Where to travel with teenagers in Norway

A teen biking at Hafjell Bike Park, Norway

Planning a family holiday with teenagers? Here are some tips on top places to go and things to do, and practical advice for a successful trip.

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.

Teenagers are just as different from each other as adults are. Some love to be active, others can't get enough of shopping, while some like to simply spend their days relaxing.

Perhaps the most important thing when travelling with your teenager is to let them take part in planning the trip – it often leads to less discussion and more excitement during the holiday! Start planning together with these tips on what to do and where to go:

1. Activities for sporty teens

The Norwegian nature is a playground for everyone looking for an active holiday. Why not go on a thrilling adventure with epic ziplines or try one of Norway's amazing via ferratas. It's fun for both you and the teens!

If you're looking for a less airy activity, you should try rafting or mountain biking. Norway has numerous bike parks where you can safely ride down dedicated tracks in the mountains, or go biking in the forest!

Find more activities suited for adrenaline junkies:

  • Active holiday in Norway: Woman climbing the Trolltunga via ferrata in Fjord Norway
    Top 11 experiences for a real KICK!
  • Woman sliding down a zipline near Trolltunga in Fjord Norway
    Ziplines
  • Woman climbing via ferrata Ravnfloget
    Via ferrata
  • Rafting in Voss
    Rafting

2. Hike and bike together

Does your teen love being outside in nature? In that case, you have definitely come to the right place! All over the country you'll find incredible hiking trails, and you can definitelyfind a route that’s perfect for the whole family.

Planning a more challenging route? Remember to go with a guide. You have plenty of guided hiking tours to choose from, many of which are also good for teens.

Cycling is also a great way to experience Norway. You can rent a bike almost everywhere. All you need to do is find the perfect route (and cross your fingers for some fantastic weather).

Plan your hiking or cycling adventure:

  • Two people hiking the Tømmerrenna timber slide in Vennesla, Southern Norway
    Unique hiking experiences
  • People mountain biking in the Magic Moose in Trysil bike arena, Eastern Norway
    Mountain biking
  • People hiking Oppstemten to Mount Ulriken in Bergen
    11 stairways to heaven
  • Two persons cycling by the fjord in summer, Norway.
    Cycling
  • Girl hiking in the Melfjellet mountain in Helgeland
    Hiking
  • Two women biking along the beach in Moss, Østfold
    Biking around the Oslofjord

3. City breaks for the whole family

Is your teen crazy about shopping? Plan a city break in one of Norway's biggest cities, where there are plenty of shops and shopping centres to choose from. If you're going to Oslo, you should definitely visit Oslo Fashion Outlet, Norway's biggest outlet, located just thirty-minutes outside the city. You can also find a large outlet at Ålgård, not too far from Stavanger. Round off your holiday with a relaxing spa and a visit to some cosy cafés and restaurants!

If shopping is not your thing, you still have many options. Attend a football match, visit a cool museum, or explore the city by bike, segway or even from a kayak or SUP!

Get ready for fun days in the city:

A woman on a city break in Norway is overlooking Ålesund from Aksla viewpoint
City breaks the Norwegian way

4. Learn a new skill...

...or practice your favourite activity while on holiday. There are plenty of courses you can attend, you just have to find that fits your skill level.

Feel the breeze while learning how to kite, take your horse riding skills to the next level, or have fun on the coast with some surfing and kayaking!

Get inspired:

  • A person snow kiting on the Valdresflye mountain plateau in Valdres, Eastern Norway
    Kiting
  • Surfer riding a breaking wave at Unstad in Lofoten, Northern Norway
    Surfing
  • People horseback riding at a beach at sunset in Lofoten, Northern Norway
    Horse riding
  • People winter kayaking by the Henningsvær Bryggehotell in Lofoten, Northern Norway.
    Kayaking

5. Stay in a unique place

If you want to make your holiday extra special, book a night or two in one of Norway's exclusive hotels, or climb up to an unforgettable night in a treetop cabin! Or maybe it's time to indulge in the luxury version of camping,glamping? Either way, you're up for a unique holiday.

Find the perfect getaway:

  • A couple staying at WonderInn Riverside by Huser Farm in Fenstad
    Unique places to stay
  • Woodnest Odda tree house, one of Norway’s many treetop cabins
    Unforgettable treetop houses
  • A woman enjoying the view from a Glød Aurora Canvas Dome in Alta
    Glamping all year round

6. Go fishing

With its extremely long coastline,Norway is a paradise for anyone interested in fishing. Even in wintertime you can enjoy ice fishing, fjord fishing, and deep sea fishing. If you're more into fly fishing, you're spoiled for options with many lakes, rivers and streams to choose from.

