Linen & Luggage
Europe · Best Jun–Aug

Norway fjords packing list for families

Norway's fjords are wet, windy and spectacular, often all at once. This list focuses on the waterproof layers and sturdy shoes that let families enjoy ferries, railways and trails without the soggy meltdowns.

A Norwegian fjord framed by steep green mountains

Photo by Sven on Unsplash

Kristina's notes on Norway's Fjords

  1. Bergen is one of the rainiest cities in Europe, so waterproof everything, including rain pants for the kids. A dry child is a happy hiker.
  2. Ferries, trains and winding mountain roads make Norway slower than it looks on a map. I pick two fjord bases instead of moving every night.
  3. Book the Flåm Railway and fjord cruises ahead in summer, and bring a warm layer for the boat deck even in July. The wind off the water is cold.
Best timeJun–Aug
PlugsType C/F, bring an adapter
MoneyNorwegian krone (cards accepted almost everywhere)
PassportYes
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Norway's Fjords

This time of year

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    Carry-on8

    Carry-on suitcase per personOur pick
    Packing cubes, one color per personOur pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
    Kids' headphones, volume-limited
    Tablet with downloaded shows
    Snack box with dividers
    Reusable water bottles
    Change of clothes for each kid
    Car seat travel bag

    Clothing4

    Daytime outfits8 per person
    Pajamas2 per person
    Underwear and socks9 per person
    Waterproof rain pantsOur pickRain and waterfall spray are part of every fjord day.

    Shoes2

    Broken-in walking sneakersOur pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
    Kids' hiking shoesFjord trails are rocky, steep and often wet.

    Beach & pool2

    Swimsuits2 per person
    Mineral sunscreen

    Safari1

    Headlamp or small flashlight

    Cold weather6

    Thermal base layers2 sets per personOur pick
    Waterproof shell jacket and pants
    Wool socks5 pairs per person
    Insulated waterproof boots with good grip
    Warm hat, gloves, and neck gaiter
    Hand and toe warmers

    Little ones4

    Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
    Portable sound machineOur pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
    Travel blackout shades
    Favorite lovey, plus a backup

    Health & toiletries4

    Travel first-aid kit
    Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
    Hanging toiletry bag
    Motion sickness bandsHairpin mountain roads and ferry crossings add up.

    Documents & tech3

    Portable phone chargerOur pick
    Passports for everyone, valid 6+ months past your trip
    Travel plug adapterOur pickType C/F, bring an adapter
    The outfit edit

    Nordic layers

    Charcoal, oatmeal, forest, rust

    For the grown-ups

    • A waterproof parka or shell
    • Chunky knit sweater
    • Waterproof boots with real grip

    For the kids

    • Snowsuit or waterproof pants
    • Merino base layers
    • Mittens on a clip so they don't get lost

    For photos

    • Rust or red pops against snow and black sand
    • Matching knit hats for the whole crew
    Month by month

    Norway's Fjords weather and what's happening

    Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.

    MonthTypical highWhat it's likeDon't miss
    January40°F 4°CCold, wet and dark, snow inland and in the mountains
    February40°F 4°CCold, wet and dark, snow inland and in the mountains
    March44°F 7°CCool and brightening, snow lingers on high roads, waterfalls swell in May
    April50°F 10°CCool and brightening, snow lingers on high roads, waterfalls swell in May
    May58°F 14°CCool and brightening, snow lingers on high roads, waterfalls swell in MayConstitution Day on May 17, with children's parades Waterfalls at their fullest from snowmelt
    June62°F 17°CMild with long daylight; rain is possible any dayWaterfalls at their fullest from snowmelt Near-endless summer light in the fjords High mountain roads like Trollstigen are open
    July65°F 18°CMild with long daylight; rain is possible any dayNear-endless summer light in the fjords High mountain roads like Trollstigen are open
    August65°F 18°CMild with long daylight; rain is possible any dayHigh mountain roads like Trollstigen are open
    September59°F 15°CCool and wet with autumn color and shrinking daysFall color in the fjord valleys and fewer crowds
    October51°F 11°CCool and wet with autumn color and shrinking daysFall color in the fjord valleys and fewer crowds
    November45°F 7°CCool and wet with autumn color and shrinking days
    December41°F 5°CCold, wet and dark, snow inland and in the mountains
    Questions families ask

    Norway's Fjords with kids, answered

    When is the best time to visit Norway's Fjords with kids?

    The best time is Jun–Aug. Mild with long daylight; rain is possible any day

    What's the weather like in Norway's Fjords?

    Typical daytime highs range from about 40°F (4°C) in January to about 65°F (18°C) in July. See the month-by-month table on this page.

    Do I need a passport for Norway's Fjords?

    Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.

    What kind of plug adapter do I need for Norway's Fjords?

    Type C/F, bring an adapter.

    What's your top tip for Norway's Fjords with kids?

    Bergen is one of the rainiest cities in Europe, so waterproof everything, including rain pants for the kids. A dry child is a happy hiker.

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    Want the whole trip handled?

    I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.

    As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.

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