Bergen with Kids: Tips for a City Trip in Norway
13 tips for visiting Norway’s city among the mountains
Discover Bergen with kids. Bergen is an enchanting city surrounded by breathtaking nature, where the charm of the old town meets the spectacular fjords. It’s the perfect destination for a city break! Located on the west coast of Norway, Bergen offers a great mix of culture, history, and nature. We visited Bergen, just like Oslo, during a beautiful winter road trip through Norway.
From exploring colorful wooden houses along the historic harbor to taking boat trips through the breathtaking fjords. Bergen might not be the first destination that comes to mind… but this Norwegian city is surprisingly child-friendly. In this blog, I’ll share what to do, where to stay, and practical tips for your visit.
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Everything You Need to Know for Your Trip to Bergen with Kids
Bergen, located on the west coast of Norway, is a vibrant city surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. As the second-largest city in Norway, Bergen is known for its colorful wooden houses along the quay in the historic Bryggen district, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This picturesque harbor city in Scandinavia is surrounded by impressive mountains and deep fjords, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventurers.
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.
How Many Days in Bergen with Kids?
For Bergen with kids, two to three days is pretty much perfect. You’ll have enough time to explore the city, do a few activities, and take a boat trip. Of course, you can stay longer, but in that case, I’d recommend combining it with a road trip through Norway.
What to Do in Bergen with Kids
Bergen isn’t a city where you’ll spend days visiting museums. It’s all about the combination of nature, short activities, and simply wandering around.
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.
Take a Fjord cruise from Bryggen
Our highlight of visiting Bergen with kids was definitely the fjord cruise we took. The tour lasts about 3 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, a fjord cruise is a unique experience. We even sailed through sections of ice!
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.
Nice to read: Canoe holiday in Sweden with kids
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.
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
The interactive VilVite museum focuses on science and technology and offers plenty of hands-on activities for kids. From experimenting with electricity to exploring space, there’s plenty 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.
Hotels in Bergen with kids
In downtown Bergen, there are plenty of child-friendly hotels to choose from. We stayed in Zander K Hotel,which 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.
If you’re looking for a more affordable option,Citybox Bergen City is a great alternative.
Restaurants in Bergen 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!).
Is Bergen Fun with Kids?
Yes — but in a different way than you might be used to. Bergen with kids isn’t about theme parks or endless child-focused attractions. It’s more about the combination of being outdoors, doing small activities, and enjoying the atmosphere of the city.
What we really noticed is that the pace here naturally slows down. You wander around, pick an activity, stop somewhere for food, and just let the day unfold. And that actually works surprisingly well with kids. The one thing you really need to keep in mind is the weather.
Bergen with Kids in the Rain (real talk)
You’re going to get rain. Maybe a little, maybe quite a lot. And it can make or break your trip — depending on how you handle it. We found it helps not to think in terms of “bad luck,” but to stay flexible. Do a museum or aquarium for a bit, then head back outside when it clears up. And most importantly: bring good rain gear. It sounds simple, but it really makes a difference.
Kids usually mind it less than we do. They’ll happily jump in puddles just as much as they play at the playground.
Practical Tips for Bergen with Kids
What we really learned during our days in Bergen is that preparation matters more here than on your average city trip. Not in terms of a strict plan, but in mindset and what you bring. Make sure you have clothes that can handle rain, don’t expect a tight schedule, and give yourself the space to let things go if the weather doesn’t cooperate. Bergen is one of those places where you need to go with the flow.
Additionally, the city is very easy to explore with kids. Everything is relatively close together, you can do a lot on foot, and it feels safe and easy to navigate.
Our Experience of Bergen with Kids
What made Bergen special for us wasn’t one specific activity, but the overall experience. The combination of nature, atmosphere, tranquility, and the fact that you never have to rush. We didn’t have packed days or a busy schedule — and that’s exactly why we truly enjoyed it. It’s not a destination you “tick off.” It’s a place where you simply are. And maybe, with kids, that’s exactly what you sometimes need.
Book your family vacation to Bergen with kids
You can easily find family-friendly accommodations in Bergen via Booking.com, and the cheapest flights are best found using Skyscanner. For fun excursions, boat trips, and activities, take a look at GetYourGuide.com, and renting a car is easy with Sunny Cars.
Still exploring options for a family-friendly holiday? On our homepage, you’ll find an overview of popular destinations for families.
