Homebound: A Dash Through Amsterdam and a Heart Full of Memories

Our final morning in Bergen started just as the others had—with one last breakfast at the Radisson Blu. After eating, we packed up and caught our 10:30 a.m. shuttle to the airport, saying goodbye to the cobblestone streets, colorful rooftops, and cool sea air of Norway.

The ride to Bergen Airport was smooth, and we made it through security without issue. We boarded our KLM flight to Amsterdam and settled in for the first leg of our trip home. On all of our short flights, they served sandwiches as part of tradition - made with fresh danish bread.

But things got a little stressful once we landed in Amsterdam. Our layover was originally just an hour, and due to delays, we were left with only 49 minutes to make it through the airport and onto our flight back to the U.S. With no time to spare, we grabbed our bags and booked it to the gate, speeding through customs thanks to an expedited line. The girls were absolute rockstars—focused, fast, and full of hustle. We made it just in time—the last to board, but we were on.

The long 10-hour flight home was mostly uneventful, until halfway through when there was a medical emergency onboard. An older gentleman needed attention. Once we landed, we had to wait to deplane so that he could be safely assisted. It added some extra time at the end of a long day, but we were all just thankful everything turned out okay.

And just like that—we were home. Tired, and jet-lagged. We explored cities, fjords, museums, amusement parks, and trails. We tried brown cheese, fish stew, donuts, and reindeer sausage. We played cards in cafes, raced through airports, and walked cobblestone streets together.

It was the kind of trip that reminds you just how big and beautiful the world is—and how special it is to explore it as a family.

Mountains, Trolls, and a Farewell Feast in Bergen

We woke up to a beautiful Bergen morning and decided it was the perfect time to hike Mount Fløyen. After breakfast at the hotel, we set off on foot, following the Fløysvingene trail—a gently winding path that leads from the city center to the summit. The hike was about 3 kilometers and took us just under an hour, weaving through charming neighborhoods before opening into forested paths with scenic views along the way.

At the top, the view was spectacular—panoramic sights of Bergen, the harbor, and the surrounding mountains. We spent time exploring the Fløyen playgrounds. We checked out the giant troll sculptures, climbing structures, and the obstacle courses in the Troll Forest and Nature Playground. Girls loved the swing the most.

As rain clouds started to roll in, we headed back down the way we came—just in time. Once back in the city, we stopped for a well-earned lunch at Trekroneren, Bergen’s iconic hot dog stand. Chris ordered the famous reindeer sausage, I went with a spicy dog, and the girls had classic ones with ketchup and mustard. Everything was delicious—street food at its best, and such a fun local tradition.

Next stop: Donut Bakeren for our afternoon fika. The donuts were as indulgent as promised. I went for the Oreo Cheesecake donut (stuffed with filling and topped with mousse!), Chris had a classic Boston Cream, and the girls chose berry and glazed varieties. They also served Costa Coffee, which brought back memories of our Japan trip—a small but sweet connection.

On the way back to the hotel, we stopped at a local grocery store to pick up some fun snacks and gifts for friends back home. Once back at the hotel, we played Heads Up and relaxed while the afternoon rain passed through.

For our final dinner in Norway, we made our way to the Bergen Fish Market (Fisketorget). The outdoor stalls were lively and colorful, full of fresh seafood and local specialties. Chris grabbed fresh salmon sushi as a starter while we scoped out the options. We finally settled on a booth and ordered fish and chips, seafood paella, and more grilled salmon. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and the perfect sendoff.

Fjords, Fish, and Fika: A Day in Beautiful Bergen

We started the day with another breakfast at the Radisson Blu, our go-to morning ritual at this point, but was our least favorite buffet on the trip.

Today’s big plan? A Mostraumen Fjord Cruise, a 4-hour journey through some of Norway’s most iconic landscapes, all without having to leave the city.

