NorwayExplained

Kristiansand Dyrepark is Norway’s most beloved animal and theme park, blending wildlife experiences, storybook villages, and watery summer fun into one big day out. As someone who grew up visiting the park and now takes my own nieces, I can vouch for how well it’s designed for families, couples, and anyone who enjoys a full, … Read more

Den Lille Dyrehage, “The Little Zoo,” is a family-friendly animal park in Gjerstad on Brokelandsheia, right along the E18 between Kragerø and Arendal in Southern Norway. It’s a compact, hands-on zoo with a big heart, known for its intimate animal encounters, a humid tropical house perfect for rainy days, and welcoming staff who love to … Read more

Bjørneparken in Flå is a beloved wildlife park in Hallingdal where Norwegian brown bears, wolves, and lynx live in spacious, natural enclosures you can explore along forested paths. It’s a classic day trip from Oslo or a great stop on a longer Hallingdal itinerary, especially for families. Expect keeper talks, feeding sessions, playgrounds, and close … Read more

Namsskogan Familiepark is one of those places that quietly surprises visitors. Tucked into the forests of Trøndelag, right off the E6 highway, this family-run park mixes close encounters with Nordic wildlife, playful activities for kids, and that distinctly Norwegian “bring a backpack and stay all day” vibe. If you’re driving between Trondheim and northern Norway, … Read more

Langedrag Naturpark is one of those places that quietly steals your heart. Tucked high in the mountains between Hallingdal and Numedal, it combines close encounters with Nordic animals, hands-on farm life, and big views over lakes and heath. If you are curious about wolves and lynx, want your kids to feed goats, or simply need … Read more

Oslo Reptile Park is a small, characterful indoor zoo tucked right in the center of Norway’s capital. It is a favorite rainy day activity for families, animal lovers, and anyone curious about creatures that creep, crawl, and slither. Inside you will find a compact maze of terrariums with snakes, lizards, turtles, frogs, spiders, and insects, … Read more

Tucked out on the islands west of Haugesund, Haugaland Zoo is a small, family-run animal park that blends exotic birds and friendly farm animals with coastal Norwegian scenery. It’s the sort of place where you actually hear parrots chattering over the wind in the pines, and kids can get close to animals without feeling rushed. … Read more

Tucked out on the green peninsula of Nordnes, Akvariet in Bergen is one of the city’s most beloved family attractions. It mixes North Sea character with playful penguins, sleek sea lions, and a surprisingly rich tropical section. If you’re visiting Bergen and the rain taps at the windows, this is where locals bring kids, grandparents, … Read more

Atlanterhavsparken is one of Norway’s biggest and most beautiful saltwater aquariums, set dramatically on the rocky coast just west of Ålesund. It’s where kelp forests sway like underwater cathedrals, wolf fish eyeball you from their dens, and seabirds ride the wind outside the windows. I grew up on this coast, and this place still gets … Read more

Polar Park in Bardu is the world’s northernmost wildlife park and one of my favorite places to point visitors who want a real taste of Northern Norway’s wilderness without strapping on skis for a week. Here you meet Norway’s apex predators and iconic Arctic animals in spacious, natural enclosures framed by mountains and birch forest. … Read more