightseeing with active breaks for the whole family.

Whether you're exploring playgrounds in the city or venturing into Norway's wild nature, dress your kids (and yourself!) in layers. The weather can change quickly here.

  • Families riding a rollercoaster in Hunderfossen.
    Norway's top destinations for kids
    Lynx in Dyreparken Zoo in Kristiansand, Southern Norway
    Animal parks, zoos, and aquariums
    Kids at a farm looking at the cows walking by in Trøndelag
    Farm activities
    Couple ziplining over waterfall in Geiranger
    Where to travel with teenagers in Norway
    A family riding a carousel in Lilleputthammer amusement park, Norway
    Where to travel with small children in Norway
All about the right to roam in Norway

Do your kids love animals?

  • Moose swimming in the ocean in Vesterålen, Northern Norway
    Come along on a moose safari
    Whale tale above the water outside of Andøya in Vesterålen, Northern Norway
    Whale watching
    White tailed eagle in Northern Norway, at winter
    Wildlife safaris
    A man holding a king crab in Northern Norway.
    King crab safaris
More outdoor activities

Let the kids run free

Discover why Norway is a natural playground for kids of all ages!

A child mountain biking in Geilo bike park in Hallingdal, Eastern Norway
Why playing in nature is so good for your children

More child-friendly fun

  • A girl and a boy holding a brown and a white alpaca, Trøndelag
    11 fun tips for family holidays in Norway
    Kids at a farm looking at the cows walking by in Trøndelag
    Farm activities
    Mum, uncle, grandmother, niece, cousin, dad and nephew – the whole family are going on a holiday in the snowy mountains of Beitostølen in Norway
    Multi-generational holiday
    The 4-year-old Mina standing in a ski pulk in front of a tent on a sunny winter day in Jotunheimen national park, Eastern Norway
    Mina's 300 nights in a tent
    Close-up image of a young girl and her father smiling at each other on a hiking trip in Hjørundfjorden, Fjord Norway
    10 smart hiking tips for families with children
    A family riding a carousel in Lilleputthammer amusement park, Norway
    Where to travel with small children in Norway
    Couple ziplining over waterfall in Geiranger
    Where to travel with teenagers in Norway
    Lynx in Dyreparken Zoo in Kristiansand, Southern Norway
    Animal parks, zoos, and aquariums
    Active holiday in Norway: Woman climbing the Trolltunga via ferrata in Fjord Norway
    Top 11 experiences for a real KICK!

Take advantage of top offers

See our selection of trusted companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.

  • A bus driving along the coast in Norway, Vy express route vy146
    Vy expressDiscover Norway on comfortable express buses that take you between major cities, mountains, and fjords.
    Hotell Refsnes Gods - fasade
    Classic Norway HotelsWhen the hotel is the destination. Book a night to remember in one of Norway's most unique and distinctive hotels.
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    Scandic HotelsExperience Nordic hotel hospitality at its finest at more than 90 hotels across Norway. Special offers are available.
    Campanyon - Arctic Dome Smiberget
    CampanyonUnique camping in nature. Book a stay in a treehouse or glamping tent or rent a motorhome pitch.
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    50 Degrees North NordicChoose between unforgettable tailormade individual trips and small, exclusive group tours of Norway.
    Family in outdoor pool in winter at Radisson Blu mountain resort & residences in Trysil, Eastern Norway
    Radisson HotelsGreat value offers and comfortable quality stays in Norway´s major cities, airports, and ski resorts.
    Skiing on finnmarksvidda
    Norrøna AdventureGet ready for expeditions and adventure holidays with Norrøna Adventure. Hiking, skiing, and biking trips.
    Vy Train travelling on a scenic railway line between Bergen and Hønefoss, Norway
    Vy TrainGlide through scenery on a train between Oslo and Bergen on the Bergen Railway and explore the greater Oslo region.
    Auto Europe
    Auto EuropeAlways a smooth car rental experience. Search and compare rental rates. Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to pick-up.
    Woodward - Arctic Campers
    Arctic Campers ASDo you want to try van life? Explore Norway in comfort and style with our smart and cosy campervans.
    A woman hiking in the summer mountains by the fjord.
    CampioNorway's biggest camping booking site. Find the best camping and motorhome pitches throughout Norway.
    Shutterstock 4 - Rent-A-Wreck
    Rent-A-Wreck of Scandinavia ASThe smart and affordable car rental alternative.
    Aurora borealis Tromso - Fjord Travel
    Fjord Travel NorwaySleep in an ice hotel, hunt the northern lights, and discover the magical fjords. Book your tour now!
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    Booknordics.comUnique holiday packages, adventure hotels, tours, and activities.
    Airplane
    NorwegianNorwegian offers cheap flights in Norway and direct flights from more than 70 European destinations. Book flights through our low fare calendar to your destinations.
    Hardangerfjord - Authentic Scandinavia
    Authentic ScandinaviaTravel curated by locals. Our tailormade tours suit every type of traveller and budget.
    Blazerbu -  Norgesbooking
    NorgesbookingBook your perfect cabin stay in the fjords, mountains, and valleys of Norway.
    The Hurtigruten ship MS Nordkapp in Geirangerfjord in Fjord Norway
    HurtigrutenExperience the world's most beautiful sea voyage on an unforgettable cruise along the stunning Norwegian coast.
    Two women waving out the windows of a campervan with Benzini Campers on the hood
    Benzini CampersThe adventure of your life starts here. Book a campervan with Benzini Campers now.
    Buss bilde - NOR-WAY
    NOR-WAY BussekspressEnjoy scenic views on comfortable bus trips to the fjords and from city to city with our express buses.
    Valevåg Camping
    CampcationBook a camping stay in stunning and unique locations all across Norway with Campcation.
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    Norwegian HolidaysLow-price package holidays with Norwegian. Book your flight, hotel, and rental car all in one place.
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    Brim ExplorerQuiet fjord tours on award-winning electric catamarans in Oslo, Tromsø, Lofoten, and Svalbard.
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    Go FjordsBook fantastic tours and experiences! We offer tours in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Lofoten, the North Cape, and more.
    Raumabanen - SJ Nord
    SJ NordSJ NORD - the adventure starts on the train
    Malangen resort - My nordic travel
    My Nordic TravelChoose between DIY itineraries and pre-packaged holidays to the very best destinations in Norway.
    Sykkeltur i Hardanger
    Discover NorwayOffers a range of exciting self-guided hiking, biking, and skiing holidays in Norway. Luggage transfer included.
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    De HistoriskeHave an unforgettable stay at one of Norway's unique, authentic historic hotels. Enjoy first-class dining experiences and a broad range of activities.
    The Thief - A lifestyle boutique hotel in Oslo
    StrawberryA different hotel company! Look out for great weekend deals at more than 100 hotels in Norway.
    Performancce Marketing
    CityboxModern and affordable hotels in central locations in Oslo, Bergen, and Kristiansand.
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    Thon Hotels ASFantastic breakfast included! Experience true comfort and reasonable rates at our 80 hotels in Norway.
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    Up NorwayBespoke luxury hand-picked by local experts. We combine your preferences and our knowledge to make an unforgettable journey.
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    Fjord ToursHome of Norway in a Nutshell, Norway's most popular tour. Fjords, mountains, and stunning destinations — all in one trip!
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    StrömmaSightseeing by bus and boat in several major tourist spots and cities in Norway.