Make your fishing trip complete by spending a night or two in a genuine fishermen's cabin!

Find inspiration on what to fish and where:

  • Two men in a boat sea fishing in Tromsø in Northern Norway
    Fishing
  • A man catching a fish in a river in Hemsedal, Eastern Norway
    Freshwater fishing
  • A woman and a man on a boat at sea just caught a fish
    Fjord and sea fishing
  • A man fishing for wild salmon in the Nærøydalselva in Fjord Norway
    Salmon fishing
  • A man fishing skrei in Lofoten
    Skrei – In cod we trust

7. Make a big splash in fun water parks

Have a full day of fun in Scandinavia's largest water park, Bø Sommarland in Telemark. Here, you'll have plenty of action with more than 20 different pools and slides, including one of the world's largest artificial surf waves!

You'll find another water park by the Dyreparken Zoo in Kristiansand. Badelandet Aqua Park offers plenty of fun, both indoors and outdoors.

If you're visiting during winter, Norway is home to numerous indoor swimming pools and water parks you can visit.

  • Badelandet Aqua park in Dyreparken Kristiansand
    Kardemomme By

    Badelandet Aqua park in Dyreparken Kristiansand

  • Lustrabadet
    Gaupne

    Lustrabadet

  • Children filling cups with slush
    Askim

    Østfoldbadet, Askim

  • Aquarama Waterpark
    Kristiansand S

    Aquarama Waterpark

    Book now
  • Several children are sliding down in the outdoor area of Tropicana Water Park.
    Gol

    Tropicana Badeland

  • Ringeriksbadet – the great aquatic centre in Ringerike
    Hønefoss

    Ringeriksbadet – the great aquatic centre in Ringerike

  • new in 2024: the slide HiwiHuhu
    Bø I Telemark

    Bø Sommarland Waterpark

  • Grottebadet - The Waterpark underneath the city
    Harstad

    Grottebadet - The Waterpark underneath the city

  • Tvedestrand Aquapark
    Tvedestrand

    Tvedestrand Aquapark

  • Kulturbadet Sandnessjøen - Water Park
    Sandnessjøen

    Kulturbadet Sandnessjøen - Water Park

  • Sørlandsbadet indoor water park in Lyngdal
    Lyngdal

    Sørlandsbadet indoor water park in Lyngdal

    Book now
  • Atlanterhavsbadet - waterpark in Kristiansund
    Kristiansund N

    Atlanterhavsbadet - waterpark in Kristiansund

8. Cool theme parks

Although most theme parks have activities suited for teens, one park in particular that you should definitely visit is Tusenfryd – the largest amusement park in Norway, located near the capital, Oslo. If you are also travelling with small children, you'll find activities that are perfect for them too!

Check out more amazing theme parks:

Family in Hunderfossen adventure park, Eastern Norway
Theme parks

9. Norway in wintertime

Yes, the winter in Norway can be cold, but if you're travelling during this time of year you're really in for a treat.

Plan a fun holiday for the whole family in one of Norway's top ski resorts – you'll find slopes fitted for both beginners and more advanced skiers. Norwegians also lovescross-country skiing, and there are trails all over the country, you even find skiing trails near the cities! Never been cross-country skiing before? Master the art with these beginner tips for cross-country skiing.

Not too excited about skiing? Don't worry! Check out winter activities where no skis are required:

  • Friends going tobogganing at Dagali Fjellpark, Eastern Norway.
    Fun toboggan runs
  • A woman on a fatbike in Geilo, Norway.
    Fatbiking on snow and ice
  • A person is riding a dog sledge during winter in Finnmark, Northern Norway
    Dog sledding
  • People snowshoeing in Møre og Romsdal, Fjord Norway
    Snowshoeing
  • Spark VM in Geilo 2023.
    Kicksledding
  • Girls on sleds at Loen Skylift, Norway.
    Fun things to do without skis
Teens having fun in a alpine skiing resort 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

Six tips for travelling with teens:

  1. Involve them in the holiday planning! Let them say where they would like to go and what activities they would like to do.
  2. When booking accommodation, make sure the place has good internet access (this is usually not a problem in Norway).
  3. Give them space. Maybe you should consider booking an extra room, so the teens can have some alone time?
  4. You come a long way by providing tasty food and a good night's sleep.
  5. ...and let them sleep in! A nice family breakfast doesn't have to be early in the morning when you're on holiday.
  6. Be open to letting the teens try activities in their own or with friends and siblings, but also plan for activities involving the whole family – you will end up with fantastic memories to share.

