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Bergen & the Fjords with Kids

Bergen and the fjords immediately inland form the standard first trip to Norway. Bergen itself is compact and colourful, with a funicular and a cable car straight out of the centre; the fjords beyond are reached by a mountain railway and ferries that are themselves the sightseeing. The whole route can be done without a car, which is unusual for scenery of this kind.

Best for ages
4+
Suggested stay
4–7 days
Best months
Jun–Sep
Daily budget
€300

Mid-range, family of four

Why Bergen & the Fjords works with children

  • Trains and ferries as attractions

    The Flåm Line descends 865 m in 20 km past waterfalls, with a stop to get out.

  • Fjords at road level

    Cliffs and waterfalls visible from the deck rather than after a climb.

  • A city with a funicular and a cable car

    Both start within walking distance of the harbour in Bergen.

  • Long summer daylight

    Light well past 22:00 in June, which makes late starts possible.

Where to stay

Best areas in Bergen & the Fjords for families

3 areas cover most trips here; the difference is mainly a city base versus active families.

  • Bergen

    Best for a city base

    The harbour, the fish market, the funicular and the aquarium all within walking distance.

  • Flåm & Aurland

    Best for the fjord night

    At the head of the Aurlandsfjord, where the railway ends and the ferries start.

  • Voss

    Best for active families

    Between Bergen and Flåm, with adventure activities and a gondola.

Family hotel picks in Bergen & the Fjords

  • Fjords — cabins and apartments
    Flåm / Aurland / VossMid-range

    Fjords — cabins and apartments

    Cabins are how families make Norway affordable: they sleep four to six, include a kitchen, and sit in better locations than the hotels.

    • Kitchen, which offsets Norway's restaurant prices
    • Sleeps four to six in one booking
    • Often directly on the fjord or a lake

    Fitting a family in

    Cabins and campsite huts routinely sleep four to six and cost well under two hotel rooms.

    Watch out. Some campsite huts do not include bed linen or a private bathroom. Check both before booking.

    Check hotel prices — opens Klook in a new tab (affiliate link)Live availability for your dates
  • Bergen — central apartments
    Bryggen / city centreMid-range

    Bergen — central apartments

    A kitchen and a central location together solve Norway's two problems at once: food cost and wet weather with children.

    • Walk to the harbour, fish market and funicular
    • Kitchen and laundry
    • Close to the railway station for the fjord route

    Fitting a family in

    Two-bedroom apartments are common and considerably cheaper than two hotel rooms.

    Watch out. Cruise-ship days make the harbour area very crowded; check the port schedule if that matters.

    Check hotel prices — opens Klook in a new tab (affiliate link)Live availability for your dates
All family stays in Norway

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Things to do in Bergen & the Fjords with kids

  • Flåm Railway
    NatureBook ahead

    Flåm Railway

    Bergen & the Fjords

    One of the steepest standard-gauge railways in the world, descending 865 m in 20 km past waterfalls and mountain farms, with a photo stop en route.

    Ages
    2–17
    Time
    2h
    Adult, from
    €55

    Good to know. Summer departures sell out. Sit on the left going down for the best views.

    Book tickets — opens Klook in a new tab (affiliate link)
  • Nærøyfjord cruise
    WaterBook ahead

    Nærøyfjord cruise

    Bergen & the Fjords

    A ferry through the narrowest arm of the Sognefjord, UNESCO-listed, between cliffs that rise over a kilometre from the water.

    Ages
    2–17
    Time
    2h 30m
    Adult, from
    €50

    Good to know. Open decks are cold and windy even in July. A warm layer for each child is needed.

    Book tickets — opens Klook in a new tab (affiliate link)

Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through one, the price is the same for you and we may earn a commission. How this works.

Getting around Bergen & the Fjords

The Bergen Railway, the Flåm Line and the fjord ferries connect end to end and can be booked as a single through journey. A car adds flexibility for the smaller fjord arms but is not needed for the classic route. Ferries carry cars and run as part of the road network.

Bergen & the Fjords tips for families

  • Packing

    Bergen is one of Europe's wettest cities

    It rains on roughly two days in three, year-round. Waterproofs are essential rather than precautionary.

  • When to go

    Book the through journey in advance

    The combined rail, bus and ferry route sells cheaper advance fares, and summer departures fill.

    Check the rail pass — opens Klook in a new tab (affiliate link)

Trips that include Bergen & the Fjords

Ready-made itineraries with this destination built into the route.
  • 7 days€€€Norway

    Norway Fjords by Train

    Scenery you reach by train, ferry and funicular

    Best for ages
    4+
    Pace
    Relaxed
    Driving
    No car needed
    NatureRoad trip
    View trip

Bergen & the Fjords with kids: common questions

How many days do you need for the Norwegian fjords?
Four to five for Bergen plus the classic fjord route at a comfortable pace. A week allows an extra fjord arm or a night in Voss without long days of travel.
Is the Flåm railway worth it with children?
It is one of the few train journeys that holds young children's attention throughout — a steep descent past waterfalls, with a photo stop where everyone gets out.

More of Norway