Departing from Bergen’s historic harbor, the cruise took us through the Byfjord, Salhusfjord, and into the stunning Osterfjord, finally reaching the narrow, dramatic Mostraumen Channel. Along the way, we passed landmarks like Bergenhus Fortress, St. Mary’s Church, and the colorful Bryggen Wharf, all from the comfort of a modern vessel with open-air decks and cozy indoor seating.

Once we reached the narrow channel, the boat slowed near towering waterfalls—so close we could feel the mist on our faces. The fjords were breathtaking: steep cliffs, glassy water, and that peaceful quiet that only comes with being surrounded by nature. It was an easy, comfortable trip with just enough adventure for everyone.

We returned to Bergen around 3 p.m. and made a familiar stop at Kaf for an afternoon fika—Norwegian waffles and coffee, of course. The place is family owned and the owner even had a baby picture on the wall of family photos. With time to relax, we played some games and took it easy at the hotel until dinner.

Dinner was a highlight. We had a 5:30 reservation at Fjellskål Sjømatrestaurant, located right in the Bergen Fish Market with harbor views directly across from Bryggen. The setting was beautiful, and the food even better. The girls felt very grown-up sipping fancy non-alcoholic drinks from wine glasses and enjoying plates of salmon and fish and chips.

Chris and I shared a shellfish tower loaded with lobster, oysters, King crab, and more. We also tried the halibut, and every dish was fresh and beautifully presented. For dessert, we sampled sorbet and a unique brown cheese pudding, which was delicious.

We ended the evening with a walk to Donut Bakeren, scoping out tomorrow’s planned afternoon treat. It was the perfect close to a day that blended sightseeing, great food, and relaxed family time in one of the most scenic places.

Across Norway by Rail: Oslo to Bergen on the Scenic Bergen Line

We were up early—6:15 a.m.—to grab breakfast, pack up, and head to Oslo Central Station to catch our train to Bergen. This wasn’t just any train ride—it was the Bergen Line (Bergensbanen), one of the most scenic railway journeys in Europe. We booked first-class seats, which were spacious and comfortable, making the 6.5-hour ride fly by. We even enjoyed lunch on board, all while watching the dramatic Norwegian landscape unfold outside the windows.

The views were nonstop. The train passed through forested valleys, still lakes, charming mountain villages, and up to Hardangervidda, Europe’s largest high mountain plateau. We crossed Finse Station, the highest mainline railway point in Northern Europe at 1,222 meters above sea level. Along the way, we passed through about 180 tunnels and stopped at stations like Geilo, Myrdal, and Finse—each with its own postcard-worthy view. Even though we didn’t get off, just riding through was unforgettable.

We arrived in Bergen around 3:30 p.m. and walked through the picturesque town, cobblestone streets and all, to our hotel: the Radisson Blu Royal, perfectly located on Bryggen, the historic Hanseatic wharf. The location couldn’t be better—steps from the fish market, museums, and the Fløibanen funicular.

Our room was actually a two-story apartment. Downstairs had a sitting area, dining table, and bathroom. Upstairs were the beds, another bathroom, and a cozy window seat with a view we couldn’t stop staring at.

After settling in, we ventured out into cold wind and light rain in search of coffee and something sweet. We landed at Kaf, a warm little café, and enjoyed pastries and drinks. We tried to push through the weather, but eventually took shelter at a charming Irish pub called O’Connelles. It turned into a perfect late afternoon. We shared oysters, Irish stew, and grilled cheese, and played games—chess and Skip-Bo, a new favorite.

Before calling it a night, we made one last stop at Bakery Brun for dessert—more pastries and a slice of cake to share. Then it was back to our cozy hotel apartment to rest and recharge.

Ski Jumps, Scenic Views, and a Sweet Goodbye to Oslo

By now, we’re fully committed to the hotel breakfast routine—and today’s highlight was another round of vaffel, this time topped with Norwegian brown cheese. It’s definitely a unique flavor, but we all gave it two thumbs up. It’s become a fun little part of our mornings in Oslo.

