Vacation with children in Nordfjord
In Nordfjord, there’s a short distance between experiences for everyone, young and old.
©Saltnwax
©Emma Midthjell
Experiences for the whole family
Nordfjord is one of Norway’s most varied travel destinations for families with children. Here you’ll find fjords and mountains, beaches and glaciers, animals and adventures – and activities that suit everyone from the very youngest to the grandparents. Summer and winter. Everything can be found in one fjord.
The region stretches from Bramnger and Stadlandet on the outer coast to Stryn at the innermost part of the fjord, with Gloppen and Eid in between. This means that no matter where you stay, experiences are close by. Distances are short, nature is magnificent, and most attractions are easily accessible – also for families with strollers and young children.
Photo: © Emma Midthjell Solibakke
Photo: © Emma Midthjell Solibakke
Visiting farms and animal experiences
Meeting animals is one of the things that stays in your memory the longest after a holiday. In Nordfjord you will find several visiting farms where children can get up close to large and small animals in various beautiful places around the region. These are experiences that suit the very youngest and that engage the whole family.
You can take part in feeding deer at Hjortegarden in Ålfoten. Olden Farm has farm animals that enjoy cuddles, and can offer sack races, jumping in the hay, and horseshoe throwing. Hakallegarden has horses, donkeys, alpacas, sheep, emus and other exciting animals you can meet. The tractor chugs around the farmyard, and you get to ride along in the trailer.
Photo: © Emma Midthjell Solibakke
On horseback
Nordfjord is home to the Norwegian Fjord Horse, which people all over the world know from the Disney film Frozen. Here are several places where you can get to know this friendly animal, which can suit the whole family, regardless of experience. Feel free to visit the Norwegian Fjord Horse Centre in Nordfjordeid or join a ride with Stall Rygg.
Experiences with animals
Photo: © Emma Midthjell Solibakke
Swimming pools in Nordfjord
Nordfjord has a surprisingly varied range of swimming options. Here you’ll find everything from ice-cold mountain lakes and sheltered sandy beaches to heated outdoor pools – as well as indoor pools open year-round. No matter the weather and temperature, it’s possible to go for a swim in Nordfjord.
Trivselshallen in Sandane is located in the same building as the sports hall in Sandane town center. Here you’ll find a swimming pool (25 degrees), water slide, therapy pool (34 degrees), children’s pool, and diving tower. At Gloppen Camping and leisure center, the family will find both a swimming beach and an outdoor swimming pool. Byrkjelo Camping has a great and popular heated outdoor pool.
At Hotel Alexandra there is a large swimming facility with pools both outdoors and indoors, connected by canals. There is a water slide that will really make your stomach drop, and a counter-current pool for those who want a good workout. There are several children’s pools indoors and outdoors, as well as a water slide, waterfall, and grotto.
Photo: © Ruben Soltvedt
Beach holiday in Nordfjord
Seljesanden is located in the beautiful village of Selje. It is no coincidence that thousands of photos from here find their way to Instagram. The beach stretches from the town centre to Selje Church.
Grotleasanden is one of the finest swimming beaches in Western Norway. This is a sandy beach that inspires enthusiasm and admiration and is visited by many families with children during the summer. Grotlesanden is located near several other small beaches between Hauge and Grotle.
Hoddevik is located in Stad municipality. In Hoddevik, at the outer edge of Stad, you can walk barefoot on white sand, surrounded by steep mountain sides. At Hoddevik, you can even take the kids surfing.
Photo: © Emma Midthjell Solibakke
Photo: © Emma Midthjell Solibakke
Climbing and via ferrata
Nordfjord is a paradise for those who want to challenge themselves at height. Here you’ll find options for all levels – from indoor bouldering gyms and high-ropes parks with zip lines, to spectacular via ferrata routes for the more adventurous. Many of the facilities offer activities specially adapted for children and young people.
Less than ten minutes by car from Stryn town centre you’ll find Hydlaparken climbing park. The very youngest can explore the playground, MiniHydla, while those who are at least 80 centimetres tall can try climbing courses of varying difficulty and zip lines that deliver both butterflies in the stomach and the feeling of flying. For the toughest, Hydlaspranget awaits – a jump from a height of 12 metres that gives you a few seconds of free fall – and Hydlasvevet, a 150-metre-long zip line.
Trivselshallen in Sandane has one of the largest climbing walls in Western Norway, well suited for children. Hamna Activity Centre in Nordfjordeid is an indoor bouldering gym with a Viking theme, perfect for children and young people.
For older children, Via Ferrata Loen is a spectacular option. The age limit is 12 years for Via Ferrata Classic (minimum weight 40 kg). If you want one of the most epic climbing experiences in Western Norway, Hornelen Via Ferrata in Bremanger is the answer.
