Moving to Norway with children involves much more than finding the right home or choosing the right school. One of the biggest adjustments for many international families is understanding how the Norwegian school year works—and, in particular, how school holidays affect everyday family life.
At Relocation, we have been helping international employees and their families relocate to Norway for more than 30 years. One of the most common surprises we hear from parents is not the weather, the language or even the cost of living. It’s the school holidays.
Many families spend months preparing visas, housing and school applications, only to discover after arriving that school holidays require just as much planning. Understanding the Norwegian school calendar from the beginning can help you avoid unnecessary stress and settle into family life much more smoothly.
Whether you are moving to Norway for work or have recently arrived, this guide explains what to expect, how the system works, and how Norwegian families typically manage the long school holidays.
There is no single school holiday calendar for Norway
One of the first things to understand is that Norway does not have one national school holiday calendar.
Holiday dates vary slightly between counties and municipalities. This means a family living in Stavanger may have different holiday weeks from a family living in Oslo, Bergen or Trondheim.
If your child attends an international school, be aware that it may follow its own academic calendar rather than the local municipal school calendar. Holiday dates and term times can therefore differ from those of nearby public schools.
Before booking flights, arranging childcare or inviting family to visit, always check the official school calendar (“skolerute“) for your municipality or your child’s school.
Schools also have several planning days (planleggingsdager) throughout the year. On these days, pupils stay at home while teachers attend training and planning sessions. These days are not always obvious unless you check the school’s calendar in advance.
If you have one child in school and another in kindergarten, remember that planning days are organised separately. It is common for schools and kindergartens to have different planning days, meaning one child may be at home while the other attends as normal. This is something many international families do not anticipate until they experience it.
Quick tip: As soon as you know which municipality you will be living in, download the school calendar for each of your children’s schools or kindergartens and add all holidays and planning days to your family calendar. If your child attends an international school, be sure to use the school’s own academic calendar rather than the municipal one.
Why Norwegian school holidays can surprise newcomers
Many parents relocate to Norway expecting school holidays to work much like they do back home.
Instead, they discover that:
- the summer holiday is much longer than expected
- holiday dates vary depending on where they live
- children usually receive very little holiday homework
- childcare arrangements are different
- many workplaces become quieter during July
- planning often starts months in advance.
For some families, this comes as a pleasant surprise.
For others, especially those with young children and two working parents, it requires careful planning during the first year.
The good news is that once you understand the rhythm of the Norwegian year, things become much easier.
The main school holidays in Norway
Although exact dates vary slightly between municipalities, the Norwegian school year generally follows the same pattern.
Autumn holiday (høstferie)
The autumn holiday usually takes place in late September or October and lasts for one week. It can be in Week 40 or 41.
Some families travel abroad, while others enjoy hiking, cabin trips or local activities before winter arrives.
Christmas holiday (juleferie)
Schools usually close shortly before Christmas Eve and reopen in early January.
Christmas is one of the most important family holidays in Norway. Many businesses close or operate with reduced staffing, and families spend time together at home, abroad or at cabins.
Winter holiday (vinterferie)
Winter holiday (vinterferie) lasts one week and usually falls during February or early March, either Week 8 or 9.
For many Norwegian families this is ski season. Children often spend the week skiing, sledging or enjoying other outdoor winter activities.
If your family has never experienced a Norwegian winter before, this can be a wonderful opportunity to try something new.
Easter holiday (påskeferie)
Easter is another major holiday in Norway.
Schools close for several days, and many families travel to cabins, go skiing or simply enjoy time together at home or abroad.
Because Easter includes several public holidays, shops and services also has reduced opening hours.
Summer holiday (sommerferie)
The summer holiday is by far the longest school break.
Most schools finish in mid to late June and begin again in mid-August.
For many international parents, this is the period that requires the most planning.
What are SFO and AKS?
If your children are in the early years of primary school, you will quickly come across the terms SFO and AKS.
SFO (Skolefritidsordning) is Norway’s before- and after-school care programme for children in Years 1–4 of primary school.
In Oslo, the equivalent programme is called AKS (Aktivitetsskolen).
These programmes help working parents by providing supervised care before and after school.
Many also offer organised activities during parts of the school holidays.
However, it is important not to assume that SFO or AKS will cover the entire summer holiday.
Opening weeks, application deadlines and available places vary between municipalities and schools. Many programmes close for several weeks during July, and holiday care often requires separate registration.
If both parents will be working during the summer, ask your school these questions as early as possible:
- Which weeks is SFO or AKS open?
- Which weeks is it closed?
- Is holiday care included or do we need to register separately?
- What are the registration deadlines?
- Are places limited?
- What are the opening hours?
The long summer holiday is often the biggest adjustment
In many countries, school holidays are filled with tuition, holiday homework or structured childcare.
