The perfect car holiday for families with children

Farm holiday and time travel in Forsand

The charming Gøysa Gard at Forsand has several accommodation options - all with fantastic views of the Lysefjord and the surrounding mountains. The farm is the perfect base to experience the Lysefjord or enjoy peaceful days in beautiful surroundings.

It’s close to Landa prehistoric village, which has a 2,000-year-old history from the Bronze Age and the Migration Period. Also nearby is Haukali 33/3, where you can stay in a farmhouse and get to experience what everyday life was like in 1850.

Excursion to Jørpelandsholmen island

Jørpelandsholmen island is a pleasant and easily accessible outdoor area for the whole family. There is a 2.1-km walking trail around the island, which features a lean-to, places for barbecuing, playground equipment and a 12-hole frisbee golf course.

Walk among goblins and trolls

A walk through the mystical Eventyrskogen fairy-tale forest in Årdal is an exciting experience for families with young children. During the roundtrip you’ll meet goblins, trolls and other familiar fairy-tale characters among the trees. The walk is about 1.5 km and is great entertainment for the whole family.

Stay overnight with farm animals as neighbours

When you stay overnight at Fossane Gard in Hjelmeland you will have sheep, dogs, cats and chickens as your nearest neighbours! It's quite an experience staying overnight in an authentic 100-year-old farmhouse, with excellent fishing and swimming areas, and a boat, canoe and hiking paradise right outside the door.

Salmon studio in Suldal

Not all Norwegian salmon are farmed salmon, as children will discover at the Salmon studio at Sandsfossen waterfall at Sand.

The lowest part of the building is underwater, and from July to September/October you can watch the salmon and sea trout through two large windows as they come to spawn in the 22 km long Suldalslågen river.

Exploring mines in Allmannajuvet gorge

In summer, there are guided tours of the abandoned zinc mines in Allmannajuvet gorge in Sauda. You will be equipped with a helmet and a torch, and walk 600 metres into one of the old mines. It is dark, cold and raw, and gives a taste of what life was like in the mines in the late 19th century.

Water fun inside and outside

With three swimming pools, Ryfylke is a fun place for anyone who enjoys water games and swimming. In Suldal Bad pool at Sand, Saudahallen waterpark in Sauda and Tysværtunet swimming pool in Aksdal you can enjoy hours of high-diving platforms, climbing walls and waterslides in various-sized pools. Some of the pools maintain a temperature of well over 30 degrees.

To the top of the climbing park in Nedstrand

The climbing park Høyt og Lavt Nedstrand is a two-hour drive from Suldal (or an hour and a half if you take the ferry).The climbing park in Nedstrand has five routes with a total of 78 elements of varying length and difficulty. Here you can take the children up among the treetops and see the world from a whole new perspective. It’s also possible to spend the night in glamping tents, with a focus on comfort and unique experiences in nature. Himakånå is situated in the same area and is a great walk to do with older children.

The island community Røvær – a real summer paradise

There are several daily express boat services from the centre of Haugesund to idyllic Røvær. The trip takes 25 minutes. Don’t be fooled by the fact that there are only 35 permanent households on the island – there are lots of things to see and do! Røvær Aquaculture Centre is one of the island’s main attractions and is where children and adults can learn about how Norway became a world-leading salmon producer. It's also possible to take a RIB boat trip to the aquaculture facility.

An afternoon dip in Haraldsvang

Once back in Haugesund, the Haraldsvang nature area is well worth a visit. There are lovely walking trails around Skeisvannet lake, which has a diving platform, playground and curious ducks. Haraldsvang is a very popular place for families with children of all ages.

Mini-golf for children and adults alike

The trip continues from Haugesund and over Karmsund bridge. The first stop in Karmøy is Minigolfen familiepark, Europe’s biggest and most modern mini-golf course. Play mini-golf on several different courses, both indoors and outdoors. Each course has its own theme and both children and adults compete among cows, sheep, Vikings and pirates. There are also barbecue cabins and playgrounds for young kids.

You can also visit the mini-golf course in Sauda.

Mediterranean vibe at Åkrasanden beach

The route ends with a visit to Åkrasanden – Norway’s most beautiful sand beach. There are shallow parts for young children and waves and a diving platform for older children. Have a sandcastle building competition, play football barefoot in the sand or enjoy a bite to eat listening to the waves lapping the shore. Tip: check out the treasure hunts in Skudeneshavn, Åkrehamn, Visnes and Kopervik.