Enjoy an autumn break with the family in Fjord Norway!

Fjord Norway is an eldorado for active families with children throughout the year. From mountain hikes and Via Ferrata to cycling, adventure centrers, or surfing and kayaking - Fjord Norway has it all. Autumn is no exception, and with wonderful autumn colours and clear water in the fjords, you have a great backdrop for your holiday.

We have collected the best tips for a great autumn holiday with the family in Fjord Norway:

1. Peaks and adventure in Åndalsnes

Åndalsnes is the mountaineering capital of Norway, and it is here we find the Norwegian Mountaineering Centre. As well as seeing the interesting exhibition on Norwegian mountaineering history and recreational activities in the mountains, you can also have a go on Norway’s highest climbing wall! This is the perfect activity if the weather is poor. The Norwegian Mountaineering Centre also organises guided Romsdalsstigen Via Ferrata tours, for families with older children. A truly unique experience!

Are you visiting the region with small children? Try ‘EvenTURskogen’, which is suitable for children aged three and upwards. The children first get to see an exciting film based on the children’s book ‘Sagnet om Trollveggen’ (the saga of the Trollveggen cliff), before they go on a treasure hunt in the EvenTURskogen forest with a treasure map, a key to unlock treasure chests and a magnifying glass to answer the questions about nature.

If the weather permits, you can take older children who are used to hiking in the mountains on the iconic hike across Romsdalseggen. Another option is to head up Nesaksla to Rampestreken which offers amazing views. 

Don’t miss a visit to Trollstigen, an impressive section of road with 11 hairpin bends. The road is normally open until the end of November.

2. Dream stay in Geiranger at Hotel Union

An autumn break in beautiful Geiranger at Hotel Union is a highlight for many families with children, and the hotel has its own favourable hotel deals. The hotel has an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, a separate pool for children and a spa section for adults. However tempting, your days in Geiranger should not only be spent at the hotel however as there are lots of exciting things to do. 

The new nature park, which is a hidden gem in the centre of Geiranger, has a zipline and Via Ferrata trail. You can climb along the river, balance on bridges and ‘fly’ over a gorge and waterfall (age limit of 10 years upwards)!

Geiranger Fjordservice has small electric cars you can hire to explore Geiranger. The small quirky talking cars have a GPS system to guide you and room for two passengers. 

The Norwegian Fjord Centre is a visitor centre for the World Heritage West Norwegian Fjords. The West Norwegian Fjords is the only fjord area in Norway inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, and you can learn about the geological processes that created these fjords and the biological diversity through exhibitions and interactive displays. The centre also has an exhibition and activity room for children. 

There are also many great areas for walks in and around Geiranger. Don’t miss the Waterfall Walk, which is easy to get to from the centre of Geiranger. There are 327 steps, a plateau and lofty viewpoints on the walk which bring you close to the roaring Storfossen waterfall.

3. Norway’s ‘most beautiful city’ for children

Ålesund has been called ‘Norway’s must beautiful city’ on numerous occasions. If you want to find out if you agree, take your family to Ålesund for the autumn break! Check in at Quality Hotel Waterfront, and set off to explore the city. Adults will appreciate the Art Nouveau architecture, and maybe you can interest the children in a visit to the Art Nouveau Centre?

Atlanterhavsparken is situated just outside the city centre, and was awarded the status of Norway’s first marine science centre in 2019. The aquarium has outdoor areas with otters and penguins, Europe’s biggest outdoor pool for seals, a water play park and other activities for children. Children can also go crabbing in the activity pool. Atlanterhavsparken has a café, and it is surrounded by a beautiful outdoor recreation area. Tuaneset coastal fort is situated close by, where you will find ‘the children’s fort’, which has been built to play in and has elements of the original coastal fort. Trollskogen, a natural playground for children with an obstacle course, is also a hit with children! 

There are lots of great shopping opportunities in Ålesund. We recommend taking the boat from the centre of Ålesund to the Devold Factory in Langevågen. The Devold Factory houses many discount sportswear and activewear shops, including Devold’s factory outlet shop, two cafés, arts and crafts and Devold Textile Museum. 

