Norway with Kids: Enjoying a Vacation Following in the Footsteps of the Vikings

The Journey Begins

“Mommy – pleeease!” Jan-Niklas is annoyed, Till is too, and Dad has already disappeared. Booking a cabin on the upper decks was a wish that went unfulfilled. Instead, we got a cabin right next to the parking deck. The thought that it might smell like gasoline causes some discontent. However, the kids quickly adapt. Till thinks the computer room on Deck 6 is great, and the other children on board are a welcome distraction. While we come to terms with the new situation, the kids discover the ship's amenities. There are play areas, exciting activities, and even a small pool that delights the little ones. The children love making new friends, and the games they play together make time fly. Meanwhile, we parents explore the different decks and enjoy the view of the passing landscape.

Traveling with the Mail Ship

Several hours later, the excitement has settled. The MS Finnmarken has left Bergen and is heading north. The midnight sun bathes the landscape in a magical light as we glide past rocky islands and small wooden houses. It feels as if we are traveling through a toy world, a feeling that will accompany us throughout the journey. The children are fascinated by the landscapes passing by and the small boats anchored in the harbors. We explain to them how important these mail ships once were for supplying remote villages and how they still serve as a lifeline for the coast today. The kids ask many questions about the lives of people in these remote regions and are impressed by the stories of the challenges and daily lives of fishermen and their families. The calm sea and the gentle rocking of the ship make us all forget the time, and we enjoy the peaceful atmosphere on board.

Cod Liver Oil & Whaling

At the Fisheries Museum in Å, we try cod liver oil. The kids are not too thrilled, but the history of whaling and its significance for the region is fascinating. Tourism has replaced whaling, and we even meet a German emigrant family at the Viking market in Borg who share their adventures. The children listen intently as they hear about the Viking games of their new friends and how they reenact the old traditions together. We learn how whaling once shaped the lives of people here and how the region has changed over time. The kids are particularly impressed by the stories of the harsh winters and long nights that people had to endure here. We discuss how the lives of fishermen have changed over the centuries and what role tourism plays today.

About Wild Vikings

The Vikings are a central theme of our journey. Jan-Niklas is excited about the stories of Erik the Red and Leif Eriksson. Exploring the museum peninsula Bygdøy in Oslo, where we visit the ships of explorers Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen, is a highlight for the whole family. The children imagine what it would be like to go on an expedition themselves, and we discuss what it means to be an explorer. The stories of the Vikings spark their imagination, and they begin to plan their own adventures. We read together from books about the Vikings and their journeys and are fascinated by the tales of their discoveries and culture. The children are inspired to plan their own little expeditions and explore new places.

Family-Friendly Norway

After four nights on board, we have gotten used to our cabin. The sea remains calm, and the docking maneuvers are a spectacle in themselves. Norway is an ideal travel destination for families: the people are friendly, the hotels spacious, and the buffets delicious. Even though Norway is expensive, it offers unforgettable experiences. We enjoy the variety of landscapes, from deep fjords to snow-capped peaks. The children love the freedom that nature provides, and we appreciate the safety and hospitality we encounter everywhere. We meet other families who are taking similar trips and exchange experiences and tips. The kids are thrilled about the new friendships they make and the shared experiences they have.

Kiel, Oslo, Bergen...

Our journey takes us from Kiel to Oslo, then by train to Bergen, where we board the Hurtigruten ship. In the Lofoten Islands, we rent a house and a car before flying back to the mainland. The nature of Norway is overwhelming, and we encounter moose, bird cliffs, and breathtaking waterfalls. The children are excited about the animals they see in the wild, and the hikes through the pristine nature are a highlight for all of us. We learn a lot about the history and culture of Norway and discover the diversity of this fascinating country. The children are particularly impressed by the majestic moose they can observe up close and the huge flocks of birds that soar across the sky.

On the Lofoten Islands

On the fifth day, we reach Svolvaer in the Lofoten Islands. Our hotel is right by the water, and the scenery is spectacular. The dark rock walls and the solitary beauty of the islands are impressive. We stay in a traditional fisherman's house, and the children are thrilled by the screeching seagulls and the untouched nature. Every morning, we are awakened by the sun rising over the horizon, and the children rush outside to explore the surroundings. The Lofoten Islands offer countless opportunities for adventure and discovery. Whether fishing, hiking, or simply marveling at nature – this trip will stay with us for a long time. And who knows, maybe one day we will return to uncover more secrets of this fascinating country. The children are captivated by the stories of the Vikings who once inhabited these islands, and they imagine what it would be like to live in this rugged yet beautiful environment.