Attraction ranking: family adventures in Norway's national parks

Attraction ranking: family adventures in Norway's national parks

April 11, 2025

Norway, land of fjords, mountain peaks and breathtaking landscapes, is the perfect place for unforgettable family adventures. The national parks of this Scandinavian country offer not only picturesque views, but also a wealth of attractions and activities that will delight both adults and children. In this article, we will present a ranking of the best national parks in Norway that are ideal for family trips. We will discover places where nature impresses with its beauty and adventure awaits at every turn. Get ready for a fascinating journey through rugged but captivating landscapes, where glaciers meet green valleys and fjords create fairy-tale scenery. Whether you're a hiker, a wildlife watcher, or just looking for a quiet spot for a family picnic, Norway's national parks have something for everyone. We invite you to discover these remarkable places that will be long remembered by the whole family.

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Top national parks for families

At the top of our ranking are two national parks that offer unparalleled experiences for families: Jostedalsbreen and Jotunheimen.

Jostedalsbreen National Park is a true paradise for nature and outdoor enthusiasts. The park is famous for the largest glacier in continental Europe, which is a major attraction and a magnet for tourists from all over the world. Here families can admire impressive ice formations, participate in safe glacier excursions under the guidance of experienced guides, and explore picturesque valleys and waterfalls. The park offers trails of varying levels of difficulty, so there is something for every family. Of note is the route to the Nigardsbreen glacier, which is relatively easy and accessible even to small children. Price: free admission to the park, guided tours from 300 NOK per person (as of 2023).

On the other hand, Jotunheimen National Park, known as the 'House of Giants,' is a kingdom of high peaks and crystal clear lakes. This park offers a range of activities for families, including easy hiking trails around Lake Gjende that are ideal even for the little ones. For more experienced hikers, the Besseggen trail is a challenge that will provide unforgettable views. The park is also famous for its wildlife viewing opportunities, including reindeer and moose. Families can take advantage of the park's many picnic and camping spots, making it an ideal place for an extended stay. Price: free admission, overnight stays in hostels from NOK 200 per person (as of 2023).

Both parks offer excellent hiking infrastructure, including marked trails, tourist information centers and equipment rentals. Jostedalsbreen stands out for its unique glacial experience, while Jotunheimen offers a greater variety of landscapes and hiking opportunities. The choice between the two depends on your family's preferences - if you are fascinated by glaciers, Jostedalsbreen will be an ideal choice. If, on the other hand, you prefer a variety of trails and activities, Jotunheimen will meet your expectations.

Remember that the weather can be changeable in both parks, so you should always be prepared for different weather conditions. Whichever park you choose, both guarantee unforgettable family adventures in the heart of Norwegian nature.

Sea and mountain parks - a variety of attractions

Our ranking couldn't miss parks that offer unique experiences both by the sea and in the mountains. Ytre Hvaler National Park and Folgefonna National Park are two very different but equally fascinating places that will delight any family.

Ytre Hvaler National Park, located on the southern coast of Norway, is a true paradise for lovers of seascapes and water activities. The park encompasses an archipelago of small islands and is the country's first marine national park. Families here can enjoy beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters and abundant marine life. The park's main attractions are:

  1. kayaking and sailing among picturesque islets
  2. Snorkeling and scuba diving - observing colorful fish and underwater rock formations
  3. picnicking on beaches and rocky shores
  4. easy hiking trails with beautiful sea views
  5. observation of seabirds and seals

The park is accessible all year round, but the best time is in summer, when the water temperature is pleasant for swimming. Admission to the park is free, and equipment rental (such as kayaks) costs from about NOK 300 per day (as of 2023).

On the other hand, Folgefonna National Park, located in western Norway, offers a completely different but equally fascinating experience. The park's main attraction is the Folgefonna Glacier, the third largest in Norway. This park is ideal for families who want to combine mountain hiking with amazing glacier adventures. The main attractions are:

  1. guided glacier tours (available for children 8 years and older)
  2. scenic hiking trails with views of the glacier and fjords
  3. the possibility of skiing even in summer at the glacier ski resort
  4. waterfalls and glacial lakes ideal for picnics
  5. observation of unique alpine flora and fauna

The park is open all year round, but the best time is summer and early autumn. Admission to the park is free, and prices for glacier tours start at about NOK 600 per person (as of 2023).

Both parks offer unique experiences, but differ significantly in character. Ytre Hvaler is ideal for families who love the sea and water activities, while Folgefonna will delight mountain and glacier lovers. Ytre Hvaler is more accessible and offers easier activities, making it ideal for families with young children. Folgefonna, on the other hand, provides a more intense experience and is a better choice for families with older children or teenagers.

Regardless of your choice, both parks guarantee an unforgettable experience and the chance to commune with Norwegian nature at its most beautiful. Remember to be properly prepared - in Ytre Hvaler a bathing suit and sunscreen will come in handy, while in Folgefonna warm clothing and sturdy trekking shoes will come in handy.

Hardangervidda National Park - a paradise for active families

To conclude our ranking, we present Hardangervidda National Park, which is the perfect destination for families seeking a variety of activities and unforgettable adventures in the heart of Norwegian nature.

Hardangervidda, Norway's largest national park, is a vast plateau that offers an incredible variety of landscapes and ecosystems. It's a place where families can experience Norway's true wilderness while enjoying well-developed tourism infrastructure. Here's why Hardangervidda deserves special attention:

  1. variety of trails: the park offers trails of varying difficulty, from easy walks to challenging hikes, ensuring that there is something for every family. Popular trails include the trail around Lake Møsvatn or the route to Vøringsfossen waterfall.

  2. rich fauna: Hardangervidda is home to the largest herd of wild reindeer in Europe. Watching these majestic animals in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience for children and adults.

  3. water activities: the park's numerous lakes and rivers provide opportunities for fishing, kayaking or simply relaxing by the water. Trout fishing in the crystal clear mountain streams is especially recommended.

4 Nature education: The Hardangervidda Nature Center in Øvre Eidfjord offers interactive exhibitions and educational programs that provide an interesting introduction to the nature and culture of the region.

  1. camping opportunities: The park offers many places where you can pitch a tent and enjoy an overnight stay under the stars, a great experience for the whole family.

  2. Year-round accessibility: Although summer is the most popular season, the park offers attractions at any time of the year. In winter, you can go cross-country skiing or sledding.

Prices: Admission to the park is free. Accommodation in DNT (Norwegian Tourist Society) hostels costs from about NOK 200 per person per night (as of 2023). Admission to the Hardangervidda Nature Center: adults 140 NOK, children (4-15 years old) 70 NOK.

Compared to the previously discussed parks, Hardangervidda stands out primarily for its vastness and diversity. While Jostedalsbreen and Folgefonna focus mainly on glaciers and Ytre Hvaler on the marine environment, Hardangervidda offers the full spectrum of Norwegian landscapes - from mountain peaks to vast plains and lakes.

Hardangervidda is also more accessible to families with children of all ages due to the variety of trails and activities. Unlike the more challenging trails in Jotunheimen, here you can find many easy trails, ideal even for young children.

All in all, Hardangervidda National Park is an excellent choice for families who want to experience the diversity of Norwegian nature in one place. It offers the perfect combination of adventure, education and relaxation, making it a versatile destination for the whole family. Whether you choose a leisurely picnic by the lake, an exciting hike in search of reindeer, or an educational visit to a nature center, Hardangervidda will provide you with unforgettable family memories in the heart of Norway's wilderness.

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