UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

Fall in love with the flu!y and fascinating alpaca animals and learn how they are adapted to the Scandinavian climate. Take a guided tour in spectacular surroundings holding your very own alpaca by a rope. Discover the llama, horses and rabbits that live here and continue on the adjacent forest trail that takes you to a herd of deer feeding in a fairytale landscape. The caretakers put great emphasis on animal welfare and the opportunity for people to interact with the animals in a healthy environment. The farm itself goes back centuries and the remaining farmhouses tell their own story. The sheer variety of animals alone makes this experience extraordinary.

As soon as you enter the mesmerising forest clearing your reconnecting with nature begins and your stress level starts to drop. On cool mornings the open fire pit sets the stage, and candles light the way to this unique experience. Alternate the warm sauna with a refreshing dip in the creek and feel like a mythical nymph or a Tolkien Hobbit for a while. Round o! your experience at the adjacent fairytale house for local refreshments or include a hike on the historical postal road and mining trails. Throughout your visit your host is available and can alternatively provide essential oil sessions. If health benefits are your requirements when choosing a tour, treat yourself to this extraordinary experience and sleep like a baby afterwards.

The «buzz» is a spectacular transformation of an old grain silo to a brand new arena for innovative art experiences. Digital art interactions and a continuous program of events offer something for everyone. The three permanent collections number over 7,500, including the world’s largest collection of Nordic modernist art. The Christians-sands Picture Gallery reflects a different school of art and features the acclaimed painters of Southern Norway. Take a guided tour, enjoy a relaxed cup of coffee and discover the top of the roof panoramic views of the Kristiansand archipelago.

Come explore the ocean with all your senses. This is a guided tour with fascinating storytelling 5.5 meters under the surface of the ocean and a chance to take beautiful underwater photo shots. The Chefs prepare a tasting while revealing Under food philosophy with its emphasis on marine life sustainability. Ascend to the surface again and experience their own seafood divers foraging seaweed. Learn about what an incredible resource it is and taste the different varieties straight out of the sea. The tour wraps up at the information and marine life sustainability centre where a chance to take home a unique food memorabilia is possible. The participants will board the coach again full of marvel and a renewed curiosity about what takes place under the surface of the ocean. A lasting memory.

Did you ever wonder how puzzles are made? This is a one-of-a kind puzzle factory and a unique chance to see a jigsaw puzzle production in operation. Three generations ago, Mr. Larsen got the bright idea of a puzzle factory in Flekkefjord and turned the old shoe sole machine and a Singer sewing machine into a fully functional basement puzzle press. They soon expanded but never lost touch with the founder's concern about content, paper quality and sticking to the pieces having different shapes. The group will take turns visiting the production room and the puzzle storage room. You get to pick a standard puzzle of your liking and bring it home as a gift or puzzle away to your heart's content. There are an impressive number of different puzzles to choose from and the texted ones come in several languages. Perhaps the city of Flekkefjord is your favourite? Keep in mind that you may purchase additional puzzles.

A visit to the Bjellandstrand picturesque Farm and Rose Gardens is a nod to the good life in an oasis of charm and hospitality. The farm is located near the sea with Raet National Park as nearest neighbor. Enjoy this lovely and special place and meet the hosts for a tour of the gardens. Learn its history from 1650 until today. A short hike down to the beach and the national park is possible. Enjoy a meal in beautiful surroundings made in the farm kitchen from local food. Visit the small gift shop on the farm where you can buy charming products.

How do Norwegians celebrate National Day? This tour gives an insight to the festivities and joy of this particular day significant to all Norwegians. «Hip, hip, hooray for 17th of May!» Take in the sights of inland woods, farmsteads and scenic river dwellings before arriving at the National Day decorated Skråstad Farm for a traditional get together. The farm is situated in surroundings so typical of the Sørlandet region - were lush greenery meets the blue river cutting through the valley. The farm was established in 1773, so it goes without saying that there are many stories embedded in the walls. Here, traditions, tragedies, ups and downs go hand in hand. Enjoy a stroll around the property before gathering in the cosy farmhouse to learn about National Day traditions. Indulge yourself in storytelling, traditional music and food samples.

Slip into optional prison clothes and tour the Arendal House of Correction from 1862–2020 with a former prison inmate. For nearly 160 years the «Philadelphia model» remained the City Prison until it opened up as a hotel on the list of unusual accommodations. Explore the original yard and prison cells and learn firsthand about daily life behind bars and the notorious prison breaks culminating in the «Grand Escape» of 1999. Facilitate your own prison break using the same escape route back to port. This tour is full of surprises with genuine insight making it a most thrilling excursion!

Kristiansand boasts of several environmental initiatives, involving industry as well as individual participation. Starting from the pier, your guide will introduce you to renewable energy, the cleaning up of our harbor, and the effort to make Kristiansand port one of the most environmentally friendly in Europe. The tour includes a visit to the recreation island of Odderøya, home to art studios, culture entrepreneurs and the Green Centre. Taste honey produced by city bees, learn about city farming and visit the herb and vegetable garden. Then it’s onwards to a second-hand shop and a seed lending library. See fantastic wall art made from ocean waste and visit the Insect and Bee Hotel. You will also venture into the old part of Kristiansand to study furniture rehabilitation and a volunteer-run popup store providing clothing and house articles. At the food hall, learn how “eat local” has become a mantra in the food and beverage business.

Get ready for a mesmerizing glimpse of genuine artisanship! In the small village of Søgne, nestled between a river and the sea, a creative woman and her husband have established a fairytale homestead with Norwegian wild sheep and a vineyard to boot. Drive past city highlights en route, and upon arrival, your charming hostess and proprietor will greet you with open arms. Take in the views of the sheep farm, the river and the wine ranks before entering her barn studio for an introduction to the growing of willow trees and the vast possibilities of willow weaving. This farm also produces honey, and yes, wine, which you may sample in the cozy lower level of the stable barn. On the way back past idyllic homes and boathouses, there will be a photo opportunity of the beautiful view of the sea and the surrounding islands.

A rare opportunity to visit sculptor Jon Aslak Fintland at home in his garden and studios in beautiful historic surroundings. In his own words it is the place that gives him the inspiration to create his evocative pieces, yet it is impossible to leave his homestead and his mindful presence without thinking of him as an extraordinary human being in a place unthinkable without him. His garden is filled with plants and art pieces in stone and wood enabling you to discover the occasional blurry line between art and nature and your own part in it. Jon Aslak encourages you to be at ease finding your own favourite garden area and enjoy the wonders of the season before we enter the upstairs and downstairs of his barn studios. Jon Aslak is always working on an art installation and has exhibited in the USA and Norway. In his barn we enjoy his playfulness in his creation in conversations over a cup of coffee. He is sure to leave a lasting impression!