4. Stay in the treetops in Nordfjord

Tree-top cabins have become more and more popular over the years, and who doesn’t dream about staying in such fun accommodation? In Sandane in Nordfjord, you will find Engeset trehytter, which have spectacular views. There are currently only a few cabins available, so be quick if you want to spend your autumn break here!

Trivselsskogen, a unique and adapted network of paths is located close by. You can choose to walk on steps built by Sherpas, bark or gravel paths in the 6 km of trails. There is also a turf-roofed shelter, an amphitheatre, a simple cabin, and fantastic viewpoints. You can hang up a greeting for someone you love on the ‘love path’.

The area around Sandane is well developed for mountain biking, and if you have brought your bikes you can take older children mountain biking on Haugsvarden. Challenging with great views!

Stall Rygg offers horse-riding trips for adults and children alike, and can adapt a trip to your level –there are trips to suit everyone!

Sagastad, a combined science and activity centre is just a short drive away from Sandane. Here we find the Myklebustship, the largest Viking ship ever found in Norway, and the centre is well worth a visit when you’re in the region.

5. Cycling beside the ocean on the Fjord Coast

The Fjord Coast, just north of Bergen, is situated between the open sea and the deep fjords. Here, you will find a myriad of islands and a fantastic coastline just waiting to be explored. Bring the family and check in at Askvoll fjordhotell, a small family-friendly hotel in the centre of Askvoll municipality.

The hotel hires out bikes if you don’t bring them yourselves, and the roads around Askvoll are quiet and great for cycling. You can also take the ferry out to Værlandet and Bulandet, at the ocean’s edge! The islands lie like pearls on a string, joined together by six bridges. You can rent bikes at the local shop in Værlandet, and explore Nordsjøporten: which makes for a fantastic journey across the islands. Atløy is another option, where you can visit the medieval wooden Vilnes church, dating from 1674, and there are also great walks in the area: Walking to the top of Bruastakken makes for a lovely walk, which is suitable for adults and children alike, and you can enjoy a fantastic view of the ocean and islands.

There are also great walks you can do not far from the hotel. We recommend a walk to the simple cabin Nykshytta – a low-threshold activity that is suitable for the whole family. You can enjoy lunch in the cabin and beautiful views of the Stongfjord. 

6. Dog sledding and water park beside the Sognefjord

Dog sledding in autumn? Why not? – FjordHusky in Sogndal can take your family dog sledding on wheels! You will be transported between majestic mountains, and you can also have a go at driving if you like, and visit the kennel and pet the dogs. 

Having spent hours in nature with the dogs, you can relax at Quality Hotel in Sogndal, where you can enjoy a delicious dinner. You can have fun at Lustrabadet water park the following day. The adults can spend a little ‘me time’ in the well-being section, while the children test the slides, diving tower and climbing wall.

But there’s even more to see and do in Sogndal: The Heiberg Collections – Sogn Folk Museum and Kaupanger stave church are a short drive from the hotel. The Nærøyfjord is not far away either, and from Flåm you can go on a cruise on the fjord and take the Flåm Railway.

There are also many great hikes you can do around Sogndal with great viewpoints, and if the weather is bad, there is a play centre for young children in Kaupanger.

7. Trout fishing, mountain hikes and glacier walks in Skei

Does your family enjoy fishing? Then you should definitely head for Sunnfjord! Jølstravatnet is described as Norway’s best trout fishing lake. You can fish from land along the whole lake, and, if you spend the night at Kjøsnes feriehytter, you can also borrow a boat. Buy a fishing permit here. Also check out this digital fishing map which gives you lots of great tips about good fishing spots. 

But fishing is not the only thing to do in the area. The simple cabin Fjellro is easy to get to from the centre of Skei. The roughly 45-minute walk is on a good waymarked path. Håheimsfjellet is situated in the same area, where there are beautiful views of Jølstravatnet lake, Kjøsnesfjordbrua bridge, Grovabreen glacier, Jostedalsbreen glacier and more.

