Top Family Friendly Things to Do in Bergen with a Toddler
- minna
- Sep 14, 2025
- 12 min read
Updated: 23 hours ago
Known as "the Gateway to the Fjords", the city of Bergen offers a beautiful mix of nature and culture. It features colourful wooden houses and is nestled between seven mountain peaks, right next to the fjords and the sea.
As the second largest city in Norway, Bergen has plenty to keep both adults and children entertained. Whether you're looking to venture into the fjords, hike, explore waterfalls, discover nature playgrounds, visit museums and aquariums, or enjoy the vibrant food scene (make sure to sample some local seafood!) - Bergen definitely deserves a spot on your Norway itinerary!
We spent three nights here after 10 days of driving through the Norwegian countryside. It was the perfect place to round off our trip. Three days felt just right to explore what the city has to offer without feeling rushed. Since we had already spent over a week in Norway, we didn't venture too far outside of Bergen. However, if you are only visiting Bergen, I recommend allowing a bit more time for day trips into the mountains and fjords!
Weather in Bergen: Expect the Unexpected
Bergen is often referred to as the rainiest city in Europe, with over 200 days of rain per year. While the city lived up to its reputation during our visit, there was still so much to do with a toddler (just don't forget the waterproofs!).
When to Visit Bergen with a Toddler
The most popular time to visit Bergen is late spring through early autumn (May to September). During this period, the weather is mild, and the city is vibrant. Summer brings long daylight hours (Norway experiences the midnight sun in early summer, where the nights don't get fully dark!). This means there's more time to explore, and the warmer temperatures make it easier to keep little ones entertained outdoors without needing to bring lots of layers (though do bring waterproofs no matter what season you visit!).
That said, Bergen also has a lot to offer in winter (and it's a lot less crowded!). In December, the city transforms with festive Christmas markets. Attractions like the Fløibanen and fjord cruises run all year round. If you enjoy skiing, you can visit nearby ski resorts like Voss, which is about an hour away by train or 1.5 hours by car.
Where to Stay in Bergen with a Toddler
Here are a few areas to consider when looking for accommodation in Bergen:
Sentrum (City Centre): Convenient and within walking distance of all main attractions.
Bryggen: Very central and a unique, historic place to stay.
Nordnes: A quieter, more residential area famous for its beautiful wooden houses, close to the Aquarium and Nordnes Park.
Nygård (Nygårdshøyden): A vibrant, budget-friendly area near the University of Bergen, full of cafes and cultural life.
Sandviken: Quiet, charming, and slightly tucked away with lovely wooden houses and fjord views.
How to Get Around Bergen with a Toddler
As a small city, many main attractions are within walking distance of each other. However, it is quite hilly, which can make it tiring with a toddler in tow. We used a stroller, but sometimes had to detour to avoid steps, and there was a lot of pushing uphill. On rainy days, you might want to avoid walking as much as possible.
We teamed up with Visit Bergen for our visit, who kindly provided us with the Bergen Pass. This pass gave us free public transport for the duration of our stay, as well as free or discounted access to the main attractions in Bergen. The city is well connected with buses, trams, and trains, making it easy to get around with the Bergen Pass. I also recommend downloading the app Skyss Reise, Bergen's city travel app, which lets you search for routes and buy tickets directly in the app.
Top Activities for Bergen with a Toddler
Fjord Cruise: A Family-Friendly Adventure
No visit to "the gateway to the fjords" is complete without a trip to the fjords! Jumping on a cruise is an easy and safe way to experience the beauty of the fjords with young kids. If you pick up the brochure from the Visit Bergen tourist information office, you'll see there are lots of different cruises to choose from, of varying lengths.
We decided to go with the half-day cruise with Rødne Fjord Cruise to Mostraumen. We thought this length would be best for our daughter, and since we only had three days, it would leave us more time to explore the rest of Bergen. This round-trip fjord cruise to Mostraumen lasts about 3.5-4 hours and sets off from Zachariasbryggen in the heart of Bergen, heading to Osterfjord and reaching Mostraumen before returning to Bergen.
It was a stunning tour into the fjords, with a knowledgeable guide sharing glimpses of the history of the fjord and greater Bergen. The boat was very comfortable, equipped with a large indoor seating area with tables, a café offering fresh waffles, cinnamon buns, and hot drinks, clean toilets, and outdoor areas both upstairs and downstairs to take in the views. There was also a small play area under the stairs, which was great for our daughter!
It rained during our cruise, but I felt this added to the drama of the fjords. Low clouds shrouded the mountains, and the rain created rings on the still water. When the boat slowed down as we entered Osterfjord, the crew let us out onto the front deck for better views of the surrounding landscapes.
The cruise culminates with the beautiful waterfalls of Mostraumen, cascading down from the giant cliffs directly into the fjord below. Here lies the small village of Mo, and as we arrived, we were surprised to see the boat moored, letting a few people off. When we asked about this, we found out that the company has started offering hikes to a lesser-known mountain called Slottet in Modalen. It's a guided hike with limited spaces, so you need to pre-book if you wish to do this. The morning cruise will drop you off, and after a few hours, you'll catch the afternoon cruise back to Bergen.
