On holiday with children in Bergen

Are you planning a family holiday in the capital of Western Norway? If so, there is no need to worry about the weather. Because Bergen has a lot to offer - even if it’s raining. Below you will find tips for activities and attractions that both young and old can enjoy.

Norway’s largest aquarium

What do the penguin, the Californian sea lion, the crocodile, the turtle and the world’s largest snake, the anaconda, have in common? They can all be visited at the Bergen Aquarium! There are over 60 large aquariums and a separate shark tunnel with 400 different species from all over the world. You can also meet penguins, otters and geckos – and watch the funny sea lions as they are exercised and fed. The little ones who are supposed to stop using a pacifier can hand over the pacifiers to the carp and get a beautiful diploma, while the larger ones can hold a live snake in the tropical department - if they dare. If you’re hungry, head to Spiseriet for a delicious meal or Mattorget for some lighter food "on the go".

Offer: Children stay here for free

To the mountains with Fløibanen

The rail cable car that takes you up to one of Bergen’s seven city mountains, Fløyen, is one of Norway’s most visited attractions – and the Fløibanen funicular is a must for both young and old Bergen visitors. Many people prefer to sit at the back to see the rails and really get the feeling of how steep it is, but the view from the top is also fantastic. There you will find a cafe, a nature trail, a playground and the Trollskogen, which the children love to play in, with wooden troll figures, a Bukkene-Bruse bridge (from a Norwegian song) and a fun obstacle course. Fløibanen is well-equipped for prams - and you can choose whether you want to take the ride up and down or set out on one of the lovely hiking trails.

Explore Ulriken

Ulriken is the highest of the "classic" 7 mountains and is 643 metres above sea level. The easiest way to the top is to jump on the Ulriken643 gondola, which takes around seven minutes up. At the top are both hiking trails and a separate obstacle course for children, and the bravest ones can take Norway’s fastest zip line at 300 metres. During the summer, there are many activities such as face painting, archery, a playground and competitions. And even though the trip with the gondola is fun in itself, it is also worth noting that children who walk up Ulriken643 up or hike across Vidden get a mountaineering diploma.

Escape Bryggen

Can you solve the riddles and get out of the closed room in less than an hour? That is the goal at Escape Bryggen, which is the only escape rooms that can claim premises on UNESCO’s World Heritage List! Here you need to work together and use both logic and creativity to crack the code to freedom. Choose between theme rooms Varg Veum or the smuggler brothers Hanseaticus.

Farm in the city

Just five minutes from the city centre lies the charming Øvre Eide Gård, which offers farm visits, traditional Norwegian food, horse riding and various activities. When the farm is open, you can feed the sheep and lambs, say hello to the rabbits, hens and the rest of the animals on the farm and ride Fjord and Dole horses.

Unbelievable fun in the Alexander Dale Oen Arena

If the weather gods decide on rain, just head towards the AdO arena swimming pool. There is a main pool, a training pool and a children’s pool, as well as two slides, diving towers at five different heights, hot tub and saunas. And between April and October, SUPs and kayaks can be rented for outdoor water fun. In other words, everything a water-loving family needs. Baby swim nappies are even available at reception. And if you can't get enough, water babies will also enjoy the Vannkanten Waterworld.

Play and learn at the VilVite Centre

At the VilVite science centre, children can learn about technology, natural science and science through exciting scientific work and fun experiments with a focus on sea, weather and energy. Travel into the future with interactive installations, say hello to Robert the robot, cycle 360 degrees around the Centrifugal Space or go into space with the Space Elevator – to name a few. The goal is for science and technology to be presented in a way that is both understandable and entertaining for children and adults.

Fangene på Fortet (prisoners at the fort)

At Fangene på Fortet Bergen you can challenge each other – or work together – to master fun challenges and activities. There are 35 different rooms with tasks that put physics, knowledge and creativity to the test. It is recommended that there are 3–5 participants per team, and there are rooms suitable for everyone regardless of their physical fitness or age.

Visit a trampoline park

Jump and bounce! At Bergen’s largest indoor trampoline park, Flipzone, you can really burn off some energy. Here you can bounce around on 50 continuous trampolines on the floor and walls, land softly in the foampit, go for the ultimate Ninja Warrior title on the obstacle course or take the plunge and dunk like a NBA basketball star. The trampoline park is in Åsane, approx. 20 minutes’ drive from the city centre.

Rubens Treasury

Could this be Norway’s funnest toy store? At Rubens Treasury you can go bananas in fun costumes and exciting toys for children of all ages. The store opened its doors in 1979, and still houses three levels of fun – and has been voted Bergen’s best children’s store. The store is located between Fisketorget and Fløibanen.

Høyt & Lavt

In scenic surroundings at Nesttun, approx. 20 minutes from the city centre, you will find Western Norway’s largest climbing park. Here you can tackle a total of 10 exciting trails with a total of 120 challenging obstacles and over 20 zip-lines. The location is for both young and old, but please note that the minimum height requirement is 80 cm. If the weather gods show their bad side, there are also indoor climbing opportunities at the Bergen Climbing Centre.

Theatre magic

The National Stage (DNS) is Bergen’s national theatre and one of Norway’s three national theatre institutions. The programme often includes performances for children and young people, and individual family performances for each semester. And if you’re wondering what goes on behind the scenes, join an exciting tour – perfect for all young theatre buffs.

Urban zoo

At the small UrbanZoo zoo you can make a new animal friend, whether you want to say hello to tropical birds, turtles and strange lizards or cute bunnies, chickens and fish. The bravest ones might also want to say hello to the snakes, tarantulas and scorpions? Every Tuesday-Thursday, children and families can join in with feeding the animals. The zoo is located at Bontelabo near Bergenhus Fortress.

Child-friendly hotels in Bergen

Our dedicated receptionists at Thon Hotels are more than happy to give you tips for child-friendly places to eat and several exciting activities in the local area.

When travelling with children, the journey back to the hotel can quickly become long, so the hotel’s location is important. Thon Hotels has three hotels in Bergen city centre and one by the airport. All of the hotels have family rooms that can accommodate up to four people, and breakfast is included in the price.

Thon Hotel Orion is located close to Bergen Brygge. The hotel is a good option for those who want a central location without having to pay too much. The rooms are practically furnished and with the option of an extra bed on the sofa bed. Hotel breakfast and free WiFi are included in the price.

Thon Hotel Bristol Bergen is located by Torgalmenningen, only a short distance from both Bryggen and Fisketorget. The hotel has a bountiful breakfast buffet and is directly connected to Egon Restaurant, which has its own children’s menu. Adults are welcome to help themselves to Nespresso coffee in the lobby. Late check-out on Sundays is also possible, so no need to stress about leaving early before returning home.

Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz Bergen is located in the heart of Bergen city centre. The hotel emphasises the little extras such as dressing gowns and Bose speakers in all rooms. All children also get their own activity book that they can enjoy.

All of our hotels in Bergen have Smart TVs with several TV games integrated. Cots can be rented for NOK 100 per night. If you have any questions, please contact the hotel and we will be happy to assist.