After breakfast, we hopped on Metro Line 1 (T-bane) and made our way to one of Oslo’s most iconic landmarks: the Holmenkollen Ski Jump. Even if you’re not into winter sports, this spot is worth the trip. The structure itself is stunning, perched high on a hill with incredible panoramic views of the city and the surrounding fjord. We took the lift up from the museum and the view was absolutely worth it.

At the base of the jump is the Holmenkollen Ski Museum, the oldest ski museum in the world. Inside, we saw the largest collection of skis and memorabilia covering the full history of skiing—from ancient times through to today’s Olympic athletes. The girls especially loved the interactive climate change games and the magical kids’ play area, complete with a super-fast slide.

The gift shop here was also one of the best of the trip. We were able to find most of our souvenirs for family back home—really thoughtful items and a nice variety.

Back in the city, the sunshine continued, so we brought our deck of cards to Karl Johan square, found an outdoor spot for drinks, and enjoyed a few games while people-watching in the afternoon light. It’s been such a lively and comfortable place to unwind during our time here.

For dinner, we went with a crowd-pleaser: Pepe’s Pizza, which the girls were thrilled about. Also worked on paper plane making and gave them a try in the park after dinner!

We circled back to Paradis Gelateria for our final gelato stop—still the best in Oslo. To walk off dessert, we took a short stroll to the Royal Palace, which sits at the end of Karl Johan gate.

Rain, Racing, and a Giant Pig Knuckle: Oslo’s Indoor Adventure Day

We kicked off the day like we have every morning in Oslo—with breakfast under the glass ceiling at our hotel on Karl Johan gate. It’s become our little routine and a calm way to start each day, especially before a big outing.

This time, we took the tram all the way across town to the Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology (Norsk Teknisk Museum)—a total win for a rainy day. Four floors of hands-on exhibits kept us exploring for nearly four hours. There was a life-sized dollhouse, a music studio where the girls jammed on drums and played piano, and a car racing track where Aurie got to test her speed. They also physically raced each other, made short films, practiced CPR, and played all sorts of brain games. It was nonstop learning disguised as fun.

About halfway through, we paused for lunch at the museum café—mostly pastries and coffee, just enough to keep us going.

After we’d explored every floor, we took the tram back to the hotel for some downtime. Luckily, the rain cleared up in the evening, so we took a nice walk to dinner at Den Glade Gris (which translates to The Happy Pig). True to its name, it’s known for traditional Norwegian food—and especially for its famous pig knuckle. Chris and I split one, and it definitely lived up to the hype. The girls opted for fresh fish and chips, which were also a hit.

We weren’t quite done yet. After dinner, we walked back to Karl Johan gate for dessert at Paradis Gelateria, which is rated as the best gelato in Oslo. Safe to say, it earned the title.

We ended the day with a quiet game of War on our hotel balcony, looking out over the busy street below. A perfect mix of energy, culture, food, and family time—even with the rain.

Oslo in the Sunshine: Sculptures, Scream, and Smash Burgers

We started the day with breakfast at our hotel under a beautiful glass ceiling! Of course, we had to try the Norwegian vaffel—heart-shaped and soft, with a hint of sweetness. Already bought a vaffel maker for back home.

The weather was sunny again, so we made the most of it. First stop: Vigeland Sculpture Park. This massive park features over 200 bronze and granite sculptures by Gustav Vigeland and is an easy, scenic place to wander. The girls stopped at the park playground before we headed out.

To a tram to explore another part of town, found a great playground along the way for a quick break.

Next, we recharged with donuts and coffee at TaylorMade Donuts—a surprise highlight. The donuts were seriously next level, with fun varieties, sparkling water on tap, and a really cute setup inside. Definitely worth the stop if you’re in Oslo.

Fueled by sugar and sunshine, we headed to the Munch Museum, where we got to see The Scream—not just one, but all three versions (drawing, print, and painting), which rotate every 30 minutes. The museum also had interactive and kid-friendly exhibits, which is consistent with most places here in Scandinavia.

