Visiting Haugesund with a Baby from P&O Iona: Our First Day in Norway
- littleandmetravel
- Jun 1
- 5 min read
This was our first stop on our Norwegian Fjords cruise with a baby and, if I'm honest, we had absolutely no real plan for the day.
No excursion booked.
No schedule to follow.
Just a pushchair, a changing bag packed with snacks and nappies, and a rough idea that we'd like to walk to see the Rising Tide sculptures.
A Slow Start to Our First Day in Norway
One thing becoming a parent has taught me is that there is absolutely no point rushing a baby.
While some passengers were heading straight off the ship first thing, we took our time.
We enjoyed breakfast onboard, packed our changing bag, topped up our snack supplies and made sure our little one had a fresh nappy before we left.
That last point would prove to be particularly important.
Haugesund was our first port stop of the cruise and we were still finding our feet as first-time cruisers. There was no pressure to tick off a long list of attractions. We simply wanted to explore, enjoy the fresh air and soak up our first real taste of Norway.
The beauty of cruise travel with a baby is that your hotel comes with you.
There was no rush.
If nap time happened, great.
If we needed to head back to the ship, no problem.
Walking to The Rising Tide
We had spotted The Rising Tide sculptures before travelling and decided they would make the perfect focus for the day.
The walk from the cruise terminal to the sculptures is roughly 2.5 miles each way, following a beautiful coastal route that showcases some of the area's most impressive scenery.
For us, the walk became the attraction itself.
Every few minutes I seemed to stop for another photo.
The water was unlike anything I had ever seen before. That famous Norwegian blue-green colour that appears in so many photographs really does exist.
And it is every bit as beautiful in person.
The route itself was easy to navigate with a pushchair. We used our Bugaboo Butterfly and found the paths smooth and accessible throughout.
That said, if your little one is anything like mine, I'd strongly recommend taking a baby carrier too.
At ten months old, our son had already discovered that sitting still was highly overrated.
He wanted to crawl.
He wanted to stand.
He wanted to explore absolutely everything.
A carrier gave us the flexibility to switch things up when the pushchair lost its appeal.
If you're planning the walk, I'd allow at least an hour each way. Closer to ninety minutes if you're travelling with children, taking photographs or simply enjoying the scenery.
Trust me, you'll want to stop often.
We kept saying we'd carry on in a minute, then stopping again because another view appeared around the corner.
The Rising Tide Sculptures
Eventually we reached The Rising Tide.
Created by artist Jason deCaires Taylor, the installation features four horsemen emerging from the sea. Their heads resemble oil pumps, creating a striking contrast against the peaceful Norwegian coastline.
They're dramatic, slightly eerie and completely different from anything we'd seen before.
Although if you asked our ten-month-old, the highlight was probably finding stones, pointing at boats and watching seagulls.
Top Tips for Families Making the Walk
If you're thinking about doing this walk with a baby or toddler, here are a few things I would definitely recommend:
• Change nappies before leaving the ship
• Pack more snacks than you think you'll need (we took some bits from the breakfast buffet.. shh!)
• Bring water and milk, if required
• Take a baby carrier as well as a pushchair
• Dress in layers
• Allow plenty of time
• Take your camera
• Pack swimwear if the weather is warm
One thing worth knowing is that there aren't regular toilets, cafés or shops along the coastal route.
Once you're walking, you're walking.
We also spotted a lovely swimming spot close to the sculptures where people were enjoying a dip in the clear water and, if we'd been blessed with warmer weather, I think we would have been very tempted ourselves.
Exploring Haugesund Town Centre
On the way back, we decided to return via Haugesund town centre.
The atmosphere felt relaxed and welcoming, with colourful bunting hanging across the streets and independent shops dotted throughout the centre.
There was no need to rush.
No pressure to be anywhere.
We simply wandered.
As parents, those slower moments often become the most enjoyable. Watching your child discover a new place through their eyes is one of the greatest joys of travelling together.
For our son, the highlight wasn't the shops or cafés.
It was the bronze animal sculptures scattered around the town.
Every time he spotted another one, his face lit up.
We lost count of how many times he pointed excitedly and squealed.
It quickly became our own little animal trail around Haugesund.
A Family-Friendly Town
One thing that really stood out was how easy Haugesund felt with a baby.
The pavements were wide, the town centre was easy to navigate with a pushchair and there were plenty of places to stop if little legs needed a break.
We spotted a few parks and play areas as we wandered back through town, and there was a relaxed atmosphere that made exploring with a baby feel easy rather than stressful.
As first-time visitors to Norway, it was a lovely first impression.
Norway Is Beautiful. Norway Is Also Expensive.
This was the day we got our first real introduction to Norwegian prices.
And yes.
The rumours are true.
Norway is expensive.
After a wander around town and a glance at a few menus, we quickly came to the conclusion that the lunch we'd already paid for back onboard Iona was looking increasingly attractive.
One of the joys of cruising is knowing your next meal is waiting for you just a short walk away.
So we headed back onboard, grabbed some lunch and let our little explorer burn off some energy in the soft play area before his afternoon nap.
Honestly, it was the perfect balance.
Adventure ashore.
Comfort onboard.
Back On Board
By the time we made our way back to Iona, we'd clocked up plenty of steps and one very tired baby.
Getting back onboard was straightforward. A short queue, a quick security check and before long we were heading back towards lunch and some much-needed soft play time.
As we walked back towards the ship, I remember thinking this was exactly the kind of day we'd hoped for when booking Norway.
No rushing.
No expensive excursions.
Just fresh air, beautiful scenery and a happy baby who was asleep within minutes of getting back into his pushchair.
Little and Me Travel Company
WhatsApp: 07504 644715
The brand is an Independent Travel Consultant with Jamie Wake Travel (membership number 1105) and so benefits from membership of Protected Trust Services and Jamie Wake Travel's ATOL Licence. The brand offers a personal travel service and has access to a wide range of suppliers and tour operators. They also tailor-make holidays to suit individual needs. All tailor-made holidays include Supplier Failure Insurance and Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance.
Comments