This summer, I packed up our rucksacks and headed off with my 8-year-old son for a three-day self-guided family hiking adventure in Norway’s Rondane National Park. Our goal? To test out a family lodge-to-lodge route that we offer to other adventurous families like ours. Spoiler alert: it was fantastic. Full of wide open spaces, surprisingly good food, and a lot of chocolate.

Here’s what I learned about hiking in Norway with a small(ish) human in tow…

1. Snacks are serious business

Fuel is everything when hiking with kids. I’m not saying bribery works, but… actually yes I am. In our backpacks: a mix of hot and cold snacks, flasks of pasta, dried fruit and sweets. Not forgetting the all-important Kvikklunsj – Norway’s answer to a KitKat. This is a rite of passage on Norwegian trails. Bring some hot berry juice too, especially if the weather turns chilly. A thermos full of warm cheer does wonders at the top of a windy ridge.

2. Forget the clock — hike at kid pace

This isn’t about speed or distance. It’s about the journey. We stopped to collect stones, watched birds, and discussed the best routes across the river stepping stones. The trail between lodges becomes less of a route and more of a story. Allow the whole day, take breaks often, and definitely plan to stop for waffles at the Peer Gynt Cabin if it’s open – a trail highlight!

3. Why lodge-to-lodge hiking in Norway works brilliantly for families

Each day has a clear goal: walk to the next place, and there’s dinner, a warm bed, and possibly a sauna at the end. My son quickly understood the stakes: if we don’t walk, we don’t eat or have a bed for the night. This is only partially true of course – I, of course had emergency biscuits. But it’s a brilliant motivator and gives a natural pattern to each day.

4. Give your child a camera — and expect surprises

We brought along a Camp Snap camera, a screen-free digital camera that doesn’t show you the photos until you download them at home. It’s like a modern disposable. It encouraged my son to really look at what was around him. I can’t wait to see the results (somewhere between a rock collection and a mushroom documentary).

5. Pack light, but pack smart

Here’s what we were glad we brought:

• A couple of dry bags (for wet clothes, or for keeping things dry when it rains — which it will).
• A proper waterproof jacket and trousers.
• Water-to-Go bottles (we refilled them in mountain streams).
• A printed map (provided on arrival) which we used together each morning to plan the day’s hike.
• Layers! Weather shifts fast at 1,000m above sea level.

6. Learn together

We got curious about everything. What type of bird was that? Which berries are edible? How old is that birch tree? The trails sparked a lot of questions, and sometimes we had the answers. Other times we just made them up, such as is there such a thing as a Norwegian mountain bear? Don’t fret, we did make this one up. 

7. Be prepared for simple things to feel magical on family hikes in Norway

Arriving at the final lodge on day three, there was a bonfire lit by the lake. Families gathered, cakes were served, and the light had that golden, endless quality you get in the Norwegian summer. My son said: “Can we do this every year?” And honestly, I think we just might. 

FAQS on Family Hiking in Norway 

Do we need to be experienced hikers?

With luggage transfers included and two levels of trails, there is something for all ages and experiences. You just need a keen imagination and excitement to try something new. 

When is the best time for this sort of trip?

The best months are June to September, when the trails are clear of snow, the days are long, and the lodges are open. The summer months brings wildflowers and waterfalls and calmer weather.

What kind of food do the lodges serve?

Norwegian mountain lodges usually serve hearty, family-style meals. Think soups, fish dishes, stews, and fresh bread. There’s always something simple for children, and packed lunches are often available for the next day’s hike. Don’t expect gourmet, but the food is wholesome, filling, and very welcome after a long walk.

How much hiking do you do each day?

On most lodge-to-lodge routes, you’ll walk around 8–15 km per day, depending on the itinerary. That’s usually four to six hours of walking with plenty of breaks. You can adjust your pace or take shorter detours if you need to, put the emphasis on enjoying the day, not rushing through it.

Think family hiking in Norway could suit you? Our four-night lodge-to-lodge itinerary includes luggage transfers, private rooms in traditional mountain lodges, and the chance to explore some of Norway’s most beautiful trails at your own pace. Just bring your sense of adventure (and maybe a few extra chocolate bars).