Multi-generational holidays

Here's everything you need for an unforgettable all-age trip with grandparents, parents, and kids ...

Pack the whole family!

Plan your family holiday

Discover more fun places and activities.

Palmesus music festival in Kristiansand, Southern Norway
What’s on: events in Norway
The old railway Tertitten close to Haldenkanalen.
Railway fun
A man playing the game Overwatch on a computer
Gaming in Norway
  • Quirky museums
    Quirky museums
  • Young girl crossing the Via Ferrata in Loen in Fjord Norway
    Family fun
  • Cars from the 20's and 30's at the Norwegian road museum
    Norway with a vroom!
  • A family riding a carousel in Lilleputthammer amusement park, Norway
    Where to travel with small children in Norway
  • Netflix «Troll» in Bøverdalen, Lom
    Discover the Netflix "Troll" locations
  • Girls petting rabbit at Ekeberg
    Top things to do in Oslo with kids

Take advantage of top offers

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

  • Food - Brim Explorer
    Brim ExplorerQuiet fjord tours on award-winning electric catamarans in Oslo, Tromsø, Lofoten, and Svalbard.
  • Performancce Marketing
    CityboxModern and affordable hotels in central locations in Oslo, Bergen, and Kristiansand.
  • Blazerbu -  Norgesbooking
    NorgesbookingBook your perfect cabin stay in the fjords, mountains, and valleys of Norway.
  • Scandic Holmenkollen Park Hotel in Oslo, Eastern Norway
    Scandic HotelsExperience Nordic hotel hospitality at its finest at more than 90 hotels across Norway. Special offers are available.
  • 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.
  • Standard Room -  Svolvær - Thon Hotel
    Thon Hotels ASFantastic breakfast included! Experience true comfort and reasonable rates at our 80 hotels in Norway.
  • Valevåg Camping
    CampcationBook a camping stay in stunning and unique locations all across Norway with Campcation.
  • 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.
  • Two people sitting in a sofa in Eagle Nest Eco Lodge in Eastern Norway
    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.
  • Hardangerfjord - Authentic Scandinavia
    Authentic ScandinaviaTravel curated by locals. Our tailormade tours suit every type of traveller and budget.
  • Lit-up tent in snow with colorful northern lights and mountains behind it
    Booknordics.comUnique holiday packages, adventure hotels, tours, and activities.
  • Two women viewing scenic Norwegian fjord from a boat, with dramatic mountains reflected in calm water under blue sky.
    Fjord ToursHome of Norway in a Nutshell, Norway's most popular tour. Fjords, mountains, and stunning destinations — all in one trip!
  • Eidfjord village - Go fjords
    Go FjordsBook fantastic tours and experiences! We offer tours in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Lofoten, the North Cape, and more.
  • 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.
  • Skiing on finnmarksvidda
    Norrøna AdventureGet ready for expeditions and adventure holidays with Norrøna Adventure. Hiking, skiing, and biking trips.
  • Sykkeltur i Hardanger
    Discover NorwayOffers a range of exciting self-guided hiking, biking, and skiing holidays in Norway. Luggage transfer included.
  • Happy family taking a selfie in an airport after arriving to Norway
    Norwegian HolidaysLow-price package holidays with Norwegian. Book your flight, hotel, and rental car all in one place.
  • Hop on hop off bus - Stromma
    StrömmaSightseeing by bus and boat in several major tourist spots and cities in Norway.
  • Hikers approaching a small wooden cabin with grass roof in mountainous landscape
    Up NorwayBespoke luxury hand-picked by local experts. We combine your preferences and our knowledge to make an unforgettable journey.
  • Woodward - Arctic Campers
    Arctic Campers ASDo you want to try van life? Explore Norway in comfort and style with our smart and cosy campervans.
  • Auto Europe
    Auto EuropeAlways a smooth car rental experience. Search and compare rental rates. Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to pick-up.
  • 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.
  • Shutterstock 4 - Rent-A-Wreck
    Rent-A-Wreck of Scandinavia ASThe smart and affordable car rental alternative.
  • Raumabanen - SJ Nord
    SJ NordSJ NORD - the adventure starts on the train
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Malangen resort - My nordic travel
    My Nordic TravelChoose between DIY itineraries and pre-packaged holidays to the very best destinations in Norway.
  • Campanyon - Arctic Dome Smiberget
    CampanyonUnique camping in nature. Book a stay in a treehouse or glamping tent or rent a motorhome pitch.
  • 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.
  • Elegant wooden hotel in mountain valley beneath snow-capped peaks.
    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.
  • 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.
  • 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.