Agder, or the Norwegian Riviera, has a coastline abundant with forests, mountains, lighthouses and white beaches. Up the coast in Rogaland, the cliffs become steeper and the impact of the Vikings becomes clearer. Each port in these regions is special, with small villages and large cities ready to welcome you to the gateway to the fjords.
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Agder
Kristiansand
Explore a city like no other in Norway's southern fjords. Kristiansand spans four islands and offers a range of activities for all the family. Stroll through the peaceful old town to spot Norwegian traditional wooden houses, relax on one of the fjord's best Blue Flag beaches, Bystranda, or treat the kids to a day at Dyrepark, where a number of adventures await within the zoo and adventure areas. Those without kids may prefer Kunstsilo, a gallery housed in a former grain silo, which today houses Norway's largest collection of national modernist art. The cultural adventure continues on the streets, where street art pieces range from loud and proud to those which have to be carefully searched for. For those who prefer a walk into the past, the Cannon Museum at Møvik Fortress tells the story of Norway's role in WWII. With every turn, nature abounds in the city, with sights of seals, whales and the world's densest population of white-tailed eagles being commonplace. The city is Norway's sunniest and it can feel very warm in the summer (it's even known for its palm trees) - a great contrast to the possible journey ahead up the fjords.
Lyngdal
Lyngdal can be found in the southern fjords at the end of Rosfjord. There's plenty of aquatic adventures to be had; the beaches are the perfect place for a splash in the sea or the Sørlandsbadet waterpark offers both indoor and outdoor activities, including water slides, diving towers and a spa for adults. For those looking to keep dry, there's also forests and mountains to hike or plenty of shops in the town and mall. An excursion to Kvåsfossen salmon centre is a great opportunity to see the fish make their way upstream and learn about the impact of the salmon ladder on the river Lynga, plus there's lots of hikes to see waterfalls in the area. Another great place to explore is Tingvatn Fornminnepark, with its Viking remains and replicas, taking you back to a very different period in Norway's history.
Rogaland
Haugesund
Haugesund is a popular cruise destination nestled in the southern fjords between the big cities of Stravenger and Bergen. The area is rich with history: Viking kings once called it home; it's the burial ground of Harold Fairhair, Norway's first king; and the town teems with reminders of its fishing heritage. Stay in the town for galleries, cafes and shops - a great way to spend a relaxed day. Others head out to find the national monument of Haraldshaugen, which was erected in 1872 to mark the unification of the country at the burial site of Fairhair. Outside the town also lies Karmsund Folkemuseum, which celebrates Halgesund's heritage, including a large exhibition dedicated to the importance of fishing. Nature lovers will enjoy a short walk to Lake Tornesvatnet, where there's a variety of bird species, deer and mink, or an 11-mile trip to the island of Utsira, offering some of the best birdwatching in the country with species including the red-flanked bluetail and black-headed bunting.
Sandnes
Sandnes is located in the south of Stravanger on Nord-Jæren. It's famed for its industry, particularly porcelain and yarn, which are sought after all over the world. These products can be found in many of Sandnes' shopping streets, which also feature a great choice of cafes and restaurants. Langgata is actually Norway's longest pedestrian shopping street and the perfect location for a day of retail therapy. Heading over the fjord, you'll arrive in Lutsi-Imsvassdraget, where it's possible to canoe, kayak, hike or bike around or across the gorgeous lakes. The area is also home to Rogaland Arboretum - Norway's largest collection of national trees. This 700 hectare site has over 1,400 species of plant, which can be seen along its 15km hiking trails. Another option after departing in Sandnes is to take a fifteen minute bus journey to the centre of Stravenger, Norway's third largest city.
Stavanger
Stavanger is known for so many things: it's Norway's third largest city; a mighty university town and a place of stunning beauty. If you only have time to visit one natural attraction, in under an hour you can reach Preikestolen or ‘Pulpit Rock'. A memorable location from Mission Impossible, this hike will take experienced walkers four hours to reach the 604 metre high cliff face. The journey takes you through forests, swamp and stairways once built by sherpas, and is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for those ready to brave the incline. After, the Preikestolen BaseCamp is ready to serve meatballs and waffles to weary hikers before they make the journey back down. Another amazing location nearby is Sola Beach, often named in the lists for the world's best, with its rolling dunes, grasses and seemingly never-ending coastline. Staying in the city, there's so much culture to explore. Wander around the colourful wooden houses in the old town of Gamle Stavanger, soak up the street art and enjoy the local talents at Stavanger Art Museum. There's plenty of choices for lunch, with Michalean-starred dining rooms, some of Norway's best vegan cuisine and a great pub culture.
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