Where to Stay in Norway With Kids: Our Family-Tested Airbnbs for a Perfect Road Trip
- rachnamone
- 12 minutes ago
- 9 min read
Planning a Norway road trip with kids? One of the biggest questions parents have is where to stay in Norway with kids so that the trip feels smooth, comfortable, and easy. After our own 14-day family road trip across fjord country, these are the stays that truly worked for us—spacious Airbnbs, great locations, washer/dryers (lifesavers!), and breathtaking views that made long drives totally worth it.
Why Choosing the Right Stays Matters for a Norway Road Trip
Norway is made for road trips—but it also comes with long driving days, rapidly changing weather, and routes that often pass through remote stretches with limited services. When you’re traveling with kids, the right accommodation can make or break the trip.
A well-chosen stay becomes more than just a bed—it’s where you recharge, cook a quick meal, dry wet clothes after fjord adventures, and unwind while the kids play safely. Comfortable, kid-friendly, well-located Airbnbs can cut down driving time, reduce trip fatigue, and make every day smoother for the whole family.
👉 Read our blog on things to know before visiting Norway-
How We Selected Kid-Friendly Airbnbs in Norway
Finding family-friendly Airbnbs in Norway is easier when you know what to look for. Here are the exact criteria we used while planning our 14-day Norway road trip:
✔️ Free Parking Almost non-negotiable on a road trip. Many towns have paid parking zones, so having a dedicated free spot right outside your stay saves time, money, and frustration—especially after long scenic drives.
✔️ Washer/Dryer Norway’s weather can be unpredictable. Rain, snow, waterfalls, muddy hikes—things get wet quickly. A washer/dryer is essential for families, helping you pack lighter and keep clothes fresh throughout the journey.
✔️ Spacious Living RoomWith kids, downtime is essential. A comfortable living area gives everyone the space to relax, play, and reset—especially on rainy days when outdoor plans may change.
✔️ Easy Access to Grocery Stores Eating out in Norway can get expensive. Being close to supermarkets like Rema 1000, Coop, or Kiwi makes it easy to whip up quick breakfasts, snacks, and dinners. Plus, you can stock up on road trip essentials before long driving days.
✔️ Scenic Location to Reduce Driving Time We intentionally picked stays that were either en route or close to our next day’s attractions, cutting down unnecessary back-and-forth driving. Scenic locations also meant we could enjoy fjord views or mountains right from our window.
✔️ Play Area or Safe Outdoor Space A backyard, a small grassy area, or even proximity to a playground makes a huge difference for kids to burn off energy after sitting in the car for hours.
✔️ Kitchen for Quick, Healthy Meals A proper kitchen is a lifesaver in Norway. Whether it’s reheating leftovers, making pasta in 10 minutes, or preparing packed lunches for the day’s adventure—it saves money, time, and tantrums.
Where to Stay in Norway With Kids: Our Family Road Trip Route
Below is our complete breakdown of each stop, why we chose it, and the kid-friendly attractions nearby.
👉 Before we get into where to stay and what to see, grab our FREE printable Norway road trip itinerary — perfect for parents planning a smooth, kid-friendly trip.