From there, we walked over to the Oslo Opera House and made our way up the roof for views of the city and harbor. IWe also made quick stops at Le Labo for gifts and tried Joe & the Juice, which is a big café chain all over Scandinavia.

After heading back to the hotel to freshen up, we spent some time just sitting outside on Karl Johan gate, playing cards and people-watching with snacks and drinks. The street was full of life and made for a fun, relaxing late afternoon.

Dinner was casual and tasty—we walked to a nearby food court and grabbed smash burgers at Shady’s, then ended the night at the pier, where the girls found a trampoline area and we all played games until it was time for bed. It gets dark here very late so we actually haven’t seen the night-sky yet!

From Kanelbulle to Kon-Tiki: A Scenic Detour to Oslo

We were up early—6:30 a.m.—ready to catch our train from Gothenburg to Oslo. Bags packed, coffee in hand, and another kanelbulle (because when in Sweden…), we arrived at Central Station feeling good about our timing. But when we checked the board to find our platform—surprise! All trains to Oslo had been cancelled this week due to construction. Not exactly the start we had in mind.

Thankfully, Chris worked some travel magic and managed to get us rebooked on a bus to Oslo. Honestly, it worked out just fine. The 3.5-hour drive came with beautiful scenery—rolling hills, lakes, and charming countryside views that made the unexpected change feel like part of the adventure.

Once we arrived at Oslo Central Station, we took a short walk to Karl Johans gate, the main pedestrian street, which also happens to be where our hotel is located. The weather was sunny and crisp, so after checking in and dropping our bags, we headed back out to explore.

We ended up buying the Oslo Pass—and it turned out to be one of the best decisions of the day. The pass covers most major museums and all public transportation. We grabbed the 72-hour version to make the most of our time in the city. Highly recommend if you’re visiting.

With coffee and a snack stop to keep us going, we made our way to the Bygdøy Peninsula, known for its cluster of museums and green spaces. Highlights included the Kon-Tiki Museum, Fram Museum, and the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History (Norsk Folkemuseum)—all included in the Oslo Pass. The girls loved exploring the ships, exhibits, and outdoor historical village. As the day would go, the last ferry back was full, so again, we found a bus and made it back!

We wrapped up the day with a walk to Osteria Di Mare, where we had a cozy Italian dinner of pizza and pasta. By 8 p.m., we were more than ready to call it a night.

Big Bites, Bigger Coasters: A Full Day in Gothenburg

We were up bright and early for an 8:10 a.m. reservation at Saluhallen, the massive buffet restaurant right downstairs in our hotel. It had everything: fresh crepes, hot breakfast options, delicious wild berry yogurt, and endless coffee and juice.

After fueling up, we hopped on the tram to make it in time for our 10:30 a.m. Oceanbus tour—and it was absolutely worth it. The tour kicked off with a drive around Gothenburg while our hilarious guide filled us in on local history and fun facts. We saw statues of key historical figures, the university where one of Spotify’s co-founders studied, the site of major protests during George W. Bush’s visit, and a stunning rose garden that’s won a rare three-star Michelin rating. But the real excitement came when the bus drove into the water. We braced ourselves, splashed in, and suddenly we were floating—sailing around the harbor with views of islands and city landmarks from the sea.

The fun didn’t stop there. After we returned to dry land (and after a quick bus tire incident involving a large rock), we took the tram to Feskekôrka, Gothenburg’s famous fish market hall, which just reopened after a two-year renovation. The girls ordered the freshest fish sticks of their lives, while Chris and I enjoyed perfectly prepared white fish and salmon.

From there, I had one goal: Fika. We walked over to Haga again and found our way to Café Husaren, home of the legendary Swedish cinnamon roll, the kanelbulle. Paired with coffee, it was everything I hoped it would be—cozy, sweet, and very Swedish.

