Foto: VisitNorway.com/Thomas Rasmus Skaug

Norway Family Holidays in Norway on a Budget

Family Holidays in Norway on a Budget

Planning a family trip to Norway this year and want to save on the travel budget? Discover a wealth of free activities for the whole family in this article.

Whether you're heading to one of Norway's vibrant cities or exploring the stunning natural landscapes, you can easily fill your family vacation with amazing, cozy, and memorable experiences for both young and old.

Foto: VisitBergen.com/Fløyen

Historical Adventures

Norway has a rich and often dramatic history visible in its castles, ruins, and historic districts. Enjoy a captivating journey through time as history comes alive around you.

Experience the atmosphere of a historic trading town as you walk through the beautiful, well-preserved buildings in Bryggen, Bergen. Explore the dramatic Akershus Fortress in Oslo, or take a leisurely stroll through the white-painted wooden houses in Kristiansand's Posebyen or Stavanger's Old Town – even tech-savvy teenagers will be fascinated and find plenty of opportunities for selfies.

Spectacular Experiences

For a bit more "wow-factor," you can find various spectacular free experiences in larger cities. Take the whole family to the roof of Oslo's Opera House for a stunning view of the city and fjord, hike to the top of Mount Fløyen in Bergen for a breathtaking view followed by fun at the playground and troll forest, or embark on a sculpture treasure hunt in Stavanger, where the family can compete to spot the many bronze sculptures from the "Broken Column" artwork scattered throughout the city.

Foto: VisitBergen.com/Gertrud Coutinho

Cozy Moments

Whether you're visiting a large or small Norwegian city, nature is never far away. Even the big cities have large parks perfect for pleasant walks and enjoying a picnic amidst beautiful nature, art, and architecture.

Many city parks also have lakes with excellent swimming water, where both tourists and locals love to take a refreshing dip. Plus, several parks have playgrounds where the youngest family members can burn off energy while parents take a well-deserved break.

Foto: VisitBergen.com/Gertrud Coutinho

Or how about a delightful day filled with sun, beach, sand, and water? Many Norwegian cities are located by the sea or fjords, and cities like Oslo, Kristiansand, and Stavanger have top-class sandy beaches nearby – in Bergen, you can swim from stone beaches!

Adventurous Excursions

Norway's magnificent nature offers an abundance of free experiences. Enjoy cozy bike and hiking trips, where children can explore a nature far grander and different from Denmark's, with endless forests, spectacular mountains, and fantastic waterfalls.

You can also visit many of the country's viewpoints (with free access) where the sight of mountains, fjords, valleys, glaciers, waterfalls, and forests can take anyone's breath away, regardless of age.

Foto: Visitsørlandet/Raisfoto

End your days with a delicious dinner cooked over a campfire while reflecting on the day's adventures. Perhaps you've been lucky enough to glimpse Norway's unique wildlife – or even trolls – along the way?

Bonus Tip: Check Local Calendars

Throughout the summer, many markets, festivals, city fairs, and outdoor concerts take place in large and small Norwegian towns – often with free entry to all or parts of the events. Keep an eye on the websites of the cities or local areas you visit – you might find unique experiences for both young and old!