Bergen in Norway with children

13 tips for visiting Norway's city among the mountains

Discover Bergen in Norway with kids. Bergen is an enchanting city surrounded by breathtaking nature, where the charm of the old city meets the spectacular fjords. It is, therefore, a perfect destination for a city break! Located on the west coast of Norway, Bergen offers a perfect mix of culture, history and nature. We visited Bergen during a wonderful round trip through Norway, but of course, the city is also a fun city trip destination.

From exploring colorful wooden houses along the historic harbor to taking boat trips through breathtaking fjords, Bergen has so much to offer. In this blog, we will share the magic of Bergen and provide you with the best tips for enjoying a few days in Norway with kids.

Also read: Winter tour of Norway with kids.

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Everything you need to know for your trip to Bergen in Norway with kids

Located on the west coast of Norway, Bergen is a vibrant city surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. As Norway’s second-largest city, it is renowned for its colorful wooden houses along the quay of the historic Bryggen district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This picturesque port city is enveloped by imposing mountains and deep fjords, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventurers alike

Flight time

A direct flight from Amsterdam to Bergen takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Climate

Bergen has a temperate maritime climate, which means that temperatures are generally mild. Summers are pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 15 to 20°C, while winters are cool, often seeing temperatures drop below freezing. Precipitation occurs throughout the year, contributing to the region’s green and lush landscape

Best travel time

The best time to visit Bergen is during the summer months, from June to August, when days are long and temperatures are pleasant. However, this is also peak season, so you can expect larger crowds and higher prices. If you’d like to avoid the rush, consider visiting Bergen in the spring or fall when the weather remains enjoyable, and there are fewer tourists. Although winters can be cold, Bergen has its own charm during this season, especially with the characteristic snow blanketing the city, making it a captivating destination for winter enthusiasts. We visited Bergen in winter, and it was quite pleasant. The streets were tranquil, and the temperature stayed above freezing.

Currency

The currency in Norway is the Norwegian krone, abbreviated as NOK.

Hotels in Bergen in Norway with children

In downtown Bergen, there are plenty of child-friendly hotels to choose from. We stayed in Zander K Hotelwhich served as the perfect base for our Bergen adventures. The hotel is just a two-minute walk from the main train station and only a five-minute stroll to the historic harbor.

Book your stay at Zander K Hotel here

If you’re looking for a more affordable option,Citybox Bergen City is a great alternative.

Book your stay at Citybox Bergen City here

Stroll along the harbor in Bryggen

When you think of Bergen, the colorful and enchanting Bryggen Harbor likely comes to mind. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its historic wooden buildings that line the quay, dating back to the days of the Hanseatic trading posts.

Don’t just stroll along the harbor; be sure to venture into the narrow streets. Here, you can truly feel the history of sailors and traders from bygone times. Let the kids explore the winding pathways, where they can discover hidden corners, historical treasures, and fun souvenirs!

Visit the Hanseatic Museum to learn more about the city’s maritime heritage and see how people lived and worked in the Middle Ages.

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Take a Fjord cruise from Bryggen

The highlight of our visit to Bergen, Norway, with kids was definitely the Fjord Cruise. The tour lasts a total of three hours and departs from the city center.

You sail into the majestic Osterfjord, surrounded by stunning mountain scenery and breathtaking waterfalls that will leave you in awe. As you venture deeper into the fjord, the mountains grow steeper and more impressive. From the sun deck, you have a fantastic view of the surroundings as the captain skillfully navigates the boat as close to a waterfall as possible.

Even on the coldest days, the fjord cruise provides a unique experience. We even sailed through stretches of ice, adding an extraordinary element to our adventure!

We paid €95 per person, and the children were allowed to join for free. We booked our tickets a day in advance through GetYourGuide, click here for the tickets to the tour.

Tip: Be sure to arrive well in advance to secure a nice window table for the best view.

Take the Fløibanen up the mountain

The Fløibanen is a cable car that takes you to the summit of Fløyen, one of the seven mountains surrounding Bergen. At the top, you can easily entertain yourself for several hours.

In the Troll Forest, children can embark on a quest to find the hidden trolls among the trees. In addition to the Troll Forest, there’s a natural playground where kids can play freely and burn off energy while you take in the beautiful surroundings.

For those seeking more traditional fun, there’s a regular playground equipped with swings, slides, and climbing frames where children can enjoy themselves. You’ll also find goats roaming around, as well as several hiking trails to explore.

After all that playtime, we enjoyed a delicious cake at the Fløistuen Café while taking in the stunning views of Bergen from the mountain.

Other fun activities in Bergen in Norway with kids

Bergen has many more fun things to offer for families. Here are some more tips.

Akvariet i Bergen

Visit the Bergen Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in Northern Europe. Here, children can explore a variety of marine life, from colorful fish to playful penguins and seals. The aquarium also offers educational programs and interactive exhibits that are perfect for young explorers.

Lille Lungegårdsvannet Park

This beautiful city park provides ample space for running, playing, and picnicking. It features a playground, and during the summer months, children can even rent boats to sail on the pond.

VilVite science center

This interactive museum focuses on science and technology, offering a wide range of hands-on activities for children. From experimenting with electricity to exploring the wonders of space, there’s so much to discover and learn.

Old Bergen Museum

Step back in time and explore Gamle Bergen Museum, an open-air museum that showcases life in Bergen during the 18th and 19th centuries. Children can dress up in period clothing and wander through the charming old streets and buildings, immersing themselves in the history of the city.

Fun restaurants in Bergen in Norway with kids

There are plenty of kid-friendly restaurants in Bergen where families can enjoy delicious meals in a relaxed atmosphere. Here are some recommendations:

Bryggeloftet & Stuene

Located on the quay of Bryggen, with beautiful views of the historic buildings and harbor. You’ll eat traditional Norwegian food here, including fish and meat dishes.

Pingvinen

This cozy restaurant serves homemade dishes with a focus on traditional Norwegian flavors. The children’s menu offers simple yet tasty options, such as meatballs and pancakes, while adults can indulge in dishes like Norwegian fish soup and reindeer stew.

Olivia Zachariasbryggen

Located on the waterfront, Olivia Zachariasbryggen offers a cozy atmosphere and delicious Italian food.

Godt Brød Marken

For a tasty treat, visit Godt Brød Marken, a local bakery known for its delicious breads, pastries and sweet treats. Be sure to try their cinnamon rolls.

We ate at McDonald’s (traditionally once during each vacation). Fun for you: the restaurant is in a beautiful building ;-). Additionally, it’s nice to know that 7-Eleven is also in Norway (great for Thailand fans!).

Tip: Also read our blogs on Copenhagen with kids and Oslo with kids, also such great Scandinavian cities!

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