Reasons to take your children to Fjord Norway this summer

Experience an exciting journey in some of the most beautiful scenery Norway has to offer. See some of the world's most beautiful nature, relive the Viking Age, get a rush of excitement in ice-cold mountain lakes and warm rivers. Children can sample the best Norwegian food around, sleep in comfy beds and create memories for life. Now you know where to go on holiday this summer: Western Norway. There are thousands of reasons for visiting, and we have selected some of them. Take a look: 
 

Viking for a day

Most people are familiar with the history of the Vikings who pillaged and killed on their raids overseas. However, people know less about their everyday life as fishermen, farmers, family members and friendly neighbours. You can learn about this facet of Viking life by visiting Bukkøy on Karmøy in Rogaland. The Viking Farm at Avaldsnes is located here, where several episodes of the Norwegian TV series ‘Vikingane’ were filmed. Be a Viking for a day here.

At Nordvegen History Centre you can hear the story of how Avaldsnes became Norway’s oldest royal seat. You will meet Harald Fairhair, who will introduce you to the rulers who controlled the way to the north – Nordvegen. Come on a journey to explore the magic of Norse mythology – a mythology that many once believed was real. The history is told through films, sound, light, figures and beautiful artefacts. 

If the visit awakens a new interest in the Viking Age, we also recommend a trip to the Viking House in Stavanger.

 

Trollpikken rock in Egersund

Among the many fun and peculiar rock formations in Norway, Trollpikken rock in Egersund has received a lot of attention in recent years. Particularly when someone drilled a number of holes in it and the landmark collapsed. The rock has since been repaired and is again a popular destination and photo stop. You can drive almost all the way to Trollpikken, but we recommend the just under four-kilometre walk in the unique terrain, offering many great photo opportunities along the way. When you arrive at what is possibly the funniest mountain in Norway, you can let the children take the most memorable photo of the summer. Read more about the walk here.  

 

The steps in Flørli

On the south side of the Lysefjord in Rogaland, you will find the small off-road farm, Flørli, which was established around the power plant that opened in 1918. Here you can experience a very special and different part of Norwegian industrial history from the very banks of the fjord. From the farm, walk up the beautiful wooden staircase with a total of 4,444 steps to the top of Troppekosnuten. The walk back down is on the old navvies path, as the staircase is too narrow for two-way traffic. You can stay overnight in Flørli, where you can get to know the history of the place – first hand. In order to get to Flørli, you can either take your own boat/kayak, arrive on the ferry from Lauvik or Forsand, or take Rødne's summer ferry.

 

Aurlandsdalen – – the most beautiful part of Norway

Many consider Aurlandsdalen to be the most beautiful valley in Norway. We see where they’re coming from. 

Many people take the train to Finse and start the walk there. You can stay overnight at Finsehytta cabin or Hotell 1222. Then walk the 15 kilometres to Geiterygghytta cabin. Many people make a detour to the summit of St. Pål (1,695 metres above sea level) to see the view from there. After staying the night at Geiterygghytta cabin, the walk continues to the DNT cabin Østerbø in Aurlandsdalen. This is where you can see the best of Aurlandsdalen.

Aurlandsdalen is one of the most lush valleys in Norway with almost 500 registered plant species. The walk from Østerbø to Vassbygdi is breathtaking. Not because it's physically demanding, but because of the nature and scenery. From Vassbygdi, you take the bus to Aurland and Flåm and continue your journey in Western Norway from there. Read more about the walk through Aurlandsdalen here.

 

High and low in Voss

Many people will associate Voss with skiing. But the focus on active outdoor experiences has made Voss the perfect holiday destination all year round.

Strandaelva and Raundalselva are perfect for those who want to give river rafting a go. And family rafting on the Vosso river in safe hands is an experience that will unite the family – you are literally in the same boat. You will receive thorough training and you can borrow all the clothes you need. A good tip is to wear a layer of wool under the wetsuit.

And since you're in active mode: Spend a day at the climbing park. Climb high above the ground and try different challenges related to balance and climbing through the trails. There is a separate trail for small children. 

Parachuting is not for the faint-hearted. However, it is possible to experience the feeling of flying without having to jump out of a plane with a parachute. In the wind tunnel everyone from the age of five can experience what it feels like to fly. Very exciting and completely safe!

