A Family Adventure in the Norwegian Fjords

Rise bright and early (if the children allow it) and tuck into your first Norwegian breakfast – a light spread of coffee, scrambled eggs, smoked salmon and freshly baked bread rolls. Once officially fuelled for the day, head out and make the most of your Oslo Pass. Giving you free access to more than 30 museums and tourist sites, use of public transport, ferry rides to the islands in the Oslo fjord and discounts at restaurants, there’s no better way to discover Oslo’s blend of nature and city life.

We also recommend visiting the Norsk Folkemuseum, an open-air museum that depicts how people lived in Norway from the 1500s to the present day. Summer activities include folk dances and music, arts and crafts, meeting farm animals, horse-drawn carriage rides, playgrounds and old-fashioned grocery stores – in short, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained.

Get ready to hit the road as you collect your rental car and begin the drive to Geilo. Around 135 miles from Oslo, we recommend winding through the mountains and stopping off in towns like Flesberg, Rollag, Nore and Uvdal. There’s plenty to explore, and it’ll give you all a chance to stretch your legs (and end back-seat quarrels). The end of today’s drive passes through Hallingdal, a valley shaped like a big smile across south-east Norway. After arriving in Geilo, a National Park mountain village, settle into your family room and rest ready for tomorrow’s action-packed day.

Animal lovers will have the time of their lives during today’s trip to Langedrag Nature Park, a farm with over 250 animals across 25 species. Nestled in an area of breath-taking beauty, overlooking the mountains and fjords of Numedal and Hallingdal, the farm is open year-round and will entertain no matter your age: think petting animals, encountering wild species in the park, horse riding, scenic hikes and even feeding wolves, arctic foxes and reindeer. After a fun day with new furry friends, head back to Geilo for an evening debating which animals were your favourite.

Spend your second day in Geilo getting stuck into the summer activities on offer. Geilo Summer Park is a playground for the whole family, so put your balancing skills to the test at the climbing park or hop on a bike and speed along the downhill track. For guaranteed thrills, head to the 3,600ft-long zipline and whizz through the treetops as you soar past views of Ustedalen, Hallingskarvet and Hallingdal.

Come evening, we recommend checking out Bowl & Dine, an American-style diner that combines juicy homemade burgers with six bowling alleys. The lively atmosphere will spark healthy competition as you battle for the title of bowling champion before feasting on a hard-earned meal.

Buckle up ready for today’s journey, a leisurely 80 miles (a two-hour drive) from Geilo to Ulkvik. The trip takes you through a mountainous landscape peppered with lakes and blanketed with meadows, until you reach the shores of the Hardangerfjord and your final destination: Ulvik. With less than 2,000 inhabitants, this small town has a relaxed atmosphere that complements the Hardangerjord’s beaches and waters. Your hotel acts as the perfect base to discover these landscapes, so settle in, freshen up and head out to soak in the impressive feats of nature.

Dive into the heart of Ulvik’s action with a private kayak adventure in the fjords. Brush up on your survival skills as you paddle out to an island and learn how to make a fire, identify edible plants and set up a makeshift shelter. Continue paddling across the aqua-blue waters and listen as your guide tells you stories of the region, bringing to life the mesmerising surroundings. Round the day off with a locally sourced meal at your hotel, where you can dine on the pier and continue to admire the fjords.

One of Ulvik’s biggest draws is its abundance of hiking trails – from tricky mountain hikes to leisurely forest strolls, there’s something for all abilities. So today, lace up your walking boots and pick your path. Wherever you decide to walk, Norway’s wonderful wildlife will be waiting at every twist and turn. Remember to bring a bag to collect raspberries, blueberries and blackberries along the way (and challenge the family not to gobble them up before the end of the hike).

Set your satnavs for Bergen and begin today’s two-hour drive to this colourful city on Norway’s southwestern coast. Once the country’s capital, Bergen knows how to impress with its wooden buildings, craggy mountains, historic neighbourhoods and clusters of museums. Your hotel is in the city’s heart, so dump your bags and head into the nearby lively streets for an afternoon of curious exploring.

When in Bergen, it would be criminal to miss out on a ride in the Fløibanen, a funicular railway that takes passengers from the city centre to the top of Mount Fløyen. Luckily, we've secured the whole family tickets to traverse the mountain and admire the unrivalled bird’s-eye views during the speedy eight-minute journey. When you’ve reached the top, you’ll find yourself on a viewing platform surrounded by panoramic views of the city, harbours, fjords and the North Sea. There’s also a shop selling irresistible souvenirs and a cafe serving freshly baked pastries. If you fancy venturing further, you’ll find Mount Fløyen is home to leisurely walks, a large playground and the mysterious Troll Forest. You can either follow one of these trails to the mountain base or hop back on the Fløibanen for a leisurely ride back down.