Loen Skylift and Loen Play
Loen is one of the most visited places in Nordfjord – and with good reason. Here you’ll find several attractions gathered in one place, from the very youngest to those looking for an adrenaline rush. A visit to Loen can easily fill a whole family day.
Loen Skylift takes you from fjord to mountain in just five minutes – an experience the whole family will remember. Up on Mount Hoven, a panorama over Nordfjord opens up that’s hard to describe. Down by the fjord you’ll find Loen Play, an indoor activity park with play and fun tailored for children from 1 to 12 years – a perfect choice on rainy days.
Via Ferrata Loen / © Sverre Hjørnevik
Culture and museums
Nordfjord has a rich history, and several museums and experience centres make it accessible in a way that engages children. Here, the family can learn about Vikings, local culture and coastal life – often combined with interactive exhibitions and activities.
Sagastad in Nordfjordeid is an experience centre connected to the Viking Age and the Myklebust Ship – Norway’s largest known Viking ship. With interactive exhibitions, this is an especially good choice for families with children who enjoy history and adventure. Nordfjord Folk Museum offers lively presentations of local history and cultural heritage – a good choice for families who want to experience Nordfjord beyond nature.
Paddling
Fjords, lakes and rivers make Nordfjord one of the best paddling destinations in Western Norway. Canoeing and kayaking are activities suitable for the whole family, and it’s easy to find calm waters where even the youngest can join in. Many accommodation providers and operators offer rentals, and no prior experience is necessary.
Briksdal Adventure, Loen Active and several other operators rent out kayaks and canoes.
Photo: © Ruben Soltvedt
Boat rental and fishing
In Nordfjord, you can rent a boat in several places for fishing, both on lakes and in Nordfjorden itself. Ask for information where you are staying.
Trail biking and hiking routes
Nordfjord has a well-developed network of marked hiking trails and cycling routes, and many of them are adapted for families with children. Here, it’s possible to choose between calm valley walks and more demanding mountain routes – depending on what the family is ready for.
Nordfjord Trail Center in Sandane has cycling trails designed for families and beginners, with the possibility to progress over time. Sandane Pumptrack is located by the artificial turf pitch near Sandane town centre. Folven Adventure Camp in Stryn offers activities and cycling experiences for the whole family. Hydlaparken has its own pumptrack, and Harpefossen in Nordfjordeid becomes a great cycling facility in summer. Turløyper Stryn has a wide selection of marked hikes adapted to all levels – from short family walks on the valley floor to longer summit hikes with views over all of Nordfjord.
Winter activities
Nordfjord is just as good a family holiday destination in winter as in summer. The region has several ski resorts with offers tailored to children and families, and with short distances it’s easy to combine a ski trip with other activities. For families who want something other than alpine skiing, there are also good opportunities for cross-country skiing, snow play and indoor experiences.
Harpefossen Ski Center in Nordfjordeid offers alpine skiing, snowboarding and groomed trails for all levels – with a dedicated children’s area and good facilities. Breimsbygda Ski Center in Breim is a local and child-friendly ski area with a short way to the slopes. Stryn Vinterski is a unique ski destination where you can ski on natural snow well into spring and early summer, thanks to the altitude and the distinctive local climate.
10 tips for the perfect family holiday in Nordfjord
- Let the children take part in the planning. Check out our websites for inspiration and travel joy. Give the children the opportunity to draw or talk about their expectations. Compare them with the result after the trip?
- Book the holiday well in advance, so you can look forward to it together for as long as possible.
- Let the children help decide the day stages and the content of the holiday.
- Set aside plenty of time for each visit. Things often take longer than you think. And nothing ruins a good mood more than when you’re in a hurry.
- Set aside plenty of time to discover, taste, and enjoy the good, child-friendly food in Nordfjord. Experiences are always nicer when you’re full and satisfied.
- Feel free to stay in the same place for several days, and take day trips from there. That way the children have the chance to come back to a familiar place in the evening. And you avoid checking in and out every day.
7. Bring clothes for all kinds of weather. Don’t let the weather limit what you can experience on your holiday. The summer days are often warm, nice and lovely in Nordfjord, but not always.
8. Be curious. Here in Nordfjord, we want to show you our hidden little gems and places we’re proud of. We’re happy to tell you about the fjord we live by, so feel free to ask the people you meet – we’re happy to share. It could be exactly the tip that becomes the highlight of your holiday.
9. Can you bring an extra friend? Nordfjord is the perfect holiday destination for children and friends. And even the boring car trip becomes more fun when you share it with a friend.
10. Make a photo album from your holiday. Children love looking through albums with pictures of themselves. Feel free to collect small keepsakes with you that you can stick into the album.
Photo: © Emma Midthjell Solibakke
Photo: © Emma Midthjell Solibakke