Bergen family guide
Bergen sits between seven mountains and the sea, the gateway to Norway's fjords. Within minutes of the colourful wooden houses of Bryggen, a funicular lifts you to a forest with wooden trolls, lakes and playgrounds, and boats leave the harbour for waterfalls and narrow fjords. It rains often, so pack waterproofs, but on a clear day the views from Fløyen and Ulriken feel like the top of the world.
Create a Bergen activity book
Best ages
Fløyen's troll forest and the aquarium delight children from about 3, while longer hikes, kayaks and the Ulriken ridge suit ages 8 and up.
Stroller
The harbour area is flat, but central streets climb steeply and Bryggen's alleys have uneven wooden boards, so a carrier is handy; Fløyen's main paths are gravel and stroller-friendly.
Take this guide on the trip
Signal and roaming are not guaranteed abroad. Print this guide or save it as a PDF, then add a Bergen travel journal and packing list. All three are free and are made in your browser.
Travel journal for Bergen Packing list for BergenTop things to do in Bergen with kids
Fløibanen to Mount Fløyen Ages 3+
The funicular climbs to 320 metres in about six minutes, where the Trollskogen trail hides carved trolls, and there are playgrounds, a lake and canoes for hire in summer.
Bergen Aquarium Ages 3+
Watch penguins and sea lions at feeding time, see starfish and crabs up close and meet creatures from the Norwegian coast at the tip of the Nordnes peninsula.
Bryggen and the fish market Ages 4+
Wander the narrow alleys behind the old Hanseatic wooden houses, then look at king crabs and salmon at the harbour fish market, busiest in summer.
Fjord cruise to Mostraumen Ages 4+
A three-hour boat trip from the city centre squeezes through a narrow strait between steep cliffs and noses right up to waterfalls; bring warm layers for the deck.
Ulriken643 cable car Ages 5+
The cable car to Bergen's highest mountain gives views over the city, islands and sea, with easy short walks on the summit plateau for small legs.
Rainy-day and cold-day options
VilVite Science Centre
Hands-on science centre with a loop bicycle, water play and weather experiments that fill half a day.
AdO arena
Bergen's big indoor swimming arena with waterslides and a warm children's pool.
Bryggens Museum
Medieval finds from the wharf, including wooden sticks carved with runic messages and old shoes.
A simple first day
- Morning
- Ride Fløibanen early and follow the Trollskogen trail at the top.
- Afternoon
- Walk down through the forest to Bryggen and explore the wooden alleys.
- Evening
- Eat fish cakes by the harbour and watch the boats come in.
Getting around
The centre is compact, and the Bybanen light rail runs from the airport to the city in about 45 minutes; Skyss buses and the light rail share tickets bought in the Skyss app.
Food kids like
Kids usually love fiskekaker (fish cakes), waffles with brown cheese and skillingsboller, Bergen's big cinnamon buns; try creamy Bergen fish soup at the Fish Market hall.
What Bergen costs for a family
About NOK 3,000-4,500 (≈ €255-385) a day for a family of four excluding lodging; Norway is pricey, so plan picnic lunches.
| Item | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Fløibanen funicular return (adult; children about half) | NOK 170-200 (≈ €15-17) |
| Bergen Aquarium entry (child to adult) | NOK 250-360 (≈ €21-31) |
| Mostraumen fjord cruise (adult; children about half) | NOK 850-1,050 (≈ €73-90) |
| Fish soup or fish cake lunch (per person) | NOK 150-260 (≈ €13-22) |
Ride Fløibanen up and walk down through the forest on the 45-minute path, and buy picnic supplies at supermarkets such as Rema 1000 or Kiwi. Prices are typical ranges checked for 2025–2026; confirm current prices before you book.
Safety notes
- Bergen gets rain on around 200 days a year, so waterproof jackets, trousers and spare socks matter more than anything else you pack.
- Mountain trails above Fløyen and Ulriken can be wet and foggy, so stay on marked paths and turn back early if the cloud comes down.
- Harbour edges at Bryggen and the fish market have no railings, so hold small children's hands along the quay.
What's inside the Bergen activity book
A personalized printable book for one child (or up to three with Family), built around Bergen: landmark spotting, a 12-item scavenger hunt, a local food tasting page, local phrases and a quiz. Print it at home before you leave and bring a pencil.
Missions
- Troll tracker
- Raindrop weather reporter
Landmarks to find
- Bryggen
- Mount Fløyen
- Fish Market
- Ulriken
Foods to spot or taste
- fish cakes
- waffles with brown cheese
- cinnamon bun
- fish soup
Words to try
- Hei Hello
- Takk Thank you
- Vær så snill Please
- Ja Yes
Mini €5.90 (10 pages), Adventure €9.90 (25–28 pages) or Family €14.90 (up to three children). One-time purchase, no subscription; the book is printed at home in English.
Create a Bergen activity bookQuestions parents ask
Is Bergen good for young children?
Fløyen's troll forest and the aquarium delight children from about 3, while longer hikes, kayaks and the Ulriken ridge suit ages 8 and up.
Can you use a stroller in Bergen?
The harbour area is flat, but central streets climb steeply and Bryggen's alleys have uneven wooden boards, so a carrier is handy; Fløyen's main paths are gravel and stroller-friendly.
How much does a family day in Bergen cost?
About NOK 3,000-4,500 (≈ €255-385) a day for a family of four excluding lodging; Norway is pricey, so plan picnic lunches. Ride Fløibanen up and walk down through the forest on the 45-minute path, and buy picnic supplies at supermarkets such as Rema 1000 or Kiwi.
When is the best time to visit Bergen with kids?
Best months: May, June, July, August.