Active adventure in southern Norway

Oslo

Day 1: Arrive in Norway

Today you arrive in Oslo. This charming and environmentally conscious city offers plenty of opportunities to explore. Whether you want to see the fjords, tour the sculpture parks and museums or casually stroll through the city centre, this is the place to be. Travel like the locals and take the airport train into Oslo city centre. This efficient service runs every 10 minutes from the airport right into the heart of the city at Oslo Central Station.

Oslo

Day 2: Oslo guided bike tour

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel then set out to discover the capital of Norway.

Oslo is a green city and was awarded the prestigious title European Green Capital in 2019. It has many woodland areas and parks and the fjord stretches all the way to the centre. It’s an easy city to explore on foot or by bike and has an excellent public transport system.

This morning you’ll take a 3-hour guided bike tour of the main sights as well as the best bars and restaurants.

In the afternoon, choose some of the many museums and galleries to visit. The Munch Museum is a favourite, as well as the National Museum, Astrup Fearnley Museum and Vigelandspark sculpture park.

Oslo - Kristiansand

Day 3: Train journey to Kristiansand

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before heading to the central station for your train to Kristiansand. This is Norway's most popular summer destination and there are lovely views to enjoy along the way.

Kristiansand is the largest city in southern Norway. Even though it’s a large town, by Norwegian standards, you don’t need to travel far to find yourself alone on a beautiful beach or private island. Perhaps this is what makes Kristiansand such an attractive destination. The city has an old town known as Posebyen with streets of typical wooden houses. There's also a beautiful cathedral, great restaurants and warm hospitality - it's a great place to relax.

Kristiansand

Day 4: Walking tour & sea kayak adventure

This morning set out on a city walking tour accompanied by a local guide. First, you’ll head towards Fiskebrygga, the local fish market, before walking along the coast towards Christians Holm Fortress. Next, follow oceanfront paths, past the city beach and along the river towards Posebyen.

In the afternoon embark on a 3-hour sea kayaking adventure along the coast. Meet your guide at the harbour for a full briefing before setting off. The kayak trip follows the coastline and visits points of interest on small islands en route. Your guide will introduce you to local history and point out various wildlife and other sights along the way.

Kristiansand

Day 5: Strolling in green spaces

Today we visit the green spaces of Ravnedalen and Baneheia for a leisurely walking tour. We begin by making our way to Baneheia, a beautiful nature reserve, walking to a viewpoint known as Brannposten i Baneheia, the Fire Lookout. This spot offers a fantastic panoramic view of the city looking out towards the ocean.

From here we continue walking towards Ravnedalen. The Raven Valley is a beautifully planted park established in 1874-78 by General Oscar Wergeland. Your guide will offer you a snack and something to drink at a natural stopping point.

After enjoying lovely Ravnedalen we'll walk back up into Baneheia then follow a trail snaking around the lake back into town.

Kristiansand

Day 6: Odderøya island hike

Today you’ll embark on a 4.5km self-guided trek on the nearby island of Odderøya. Learn about the island’s history and nature as you explore on well-marked trails. Vantage points on the island provide wonderful views of the city and far out to sea.

A great way to learn more about the WWII history of the island is by visiting the Cannon Museum. The museum is located in Møvik Fortress outside Kristiansand and was built by the Germans during World War II.

Kristiansand - Mandal

Day 7: Journey to Mandal

After breakfast at your hotel, head to the central station to take a bus to Mandal. Norway's local bus services and the extensive network of express coaches will safely and smoothly take you from one adventure to the next.

Less than an hour later you’ll arrive at Mandal, the southernmost town in Norway. Mandal is the fourth largest town in Agder County. It is one of the prettiest towns in the south, but the main reason for visiting is to spend time on its beautiful beaches. Enjoy a walk through quiet streets lined with white-painted wooden houses, so typical of southern Norway. A river runs through the town, and there are beaches, forests and nature all around.  

Mandal - Lindesnes

Day 8: Visit the southernmost tip of Norway

After breakfast, hop in a taxi from Mandal to Lindesnes Lighthouse about 45 minutes away. 

Lindesnes Lighthouse is Norway's oldest, dating back to 1656. It occupies the southernmost tip of the Norwegian mainland – 2518 km from the North Cape. The lighthouse has been designated a national lighthouse museum and hosts exhibitions relating to the development and history of lighthouses and maritime culture. The hall below the lighthouse houses a cinema, exhibitions and a café. The complex also comprises a museum shop, a restaurant and a gallery. You can see the remains of a German WW2 fort, and there are well-marked walking paths in the area.

Enjoy a day of exploring before returning by taxi to Mandal.

Mandal

Day 9: A day at Sjøsanden beach

Enjoy a typical summer’s day on one of the most famous beaches in Norway.

Sjøsanden Beach lies in the Furulunden Nature Park, along the Mannefjorden, just south of the mouth of the Mandalselva River. The 800-metre-long beach has been voted several times as the best beach in Norway and it's just a few minutes walk from the centre of Mandal.

In the late afternoon, you might like to set off on a self-guided walk to Uranienborg View Point. It’s a short walk from the centre of town and the perfect place to see the whole city at sunset.

Mandal - Stavanger

Day 10: Exploring Stavanger Old Town

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before heading to the central station of Mandal to take a bus to Stavanger. 

Upon arrival, you'll have the rest of the day to explore this small port city in southwestern Norway, known for its oil industry, architectural beauty, cosy cafes and local charm.

Stavanger Old Town has some of the best-preserved wooden buildings anywhere in Norway, many dating back to the 18th century.

Head for the pretty waterfront and walk around to visit Stavanger Cathedral built in 1125 before venturing into one of the local museums depicting the history and culture of this small town. 

Stavanger

Day 11: Hike to Pulpit Rock

After breakfast at your hotel, your guide will pick you up for one of Norway's most iconic hikes.

Preikestolen is a steep cliff rising 604 meters above the Lysefjorden. At the top of the cliff, there is an almost flat top of approximately 25 meters. With great views, a relatively easy hiking route, and convenient access from the city of Stavanger, this is an excellent hike. 

It’s possible to hike year-round, but conditions are best from mid-March to mid-November. Some hiking experience is desirable, but not mandatory. 

Stavanger

Day 12: A Day in Stavanger

After your amazing hike at Preikestolen, you will have the day to rest and explore Stavanger on your own.

A good place to start is the pretty waterfront—an area that is especially lively during the summer months. From here you can wander the charming narrow streets where quaint, wooden buildings in shades of green, turquoise, and pink house trendy bars, cafés and boutiques.

Make sure to stop for coffee and baked goods to experience some authentic Norwegian koselig - a feeling of cosiness and contentment.

Stavanger's old centre has some of the best-preserved wooden buildings anywhere in Norway, many dating back to the 18th century, and we especially recommend paying Fargegaten a visit. 

Stavanger

Day 13: Fjord Cruise & Kjerag Hike

To end your trip with a flourish, you’ll embark on an incredible hike and cruise.

We will start early in the morning with a cruise at Lysefjord, where you can relax and enjoy the beautiful landscapes around the fjord, Pulpit Rock and Kjerag.

Then you'll continue on to hike the Kjerag. This hike takes about 2-3 hours each way. You will both start and end the hike from the Eagle's Nest and your guide will pick you up and return you to your hotel in Stavanger at the end of the day.

Stavanger

Day 14: Homeward Bound

After breakfast at your hotel, you'll set off on your homeward journey.