Winter tour of Norway with children
Itinerary and best things to do
Perhaps the most beautiful country in Europe for a road trip: Norway. We went on a winter road trip through Norway with kids, and in this blog we share the ultimate itinerary for an unforgettable adventure.
This route is ideal for about two weeks and takes you to some of the most beautiful places in the country. Of course, it’s also possible to do just a portion of the route or extend it further.
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Winter Road Trip Norway with Kids – Oslo
Welcome to Oslo, the trendy capital of Norway! Here, modern vibes merge with centuries-old traditions, creating a vibrant city atmosphere amid breathtaking nature. Oslo is full of surprises, featuring world-class museums, cozy cafes, colorful markets, and tranquil parks. Whether you want to wander through historic streets, sample local cuisine, or simply relax by the water, Oslo has something for everyone, including families with children. So, be enchanted by Oslo’s laid-back charm and discover all the cool spots this city has to offer!
All our tips about Oslo can be found in our blog Oslo with kids – 16x TIPS!
The best activities in Oslo can be easily booked online through GetYourGuide.
Stay: 2 to 5 nights
We stayed for 2 nights in Oslo, but this was far too short! If we had had enough time, we would have loved to stay for 4 nights.
We stayed at the beautiful Att | Kvadraturen. If you are looking for a more affordable option, Comfort Hotel Xpress Youngstorget is a very good alternative.
Winter tour of Norway with children – The Bergen Line
The best way to travel from Oslo to Bergen is via The Bergen Line. This scenic railroad line runs between Oslo and Bergen, crossing through Hardangervidda National Park and traversing the Hardangervidda plateau, which is the largest high mountain plateau in Europe.
The train ride spans 470 kilometers and takes over seven hours. And the best part? The kids can entertain themselves in the playroom for the entire journey while you sit back and enjoy the view out the window!
Tip: Make sure to reserve a seat in the family wagon. Avoid seats 33 to 36; we made that mistake and ended up without a window! Fortunately, there was plenty of space, and we were able to move to another seat.
Tickets are easily purchased in advance online at the website of VY.no
When we planned our winter tour of Norway, one of the highlights we were most looking forward to was the trip on the Flåm Railway, along with the picturesque fjord cruise from Flåm to Gudvangen. We had carefully arranged everything: taking The Bergen Line from Oslo to Bergen and getting off halfway in Myrdal to board the legendary Flåm Railway.
However, sometimes plans don’t go as expected. Ten minutes before we were to reach Myrdal, we received news that the Flåm Railway was out of service. As a result, we missed the train ride from Myrdal to Flåm, as well as the fjord cruise from Flåm to Gudvangen.
Will you also be taking the Bergen Line from Oslo to Bergen? Be sure to consider getting off at Myrdal for a nice detour. The Flåm Railway is renowned for its steep inclines, sharp turns, and breathtaking views of fjords and waterfalls. The route from Flåm to Gudvangen is considered one of the most spectacular in the world. From Gudvangen, you can take a bus to Voss, where you can reboard the Bergen Line towards Bergen. This entire journey (about 12 hours) may be too long for some families, so it’s also possible to stay overnight in Flåm, Gudvangen, or Voss, for example.
Stay: none or 1 night
Winter round trip Norway with children – Bergen
Bergen is a fairytale city surrounded by stunning natural beauty, where the old town meets majestic fjords. From exploring colorful wooden houses along the historic harbor to taking boat trips through the breathtaking fjords, there’s so much to discover.
In our blog “Bergen with kids – 13x TIPS” we share the magic of Bergen and give you the best advice for a few days in Bergen with kids in Norway.
Stay: 2 to 5 nights
We stayed 2 nights in Bergen, but, like in Oslo, this was way too short! If we had had enough time, we would have loved to stay for 4 nights in Bergen.
We stayed at Zander K Hotel, which served as the perfect base for us for our Bergen adventures. The hotel is a two-minute walk from the main train station and a good five-minute walk from the historic harbor.
Winter tour of Norway with children – The Lofoten Islands
From Bergen, we flew with Widerøe, making a stopover in Trondheim, before heading to Evenes. Upon arriving at the airport, we rented a car and drove to the Lofoten Islands.
The Lofoten Islands, an archipelago in northern Norway, are a true paradise for nature lovers, photographers, and adventurers. Known for their charming villages adorned with red fishing huts scattered along the coastline, the Lofoten Islands offer a plethora of activities: hiking, fishing, kayaking, and whale-watching safaris. Alternatively, you can simply enjoy a scenic drive through the breathtaking landscape. With dramatic peaks, idyllic fishing villages, and expansive white sandy beaches, the scenery here is unmatched. The Lofoten Islands are truly one of the most beautiful places we have ever visited.
The Northern Lights
One of the highlights of visiting the Lofoten Islands is the opportunity to witness the Northern Lights, which regularly dance across the sky during the dark winter months. This breathtaking natural phenomenon creates an unforgettable experience and draws countless visitors to the region each year. However, there are no guarantees; unfortunately, we were unlucky and only managed to capture a small green tuft on camera.
Tip: Keep an eye on my blog, because soon I will write an extensive blog about The Lofoten with children.
Stay: 3 nights
Stay a minimum of 3 nights on The Lofoten Islands. We stayed in Lofoten rorbuutleie – Lilleeidet.
Winter round trip Norway with children – Norwegian Lapland
A winter tour of Norway with children is, of course, not complete without a visit to Lapland. From the Lofoten Islands, it takes about six hours to drive to Tromsø, one of the largest cities in Norwegian Lapland.
The route is stunning; you drive past beautiful fjords and see red cottages and reindeer along the way. We were fortunate because the weather conditions were perfect for a road trip: 8 degrees with sunshine (and that in winter!). However, it’s important to note that the weather here can also be treacherously bad, so keep that in mind.
Two must do’s during your stay in Norwegian Lapland with kids
There is so much to do in Norwegian Lapland for kids, but if you had to choose one activity, opt for a husky ride and a visit to a reindeer farm. You can read all about our experience at Tromsø Arctic Reindeer in my blog: Visiting Tromsø Arctic Reindeer farm in Norwegian Lapland.
Tip: Keep an eye on my blog, because soon I will write an extensive blog about Norwegian Lapland with kids and our visit to the husky farm.
Stay: 3 to 7 nights
Stay at least 3 nights in Norwegian Lapland, but you can easily enjoy your time here for a whole week.
On our journey from the Lofoten Islands to Tromsø, , we stayed one night at Arctic Inn. In Tromsø, we stayed for two nights at Scandic Grand Tromsø.
Book your family vacation to Norway with kids
You can easily find family-friendly accommodations in Norway via Booking.com , and the cheapest flights can be found with Skyscanner. For fun excursions, boat trips, and activities, check out GetYourGuide.com . Renting a car is easy through Sunny Cars.
Still exploring options for a family-friendly holiday? On our homepage, you’ll find an overview of popular destinations for families.
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Highlight: A visit to Tromsø Arctic Reindeer farm in Norwegian Lapland
