Setesdal Vintage Railway - BEST SELLER
This popular trip recreates the atmosphere of a railway journey at the turn-of-the-last-century.
This popular trip recreates the atmosphere of a railway journey at the turn-of-the-last-century.
Enjoy a scenic journey through landscapes dotted with lakes, small hills and the occasional farm. Reaching the town of Vennesla, you’ll continue along the Venneslafjord, a freshwater lake, to Grovane Station.
The Setesdal Vintage Railway was opened in 1896 to link the town of Kristiansand with the Setesdal Valley. The line was discontinued in 1962, but fortunately some of the track was re-opened as a veteran railway line. The railway is powered by a steam engine, dating from around the turn-of-the-last century.
During the journey, view an impressive deep gorge with a river running along the bottom. Next to the railway line you can see the timber slide which was used to transport logs down to the coast for export. The final destination is Royknes, where you will re-board your coach for the return journey to Kristiansand alongside the River Otra.
Treasures of Nature - SOMETHING DIFFERENT
Discover the ‘gems’ of nature on this unique and fascinating tour.
Discover the ‘gems’ of nature on this unique and fascinating tour.
This area abounds in precious minerals and crystals that have been pressed up to the earth’s surface through a rare and unique crevice in the earth’s crust. The Setesdal Mineral Park has a lovely setting, on a peninsula, by the mighty River Otra. Tunnels have been blasted out and the 12,916-square-feet of galleries house one of Norway’s finest collections of minerals and crystals. There is a constant year-round temperature of 19 degrees and this means that humidity or daylight does not damage the exhibited items.
A short drive through the centre of Kristiansand shows you the main sights. The scenic hour-long drive to Hornnes then takes you through woodclad hills, past small lakes and farmland towards the Setesdal Valley and Evje - also called the ‘Gateway to the Setesdal Valley’. The area is plentiful in rare minerals and stone-collectors from all over the world come to admire the precious minerals and crystals. After a tour of the Mineral Park, the return journey takes you through the charming countryside before heading back to Kristiansand.
Skottevig and Lillesand
Enjoy a relaxing excursion by coach and boat on the south coast of Norway.
Enjoy a relaxing excursion by coach and boat on the south coast of Norway.
The charming small towns around Kristiansand and the coastline dotted with islands make this a favourite holiday spot for Norwegians.
On the inner waterway of Blindleia, small watercraft can move quite freely and are protected from the open sea. Your sightseeing vessel will sail for approximately 1¾ hours through these calm waters. Along the shoreline there are small, white wooden houses – built by local fishermen and sailors – however, these days they are mostly owned by city folk and used as holiday homes.
Arriving at Skottevig, a maritime centre with a charming setting, your mode of transport changes for the second leg of the tour. You’ll travel by coach through scenic landscapes of green fields, hills and coves to the little town of Lillesand. This picturesque town on the waterfront is an ideal spot for you to enjoy some time at leisure to browse through the narrow streets with shops, restaurants and art galleries.
On Foot in Kristiansand
Kristiansand, with its colourful houses and interesting history, is a perfect place to take a walking tour.
Kristiansand, with its colourful houses and interesting history, is a perfect place to take a walking tour.
Kristiansand, the capital of the south, was almost entirely destroyed by bombs in 1940. The reconstruction created a new image for the town, with modern buildings in many different colours. Your walk starts from the pier and takes you through the unique area called ‘Posebyen’.
The old part of the town has many characteristic right angled streets and is known as ‘Kvadraturen’ in Norwegian. Part of this area is ‘Posebyen’ and constitutes the largest collection of low, wooden houses in Northern Europe.
The 'Pearl of the South'
Make the most of your time in Kristiansand, aptly named the ‘Pearl of the South’.
Make the most of your time in Kristiansand, aptly named the ‘Pearl of the South’.
Don’t miss this opportunity to visit one of the largest open-air museums in Norway - Vest-Agder. Approximately 30 houses have been re-erected here and the area divided into 4 sections, giving you an impression of the various districts of the county. Your tour will concentrate on the various farmhouses from the Setesdal region, as well as ‘Bygaden’ – the town street – where you will find 11 houses, which have been moved from the town centre.
The next stop is Søgne, where you’ll take a stroll through Høllen, the fishermen’s street, before heading to view the islands encircling the coastline as you pass Hølleheia (Høllehill). The return journey to Kristiansand will be by the coastal road, passing idyllic summer cottages along the way.
Part of your tour will take you on a panoramic drive around Kristiansand. Take in the sights from the comfort of the coach, including the typical Norwegian architecture, charming wooden houses as well as the new residential areas, the small-boat harbour and the Christiansholm Fortress. Pass by one of the oldest Olav-churches in Norway, commemorating Norway’s patron saint.