Norway takes a different approach.
The long summer holiday reflects a broader philosophy about childhood. Children are encouraged to spend time outdoors, play independently, visit family, attend sports camps and activity weeks and simply enjoy being children.
Most Norwegian schools do not give large amounts of holiday homework.
For many international families, this feels refreshingly different.
For others, it can take some time to adjust.
How Norwegian families manage the summer holidays
One of the questions we are asked most often is:
“What do Norwegian parents do for eight weeks?”
The answer is usually a combination of several solutions.
Parents often split their annual leave so that one parent is home while the other works.
Some children attend sports camps, music camps, activity schools or local municipality programmes.
Grandparents frequently help with childcare.
Older children often spend time with friends or become increasingly independent.
Many families also cooperate with neighbours or school friends, taking turns looking after children during parts of the holidays.
There is rarely one single solution.
Instead, families build a combination that works for them.
Things for international families to know before arriving
After helping hundreds of international families relocate to Norway, these are some of the things parents most often tell us they wish they had known before arriving.
July is Norway’s holiday month
Many businesses, public offices and service providers operate with reduced staffing during July. Some may even close for 3 or 4 weeks completely.
This is completely normal.
Summer camps fill up quickly
Popular activity camps often open for registration several months before the holidays begin.
Waiting until June may mean your preferred activities are already fully booked.
Colleagues plan holidays early
In Norwegian workplaces, summer holidays are often planned several months in advance. This is especially common because many employees take time off during July, when schools are closed and large parts of Norway slow down for the summer.
For international employees, it can be helpful to know that discussing summer leave early is not considered unusual. On the contrary, it is often seen as considerate, as it helps both the employer and colleagues plan staffing during the holiday period.
Build your parent network
Getting to know other parents is one of the best investments you can make.
Not only does it help your children settle in, but those friendships often become a valuable source of support during school holidays.
Grandparents often become part of the plan
Many international families invite grandparents or relatives to Norway during the summer.
Having family visit for a few weeks can make childcare much easier while also creating wonderful memories.
The second summer is much easier
Almost every family tells us the same thing:
The first Norwegian summer requires the most adjustment.
By the second year, you know the system, understand the calendar and have usually built a local network.
School holidays reflect Norwegian values
School holidays tell you a great deal about Norwegian society.
They reflect values such as:
- family time
- outdoor life
- independence
- trust
- work-life balance
- slowing down during the summer.
Children are encouraged to spend time outdoors in all seasons, become gradually more independent and enjoy unstructured time with family and friends.
For families moving from more academically intensive education systems, this can feel very different at first.
Many parents later tell us they have come to appreciate the slower pace and the emphasis on childhood.
Children may be more independent than you expect
Another cultural difference many international parents notice is children’s independence.
Depending on age, maturity and family circumstances, many Norwegian children:
- walk to school
- cycle independently
- use public transport
- spend time with friends without constant adult supervision
- stay home alone for short periods.
There is no legal minimum age for leaving a child home alone in Norway.
Parents are expected to make responsible decisions based on the child’s maturity and the situation.
International families should not feel pressured to copy what others do immediately.
Instead, take time to understand the local culture and make decisions that feel right for your own family.
Practical tips for international families
To make your first school year easier:
- Download your municipality’s school calendar.
- Check planning days.
- Learn how SFO or AKS works.
- Register early for holiday programmes.
- Discuss summer leave with your employer well in advance.
- Build friendships with other parents.
- Consider whether grandparents or relatives could visit during the summer.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions—most Norwegian parents have gone through the same planning process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all schools in Norway have the same holiday dates?
No. Holiday dates vary between municipalities and counties, so always check your child’s school calendar.
How long is the summer holiday?
Most schools finish in mid to late June and reopen in mid-August.
Do Norwegian schools give holiday homework?
Generally, no. Most schools encourage children to rest, spend time outdoors and enjoy family life during the holidays.
Is SFO or AKS open all summer?
Usually not. Opening weeks vary, and many programmes close for several weeks during July. Separate registration is often required for holiday care.
Can children stay home alone?
There is no legal minimum age. Parents are expected to assess their child’s maturity and ensure the arrangement is safe.
Should we book holiday activities early?
Yes. Many summer camps and organised activities become fully booked well before the holidays begin.
Final thoughts
Moving to Norway is about much more than paperwork, visas and finding a home. It is also about understanding how everyday life works for families.
School holidays are a perfect example. They reflect Norwegian values of family time, independence, outdoor life and maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life.
With a little planning, your family’s first school holidays in Norway can become something to look forward to rather than something to worry about.
At Relocation AS, we have spent more than three decades helping international families settle into life in Norway. From choosing schools and understanding childcare to navigating everyday life, we know that successful relocation is about much more than logistics—it’s about helping families feel at home.