Kleivafjellet is another option: where you can enjoy fantastic views of Jølstravatnet lake, the landscape that inspired the artist Nikolai Astrup. If you would like to experience some culture, Astruptunet is also situated on the south side of Jølstravatnet lake. 

There are great cycling routes around Skei if you have brought bikes. The route Skei - Astruptunet - Skei is a beautiful and interesting trail along the Jølstravatnet lake. You will see the highest mountains in Jølster towering between the Jøstravatnet lake and the Kjøsnesfjord, and the Jostedalsbreen glacier sliding down between the mountains at the head of the fjord. Many of Nikolai Astrup’s paintings are of this landscape. Another route will take you to the beautiful Stardalen valley. This makes for an interesting cycling trip in wild Western Norwegian scenery, close to the Haugabreen glacier.

The guiding company Bre og Fjell organises guided tours on request to Haugabreen glacier - an exciting family adventure! 

8. Bergen for children

Your family will love Bergen! The wide range of activities, great food and shopping ensure there is something for everyone.

Bergen Aquarium is the first port of call – a must when you’re visiting Bergen. In addition to the penguins and sea lions, you will see strange and fantastic creatures from tropical rain forests, the shore, the ocean depths and the Arctic.

The Fløibanen funicular and Mount Fløyen are also favourites among locals and visitors alike. It’s a good idea to book tickets in advance. At the top, there is a large playground, trollskog wood and a fun climbing area, as well as a café. The locals flock to Mount Fløyen to walk the lovely trails.

A Segway trip is another fun activity for the whole family (age limit of 10 years upwards). There are a variety of trips on offer, but we recommend the trip ‘Bergen’s best views’.

If the weather is bad, there’s plenty to do indoors: The VilVite Science Centre, the Natural History Museum, KODE art museums (which has a special section for children) and the Norwegian Fisheries Museum are all popular attractions. Another tip is to visit the water parks AdO Arena or Vannkanten just outside the city centre.

9. Extreme sport destination Voss – the family version

Voss is known for extreme sports and fantastic skiing and hiking – and is ideal for active families with children. You can take the train to Voss from Bergen or Oslo, check in at Hotel Scandic Voss and get ready for an adventure.

Voss Active can take you on family rafting (age limit of five years upwards). The large, stable boats will take you safely down the rapids. When you are dry again after the rafting, you can head to Voss Vind, where you can test your wings in the wind tunnel!

We recommend eating dinner at Vangen café. The menu offers traditional, homemade local fare, and is suitable for families with children.

How about a gentle cycling trip after the previous day’s adrenaline rush. Hire a bike at the Tourist Office and head for Tvindefossen waterfall, roughly 12 km outside the centre of Voss. Cycling around Vangsvatnet lake also makes for a nice trip for the family.

The large potholes at Bordalsgjelet are also worth seeing. Wild Voss can take you on a guided trip that is suitable for the whole family. If you’re ready for some more action afterwards, you can test your climbing skills at Voss High Rope & Zip-line Park.

10. Close to nature in Hardanger

You can bring your family on a journey in magnificent scenery in Hardanger. Vøringfoss Hotel in Eidfjord beside the fjord in the centre of Eidfjord is a good starting point for exploring the region. 

At the Norwegian Nature Centre Hardanger, you can learn about the unique nature of Hardanger. The centre is a state-of-the-art nature and cultural history centre with three floors of exciting, positive and powerful experiences. Interactive stations, rocks, minerals, fossils, models, an aquarium, videos and illustrations take you on a journey 2.9 billion years back in time and up to the present. Make sure you also see the panorama film ‘Fjord Fjell Foss’ (Fjord Mountain Waterfall).

Hardanger fjordsafari can take parties of five and upwards on an exhilarating trip on the fjord in a RIB boat. The boat picks you up in the harbour in Eidfjord. On the trip, you can see the mountain farms Kjeåsen and Skår, the Hardanger Bridge and Hardangerjøkulen glacier, among other things.

No trip to Eidfjord is complete without seeing the Vøringsfossen waterfall. A spectacular footbridge opened above the waterfall in August 2020, which makes for an even more fantastic experience. Do you dare to cross it

Hardangervidda National Park is also within reach where you find waymarked walks you can do in a day.