In the afternoon, we headed into Liseberg Amusement Park—and it definitely lived up to the hype. It’s known as one of the best amusement parks in Europe, and it didn’t disappoint. Aurie and Brooke tackled their first big roller coaster and crushed it! We also rode the log flume, Turbo, Tempus, and more—energy was high and lines were short.

By 7:30, we were ready to wind down. We had an 8:15 p.m. dinner reservation back at Saluhallen, and it was the perfect ending to the day. Another buffet, this time with even more options—including traditional Swedish sausages. Brooke ran up for a quick shower before dinner, and we all gathered for one final, delicious meal before heading to bed.

From Copenhagen to Gothenburg: A Travel Day with a Sweet Ending

Our morning started early—and a little rough. Brooke came down with the same stomach bug Chris had, so we (excluding Aurie who sleeps through anything) were up all night. Still, we were up by 6:30 to grab breakfast in the hotel lounge before heading to the train station.

Thankfully, the Copenhagen Central Station was clean, close to our hotel, and really easy to navigate. We boarded a train for Malmö, Sweden, then switched over to a first-class train to Gothenburg. The ride was smooth and relaxing—comfortable seats, quiet cars, and a great way to rest after a busy few days. Everyone appreciated the slower pace.

When we arrived in Gothenburg, the sun was out—a welcome sight. With time to spare before hotel check-in, we had a casual lunch at Espresso House inside the central station. The girls were both amused (and slightly confused) by Sweden’s paid public restrooms. Definitely one of those travel quirks they won’t forget.

From there, we took the tram to Liseberg to check into our next hotel: Hotel Curiosa. Connected to Liseberg Amusement Park, it looked like something out of a movie—bright colors, whimsical design, and a giant two-story indoor slide. The hotel also had a 100-year-old merry-go-round and fun games in the lobby. Our room had a separate bunk bed area for the girls—Aurie quickly claimed the top bunk.

Once we got settled, we headed out to explore and enjoy the sunshine. We took the tram and walked to Haga, one of Gothenburg’s oldest neighborhoods. Dinner was at Bord 27, and it was incredible. The staff couldn’t have been friendlier, and the food was standout: oysters, crab tacos, steak, cod with kale, and a rhubarb dessert that might’ve been the best of the trip so far. The girls skipped the adventurous menu, but Chris and I soaked up every bite.

We finished the evening with a walk to Next Level Gelato, enjoyed a few scoops, and strolled back through charming Haga before heading back to the hotel to rest.

Rainy Day Fun: Science, Royal Sights, and Cards at the Lounge

Copenhagen gave us another gray, rainy day—but that didn’t slow us down. We kicked things off with a cozy card game session at Espresso House, playing Old Maid and Garbage over warm drinks. A calm and easy start before heading out for the day.

We grabbed an Uber for a 20-minute ride to a different part of the city to visit the Experimentarium, and wow—this place was incredible. Hands down one of the best science museums we’ve ever been to for kids. There was so much to do: the girls drove a simulated shipping boat, played interactive brain and sports games, and went through a pitch-black sensory tunnel (at least five times—they loved it!). We watched a short interactive movie, grabbed lunch at the café, and even caught a hot air balloon launch in the lobby. One of the coolest features was a VR experience where you could see the world through the eyes of an insect. We easily spent over three hours exploring and could’ve stayed longer.

Afterward, we took another Uber to visit The Little Mermaid statue—short and sweet, but had to do it! From there, we walked to the royal palace, where the Danish royal family lives, then continued on to the waterfront to see the famous row of colorful homes that line the canal. We wanted to see more of the city so we walked back to the hotel.

By late afternoon, we were ready to wind down. We walked back to the hotel for some rest, played more cards, and had a low-key dinner in the hotel lounge. It was the perfect ending to a full day of discovery, despite the rain.

Day Two in Copenhagen: Tivoli Thrills

We started the day slowly after a restless night, but everyone managed to sleep in until 9 a.m.—a much-needed reset. After another great breakfast in the hotel lounge, we walked just seven minutes to Tivoli Gardens, arriving right as it opened at 11 a.m.