Day | Plan / Attractions / What to See | Driving Route / Notes | Night Stay |
Day 1 | Arrive Oslo → settle in, relax after flight, ease into first day | Pick up rental car at Oslo airport → drive to Lillehammer | Lillehammer |
Day 2 | Scenic drive; optional kids stop at the amusement park Hunderfossen Familiepark (if travelling with kids) | Lillehammer → Rauma (Andalsnes), ~4-hour drive; possible refill/charge at Otta or Dombås along E6 highway | Rauma / Andalsnes |
Day 3 | Explore Andalsnes — ride Ramdalsgondolen for views over Isfjorden & Andalsnes, lakeside lunch at Isfjorden, evening at the bank of the Rauma river, and visit base of the famous Trollstigen road (check its open status) | Local day — minimal driving | Rauma / Andalsnes |
Day 4 | Morning trip to Ålesund: visit the Ålesund Aquarium; optional scenic detour on Atlantic Ocean Road or check out a local lighthouse. Later drive to Valldal (gateway to fjords) via Trollstigen (if open) or alternate route via Sjoholt. | Andalsnes → Ålesund → Valldal (via Trollstigen or Sjoholt) | Valldal |
Day 5 | Day trip to Geiranger: ferry from Linge → Eidsdal, stop at Eidsvatnet lake en-route, walk along waterfalls in town; if time permits, drive up to viewpoints like Dalsnibba and Flydalsjuvet for panoramic fjord/mountain views. | Valldal ↔ Geiranger (ferry + road) + back to Valldal | Valldal |
Day 6 | Transfer to Stryn — base for fjords & glaciers. Short trip to nearby Loen Skylift for panorama, then drive along scenic route by lake Lovatnet towards Kjendalsbreen. Ideal for family picnic and soaking in natural beauty. | Valldal → Stryn (~2-hour drive) | Stryn |
Day 7 | Excursion to Briksdalsbreen glacier (via town Olden). 3 km trek (moderate) to glacial lake — great for kids; optionally visit nearby waterfalls like Tvinnefossen or Løkifossen. | Local outing from Stryn | Stryn |
Day 8 | Explore Stryn & surrounding nature: visit the visitor center of the nearby national park (Jostedalsbreen National Park), go to Ovstefossen waterfall; optionally revisit Dalsnibba for views (weather permitting). | Local day | Stryn |
Day 9 | Drive to Hafslo; en-route stop at Boyabreen glacier — short walk from parking to glacial lake (kid-friendly) then explore Hafslo village on foot in evening. | Stryn → Hafslo (with glacier stop) | Hafslo |
Day 10 | Day trip to Flåm and Aurlandsfjord. Ride the famous Flåmsbana railway (if open), enjoy fjord & waterfall views, visit Stegastein Viewpoint for stunning fjord panorama. On the way back, drive through the 24.5 km long Lærdal Tunnel — Norway’s longest — an adventure in itself for kids. | Hafslo → Flåm / Aurlandsfjord → back to Hafslo (includes Lærdal Tunnel) | Hafslo |
Day 11 | Head to Lom via a nature-packed day: trek to Nigardsbreen glacier in Jostedal National Park, lunch at Gaupne, scenic ride to fjords at Skjolden, then drive along the dramatic Sognefjellet Scenic Route (a.k.a “Roof of Norway”). | Hafslo → Lom (via Nigardsbreen, Gaupne, Skjolden, Sognefjellet) | Lom |
Day 12 | Long drive back to Oslo (~5 hours via Otta). Return rental car. Relax & recharge in city. | Lom → Oslo (via Otta) | Oslo |
Day 13 | Explore Oslo: take a ferry to Bygdøy Peninsula to visit family-friendly museums like Fram Museum and Kon-Tiki Museum; then visit Akershus Fortress, City Hall, and the Nobel Peace Center. Stroll along Karl Johans gate or enjoy the gardens near the Royal Palace, Oslo. | Local day in Oslo | Oslo |
Day 14 | More of Oslo: visit the Zoological Museum, Geological Museum, Climate change museum, Botanical Garden; post-lunch visit Munch Museum and Oslo Opera House for a view over the fjord; if travelling with kids — check out Oslo Reptile Park. | Local day in Oslo | Oslo |
Day 15 | Departure / head back home | — | — |
Lillehammer – A Family-Friendly Stop Between Oslo and the Fjords
Perfect halfway break before the intense fjord drives begin.
Why We Chose This Airbnb in Lillehammer
Quiet residential area with amazing views of surrounding mountains
Cosy Scandinavian interiors
Open area for kids
Supermarket nearby and EV charging station/fuel station nearby
Attractions for Kids in Lillehammer
Hunderfossen Fairy Tale Park
Norwegian Olympic Museum
Maihaugen Open-Air Museum
👉 Want to book this stay for your family? Click here to check availability and prices.
Åndalsnes / Rauma – Best Airbnb Area for Scenic Adventure With Kids
A dream stop for families who love nature. We booked thgis lovely family home in Rauma region, with a little playground in the backyard and a brook flowing nearby. It was just a few minutes drive to Andasnes and all the nearby attrractions.
If you want to know more, read our blog on Åndalsnes Travel Guide 2025 for Families with Kids .
Family-Friendly Features We Loved
Wooden cabin with mountain views
Big windows
Fully equipped kitchen
Peaceful evenings
Few minutes drive from Andalsnes town and all near by attractions
What to See and Do With Kids Near Rauma
Trollstigen viewpoint (safe platforms)
Romsdalen gondola
Rauma river viewpoints
Andalsnes town
Planning a stop in Åndalsnes?