 

Experience the whale with the belly full of plastic bags 

How much plastic was actually found in the belly of the whale found in Vindenes in Sotra outside Bergen in 2017? This question will be answered if you take a trip to the last place where people were executed in Bergen: Rakkerhaugen, where the Natural History Museum is now located. In the museum, which has endless old treasures, you can find both the skeleton of the whale and the entire plastic bag collection that was found in its belly. 

The museum provides answers to questions the public might have about life on earth, and not least about what will happen if we treat it badly. 
Most of us want to hide our mistakes and fiascos, but at the Natural History Museum in the heart of Bergen you can see theirs up close. The museum has a large collection of failed stuffed animals. They are guaranteed to make you laugh. Read more about the exhibitions and the museum here (only in Norwegian).

 

Island hopping on the post boat

One of the most beautiful boat trips in Norway is from the outermost part of the Sognefjord to Værlandet, Bulandet and Solund. Drive to the village Hardbakke in Solund and go on board the local post boat ‘Stjernsund’, whose postal route passes some of the most amazing islands and islets you can imagine. Remember to wear clothes that will enable you to spend time on deck. 

Pay attention to the information provided by the skipper underway. The crew on board know where to look for the animals that live in this region, and you may well get a glimpse of sea eagles, porpoises and seals. Another exciting thing about this sea voyage is that you don’t know where the boat stops. This is decided by where post has to be delivered and where passengers are getting on or off. You will nonetheless get to visit the old trading post Gåsvær where there is a café and new experiences await. If you want to explore the islands you can rent a bike and go island hopping across six bridges on the 5-kilometre-long road, starting and ending back at the quay. The journey continues to Bulandet and Værlandet. You have now spent 4.5 hours on this beautiful route. As you’re in this part of the country, we recommend joining a kayaking trip in Solund. Here you can go kayaking between islets and skerries, completely secluded from the harsher conditions of the open waters. Read more about the trips here.

 

On the same wavelength

Many people have admired surfers having fun on the waves off Hawaii. You can have a go yourself, at some of Norway's best surfing areas near Stadlandet. You will find Ervika and Hoddevika beaches side by side. When the sea is calm in one area, there might be some nice waves in the other. Ervika is often the rougher of the two. At Hoddevika you will find experienced surfing instructors who will help you to master basic techniques and you will be able to rent all the necessary equipment. If you want to combine spending time in the water and the mountains, you have come to the right place. Here you can go on the most fantastic hikes with views of the beautiful beaches that lie like a bow against the open sea. 

If you think surfing seems challenging, stand up paddle boarding might be an option – where you stand on the board and paddle with an oar. While we're at it, we can also mention the great surfing areas in Jæren, by Alnes lighthouse outside Ålesund and by the Atlantic Road, to mention but a few. Read more about it here.  

 

Mountain hike to Mannen

For several years, the mountain section Mannen in Møre og Romsdal could be seen on the news because there was concern that a huge rock slide from the mountain would demolish the mountain farms below, hit the Raumabanen Railway tracks or block the river Rauma and consequently cause a flood to hit Åndalsnes. The rock slide was luckily smaller than anticipated and no buildings, animals or persons were hurt. But did you know that you can walk up to the top of Mannen (1,291 metres above sea level) by following a marked path from Alnesvannet lake by the Trollstigen Road? The walk is about 7 kilometres long in relatively easy terrain and is recommended for families with slightly older children who are used to hiking. The reward is a fantastic view of the Romsdalen valley.

If you want a view of the opposite side, we recommend driving to Vengjesdalen in the Isfjord and walking 20 minutes up to Litjevatnet lake. Now you're at the bottom of the Romsdalshorn mountain, and if you're lucky you'll see base hoppers who've jumped off the mountain. You will be able to see the whole of the magical mountain Trollveggmassivet on the other side of the valley. Read more about the walk to Mannen here. 

 

Would you like to feed a sea eagle?

The island Smøla is located north of Kristiansund, and has become a regular haunt for sea eagles. This magnificent bird loves flying in large circles in the sky. You can join a sea eagle safari on the island of Smøla. The safari starts by Straumen marina and takes you by boat to the sea eagle's favourite haunts. Some of the eagles are so familiar that they've even been given names. From the boat you can throw fish up in the air, and the flying hunters are sure to impress by catching the food in mid-flight. Have your camera ready.

There are several shelters and cabins where you can watch the birdlife in the area from a secluded and sheltered spot. It is a good idea to bring a pair of good binoculars along. It makes the experience twice as exciting. Don’t forget to visit the beautiful fishing village Veiholmen on Smøla. There are plenty of motives to take photos of, and you can eat and stay the night here. Read more about it here.