NEW! British Isles & Viking Shores

Explore the major sights and landmarks of charming Kristiansand during a leisurely walking excursion. Meet your guide and stroll through the historic streets as you learn about the town’s past. See interesting sights, such as the modernist Kilden Performing Arts Centre and Kunstilo Art Museum. Continue to Fiskebrygga, a former fish landing that now hosts colorful wooden buildings, restaurants, shops and a fish market. View Christiansholm Fortress, a fortification built in 1672 to defend the harbor; it still displays eight of its bronze cannons from the 17th and 18th centuries. Next, walk through a charming residential area where some of its white-painted houses date back to the 18th century. Pass by Kristiansand Cathedral; completed in 1885, this pale brick and concrete neo-Gothic style building is one of Norway’s largest churches. After, you will walk back to your ship.

Immerse yourself in history and step back in time as you explore the Vest-Agder open air museum. The museum features a number of buildings ranging from the 16th to the 19th centuries, with fine examples of traditional farmsteads and hamlets from the region of Setesdal. Your knowledgeable guide will give an account of life on the farm, and you may see some of the farm animals during your visit. Continue your drive to the charming neighborhoods on the island of Flekkerøy, which were founded by fishermen more than 500 years ago. From its earliest days, the harbor at Skagerrak has been economically important, a place where fishermen delivered their catch of the day. Here, have a light snack before joining your guide for a stroll, taking in the magnificent view of the archipelago and the nearby lighthouses. Enjoy free time to explore on your own before returning to your awaiting ship.

Enjoy a panoramic drive to coastal villages and a leisurely stroll through Ravnedalen Nature Park’s gardens. Pass through Kristiansand’s old town, Posebyen and marvel at its colorful wooden houses. Arrive in Høllen and enjoy a leisurely stroll with your guide through this charming quay and marina to learn about the town’s history as a timber port. Rejoin your coach and enjoy a scenic drive to Ravnedalen, where you will have free time to explore the gardens. Admire local wildlife, and plants and trees that were planted by soldiers over a four-year period during the late 19th century. The stunning result was a reflection of the hard work of the soldiers and the park quickly became a favorite of locals. Finally, delight in refreshments at a historic local farm that produces jam and applesauce. Sample a slice of delicious homemade cake and a cup of coffee before returning to your ship.

Journey through the scenic landscapes of southern Norway on a panoramic tour by road and sea. Meet your guide and set off by motor coach for a scenic drive around Kristiansand and its surrounding countryside. Drive through Posebyen, Kristiansand’s old town, and see the narrow streets lined with painted wooden houses. Continue to Lillesand, a charming village where you will stop for a leisurely exploration through its winding streets that are dotted with shops, art galleries and restaurants. Next, head to a nearby marina, where you will board your boat and navigate through the water to view Kristiansand’s islands and picturesque coastline. Trace the shoreline to appreciate the country’s stunning natural splendor. As you sail back to your ship, take in the beautiful vistas and pass by typical summer cottages and the lighthouse of Oksøy.

Immerse yourself in Norway’s natural beauty with a relaxing two-mile hike through Baneheia and Ravnedalen. This recreational area and nature park was developed by General Joseph Frantz Oscar Wergeland and planted by his troops during the late 19th century. Prior to that, the area had been left in disrepair after many years of use as a pasture and source of wood for residents. The parks are full of winding paths, various types of trails, swimming and fishing spots, lookout points and a thriving ecosystem of flora and fauna. Begin your hike in Baneheia, where you will walk up to a vantage point overlooking Kristiansand and the sea. After you have taken in the picturesque view, descend to Ravnedalen Park to enjoy the atmosphere and delight in a selection of snacks: kvikk lunsj (chocolate bar), lefse (traditional Norwegian flatbread) and fruit. Finally, return to your awaiting ship.

Learn about maritime culture and revel in Norway’s natural beauty during a trip to a historic lighthouse. Drive along the picturesque coastline to the Lindesnes Lighthouse, located on the southernmost point of Norway. First lit in 1656, the lighthouse marks the entrance to the Skagerrak and Baltic Sea from the North Sea. Its current iteration is a concrete and cast iron structure erected in 1915. Choose to climb the 31 steps to the top of the lighthouse for views of the coast, explore the keeper’s cottage, sheds and boathouses, or stroll the grounds—there are still trenches and tunnels from the German occupation of the lighthouse during World War II. Explore the museum and its exhibits on lighthouse history, development and maritime culture, then stop for a light lunch in the café. Try the fish cakes with fyrbrød—bread made with seawater and seaweed—before returning to port.

Speed across the islet-studded waters of the Norwegian coast to discover a World War II–era fortress. The Ny-Hellesund Coastal Fort, strategically overlooking the North Sea, was built by occupying German forces in 1942 using Russian POW labor. After a safety briefing, climb aboard a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) and set out to explore. An exhilarating ride through beautiful seascapes will take you to the island of Helgøya, once known as “Norway’s Little Gibraltar.” Ascend to the fort along grassy hiking paths while your guide points out the cannons with a seven-mile firing range, the buildings that once held 150 soldiers and the 26 bunkers connected by tunnels. You will also learn of Norway’s war history, vividly brought to life at this restored open air museum featuring sweeping views across the archipelago. Afterward, you will return by RIB to the pier and your ship.

Discover countryside living and Norwegian customs during a home-hosted visit to a country farm. Following a short drive by motor coach, Skråstad Farm’s hosts will warmly greet you to their estate. Learn about a typical day on the farm as you take a peek into the lives of a typical Norwegian family. Hear interesting stories about the owner, who used to be mayor of a local town, and explore the delightful interior of the farmhouse. Should you choose, you may venture out to see the apple orchard and see where the fruit grown here is harvested. Visit the farm shop and sample the juice, along with a slice of homemade cake. You will also enjoy free time to shop for other local homemade produce, such as jams, preserves and, of course, Skråstad Farm’s own apple juice, before returning to your coach and onward to your awaiting ship.

Embark on a scenic journey by kayak around Kristiansand and its picturesque coastline. Set off from your berth for a short walk to the harborside kayak station, nestled in the shadow of the 17th-century Christiansholm Fortress. After a short safety briefing, grab your paddle and follow your knowledgeable guide into the Austerhavna toward historic Odderøya; a former naval base, this island has been transformed into a beautiful recreational area. Along the way, pass sandy bays, dramatic sea cliffs and the island’s lighthouse. You will also see its renowned art museum and the Kilden Performing Arts Center—Kristiansand’s answer to Sydney’s iconic Opera House—before winding your way through the fishermen’s jetties and by the famous fish market. Cap your paddle by viewing the Royal jetty, which is reserved for the King of Norway, then return to the harbor.