Hi everyone! I’m planning a trip to Norway this coming November with my 10-year-old son.
Because I'm traveling with a kid, my top priorities are flexibility, comfort, and keeping things low-stress.
I don't plan to rent a car to avoid winter driving on icy roads, so we are relying on the coastal boat and guided tours to get around.
Here is our current 10-day plan:
- Nov 4: Arrive in Tromsø (9 AM) -> Settle in/rest -> Evening: Fjellheisen cable car
- Nov 5: Whale watching tour (via GetYourGuide)
- Nov 6: Relaxed Tromsø City Day (Tromsø Public Library, Polaria)
- Nov 7: Tromsø to Svolvær via the Hurtigruten
- Nov 8: Lofoten South tour (via GetYourGuide)
- Nov 9: Lofoten North tour (via GetYourGuide)
- Nov 10: Relaxed day exploring Svolvær
- Nov 11: Travel day: Svolvær back to Tromsø (Thinking about the public bus Route 300)
- Nov 12: Open Day in Tromsø -> Evening Northern Lights/Aurora Tour
- Nov 13: Open Morning in Tromsø -> Flight home (6 PM)
A few things I’d love advice on:
- Does this overall plan look realistic, safe, and well-paced for traveling with a 10-year-old in November? Any major logistical bottlenecks or things I might have overlooked?
- Is it doable to book a one-day trip to Polar Park (via GetYourGuide) on Nov 12, and move the Aurora Tour to some other evening during our trip? If so, what daytime tour would you recommend that isn't too exhausting for a kid, and which evening makes the most sense to swap the Aurora chase to?
- Filling free time in Tromsø: With an open morning on the 13th before our flight, what relaxed, kid-friendly activities or sights would you recommend to fill the gap?
Thank you so much for the help! 🙏