11. Educational in Rosendal

Rosendal is a small gem beside the Hardangerfjord. Rosendal fjordhotel is situated beside the fjord in the centre of Rosendal, and is a great starting point for a visit to the area. 

The Folgefonn Centre is an interactive visitor centre where you can learn about water’s journey on earth, climate change, natural diversity and sustainable use of natural resources. You will also find information about Folgefonna National Park. 

The Stone Park, which is part of Folgefonna National Park, is just a short walk away. Between blocks of stone carved by sculptor Bård Breivik and mason Rolf Karlsen, there are picnic areas, waterwheels, stories about life on earth, climate change and fossils. The Dinosaur House is a new addition to the park, which exhibits authentic weapons and tools used by the first people who lived beside the Hardangerfjord.

There are also many lovely walks you can do around Rosendal. The walk to Bondhusvatnet lake is on a good path and is suitable for prams etc. Malmangernuten is a mountain that offers panoramic views and the walk is suitable for older children who are used to hiking in the mountains. Your packed lunch tastes even better after the steep ascent, and can be enjoyed with fantastic views.

12. Lofty autumn experience on the Åkrafjord

The Åkrafjord, some distance north-east of Haugesund, is not just where you’ll find Langfoss waterfall, ‘one of the world’s ten most beautiful waterfalls’ according to CNN, but also two Via Ferrata trails. This trip is suitable for adventurous families with slightly older children.

You can stay in a cosy family room at Åkrafjorden Nature B&B. Åkrafjorden Nature also organises a variety of activities in the vicinity, and has a family deal for those who want to experience Via Ferrata Ingadalen. This is a child-friendly route compared to the more demanding Via Ferrata Kyrkjeveggen, and has a recommended age limit of 12 years and upwards. If you haven’t had enough climbing after this trail, they also have an indoor climbing wall and you can hire any equipment you need.

You can hire kayaks or canoes at the nearby Rullestad camping and paddle on Rullestadvatnet lake. You can also do a spot of fishing on the lake. If you want to keep your feet planted on terra firma, there are lovely walks in the Etnefjella mountains with many waymarked trails. 

Fancy something a bit different? Try a tractor safari to Eikemostølen summer pasture farm!

13. Learn to surf in Jæren!

The beaches in Jæren are the best in Norway for surfing. How about spending the autumn break learning to surf – or honing your skills? Boretunet with its unique architecture is situated right beside Bore beach. It’s the perfect place to relax between surfing lessons. 

Boretunet organises surfing courses with qualified instructors, and they have all the equipment you need. You can also hire equipment if you’ve already done a bit of surfing.

There’s plenty of other things to do in the area if you need a break from surfing. Kongeparken is Fjord Norway’s biggest amusement park and is just a short drive from Boretunet. The walk to Månafossen waterfall is a nice walk for adults and children alike. Its 90-metre free fall makes it the highest waterfall in the region. Frøylandsvatnet lake also makes for a nice walk. If you want to experience city life, shopping and cafés, Stavanger is around 1 hour and 40 minutes away.

14. SUP, kayaking and Norway’s most famous mountain hike: Pulpit Rock

Autumn is a lovely time to do the walk to Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen). There are fewer people on the plateau and the autumnal colours make it a great experience. We recommend a guided walk, which will ensure the walk is safe if there is snow and ice on the path. 

Preikestolen BaseCamp is the gateway to this fascinating natural attraction, and there are other things to do in the area aside from the walk to Pulpit Rock. At Refsvatnet lake below Preikestolen mountain lodge you can hire a kayak, canoe, rowing boat, paddle boat or SUP. Experienced instructors are also on hand to give you a lesson.

There are also other walks you can do near the mountain lodge. It’s not far to Rindatrollet, where there is a 2.3-metre troll the children can climb on and get their photo taken.

Would you like to experience some culture? Visit Jørpeland and experience street art! At the water’s edge in Solbakk, you can see rock carvings, and the work of art Solspeilet – the Norwegian Stonehenge at Klungholmen.