I’m a Travel Expert and a Mom, and This Unexpected 2-Country Itinerary Is Perfect for Families

Travel is a transformative experience, especially for children and teens. But planning trips for the whole family isn’t always easy. As a parent and travel advisor, I’ve seen firsthand how travel pushes young minds to become more curious, adaptable, and tolerant, all while presenting the opportunity to disconnect from an increasingly digital world.

Norway and Sweden might not seem like the most obvious family destinations, but these Nordic countries are quietly gaining traction for multi-generational travelers. Their proximity to each other makes for the perfect two-nation vacation that combines stunning scenery, rich culture, and a sense of laidback luxury. Here’s how to craft the perfect itinerary for your family.

Norway

Our journey begins on Norway’s dramatic west coast, where reenactors in the Viking village of Njardarheimr offers an engaging glimpse into local heritage. There, try archery and axe-throwing, taste Viking recipes, or learn traditional handicrafts.

For an exhilarating ascent, the next stop is Loen, just a few hours north of Njardarheimr. Take the Loen Skylift, which soars 3300 feet above the fjord to the top of Mount Hoven. Just a short walk away, a summer-only zipline offers an adrenaline rush, propelling visitors over the upper fjord with incredible panoramic views toward the famous Gjølmunne Bridge.

Where to Stay

• The exceptional 29/2 Aurland is just a short drive from Njardarheimer and has incredible views of the fjords. This boutique hotel, complete with a smokehouse and garden, is the perfect base from which to cycle through the mountains and valleys, visit family-run farms, and take to the water in a traditional Oselver rowboat.
• The Union Øye opened in 1891 and has hosted a number of historic celebrities from German emperor Wilhelm II to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the writer behind Sherlock Holmes. Tucked away in a secluded fjord hamlet, the location is perfect for adventurers seeking to e-bike or kayak, and the whole family can embrace local traditions with an exhilarating cold water plunge in the fjords before warming up in the floating sauna. 

Sweden

The second part of this trip begins in idyllic Vaxholm, known as the capital of the Stockholm archipelago. There, you’ll find pastel wooden houses, hiking trails, a 16th-century fortress-turned-museum, and serene waters perfect for kayaking. Travel companies like Jacada Travel offer local experiences, like learning to make traditional cinnamon buns with local bakers, to take your experience one step further.

Next, head up north to the Swedish Lapland, where the magical winter landscape is perfect for family activities like dog sledding and snowmobiling. Travelers can also go hiking or mountain biking, or take photography workshops to capture the Lapland’s natural beauty. Visits to the indigenous Sámi people in towns like Jokkmokk offer rich cultural experiences. Learn about Sámi history and traditions, shop local artisan crafts, and follow herders to meet reindeer.

Where to Stay

• Nestled in Stockholm’s upscale Östermalm district, Ett Hem is a stylish red brick townhouse with a home-away-from-home feel. The hotel offers a haven of laid-back elegance with a distinct sense of lived-in luxury and warmth. 
• The Treehotel is a unique treehouse stay in the arctic north of Sweden. With eight incredible rooms situated above ground, ranging from a UFO to a bird’s nest, it’s sure to spark joy and wonder in the whole family. Plus, the location is perfect for seeing the northern lights between September and April.

Kate Herz is a member of Travel + Leisure’s A-List and specializes in Norway and Sweden trips. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Herz by contacting her at [email protected].