Kristiansand, Norway - Norway, Fjords & Baltic Cruises

Discover the daily struggles and affect that WWII had on Kristiansand during a visit to Stiftelsen Arkivet and the Kristiansand Cannon Museum.

Stiftelsen Arkivet was a former Gestapo headquarters, known as the country's most notorious place for physical/psychological violence and torture - gaining it the reputation as the ‘House of Horror’. The Gestapo prison cells and torture chambers in the basement have been recreated as they existed during WWII. The events which took place in the basement are illustrated with the help of full-sized exhibits and mannequins. Arkivet provides a chilling and heart rending glimpse into some of the horrendous conditions and atmosphere that the prisoners endured during the German Occupation.

The Kristiansand Cannon Museum (The Vara Battery) is an important part of Norwegian military history. The main attraction is a large battery canon built by the Germans to defend the coastline during WWII. It is the only complete surviving 380mm calibre Kruppcannon and at almost 66 foot in length, weighing 337 tons and a firing range of 34 miles (the range extends half way to Denmark) - it is one of the largest ever built. The large gun casement surrounding the cannon contains bunkers with interesting exhibits displaying artillery, uniforms and materials from WWII.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The Gestapo headquarters are located down several flights of stairs, however there is a lift available. There is uneven terrain at the Cannon Museum and an incline to reach the top of the cannon and one of the emplacements.

Situated on the south coast, Kristiansand hosts charming small towns and a coastline dotted with tiny rocky islands and skerries. Boarding your boat at the pier, you’ll sail along the protected Blindleia shoreline, past picturesque white-painted houses in sheltered inlets — all set against a backdrop of lush green forests and rugged mountains.

Arriving at Tømmerstø, a maritime centre in a pretty setting, you’ll switch to a coach for a panoramic drive through scenic landscapes of green fields, hills and coves to Lillesand.

Lillesand is a lovely little town on the waterfront which is famous for its summer floral displays. There will be free time to stroll through the narrow streets, browse the shops and galleries or sit back in a café and enjoy the views of the old harbour and the pretty summer houses.



This excursion will operate by coach, boat and on foot. There are a few steps to board the boat. The public address system on the boat is not very audible on the open decks. There is a bar on board, should you wish to purchase refreshments. There is approximately 30 minutes of free time in Lillesand. This tour involves several tunnels.

Embark on a walking tour along a series of boardwalks to the pretty marina with its little boats and peaceful atmosphere. The marina is surrounded by small bridges, restaurants, shops and wooden maritime inspired buildings painted in red and yellow.

You’ll stop at the popular Fish Market, where traders are selling samples of their local specialities, before strolling along the beautiful seafront to Otterdalsparken, a unique recreational area with fountains created by the artist and sculptor, Kjell Nupen.

You’ll continue to the northeast part of town where the unique historical area of Posebyen is situated. The only remaining part after the town fire in 1892, this area is listed due to its historical and architectural value. Posebyen is dominated by its large collection of original, white, wooden houses which give the area its character.

Finally, you’ll visit the town centre with its colourful square surrounded by green lawns and flower beds, which is dominated by the charming Kristiansand Cathedral, the third largest in Norway, before returning to the pier.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is two hours of leisurely walking over cobbled streets, with some inclines. Comfortable, flat, walking shoes are recommended.

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 four sections, giving you an impression of the various districts. 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 will take a stroll through Høllen, the former fishermen’s street.

Part of your tour will take you on a panoramic drive around Kristiansand. Take in the sights from the comfort of your coach, including the typical Norwegian architecture, charming wooden houses as well as the new residential areas, the small harbour and the Christiansholm Fortress. Pass by one of the oldest Olav churches in Norway, commemorating Norway’s patron saint. The return journey to Kristiansand will be by the coastal road, passing idyllic summer cottages along the way.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This tour involves approximately 45 minutes of walking. There are some steps and thresholds at the entrance to the houses at the open-air museum. This tour involves several tunnels.