Why Norway should be your next family destination

With an abundance of fjords and mountains reachable by train, boat and on foot, outdoorsy families will find much to enjoy in this Nordic country’s western region — billed as ‘Norway in a nutshell’. Its superlative landscapes are ultra-accessible year-round and completely transformed by the seasons — visit in winter for snow and the Northern Lights, or summer for wild swims and glacier hikes.

1. Begin in Bergen

Norway’s second largest city is the gateway to its fabled fjords. Stroll the old quarter of Bryggen, where gabled houses line the harbour, before boarding the Mount Fløyen funicular. There’s a playground and a cafe at the top and various lovely walks to get you back down — one path winds through woodland and ends in a slide. Afterwards, take your gang to sample Trekroneren’s famous hot dogs. Going strong since 1946, this colourful street stand has sausages, sauces and toppings to satisfy even the fussiest eater.

2. Glacier hiking in Jostedal

Children as young as eight can take part in this activity, only possible between May and September. Which glacier you’ll visit depends on the month; one excursion begins with a boat trip past the icebergs of turquoise Styggevatnet lake, then families don crampons for a two-hour exploration of Austdalsbreen’s crevices.

3. Adventures by train & boat in Flåm

One of the world’s most beautiful train journeys, the Flåm Railway sets out from its tiny namesake village at the end of Aurlandsfjord. It makes a slow, steep ascent past towering peaks and pretty mountain farms, reaching the remote train station of Myrdal in under an hour. On the outbound journey, the platform side offers the best views of the three-tier, 790ft-drop Rjoandefossen waterfall. While in the Flåm area, also try one of FjordSafari’s RIB tours from Flåm harbour to the entrance of UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord, a body of water barely changed since the last Ice Age. Fans of the Frozen films will be enchanted by the sight of Undredal, eight miles north of Flåm and the inspiration for Arendelle. In real life the village is home to more goats than humans, and the surrounding waters are rich in wildlife, too — keep your eyes peeled for seals, whales and dolphins.

4. Hiking & viewpoints at Aurlandsfjord

Jutting 650m (2,130ft) above Aurlandsfjord, the Stegastein Viewpoint offers one of Norway’s most precipitous panoramas. Arrive early to beat the crowds, then descend into the valley to explore on foot. For an easy, hour-long hike with kids, begin at the agricultural school’s farm shop in the village of Aurland and follow the mostly flat path to the base of the Turli waterfall. Afterwards, warm up with a visit to the Fjord Sauna in Aurland or Flåm. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer a front-row seat to the ethereal landscapes — while leaping into the water will return you swiftly to the corporeal realm.

5. Get glacial in Fjærland

Sitting on the shores of Sognefjord, known as the ‘king of fjords’, sleepy Fjærland punches way above its weight when it comes to family-friendly activities. Home to around 300 people, the town has dozens of second-hand bookshops, where kids can pick up an English-language holiday read. For a more hands-on experience, head to the Norwegian Glacier Museum. Children will love the panoramic, curved cinema screen, Ötzi the Iceman exhibits and experiments using ice from the Supphellebreen glacier — which can also be seen up close as part of a private tour, bookable through the museum.

6. Kayaking in Årdal

Serenely peaceful and surrounded by steep mountains, the Årdal Fjord inspires awe in all who visit. Parents share two-person kayaks with their children for the paddle out to a campsite only accessible by boat, then swim in the saline waters of the fjord while their guide cooks dinner over an open fire. Stay up past bedtime to marvel at the midnight sun.