Norway is a wonderful and easy country to visit with family. There are well developed cities, wonderful locals and spectacular landscapes of Fjord’s and other beautiful vistas. Norway is an enchanting country full of adventure and wonder for kids. From the beautiful northern lights that fill the night sky to the stunning fjords and majestic mountains, there’s no shortage of exciting things to explore.
One of the best things about Norway is the abundance of outdoor activities for families. From skiing and snowshoeing in the winter months to hiking and biking during the summer, families can take advantage of Norway’s beautiful landscape. You can also explore the many lakes, rivers, and waterfalls that are located throughout the country or take part in activities such as fishing, kayaking, and rafting. There’s no shortage of things to do in Norway.
If you’re looking for a more cultural experience, Norway has plenty of museums and attractions. From the Norwegian National Museum in Oslo to the Viking Ship Museum in Tønsberg, there’s plenty of educational activities to keep kids entertained. Families can also take part in activities such as whale watching or fjord cruises. Norway is also home to some of the most picturesque villages in the world, making it a great destination for kids to learn a bit of history and culture.
I have had Norway on our bucket list for a long time. We finally got the chance to visit for a week in September 2021.
How to get to Norway – Airplane Flights
Norway recently has been one of the cheaper areas to fly to from the US. I generally start my airline searches through skyscanner by putting the US as the starting point and choosing several countries as the ending point. Currently Norse Airlines has been offering very affordable trips. I have been booking directly with them. Our flight from JFK to Norway was very pleasant with no unexpected issues.
Where to Stay in Norway
There are several areas that a traveler will primary look at when visiting Norway. Oslo is the capital city then there are more scenic areas outside of Oslo. We had one week to explore and spent half of our time in Oslo and half in Flam. We rented a car for transportation. Other options include Bergen (we tried to make our flights work to Bergen but we just couldn’t get enough time.
For the most basic Itinerary land in either Bergen or Oslo, plan some time in the Fjords then back to either city. For an epic, bucket list item, consider taking the trains that connect the two cities and a ferry and add in a stop farther north to see the northern lights.
We booked our accommodations through Airbnb, VRBO and Booking.com. All experiences were smooth and we stayed in some lovely places.
Transportation in Norway
Our car rental was through skyscanner.com and it was also smooth. Please take some time before you go to learn the traffic signs and laws. Norway can be really strict on following traffic laws with steep fines for those who do not. Roads are generally really safe with locals going through more extensive driving training than most any other country. Take our time and don’t rush – you will get to your destination.
Oslo is a very walk-able city and public transportation is the way to make your way around the city. You can get to most of the places to see via walking downtown and ferry.
Food & Dining in Norway
Eating out in Norway can be very expensive. We’ve traveled to other European countries (like Denmark) that we were told were also expensive but none shocked me like Norway. Even a quick stop at a fast food restaurant can run up to $20 per meal. Flights, lodging and other expenses are not difficult to keep in budget but the out dinning budget was hart to control We saved money by buying more groceries and snacks and splitting meals when we went out to eat. We did not order beverages when eating out. A glass of wine could be $20 (first thing we bought in France was a bottle of wine for $3).
The food, however, is generally a high quality and very good. Consider getting accommodations with a kitchen to make most meals at home. You’ll generally cover the extra cost of the kitchen in a day.
Internet and Phone Service
We had more difficulty than we expected with phone service. Usually we’re pretty good at pre-planning these things but we’re currently on a low cost phone plan in the US and getting service in Norway was not easy. Our plan was to get an updated SIM card at the airport (our usual strategy) – they were out. We visited 3 other stores that were supposed to have SIM cards and they were all out. Eventually we bought a new phone that we used in Norway and the rest of Europe which was an extra expense and about 3 hours of trying to figure it out. Internet service with the Norwegian phone was very good even going through a 20 mile tunnel and remote areas. I would not depend on getting a SIM card. Consider upgrading your plan before you go to be covered for international calls.
Language, Communication, Currency
Most of the time, people could easily understand English. Always start conversations with a greeting in the home language but most people in Norway can easily communicate in English. I do recommend downloading google translate just in case.
Norway does not use the Euro. You will need to get Norwegian Kron’s at the airport.