We all thoroughly enjoyed the cruise (despite the wet weather). It felt very family-friendly, with changing facilities, a play area, and plenty of room for strollers (Malva even got to visit the captain's deck, which was a real highlight!). As the morning cruise returns around 1pm, I recommend bringing some food for your kid(s) since the café mainly serves pastries and hot drinks.
Recommended Tours: From Bergen: The Original Fjord Cruise to Mostraumen
If you're booking a tour, use code TODDLERTRAVELDIARIES5 for 5% off when using the GetYourGuide app. Click *here to install the app
Bryggen: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
This iconic row of colourful wooden houses in the Bergen harbour is a must-visit on any Bergen itinerary. Bryggen was once one of Europe's largest trading centres, leading to its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site (some houses were destroyed and rebuilt after the last great fires in 1955).
Once the bustling centre of the Hanseatic League’s trading empire in the 14th century, Bryggen is now home to tiny shops, cozy cafés, and craft studios. You can explore while wandering the narrow alleyways between the leaning timber buildings. On warm summer evenings, it's also a lovely spot to grab a drink or a bite by the water!
If you want to learn more, visit the Hanseatic Museum & Schøtstuene, housed in the beautifully preserved Finnegården building (currently under construction, with part of the museum taking place in Schøtstuene). The museum offers a rare glimpse into the lives of Hanseatic merchants and their apprentices between the 14th and 18th centuries.
Mount Fløyen: Nature and Play
If you're visiting Bergen, try to visit at least one of the seven mountains surrounding the city! We went up to Mount Fløyen, which is 400 metres above sea level. It offers scenic views of the city below and is home to Bergen's highest playground!
To get here, you can either walk up from the city centre (which takes about 45 minutes to an hour) or take the Fløibanen funicular all the way to the top (with the Bergen Pass, you can get tickets for half price!). We usually enjoy a challenge, but after a 13-hour hike to Trolltunga a couple of days before, we were a bit worn out and decided to take the Fløibanen both up and down. There were ramps and lifts, and the funicular itself had plenty of room for strollers. (Top tip: if you want to hike but don't feel like going all the way up, take the funicular up and hike down!)
When you reach the top, there's a platform where you can safely enjoy the views, along with some shops, a café, a playground, and the Fløyentrollet (above). I wouldn't spend too much time at this playground, though, because there's a better one in the woods! Once you leave the funicular station behind, you'll enter the Troll Forest, where kids (and adults) can hunt for the different trolls hiding in the woods (just adhere to the signs and don't feed the trolls!).
In the middle of the Troll Forest is a massive nature playground with climbing frames, slides, and a giant zip line built around the trees. This is one of those playgrounds where you, as an adult, can't help but unleash your inner child and join in on the play (I'm not sure who had more fun, us or Malva!). We even had an encounter with a nosy squirrel who sneaked some cashews from our stroller - definitely one of the highlights for Malva!
If you want to explore more, there are several hiking trails around the mountain peak. If you need to recharge before heading back down, stop by Fløistuen Café for a coffee or a sweet treat!
Akvariet: A Rainy Day Delight
As mentioned, Bergen is a very rainy city, so I recommend including a few rainy day activities in your itinerary (though in Scandinavia, we say there's no bad weather, only bad clothing!). The Bergen Aquarium is a great choice for a rainy day, and Malva absolutely loved our visit!
The aquarium is home to more than 300 species of animals, including sea lions, penguins, reptiles, otters, tortoises, and tropical fish. If you time your visit right, you can see the animals being fed. There are also touch pools where you can touch animals like starfish. Malva enjoyed walking through the shark tunnel and watching the crocodiles up close in the reptiles area. The aquarium also has a cinema, a café, and various play areas, including a big outdoor playground.
There is enough to see and do here for a good few hours at least. As the aquarium is located at the tip of Nordnes Peninsula, you could go for a (rainy) walk afterward in the waterfront park right behind.
Recommended Tours: Bergen Aquarium Entry Ticket
Bergen Fish Market: A Culinary Experience
If you're a fish and seafood lover, then a visit to Bergen's fish market is a must! Located in the harbour at the heart of Bergen, the famous fish market has been here since the 1200s. There is both an indoor and outdoor section (the indoor market is called Mathallen and offers slightly fancier options). You'll find locally caught fresh fish and seafood like Norwegian King Crab, salmon, caviar, and even whale!
The indoor market is open all year, while the outdoor market is open from 1st May throughout the summer. The busy market stalls are a mixture of fishmongers and restaurants. We ordered some delicious fish soup and salmon sashimi (which melted in the mouth!), and then came back later in the day to buy some salmon to cook at home in our Airbnb.
While this is a bit more on the expensive side and has definitely become a tourist attraction, the fish and seafood we had was incredibly fresh and delicious. I believe it's worth a visit!
