Family kayak camping: a ring of beaches and campfires
Children need fun, adults need peace and quiet, and nature needs to be treated with care. The amazing family-friendly kayak + wild camp format solves everything at once: easy 6–12 km loops in calm fjord arms, perfect for paddling, sandy beaches for sunbathing, and convenient trails branching off into the forest where you can stretch your legs after paddling.
We are delighted to announce that we have created three incredible "loops" — one in each of the main fjord regions. Each route is located near Norway's stunning national parks, offering safe and enjoyable paddling experiences. These routes are not only a part of Norway's best national park hikes but also guarantee a place for your tent and campfire, making them the perfect getaway for nature lovers.
Loop 1. Lusterfjord Family Loop (Sognefjord)
Distance: 18 km (2 days, 2 × 9 km)
Start/finish: Solvorn Pier
Beaches: Sandvika (day 1), Feigum Shelter (day 2)
What's special: warm (by Norwegian standards) water +14°C in August, Feigefossen waterfall — a natural shower after a day of paddling, 3.2 km / +350 m trail to the base of the waterfall.
Family features
● There are fire pits on Sandvika beach where you can roast marshmallows without burning the ground.
● Feigum Shelter has tables with sticks and a hanging "mouse-free bar" for food;
● the route is guarded by three fairway buoys — children turn them into slalom targets.
Ring 2. Sørfjord Cider Loop (Hardangerfjord)
Distance: 24 km (3 days, 8-8-8 km)
Start/finish: Utne Pier (electric ferry from Nærheimsunna)
Beaches: Sjøtun Strand, Aga Farm, Kvitnes Spit
Bonus trail: Dronningstien (4 km / +280 m to "Tron")
Family features
● Every day ends at a farm with cider for parents; children are given unfiltered apple juice.
● There are fruit piers along the shore — ideal "children's toilets" and picnic spots.
● At Aga Camping, there are free nets for "crab safaris" at the breakwater.
Ring 3. Reinefjord Micro-Loop (Lofoten)
Distance: 12 km (1 day, can be extended to two)
Start/finish: Reine Rorbuer Dock
Beaches: Bunes Beach (return paddle — along the tickling surf)
Hike bonus: Helvetestinden (5.6 km / +550 m) for older children (+12 years).
Family features
● Kayak rental provides children's paddles (180 cm) and life jackets (15–30 kg).
● The wind is usually sideways ≤ 4 m/s, and the fairway is sheltered by rocks, so the waves don't rock the boat.
● the camp is set up behind the dunes of Bunes Beach: soft sand, water +11°C, drones are prohibited — peace and quiet guaranteed.
🧸 Safety and Logistics for Parents
| Question | Solution |
|---|---|
| Water temperature | 2 mm shorty wetsuit for children; max 10 min in water; wrap in thermal jacket after swimming. |
| Rafting and motorboats | Choose sleeves without boat traffic; paddle 10:00–16:00; avoid mornings. |
| Gadget charging | Use 20,000 mAh power bank + 15 W solar panel; kids = bloggers × double consumption. |
| Toilets | Coffee shops and farms near shore; if needed — "bush bag" (foldable toilet bag). |
| Transport | Skyss and Troms buses allow kayaks in covers < 5 m (fee: 0–50 NOK). |
2 × sit-in 2.5-seaters + 1 child seat
Rental ~850 NOK/day
3-person family tent with vestibule
Weight: 3.2 kg
Gas 230 g × 2 days = 70 min
Porridge, tea, chocolate fondue
Drink directly from streams without boiling
Powerbank + LED garland
Evening stories under a “starry” awning
Mini code for family kayak campers
- Children in front, adults behind: visual control and assistance with paddles.
- Only build fires in a barrel or below the wet sand line — this way, there will be no charcoal stains.
- Collect "beach silver" (plastic, glass) — children will turn cleaning into a game.
- Do not feed the seagulls — they get used to it and will bomb neighbouring tents.
The "sand-paddle-bonfire" rings are so much fun! They teach children to navigate, protect nature and appreciate the taste of freshly caught salmon. Adults can relax and unwind to the soothing sound of the waves, safe in the knowledge that the route is safe, the trail is close by and the fjord paints a new, breathtaking sunset every evening.
Collect your Family Kayak Loops, share the coordinates of secret sandy spots, recipes for "ash bananas" and life hacks on how to appease curious seagulls. This way, our outdoor adventures Norway catalogue will become your very own desktop guide for those who paddle slowly but get the most out of every bend in a Norwegian fjord.
