AT EASE WITH A FAMOUS SCULPTOR

A unike home visit in Farsund

A rare opportunity to visit renowned sculptor Jon Aslak Fintland at home in his garden and studios in beautiful historic surroundings. In his own words it is the place that gives him the inspiration to create his evocative pieces, yet it is impossible to leave his homestead and his mindful presence without thinking of him as an extraordinary human being in a place unthinkable without him. His garden is filled with plants and art pieces in stone and wood enabling you to discover the occasional blurry line between art and nature and your own part in it. Jon Aslak encourages you to be at ease finding your own favourite garden area and enjoy the wonders of the season before we enter the upstairs and downstairs of his barn studios. Jon Aslak is always working on an art installation and has exhibited in the USA and Norway. In his barn we enjoy his playfulness in his creation in conversations over a cup of coffee. He is sure to leave a lasting impression!

BOMULDSFABRIKEN ART HALL

ARENDAL’S ARENA FOR CONTEMPORARY ART

This iconic pink building is an old cotton textile factory transformed into a creative 1160 m2 art complex on 3 floors. Both Norwegian and International contemporary art exhibitions make the Bomuldsfabriken a sought-after venue for the artists. Suspended in the air is the interactive art installation Traversatorie leading out to the outdoor art arena and old mining quarry. It spans from the main exhibition halls and into nature with an aerial view of outdoor works. The noise of machinery is nothing but a vague memory, giving the Bomuldsfabriken an aura of wonder and peacefulness well worth a visit.

CELEBRATE NATIONAL DAY

AT SKRÅSTAD FARM

How do Norwegians celebrate National Day? This tour gives an insight to the festivities and joy of this particular day significant to all Norwegians. «Hip, hip, hooray for 17th of May!» Take in the sights of inland woods, farmsteads and scenic river dwellings before arriving at the National Day decorated Skråstad Farm for a traditional get together. The farm is situated in surroundings so typical of the Sørlandet region - were lush greenery meets the blue river cutting through the valley. The farm was established in 1773, so it goes without saying that there are many stories embedded in the walls. Here, traditions, tragedies, ups and downs go hand in hand. Enjoy a stroll around the property before gathering in the cosy farmhouse to learn about National Day traditions. Indulge yourself in storytelling, traditional music and food samples.

COASTAL FARMSTEAD HARMONY

SUSTAINABLE LIVING

What better way to discover the benefits of sustainable living than an up close and personal visit to a real self-sufficient farm. Off the beaten path, at the very edge of the North Sea, discover an oasis of
charm and dedication to animal welfare and slow food production. Engage in the daily farming tasks, and hike the property with a panoramic view of the surroundings. Meet Solveig, the dairy cow and all the animals to understand grazing management and soil fertility. This multi-sensory farmstead is sure to surprise you, not to mention the farm-to-table treat of the day! We follow the scenic and winding Northsea route and hike the woods to Eidsveden, an ancient observation vantage point. Learn how fire signals was a way of communication and the waterway the main highway. This is Norway at its very heart.

OLD CRAFTMANSHIP

Willow weaving and wine in Søgne

Get ready for a mesmerizing glimpse of genuine artisanship! In the small village of Søgne, nestled between a river and the sea, a creative couple created a fairy-tale homestead with Norwegian wild sheep and a vineyard to boot. Take in the views of the sheep farm, the river, and the wine ranks before an introduction to the growing of willow trees and willow weaving.

GREEN CITY WALK

Sustainable urban projects

Kristiansand boasts of several environmental initiatives, involving industry as well as individual participation. Starting from the pier, your guide will introduce you to renewable energy, the cleaning up of our harbour, and the effort to make Kristiansand port one of the most environmentally friendly in Europe. The tour includes a visit to the recreation island of Odderøya, home to art studios, culture entrepreneurs and the Green Centre

TIMBER SLIDE ADVENTURE

AT THE POWER STATION

Arrive at Kvernhusdalen to the sight of Kringsjå power station, the first of its kind in Southern Norway. The adventure combines a nature walk with facts about life in Norway when electricity was a new-fangled thing. Also included are visits to a farm, two power stations and an optional walk in the timber slide. A short guided walk takes you past remnants of the workers’ village and onto the station site for a short break at the outdoor theatre. Then continue in the footsteps of those who lived and worked in this largely self-contained community. Follow the timber slide through the forest and past creeks until you arrive at Paulen, an 18th century farm and currently a scout campsite. After the slide walk, it's on to the modern Steinsfossen power plant, built into the mountain side.