NATURE & WILDLIFE

Where the South meets the West on Hidra Island there is no difference between high and low tide. The landscape has the characteristics of both Western and Southern Norway, a combination of majestic clicks and protected harbours.  Fishing is still an occupation here and at the Seafood depot you get a close look at the catch of the day.

You do not have to be an avid bird watcher to find this tour a thrilling experience. At this ringing of birds hot spot you learn about the migrating crossroads and the variety of birds observed here from a professional point of view. Together with the ornithologist you learn what to look for and we guarantee you will see one of the over 350 species registered at Lista. 

The rolling rock moraine beaches of Raet National Park have parallel soft mulch walking trails circling the historic Hove Farm and WWII military barracks. The salty air or the sound of birds in the sky makes this an

attractive all season trail void of backbreaking hills. At regular intervals spectacular vistas appear along the path towards the far west end of Tromøy island.

The maritime island of Skjernøy is the Southernmost inhabited island of Norway. Only a narrow bridge connects it to the mainland and most of it has more sheep than cars. Only minutes from the town of Mandal you leave your coach by the chapel and walk by a pristine maritime community until you reach the red iron walking bridge. 

Protected by pine trees and within walking distance from the city centre are the pristine beaches of Mandal.

The soft pineedle pathway starts out by the mound of the Mandal river and ends up by the Risøbank Estate. What landmarks to look for, are the historic salmon ladders and the «Grandmother» and Ryvingen Lighthouses. 

Escape into the idyllic Archipelago of Southern Norway on board the sightseeing boat, and experience the tranquil island communities that have come to define this beautiful region. Smoothed down rock formations reveal the millions of years they have existed while seabirds are nesting on them before your eyes. Over a thousand islands big and small, some inhabited and a Captain´s refuge in the Age of Sail.

Welcome to a rare and close encounter with the undisputed king of the Norwegian forest at Viltgården Park in Setesdal. Normally a very shy animal in the wild, here the moose will approach through the woods with the call of a caretaker. Weighing up to 700 kg, their sheer size leaves a lasting impression on visitors of all ages. 

The longest walkable and best-preserved timber flume in Norway has become the number 1 hike in Southern Norway. The adventure combines a nature walk, a waffle break and facts about life in Norway when electricity was a new-fangled thing. Built into the mountainside is the modern power plant Steinsfossen that

originally required a flume to be built for the transportation of timber.

The number one attraction for families in Norway – Kristiansand Zoo and Amusement Park – is located east of the city centre. At this marvellous park, you will wander through a water park, a pirate hotel and Cardamom town. More than 140 different species of animals, from wolves, wolverines, lynxes, otters, and owls live here in their natural environment. 

This trek is ideal for the keen hiker and nature lover. Choose between a walk through the city or a short coach ride to access Baneheia, a forested area located on the outskirts of the city. Trek through the forest along lakes popular for swimming in summer and ice skating in winter and descend to the quaint park of Ravnedalen.