Read our complete guide to the best viewpoints, hikes, and kid-friendly activities in the Romsdalen region.
👉 Want to book this stay for your family? Click here to check availability and prices.
Valldal – Kid-Friendly Stays Near Geiranger (Without the Crowds)
This area is cheaper & calmer than staying inside Geiranger. Our airbnb host was friendly and the views from the home were just great. It was a couple of minutes walk from COOP and a playground. Great place for a couple of nights.
Why Valldal Is Great for Families
Beautiful location.
Close to anything you might need during your stay
Strategic base to explore fjords
Top Family Attractions Around Valldal
Gudbrandsjuvet Gorge
Valldal Adventure Park
Geiranger Skywalk (Dalsnibba)
👉 Want to book this stay for your family? Click here to check availability and prices.
Stryn – Where to Stay in Norway With Kids for Stunning Fjord Views
One of our favourite bases in all of Norway. Stunning views! THE most amazing playground for kids. Friendly hosts.
Why This Airbnb Was Perfect for Our Itinerary
Panoramic windows
Washer/dryer
Equipped kitchen
Amazing outdoor play area for kids!
Lots of kids toys.
Best Kid-Friendly Activities Near Stryn
Loen Skylift
Briksdalsbreen Glacier
Wildflowers, streams, waterfalls everywhere
Close to Olden.
Stryn is a bigger town, solot of cafes , shops and restaurants.
We cannot recommend this place enough. It had the most stunninbg views and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay!
👉 Want to book this stay for your family? Click here to check availability and prices.
Hafslo – Quiet, Family-Friendly Stay Near Sognefjord
A peaceful lakeside base between fjords. The host is extremely kind, helpful and acccommodating.
Why We Picked Hafslo for Our Family
Safe & quiet village
Beautiful lake views
Very family-friendly hosts
Lots of open space
Fun Things to Do Around Hafslo With Kids
Visit Solvorn village
Close to Jostedal national park and Nigardsbreen glacier
Sognefjellet Scenic Route
👉 Want to book this stay for your family? Click here to check availability and prices.
Lom – A Cozy Place to Stay in Norway With Kids on the Return
A perfect stop before driving back to Oslo.
Why This Stop Works Well for Families
Walkable mountain town
Great bakeries
Spacious stays
Good for breaking the long drive
Kid-Friendly Activities in and Around Lom
Lom Stave Church
Fossheim Geology Center
Easy riverside walks
👉 Want to book this stay for your family? Click here to check availability and prices.
Oslo – Best Place to Stay in Norway With Kids for the First Night
Your first night sets the tone. Oslo has comfortable family apartments close to everything.
Why This Airbnb Worked for Our Family
Convinient connections and short train /tram ride from airport & city
Fully equipped kitchen
Elevator
Walkable neighbourhood
Kid-Friendly Things to Do Near Oslo
Fram museum, Bygdoy
Oslo Opera House rooftop walk
Boat ride on Oslo Fjord
👉 Planning atrip to Oslo, read our blog -
👉 Want to book this stay for your family? Click here to check availability and prices.
Planning a family trip to Norway becomes so much easier when your stays are comfortable, convenient, and kid-friendly. With the right bases, you can cut down on long drives, enjoy slow scenic mornings, and make the most of every fjord, hike, and viewpoint.
👉Planning your family adventure? Don’t miss our Norway 14 Day Road Trip Itinerary – Ultimate Family Travel Guide to Fjords & Scenic Routes
Driving in Norway is the best way to explore—but it helps to know the basics. From tolls to ferries to choosing the right car, we’ve covered it all. Read our guide to renting a car in Norway
FAQ: Where to Stay in Norway With Kids
1. What are the best places to stay with kids in Norway?
Oslo, Lillehammer, Åndalsnes/Rauma, Valldal, Stryn/Loen, Hafslo, and Lom are ideal family bases.
2. What type of accommodation works best for families?
Airbnbs, cabins, and holiday homes—more space, kitchen, parking, and laundry.
3. What family-friendly amenities should I look for?
Free parking, washer/dryer, kitchen, safe outdoor space, and proximity to supermarkets.
4. Is it better to stay in one place or move around?
Move around. Norway’s sights are spread out, so multiple bases mean shorter daily drives.
5. Do Airbnbs in Norway offer baby or child amenities?
Some do. Check the listing for “Family amenities” or message the host to confirm.
Comments