HISTORY & HERITAGE

Bratteklev is the best-preserved shipyard of its kind in the South of Norway. Once shipyards lined the entire coast, waterways were highways and wooden boats were needed to transport people, cattle, and merchandise. Bratteklev originally a farmstead, dates to the 1870s, and epitomizes the peak of an industry that eventually made way for larger boats and streamliners. The shipyard is intact with tools, logs, boats, and original interior, as well as the smell of tar and salty air.

River Storelva runs through the small town of Tvedestrand, and Næs Jernverk. The Ironworks is the second largest in Norway, production closed due to a flood in 1959 but great effort was made to preserve it as a showcase of Norwegian industrial activity dating back to the 17th century. Nearly all equipment, forges and buildings are intact. On the hill behind the Museum, you can still see the fine manor house, and the old romantic park Lunden, perfect for strolls.

Join a guided visit at Langsae, a high society estate built in 1857 for consul Hans Herlofson, a formidable merchant and ship owner. On the property is also a farmer's dwelling, highlighting the striking difference between the rich and the poor.  Use the opportunity to visit the main museum Kuben exhibitions: “Childhood” exhibition is an amazing journey through Norwegian childhood history;  and"Enslaved", reflects the darker side of Norwegian history, and the country's involvement in the slave trade of the 1700s and 1800s. And why not try out the traditional "Munker" pastry – or browse the museum shop for artisan quality gifts and mementos.

The quaint and lively communities of Flekkerøy were founded on fishing more than 500 years ago. The island is the birthplace of Kristiansand and connected to the mainland by an underwater tunnel. From the days of the sailing ships, this has been an important harbour, where fishermen delivered their catch of the day. Here you may visit a café in an historic building for a taste of local delicacies, served with stories from the community.

Sørlandet is the southernmost region of Norway, characterized by a beautiful coastline dotted with small cities and white wooden houses. This guided walk will take you past the highlights of the city, giving you the chance to get to know the city and its people – both past and the present. Explore the city centre on your own before returning to the ship. Specifics and points of interest will vary depending on which city you choose for the walk.

North of Kristiansand, after a ride through beautiful landscapes, you arrive at Setesdal Mineral Park. You enter through a green floral park with sculptures made by Norwegian artists and a view of the River Otra. The exhibition is the most stunning and impressive private collection of stones and minerals in the whole of Europe. More than 1200 specimens are housed inside the mountain cave exhibition, which you access by tunnels just like in an old mine. You will be impressed by nature's creativity!

Kristiansand was founded in 1641 by the Danish-Norwegian king Christian IV, who also gave the city its name. On this highly popular tour, you visit a lovely open-air museum showing buildings moved here from the centre of Kristiansand and from farms in the valley of Setesdal. Then, drive along the scenic coastal road to visit a beautiful old church, and the village of Høllen, where you can walk through a charming street of white timber buildings so typical of the region.

Authentic old railway station buildings; stylish teak carriages; century old locomotives and the smell of burning coal make for a unique journey as the steam train winds its way through the valley. When it opened in 1896, this narrow-gauge railway helped connecting the isolated valley of Setesdal and the city of Kristiansand, it transported people, livestock, and various products from the valley. The railway closed in 1962, but reopened as a heritage railway two years later, as the country's first railway museum.