Bergen, Norway, is known for its rainy weather and high living costs, but it’s also a delightful destination for families. While you won’t find public restrooms (shopping centers do have pay toilets), and the cobblestone streets can be a bit tough on strollers, you’ll discover that breastfeeding in public is perfectly acceptable, and you’ll often see kids with iPhones or iPads at restaurants. Here are ten engaging activities to enjoy in Bergen with your little ones.
1. Explore the Surrounding Mountains
Bergen is encircled by seven majestic mountains, two of which are easily accessible via public transport. Take the funicular to Fløyen, the most central mountain. On a sunny day, grab a one-way ticket up and consider walking down (if your knees can handle it). At the summit, there’s a playground and numerous family-friendly trails through the forest. Don’t forget to pick up a disposable BBQ grill (“engangsgrill”) from a grocery store during the summer and enjoy a picnic with hot dogs! Follow the “aktivitetsløype” signs for a fun trail adorned with wooden trolls.
2. Visit Ulriken
Ulriken is the highest of Bergen’s mountains, and you’ll want to dress warmly even in summer. The cable car ride to the top is an adventure itself. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can hike between Fløyen and Ulriken, but plan for at least six hours with kids. Be sure to inform your hotel staff of your plans in case you need assistance later. Unlike Fløyen, Ulriken has no designated activities for kids, so bring your own snacks and drinks.
3. Aquarium Adventure
If the rain starts falling, head indoors to the aquarium, which is a hit with younger children. Featuring crocodiles, penguins, and sea lions, it’s worth the visit, though it’s a bit tricky to get to. If you plan on visiting Ulriken, consider a hop-on-hop-off bus ticket that stops at both locations.
4. Science and Art Museums
The children’s science museum is a fantastic spot but tends to get crowded on weekends. You might find it enjoyable to return solo to explore the interactive exhibits. The art museum Kode 4 boasts a permanent space called KunstLab for kids. Other museums in Bergen also have activities for children, like dress-up at the maritime museum, which offers free entry for kids and students.
5. Water Fun at Vannkanten
A bit further out, Vannkanten is an indoor water park with warm pools, exhilarating slides, and a climbing wall. There’s also an adjacent pizza restaurant with a play area and a McDonald’s featuring a small play structure. Plus, an ice skating rink nearby offers beginning curling lessons (book in advance). Weekends can get quite busy, so be prepared for a lively atmosphere.
6. Family Dining
For a kid-friendly meal, try Pasta Sentralen, a local Italian eatery that’s affordable and fun. It even has a small play area with mismatched Legos and a foosball table to keep the kids entertained while you enjoy your meal.
7. Outdoor Fun
Nygårdsparken’s lower section is popular on sunny weekends and is safe when busy. Bring some bread to feed the ducks or a frisbee to toss around. Kids also love feeding pigeons at Festplassen. However, due to safety concerns, it’s best to keep an eye on little ones in the parks, as some areas may have unwanted surprises.
8. IKEA Fun
Bergen is home to the world’s largest IKEA, located a short bus ride away. The store features a staffed indoor playground, allowing you to drop off the kids for free while you sip coffee in the café. The cafeteria offers some of the best prices in the city, making it a budget-friendly dining option. Just keep in mind that Saturdays can be quite crowded, and IKEA is closed on Sundays.
9. Take a Tram Ride
Hop on the tram (“bybanen”) for a scenic ride. The free Wi-Fi on board is a bonus! At the last stop, “Lagunen,” there’s a large shopping mall with a supervised playground for kids under seven (not free).
10. Local Playgroups
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to connect with other families, ask your hotel staff about nearby “åpen barnehager,” which are informal meeting spots for children aged 0-6 run by local churches (non-religious content). These groups typically welcome all preschool-aged children and can be a great way to meet other parents and kids.
Bonus Tip:
If you’re ever in need of a quiet activity, check out local movie listings. While most films are subtitled, there are free 3D movies in English at the science museum and aquarium, as well as free children’s movies on Sundays at the Public Library.
Have a fantastic time exploring Bergen!
Summary
Bergen offers a mix of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and family-friendly dining options. With its beautiful mountains, engaging museums, and fun activities, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss out on local playgroups and the large IKEA playground for a unique experience.