HISTORY & HERITAGE

Kuben Cultural History Museum's most popular exhibition, "Enslaved," reveals Norway's dark involvement in the 18th and 19th-century slave trade. The exhibit centers on the tragic final voyage of the slave ship "Fredensborg," which wrecked off Tromøy in 1786.  The museum also offers other exhibits, including “Childhood” and “Traces of Life", which presents traces of life in the region from the first humans arrived in the area until the end of the Viking Age.

Flekkefjord, nestled deep in a fjord, is renowned for its timber, rock, and lobster trade. Since the 16th century, Dutch traders sought logs here for their cities. A reminder of this history is Hollenderbyen, the Dutch Quarter, home to the Flekkefjord Museum, featuring a 1724 merchant's house and rebuilt warehouses. Explore charming streets with preserved timber homes, ornate doorframes, street art, and the octagonal church from 1833.

Visit Southern Norway's largest WWII-themed museum, Hangar 45, housed in a genuine 1,500 m² hangar. The indoor exhibit features authentic vehicles, weaponry, POW quarters, radars, and a 1940s sitting room. Experience the realities of occupied Norway and life at Lista during the war. A highlight is the amphibious vehicle turned rescue boat. The museum's collection, preserved by the local community, is brought to life by expert guides, offering a truly memorable experience.

Perched on the slopes of Syrtveit in Setesdal, the farmstead of singer Inger Lise Stulien and her three-generation family offers a blend of music and tradition. Explore the charming farmyard with sheep and historic buildings, and enjoy Inger Lise's enchanting voice in her music studio. Discover ancient jaw harps made by one son and played by another, traditional Harding fiddle tunes, handmade bunad garments, and beautifully carved rosepainted furniture. A sensory journey to Norway's roots awaits.

River Storelva runs through the small town of Tvedestrand, and Næs Jernverk. The Ironworks is the second largest in Norway, production closed due to a flood in 1959 but great effort was made to preserve it as a showcase of Norwegian industrial activity dating back to the 17th century. Nearly all equipment, forges and buildings are intact. On the hill behind the Museum, you can still see the fine manor house, and the old romantic park Lunden, perfect for strolls.

A short drive takes you to the Kristiansand Cannon Museum, the Vara Battery. Overlooking the Skagerrak strait, this is the second largest cannon ever mounted on land. Construction started in 1941 during the German occupation, in conjunction with a similar cannon battery in Denmark 116 km away. With a range of 55 km each, without firing even once, the two cannon batteries guarded the shipping lanes of the Skagerrak strait and the entrance to the Baltic Sea. The site offers magnificent views of the area and the archipelago.

This tour combines the two most important sights in Kristiansand from WWII. The Cannon Museum, home to the second largest cannon in the world ever mounted on land. You see the cannon, visit the bunkers, and learn about its fascinating history and facts.  A short ride back to the city visit the former State Archive and Gestapo HQ, a building taken over by the Gestapo in 1942 used as the regional headquarters in Southern Norway. An educational tour, and a must for those interested in WWII history.

Join a guided visit at Langsae, a high society estate built in 1857 for consul Hans Herlofson, a formidable merchant and ship owner. On the property is also a farmer's dwelling, highlighting the striking difference between the rich and the poor.  Use the opportunity to visit the main museum Kuben exhibitions: “Childhood” exhibition is an amazing journey through Norwegian childhood history;  and"Enslaved", reflects the darker side of Norwegian history, and the country's involvement in the slave trade of the 1700s and 1800s. And why not try out the traditional "Munker" pastry – or browse the museum shop for artisan quality gifts and mementos.

After a short sightseeing of Arendal you arrive at Kuben, the Cultural History Museum. On display are the traditional "bunad" costumes and several carefully curated exhibitions. Drive to the idyllic island of Tromøya, the largest on the southern coast, and stop at Raet National Park to explore a very special beach of large elliptical stones, rounded by waves through the millennia. Enjoy the fresh air on the edge of the open sea, before driving to a small, picturesque church built in the 12th century.

Embark a sightseeing boat for a nautical excursion through the intricate coastline, the highlight is definitely Skippergada, a natural maritime canal between two islands. After, you dock at a small local harbour and drive to the charming town of Lillesand. This bustling summer paradise was once  home to eight busy shipyards that produced around 50 wooden sailing ships between 1860 and 1900. Take a pleasant and informative town walk between the signature white timber houses and enjoy some free time at the lively marina.

Kristiansand was founded in 1641 by the Danish-Norwegian king Christian IV, who also gave the city its name. On this highly popular tour, you visit a lovely open-air museum showing buildings moved here from the centre of Kristiansand and from farms in the valley of Setesdal. Then, drive along the scenic coastal road to visit a beautiful old church, and the village of Høllen, where you can walk through a charming street of white timber buildings so typical of the region.

North of Kristiansand, after a ride through beautiful landscapes, you arrive at Setesdal Mineral Park. You enter through a green floral park with sculptures made by Norwegian artists and a view of the River Otra. The exhibition is the most stunning and impressive private collection of stones and minerals in the whole of Europe. More than 1200 specimens are housed inside the mountain cave exhibition, which you access by tunnels just like in an old mine. You will be impressed by nature's creativity!