With the caravan to the Lysefjord: Preikestolen, fjords and beaches in Southern Norway

This is where your trip begins. From Hannover you head north at a relaxed pace, splitting up the first drive on purpose so the arrival day doesn't get too long.

A peaceful campsite right on Fårup Sø lake with a swimming cove and shallow shoreline, ideal for a first evening swim after the drive. A small kiosk and play areas make the site family-friendly.

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A campsite close to the ferry port and the wide North Sea beach of Hirtshals, perfect for a beach afternoon before the crossing to Norway. The children can play on the flat sandy beach, and the Nordsøen Oceanarium is a good option if it rains.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

From Hirtshals, the ferry takes you to Kristiansand in Southern Norway in a good two to three hours. On board there are play areas and viewing decks, making the crossing itself an experience for the children.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

A family-friendly campsite on Loga lake near Flekkefjord with a swimming spot, boats and a playground, ideal for your first night after the ferry. The stage from Kristiansand stays short, so the children can still get to the water in the evening.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

A fine white sandy beach on the west coast of Karmøy with turquoise water reminiscent of a South Seas beach. Ideal for swimming and playing in the sun, while on windy days a walk along the dunes is worthwhile. Park the rig in the designated car park at the beach access point.

A campsite right on the long sandy beach of Åkrasanden on Karmøy, one of the finest swimming beaches in the region. The children can walk straight from the caravan into the water. The caravan stays put here, and you take the tow vehicle for the trip to Sandvesand.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

A whole day at the beach: Åkrasanden offers shallow water, sand for digging and plenty of room to play. A walk along the nearby lighthouse path adds some variety.

A campsite close to the city on Mosvatnet lake, from where you can easily reach the centre of Stavanger by bus or on foot. The caravan stays here, and you head into the old town without the trailer or take the bus.

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The old town of Stavanger, with its whitewashed wooden houses and narrow cobbled lanes, is one of the best-preserved wooden house districts in Northern Europe. A stroll through the lanes and along the harbour is entertaining even with children. Don't take the rig into the centre; leave it at the campsite and use the tow vehicle to reach a flat, level car park by the harbour.

Sightseeing boats depart from Stavanger harbour into the Lysefjord, passing steep rock faces and waterfalls, with views up to Preikestolen from below. For children, it's an impressive change of perspective on the cliffs they'll be hiking the following day.

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On the island of Sør-Hidle lies the world's northernmost palm garden, a lushly planted show garden with subtropical plants right in the middle of the fjord. The visit includes the boat crossing from Stavanger and offers a calm, colourful contrast to the hiking days. It's popular and has limited capacity, so be sure to book in advance.

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Manafossen plunges around 90 metres and can be reached via a short but steep path with chain safety rails in around 20 to 30 minutes. A worthwhile, family-friendly detour on the way to Preikestolen; bring sturdy footwear. There's a car park at the starting point with a small fee.

A campsite just a few minutes from the car park for Preikestolen, with views over the fjord and access to the water. An ideal base for the hike the next morning, with the children able to splash about in the fjord shallows in the evening.

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The famous rock plateau rises 604 metres sheer above the Lysefjord and is one of Norway's best-known hiking destinations. The route is around 8 km there and back with about 350 metres of elevation gain, well within reach for experienced children from around age 8; allow four to five hours with breaks. Start early to avoid the crowds, and bring sturdy shoes and supplies.

At Flørli, the world's longest wooden staircase leads 4444 steps up the mountain, reachable by excursion boat across the Lysefjord from Lauvvik or Forsand. You don't have to climb all the steps — even the lower section offers great views — and the small village itself, with its café and swimming spot, is worth the visit. A good, shorter alternative to the long Trolltunga hike.

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Kjeragbolten is a round boulder wedged between two rock faces high above the Lysefjord, making for a spectacular photo. The hike from Øygardstøl is around 10 km and demanding, with steep, chain-secured sections, so it's manageable for the 11-year-old and more of a challenge for the younger one. You don't have to climb onto the boulder itself — the path alone offers magnificent views.

A small campsite at the end of the Lysefjord in Lysebotn, right on the water and surrounded by steep mountainsides. A peaceful spot to recover after the Kjerag hike, with the option to swim in the fjord.

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Låtefossen near Odda is a twin waterfall whose two streams merge beside the old stone bridge, showering the road with spray. A short stop at the car park is enough for this impressive sight, and the children will love the mist.

A campsite on Sandvinvatnet lake near Odda with a swimming spot and views of the mountains of the Hardangerfjord. A peaceful overnight stop on the way back, with the children able to swim in the lake.

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From Kristiansand, the ferry takes you back to Hirtshals in Denmark. After the fjord days, the crossing makes for a relaxed end to the Norwegian leg of the trip.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Back on Danish soil, you'll spend another night close to the wide North Sea beach of Hirtshals. One last evening at the beach before the long drive home the next day.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

You drive back to Hannover via Jutland and Schleswig-Holstein. This brings your round trip to an end; pace yourselves with breaks, as it's the longest single stage.