18-Day Ultimate Family Travel Guides Route in Norway
Norway is a playground for families who love the outdoors, offering a blend of modern city culture and breathtaking natural landscapes. This 18-day journey is designed with a relaxed pace, ensuring that parents and children alike can enjoy the majestic fjords, historic towns, and world-class museums without the stress of constant rushing.
We focus on comfortable intercity travel via Norway's excellent rail network and domestic flights, choosing locations that offer stroller-accessible paths and engaging activities for little explorers. Get ready for an epic journey through the heart of Scandinavia that balances adventure with the practical needs of family travel.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Exploring Oslo
Arrival at Oslo Gardermoen
Touch down at Norway's main hub and take the Flytoget Airport Express for a smooth 20-minute ride to the city center.
Oslo Opera House Walk
Stretch your legs on the roof of the Opera House; it's a giant marble ramp that is completely stroller-friendly and offers great harbor views.
Karl Johans Gate Stroll
Walk down the main pedestrian street towards the Royal Palace to see the changing of the guard, a hit with children.
Dinner at Aker Brygge
Enjoy a casual meal at this waterfront district, featuring plenty of outdoor seating and kid-friendly menus.
Day 2: Oslo - Art and Play in the Park
Vigeland Sculpture Park
Explore the world's largest sculpture park made by a single artist, featuring over 200 statues and a massive playground for kids.
Lunch at Frogner
Grab a sandwich or pastry at a local bakery near the park entrance, perfect for a relaxed family picnic.
International Museum of Children's Art
Visit this unique museum dedicated to art created by children from over 180 countries.
Pizza Night at Grünerløkka
Head to this trendy, family-friendly neighborhood for some of the city's best wood-fired pizza.
Day 3: Oslo - Maritime History
Norsk Folkemuseum
Take the ferry to Bygdøy to visit this open-air museum where children can see historic stave churches and farm animals.
Fram Museum
Step inside the strongest wooden ship ever built and learn about polar exploration in an interactive, kid-friendly environment.
Kon-Tiki Museum
See Thor Heyerdahl's famous balsawood raft and learn about his epic voyage across the Pacific.
Relax at the Hotel
Enjoy some downtime before tomorrow's big travel day.
Day 4: Oslo to Flåm - The Scenic Rail Journey
Bergensbanen Train Departure
Board the train for one of the world's most beautiful rail journeys, featuring family compartments with play areas.
Myrdal Interchange
Transfer at Myrdal for the world-famous Flåmsbana, descending 864 meters down to the fjord.
Arrival in Flåm
Check into your accommodation and take a gentle walk along the Aurlandsfjord shoreline.
Dinner at Flåm Bakery
Try the local sourdough and heart-shaped waffles, a favorite for travelers of all ages.
Day 5: Flåm - Fjord Views & Stegastein
Stegastein Viewpoint Bus
Take the sightseeing bus up to the Stegastein viewpoint for a bird's-eye view of the fjord (stroller-friendly platform).
Flåm Railway Museum
A small, free museum near the station that explains the engineering marvel of the railway you just rode.
Aurlandsfjord Boat Trip
Board a quiet, electric boat for a 2-hour cruise to see the dramatic cliffs from the water.
Dinner at Ægir BrewPub
While known for beer, this Viking-style building has a great kid's menu and a cozy fireplace.
Day 6: Flåm - The Viking Valley
Shuttle to Gudvangen
Take a short bus or boat ride to the neighboring village of Gudvangen.
Njardarheimr Viking Valley
Experience a living Viking village where kids can try archery, axe throwing (supervised), and traditional crafts.
Gudvangen Waterfront Play
Let the kids run around the pebble beaches before heading back to Flåm.
Quiet Evening in Flåm
Prepare for your journey to the west coast tomorrow.
Day 7: Flåm to Bergen - Gateway to the Fjords
Express Boat to Bergen
Take the high-speed catamaran directly from Flåm to Bergen, a 5-hour journey through the Sognefjord.
Arrival in Bergen
Walk or take a short taxi to your hotel in the historic city center.
Bryggen Exploration
Walk through the narrow wooden alleyways of the UNESCO-listed Hanseatic wharf.
Dinner at the Fish Market
Try the fresh fish cakes, a local staple that most kids find delicious and easy to eat.
Day 8: Bergen - Mountains and Magic
Fløibanen Funicular
Take the cable car to the top of Mount Fløyen. It's fully accessible and the ride itself is a thrill.
Troll Forest & Playground
At the top of Mount Fløyen, explore the wooden troll sculptures and the massive mountain-top playground.
Bergen Fish Market Lunch
Sample some grilled salmon or shrimp skewers while watching the boats in the harbor.
Bergen Fortress
Run around the grassy ramparts of Bergenhus Fortress, one of the oldest and best-preserved castles in Norway.
Day 9: Bergen - Science and Sea Life
Bergen Aquarium (Akvariet)
See penguins, seals, and local sea life. It's a short, pleasant walk from the city center.
Lunch at Nordnes
Eat at one of the cozy cafes in the Nordnes peninsula near the aquarium.
VilVite Science Center
An interactive museum where kids can learn about physics, energy, and the ocean through hands-on play.
Relaxed Dinner
Enjoy a quiet evening at a neighborhood bistro.