Central Bergen and Nordnes: A Charming Stroll
One of my favourite things to do was wandering the cobbled streets and getting lost among the charming wooden houses. Although Bergen is classified as a city, it has that small-town feel with narrow streets and alleyways, and houses mostly made of wood. Since it is small enough to walk most places, this is a great way to soak up the city's charm.
In the centre, stroll down some of the oldest streets like Øvregaten and Kong Oscars Gate, with parts dating back as far as the city's founding in the 11th century.
Just a stone's throw from the city centre is the more residential Nordnes. This charming neighbourhood features narrow, medieval alleyways and colourful houses, often complemented by rose bushes and flower pots. Nordnes also has a park, playgrounds, an open-air seawater pool, as well as shops, cafés, and restaurants. There's enough to keep you entertained for a good few hours if you're looking to venture out of central Bergen.
From Nordnes, you can ride the charming little Beffen ferry - one of the oldest ferries in Bergen that takes you across the harbour to Bryggen. It's only a 10-minute ride, but it's a fun experience with lovely views of the harbour!
Steindalsfossen & Vøringsfossen: Nature's Wonders
If you have the time, I highly recommend taking a day to explore nature further out of Bergen. You'll find beautiful fjords, mountains, and waterfalls just a short drive from the city. While there are tours you can take, I suggest hiring a car for the day to get the most out of your trip—especially since you'll want to stop for photos and admire the views!
A good day trip is taking the Scenic Route out of Bergen to visit two waterfalls: Steindalsfossen and Vøringsfossen. Not only are these waterfalls impressive, but the drive is beautiful, and there are great places along the way.
You'll first reach Steindalsfossen, about an hour's drive from Bergen. This beautiful waterfall has a 50-metre drop, and the unique thing is that you can actually walk behind it (without getting wet!). The waterfall is just a short walk from the car park, and the path is pram-friendly (though it's short enough that you can carry your child or let them walk by themselves).
The next waterfall on the itinerary is Vøringsfossen. Though it is a bit further away (another 2-hour drive from Steindalsfossen), this was my favourite waterfall of our entire Norway trip! If you feel like it's too much driving in one day, there are lovely places to stay in the area. We spent the night in the village of Eidfjord, right by the fjord. In Eidfjord, you'll also find Vik Bakery, and I might go as far as to say they make the best cardamom buns in all of Norway. Even if you're not staying here, I recommend stopping by to grab some takeaway buns!
When you reach Vøringsfossen, there are ramps and steps along the cliff's edge leading to the top above the waterfall, offering impressive 360° views. The waterfall itself has a drop of 182 metres, of which 145 metres is free fall. On a sunny day, you'll see rainbows forming around the cascading water, making it even more special.
On your way back, I recommend stopping at one of the many cider houses, as the area is known for its orchards and cider production. We visited Lofthus Sideri, beautifully set right next to the fjord, where they offer tastings of their ciders (my personal favourite was the Rebel!). They also have a range of homemade apple juices (perfect for little ones and designated drivers!), as well as cheese and charcuterie boards if you want something to nibble on.
An unexpected highlight driving back to Bergen was seeing some mind-boggling Norwegian engineering in the form of Vallaviktunnelen. This road is 7km long, and as you drive under the mountain towards Bergen, you approach a roundabout... in a tunnel!
If you don't want to rent a car, here are some tours I recommend starting from Bergen:
Trolltunga: An Epic Adventure
If you have a bit more time, the iconic Trolltunga hike is only a 2.5-hour drive from Bergen. The hike takes about 8-12 hours to complete if you choose the closest starting point (there are three different starting points for the hike with shuttle buses in between). It is hands down the prettiest hike I have ever done!
If you plan to do the hike in one day, set off early. I recommend booking two nights' accommodation in one of the nearby towns (the closest town is Odda, about a 30-minute drive from the P3 car park). Alternatively, you can do what we did and camp at the top! This was such a magical experience, allowing us to take our time with our daughter, taking plenty of breaks on the way up and down.
If you're thinking about doing the Trolltunga hike, take a look at my detailed guide with practical tips on what to bring, what to wear, and how to prepare for this hike: How to Camp and Hike Trolltunga with a Toddler.
It's important to note that the official recommendation is that the hike is not suitable for children under the age of 12. If you plan to do this hike with young kids, make sure you come prepared and stay updated with the latest weather conditions and advice. I suggest blocking out a couple of days of your Norway itinerary for Trolltunga, as the weather can change drastically from one day to another. Heavy fog and strong winds can be dangerous. For more information, visit www.trolltunga.com and check out the account @trolltunga_information on Instagram.
Conclusion: Embrace the Adventure!
Bergen is a fantastic destination for families looking to explore Norway's stunning landscapes and rich culture. With its vibrant attractions, beautiful nature, and family-friendly activities, it proves that having kids doesn't mean giving up on adventure. So pack your bags, grab your waterproofs, and get ready for an unforgettable family trip to Bergen!