The weather was beautiful in the morning, and the park was a blast from the start. The girls were all in, riding everything from the pirate ship to what we called Thunder Mountain, the Milky Way Express, and a water ride with laser blasters. A few rides were repeat-worthy, and the girls even braved a few on their own. Brooke and Aurie were so brave, taking on all the big rides without hesitation and loving every second.

When it started to rain, we headed inside the Tivoli Food Hall for a quick lunch—burgers and fries. Thankfully, the rain let up right as we finished eating, so we squeezed in a few more rides before wrapping up the day. The best part? Barely any lines—most rides had a wait time of seven minutes or less. Before leaving the park, the girls celebrated with giant cotton candy that was almost as tall as they are.

Unfortunately, the day ended on a bit of a down note. Chris started feeling sick that evening and spent the rest of the night resting in the room. The girls and I grabbed dinner at Rug—pizza—and enjoyed a quiet walk back to the hotel before calling it a night.

Day One in Copenhagen: Pastries, Vikings, and a Taste of Denmark

We started our first full day in Copenhagen with breakfast in the hotel lounge—easy, convenient, and a nice way to ease into the morning. But since we’re in Denmark, we weren’t stopping at just one breakfast. We headed out for round two at Andersen’s Bakery, where the goal for the day became clear: find the best pastry in the city.

After breakfast #2, we made our way to the National Museum of Denmark. One of the exhibits really stood out—a Viking sorceress experience that used headphones to guide you through the story as you moved from room to room. It was really well done with cool visuals, and there was also a play area that the girls enjoyed exploring.

From there, it was time to continue the pastry tour. We stopped at Buka, and it may have taken the top spot. The cream-filled croissant with raspberries was the clear favorite. Chris and I also tried a cardamom pastry and a sandwich, which were both great.

We headed back to the hotel for a little break and then walked to dinner at Karla’s, where we tried traditional Danish food. Chris and I had salmon and pork, and Aurie was all about the red sausages. They also had Somersby cider, which was a nice bonus for me.

Overall, a full day with a good mix of food, fun, and downtime.

Arrived in Copenhagen

After a smooth 1.5-hour flight on KLM from Amsterdam, we officially made it to Copenhagen! The flight was short and easy—just enough time to catch our breath after the long-haul from Vegas. A quick 15-minute Uber ride later, we pulled up to our hotel: the Marriott, perfectly situated along the river.

Check-in was a breeze, and we made a beeline for the lounge where coffee for us and drinks for the girls gave us the little boost we needed. Our suite is just what this traveling family of four needed—plenty of space, and most importantly, a separate room for the girls. The girls opened their luggage to a special note from Grando and Grandma with well wishes and a lucky penny! They are so loved and were so surprised.

Once we got settled, we took advantage of the crisp Scandinavian evening and walked to dinner at Café Katz. The pasta and salad hit the spot—simple, fresh, and exactly what we were craving. Afterward, we headed back to the lounge for a sweet treat before winding down.

The final highlight of the day? Long, hot showers and a real bed after more than 24 hours of travel. The girls were absolute champs through it all, and we’re ready to rest up and explore Copenhagen tomorrow.

LAS—>AMS

We’re off! After weeks of planning, packing, and plenty of excitement, our family adventure officially took flight yesterday afternoon as we boarded our KLM flight from Las Vegas to Amsterdam.

Departure was smooth— except for Brooke’s anxiety…she thought the wing looked broken. She was able to settle in pretty quickly though.

The flight clocked in at around 10 hours, and while airplane food wasn’t a hit with the girls, sleep definitely was. After binging episodes of Liv and Maddie, they stretched out in the middle seats and drifted off. Chris and I took the aisles—and sleep was not in the cards!

We touched down in Amsterdam, waited in a long immigration line, got yummy coffee and now we’re camped out at our gate, waiting for the final leg of today’s journey: Copenhagen!

It’s only Day One, but we’re already collecting memories—and yawns. Next stop: Denmark!