Day 10: Bergen - History and Heritage
Gamle Bergen Museum
Visit this open-air museum with over 50 wooden houses from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Picnic at Sandviken
Enjoy lunch in the park surrounding the Old Bergen Museum.
KODE Art Museums
Visit the KODE 4 building, which has a dedicated art museum for children (Kunstlab).
Farewell Dinner in Bergen
Choose a cozy restaurant in the Marken pedestrian street.
Day 11: Bergen to Ålesund - Coastal Flight
Flight to Ålesund
Take a short 45-minute domestic flight to Ålesund to save hours of driving and ferry transfers.
Check-in & Town Walk
Settle into your hotel and admire the unique Art Nouveau architecture of the city center.
Jugendstilsenteret
Visit the Art Nouveau Centre to learn why the city was rebuilt in this beautiful style after a fire.
Dinner by the Canal
Eat at one of the restaurants overlooking the Brosundet canal.
Day 12: Ålesund - Views and Sea Parks
Aksla Viewpoint
Drive or take the tourist train to the top of Mount Aksla for the iconic view of the islands.
Atlanterhavsparken
Spend the afternoon at one of Northern Europe's largest saltwater aquariums, featuring an outdoor penguin park.
Crab Fishing
Try your hand at local crab fishing from the docks near the aquarium (gear often provided).
Casual Seafood Dinner
Enjoy fresh, local catch at a family-friendly waterfront eatery.
Day 13: Ålesund - Island Hopping
Alnes Lighthouse
Take a short drive to the island of Godøy to visit this picturesque lighthouse and its sandy beach.
Waffle Lunch at the Lighthouse
The lighthouse cafe serves traditional Norwegian waffles that are perfect for kids.
Beach Play
Let the kids play on the white sands of Alnes beach—cold water, but great fun!
Return to Ålesund
Relax and enjoy a quiet evening in the city.
Day 14: Geirangerfjord Day Trip
Fjord Cruise Departure
Take a full-day boat excursion from Ålesund to the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord.
The Seven Sisters Waterfall
Experience the spray of the famous waterfalls from the deck of the boat.
Geiranger Village
Explore the small village and get some local chocolate at the chocolate factory.
Return to Ålesund
Rest after a long but rewarding day on the water.
Day 15: Ålesund to Trondheim - The Royal City
Flight to Trondheim
Take a morning flight to Norway's third-largest city, known for its rich history and colorful warehouses.
Lunch at Bakklandet
Explore the old neighborhood of Bakklandet, filled with colorful wooden houses and stroller-friendly paved streets.
Old Town Bridge (Gamle Bybro)
Cross the iconic 'Portal of Happiness' bridge for the best photo ops of the river warehouses.
Dinner at Solsiden
A vibrant former shipyard area with plenty of outdoor dining options for families.
Day 16: Trondheim - Cathedrals and Castles
Nidaros Cathedral
Visit the world's northernmost medieval cathedral. It's majestic and has plenty of space for kids to walk around outside.
Archbishop's Palace Museum
See the crown jewels of Norway, located right next to the cathedral.
Kristiansten Fortress
Walk (or take the bus) up to the fortress for panoramic views and a large grassy area for kids to play.
Trondheim Torg Dinner
Eat in the main square, where you can watch the local life pass by.
Day 17: Trondheim - Rock and Water
Rockheim Museum
Norway's national museum of popular music. It's highly interactive and very fun for children who love music and tech.
Lunch at the Harbor
Grab a quick bite at the modern Pirterminalen area.
Pirbadet Water Park
The largest indoor water park in Norway, located right on the sea with great views and pools for all ages.
Final Norwegian Feast
Celebrate your last full day with a traditional Norwegian meal.
Day 18: Trondheim Departure
Munkholmen Island (Seasonal)
If visiting in summer, take the 10-minute ferry to this historic island for a final run-around.
Trondheim Center Souvenirs
Pick up some last-minute Norwegian woolens or wooden toys.
Train to Værnes Airport
Take the local train for a stress-free 35-minute ride to the airport.
Departure
Flight home or to your next destination.
Best Time to Visit Norway
For a family trip, the best time to visit Norway is between June and August. During these summer months, the weather is mild, the days are incredibly long (the Midnight Sun in the north), and all seasonal attractions like the Geiranger cruise and Munkholmen ferry are fully operational. If you prefer winter magic and Christmas markets, December is beautiful, but be prepared for very short days and cold temperatures that may be challenging with toddlers.
Currency & Money
Norway uses the Norwegian Krone (NOK). It is one of the most cashless societies in the world; you can pay for everything from a hot dog at a kiosk to a ferry ticket with a credit or debit card. Tipping is not mandatory but rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% for exceptional service at restaurants is appreciated. Ensure your card has a PIN, as it's required for most transactions.
Getting Around Norway
Intercity travel in Norway is highly efficient. The Vy train network is excellent for the Oslo-Flåm-Bergen route, offering family carriages with play areas. For longer distances, such as Bergen to Ålesund or Ålesund to Trondheim, domestic flights with SAS, Norwegian, or Widerøe are the most comfortable and time-saving options for families. Within cities, buses and trams are stroller-accessible, and most have dedicated spaces for prams.
