Holidaying with young children in South West Norway

The area around Haugesund and Ryfylke abounds with nature experiences and activities. A trip to an island, a fjord or a mountain summit close by can make for a great experience for the whole family. We don't always have to travel far to create lasting memories. 

For small children, exploring what is close at hand is like exploring a new world. Walking on the shore can become an excursion. Fishing for crabs can become a treasure hunt. A sunny day at the beach can become a trip to more southerly climes. Sometimes it's nice to do something new, together. Go somewhere we haven't been, see something we haven't seen or learn something we didn't know. It's good to know that there's a wealth of options close by. 

Here are some ideas for great experiences together with small children, and the places mentioned are marked on the map below. Perhaps this could be an idea for this summer’s itinerary? 
 

Aquaculture and salmon farming 

People have been coming to Røvær for thousands of years, and in recent years, aquaculture has been established on the island. Røvær Aquaculture Centre shows how our country has evolved into a world-leading producer of salmon. Visitors can learn about aquaculture, history, the environment and natural surroundings. Screens enable children to immerse themselves in play and activities, making the visit extra fun. There is free admission to the centre, and it is also possible to buy tickets for a RIB boat trip to the aquaculture facility

There is an express boat service from the centre of Haugesund that takes approx. 25 minutes. View the timetable here.

 

The salmon steps in Suldal

Not all Norwegian salmon are farmed salmon, as children will have the opportunity to find out at Salmon Studio in Suldal. The 22 square metre-long salmon river Suldalslågen runs down the valley from Suldalsvatnet lake and into the Sandfjord in Sand town centre. It is here – by the salmon steps in Sandsfossen waterfall in Sand – that the Salmon Studio is located. The lower part of the building is underwater, enabling visitors to see the fish swimming upstream over the steps. From July to September/October, children can see the salmon coming back to spawn through two large windows. There is also plenty of sea trout to be seen.

 

Back to pre-historic times 

Take a trip to Forsan in Ryfylke and travel back in time to Landa prehistoric village, where you can see archaeological finds from 2,000 years of history, from the Bronze Age to the Age of Migration. 

There are plenty of activities for children of all ages, who can learn to use a bow and arrow, make their own amber jewellery or make a ceramic vase. You can also make 'stick bread' and pancakes on the fire, ride a horse, rent a kayak or bike and go fishing among other things. The prehistoric village is located close to the big attractions in Ryfylke such as The Pulpit Rock and Kjerag, and you can stay overnight at Landa camping. 

 

Dress up like a Viking 

Children can learn about our Viking history in Avaldsnes. This place is considered Harald Fairhair’s most important royal seat, where the Viking kings controlled the way to the north, Nordvegen. 

A history centre is located by the medieval church, St. Olav’s Church, and to the east there is a reconstructed Viking farm that you can visit during the summer. Here, children can dress up like Vikings and learn more about what life was like in the Viking Age. 

 

Experience animals from all over the world  

Haugaland Zoo is located on Karmøy and is Rogaland’s only zoo with exotic animals. The 10-acre zoo is home to 60 species of mammals, birds and reptiles. The park has hilly terrain with trees, flowers and viewpoints across large parts of the park. 

Children can see animals such as alpacas, kangaroos and marmosets, but also reptiles such as snakes, iguanas, tortoises and more.

 

 

Up in the treetops 

The climbing park Høyt og lavt is located in Nedstrand. It has a zip line and different types of trails in the trees, of varying lengths and degrees of difficulty. The trails are made out of wire cables and ropes that are built into the natural terrain. They enable you to take the children up among the treetops and see the world from a different angle. 

The different trails are adapted in relation to children’s heights, and a minimum requirement is a height of 80 cm. It is also possible to spend the night in ‘glamping’ tents, with a focus on comfort and unique experiences in nature. 

 

Mini golf for the entire family

Minigolfen family park in Torvastad offers activities for adults and children alike. Play mini golf on three different courses, both indoors and outdoors. In the park, you can play among flowers and barbecue cabins. In the old mines in Hauske, you can play mini golf and look for precious metal. If the weather is windy and wet, you can play indoors, where there are nine holes in dry surroundings in the barn 

 

Walking among goblins and trolls

Bring your children for a walk in the woods among goblins and trolls in Årdal. The Fairytale Forest (Eventyrskogen) is a path that makes for a short round trip. You will walk through several visualised fairy tales for about an hour. Signs have been placed along the path and figures among the trees, for the enjoyment of the whole family. The whole trip covers around 1.5 km. 

The wood is located in Årdal in Ryfylke. Follow the signs from the housing development in Dalane for approx. 1.2 km.

 

Outdoor and indoor fun with water 

Saudahallen is located in Sauda, and includes a swimming pool and leisure complex – a fun place for everyone who enjoys water games and bathing. There is a 25-metre long pool with a 35-metre long water slide, as well as a diving board, climbing wall and other playground equipment. 

Outside you will be able to swim in a heated jacuzzi jet and massage nozzles for your neck and back. In other words, this is the place for both adults and children who enjoy the opportunities swimming facilities have to offer.

 

Excursion to Jørpelandsholmen

Jørpelandsholmen is a nice outdoor area easily accessible with a bridge, and is a nice place to bring small children. It has been adapted for those travelling by boat, and for those who wish to explore the island on foot. A 2.1-km long path takes you around the island and it has good facilities. 

There is a turf-roofed shelter and a 12-hole frisbeegolf course. Klungholmen and the artwork Solspeilet can be seen from the island, which is decorated with historical symbols, runes and ornamentation from the Oseberg ship from the Viking Age.