Bergen for kids – five sure hits for the family
Whether the family is into hiking and magnificent scenery or cozying up in the city, Bergen delivers. We've gathered five sure-fire hits for families in (and around) Bergen.
1. Fløyen – it’s almost compulsory
Foto: extravagantni/gettyimages.com.
Bergen lies at the tip of one of the Norwegian west coast’s many fjords. The city is surrounded by mountains, and Fløyen, one of the most accessible, is a must for everyone. The journey to the top is an exciting experience if you go via the Fløibanen funicular railway direct from the city centre. At the top, spectacular views over Bergen unfold before you, although for the kids, the playground and activity trails in the woods will undoubtedly be the main attraction. And if that doesn’t tire them out, you can descend from Fløyen by a number of different (and manageable) routes.
2. The Aquarium (Akvariet) – a must
Foto: Thor Håkonsen.
Even in the rain, Bergen has lots to offer families. Why not take the kids to Bergen Aquarium? Here, you’ll find amusing penguins as well as a fascinating glimpse into the unique subaquatic creatures that live along the Norwegian coast. And don’t forget the fantastic sea lion show that’s guaranteed to entertain young and old alike! And to make your day even more special, start off with a boat trip to the Aquarium from the inner harbour by the Fish Market.
3. Vannkanten Waterworld – for the active holiday-maker
Children and parents are bound to get plenty of exercise in the hilly streets of Bergen, but for those with excess energy to burn, take a trip to Vannkanten Waterworld. Vannkanten lies a little outside the city centre but can be reached in ten minutes by car. Vannkanten offers a multitude of watery activities from child-friendly slides and wilder water chutes for older adventurers to shallow pools for the smallest, open air swimming and much more.
4. Steinsdalsfossen (waterfall) – for the adventurous
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Norway is no stranger to outstanding and unique areas of natural beauty and within close proximity of Bergen, you’ll find two national parks: Folgefonna and the enormous Hardangervidda National Park, as well as the UNESCO World Heritage nominated Nærøyfjord. All of these really deserve more than a day trip, so visitors should plan at least one overnight stay, or even two. However, there’s still plenty of spectacular nature closer to Bergen. Stendalsfossen is only an hour and a quarter’s drive from town and is a recommended day out for the whole family. The waterfall is an incomparable experience, as visitors can walk underneath the cascading water on a special trail.
5. Skansen – picturesque and quaint
Foto: BastianLinder/gettyimages.com.
Bergen is one of the most picturesque cities in Scandinavia due to its impressive contrast of towering mountains and deep fjords. But there are also beautiful areas on the hillside north of the town centre (Skansen) which take the city up a notch. Set off with the family and explore the tiny winding streets among the beautiful wooden houses and climb steep steps on which the children can play.