Ride a vintage narrow-gauge railroad car through the countryside, taking in the panoramas before returning to Kristiansund.

You will enjoy a relaxing drive inland through the forested countryside dotted with small farms and sparkling lakes. The scenery continues to the village of Vennelsa/Grovane, where you will board a vintage train bound for Royknes (order may be reversed).

When opened in 1896, the railroad was 800 miles long and linked Kristiansund to isolated valleys that shipped products such as timber, feldspar and refined aluminum throughout Norway. The railroad eventually closed, it now reopens each summer, offering rides that recreate an authentic, turn-of-the-century railroad experience. Traveling on the historical railroad for approximately 30 minutes, you will cross bridges and dams and pass through tunnels. The Otra River will appear periodically as it flows from the mountains down to Kristiansund. You may also see vintage timber slides for transporting logs and avalanche shelters still in use today.

After the train ride you will drive back to Kristiansund for a brief panoramic tour of the city. Old Town, known as Posebyen, is particularly charming, as it was one of the few areas spared in the raging fire of 1892. After pausing for photos of the 17th-century fortress nearby, you will return to the pier.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy a panoramic Kristiansand sightseeing drive, a cruise in its island-dotted waters and a visit to the über-charming resort town of Lillesand. It’s a multi-conveyance journey guaranteed to please. The first leg carries you past some of Kristiansand’s most famous sights, including rotund Christianholm Fortress and the historic Posebyen neighborhood of narrow streets lined with white wooden houses. A spin though a pair of higher-end residential enclaves brings you to the town of Marvika, where you’ll board the sailing ship SS Christiansand and head to sea. Swinging out into the Skagerrak strait that separates Norway from Denmark, you’ll be treated to panoramic views that make it clear why Kristiansand made such a natural choice for a harbor. Expect to also see rock-rimmed islets where only wildlife live, fishing boats in motion, seabirds on the wing overhead and picturesque hamlets tucked into protective coves. Back on dry land, settle back into coach excursion mode, entering a landscape of deep-blue lakes, fertile valleys and mountain tunnels enroute to immaculate Lillesand. In this carefree town of red and white wooden houses, inviting boutiques and waterfront cafes, you can opt for a guided walk or just savor some delightful free-wandering time.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a drive past Kristiansand must-see landmarks and through its most picturesque neighborhoods.
• Board a sailing ship in Marvika to cruise the waters that pass between Norway and Denmark, and between the North Sea and the Baltic.
• Be dazzled by scenery that includes sheltered coves, seabirds in flight, fishing boats and wild islets.
• Rejoin the coach for a drive to Lillesand, an exceptionally colorful and charming waterfront town.
• Take a guided walk here or sample its charms on your own, then return to port through lush forest

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Ride a zipline through the tree canopy on the outskirts of Kristiansand and toast the occasion with a beer tasting and an enlightening walk through downtown. From the top of the zipline at the Høyt & Lavt adventure park, you will gaze out over a wooded landscape that extends nearly all the way to the sea. The scenery will race by much faster once you step off the zipline platform as you will approach adrenaline-pumping speeds of nearly 50 miles an hour. The mood will change dramatically once you reach Homborsund, a casual microbrewery known for its innovative craft beers. After sampling a flight of six vastly different beers served with traditional Norwegian snacks, you will head for the city center. During the leisurely walk that follows, the guide will describe attractions such as the bustling fish market and historical landmarks, which are considerable since Kristiansand was founded in 1641.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Race through the woods on a lengthy zipline at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour.
• Sample a flight of craft beers at a popular microbrewery.
• Walk through downtown with a guide that will describe the intriguing points of interest.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Take an exhilarating ride on a high-powered boat to Ny-Hellesund, where you will discover the historical harbor’s importance through the centuries.

After a short walk along the pier, you will suit up in waterproof gear and board an RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) that is ideal for cruising the waters off Kristiansund. The vessel is designed to zip through the water at a high speed yet provide a remarkably smooth ride.

As you cruise west along the picturesque coast, you will pass a number of uninhabited islands, spot lighthouses on rocky cliffs and even get a glimpse of the Skagerrak Sea. You can expect the ride to be as exhilarating as the gorgeous scenery all the way to Ny-Hellesund.

Upon reaching the historical harbor, which has been operating since the 1200s, you will begin an informative walking tour. You may hear the legend of Saint Olaf and how he escaped his enemies here. You might also discover how trade once flourished in Ny-Hellesund, as ships loaded with textiles and spices exchanged them for lobsters and timber.

During World War II, the Germans built a fortress overlooking the sea here and some of the bunkers and cannons have been restored. You can explore the strategic hilltop location as you ascend a trail to the peak, where you will enjoy an extraordinarily panoramic view.

On the return to Kristiansund, the RIB will follow a route not sheltered by the islands, making the experience all the more thrilling.