Simple Norway Itineraries & Trip Planning
A Norway vacation can range from epic bucket list adventure items to low key exploring. We went low key with 3 days in Oslo, 2 Days in Flam then back to Oslo to fly to our next destination. It was perfect for us and a really low stress trip.
What to Wear & Pack on a Trip to Norway
The answer to any packing question is generally – layers. For Norway in the summer or early fall I recommend packing 2 base layers either pepper skins or merino wool layers. Walking shoes for the city and warm socks. Hiking shoes for exploring. Long sleeve shirts for mid layers. Hiking pants 1-2 pairs. Pullovers or zipped cloth or thin jacket for 3rd layer. I would also pack a nice jacket for weather that is warm but not especially thick. I usually have a Columbia or Northface jacket for this layer. For the city, I would recommend simple colors and a stylish jacket. Consider purchasing gloves and hats there (they make great souvenirs). Be prepared for changes. I was comfortable in long sleeves at every place but some locations were chilly (especially the ferry) so having layers was perfect.
Which cities to visit in Norway
Oslo
Norway is a friendly and beautiful city that is filled with culture, art, and history. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe and is a great place to visit for anyone looking for a truly unique vacation experience. Oslo is the capital of Norway and it is the largest city in the country. It is also home to some of the most iconic landmarks in Europe including the Oslo Opera House, Vigeland Sculpture Park, and the Akershus Fortress. Oslo is a great place to explore, especially if you love the outdoors. There are numerous museums and galleries to explore including the Munch Museum, Viking Ship Museum, Fram Museum, Nobel Peace Prize Museum and many more.
Bergen
Bergen, Norway is a picturesque, coastal city located in the southwestern portion of the country. It’s the second largest city in Norway, and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. The city is full of beautiful sights and activities. From the awe-inspiring views of the surrounding mountains and fjords, to the colorful and vibrant city streets, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Visitors to Bergen can explore the city’s many museums and art galleries, take a boat tour of the nearby fjords, or simply enjoy the views of the city from the top of Mt. Ulriken. The city also offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and kayaking. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of cultural events, such as the Bergen International Music Festival and the Bergen Jazz Festival. The city’s vibrant and eclectic nightlife is another big draw. There are plenty of bars and clubs to choose from, and visitors can also enjoy a variety of restaurants, ranging from traditional Norwegian cuisine to international fare. Bergen is also home to some of the most stunning natural scenery in the world. Visitors can explore the nearby Sognefjord, one of Norway’s largest and most beautiful fjords, or take a day trip to the nearby Viking villages of Lofoten.
Flam
Flam, Norway is a picturesque village located in the Aurland municipality in Sogn og Fjordane county. It is situated in a narrow, steep-sided valley, surrounded by majestic snow-capped mountains and surrounded by the Sognefjord. It is a great place to visit for its stunning natural beauty and its many attractions, making it a popular tourist destination. Flam is best known for its railway, the Flamsbana, which winds its way through the beautiful scenery of the Flam Valley. The railway is one of the steepest standard gauge railways in the world, and offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can take a train journey through the valley, or take a boat or bus ride up the fjord to view the magnificent scenery from the water. Flam is also a great place for outdoor activities. Hiking and biking trails can be found in the area, and there are plenty of opportunities to go kayaking and rafting in the fjords. For those looking for a more relaxing experience, there are plenty of restaurants, cafés and shops to explore. The village also has several museums and galleries, showcasing the history and culture of the area. There is also plenty to do in Flam at night. The village has several bars and pubs, where visitors can enjoy a drink and meet locals. For those looking for more of an adventure, there are several organized activities, such as night skiing and snow biking.
Tromso
Tromso, Norway is a beautiful northern city with a unique, captivating atmosphere. Located in the Arctic Circle, it is known for its stunning views of the Northern Lights and its abundance of activities for all ages. From reindeer sledding to whale watching to skiing and snowboarding, Tromso offers something for everyone. The city is full of colorful wooden buildings and Arctic architecture, giving it an old-world charm. There are plenty of fantastic restaurants and bars to explore, as well as several museums and galleries. When visiting, make sure to explore the Arctic Cathedral and the Polar Museum, both of which are must-see attractions. In the summer months, take a hike up to the peak of Mount Storsteinen for an incredible view of the city. There are also plenty of outdoor activities to participate in, such as fishing, kayaking, and mountain biking.