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Explore Kristiansand's compelling World War II history through its preserved fortifications, wartime sites and moving stories from the German occupation.

Highlights

Gain insight into life and work at Batterie Vara during wartime

See the world’s second largest land-mounted cannon

Visit the “House of Horror”, and find out what happened there

How it works

We first take a short sightseeing tour of Kristiansand before heading over to the Kristiansand Cannon Museum. Originally built as a German fort in WWII, Batterie Vara features the world’s second largest cannon ever to be mounted on land.

In addition to the impressive cannon itself, the bunker beneath the cannon displays interesting artefacts from the time. The nearby communication bunker focuses on the human toll of the war, telling stories of people connected to Batterie Vara during WWII.

The tour continues to The Arkivet Peace and Human Rights Centre. This building served as a Gestapo regional HQ during WWII, the basement functioning as a detention and interrogation centre. The prison cells and torture chambers from 1942-1945 have been reconstructed, and installations illustrate the grim events that took place in the basement. During the guided tour, you’ll learn about the lives of both the prisoners and prison guards of the place that came to be known as The House of Horror.

Before you book

Activity level

Easy: Suitable for most people

Group size

Groups up to 90 guests

Availability

Winter, Spring, Autumn

Transport

Walking

Food & drink

No food or drink included

What to bring

Comfortable shoes, warm and windproof clothing

Voyages with this excursion

This excursion is available on selected Hurtigruten voyages along the Norwegian coast. Explore all voyages.

Available: Winter, Spring, Autumn

20240212-North-Cape-02-Espen-Mills EDIT 3x2

Oslo - Honningsvåg - Oslo

The North Cape Line – Roundtrip

All-inclusive winter cruise to Norway’s North Cape, chasing the Northern Lights

  • September 2026 - December 2027
  • 15 days
  • 13 Stops
  • All meals & unlimited selected drinks included
There's a high chance you'll see the Northern Lights from on deck while on The North Cape Line

Tromsø – Oslo

The North Cape Line - South

Premium cruise south from Arctic Norway in winter, under the glow of the aurora

  • October 2026 - December 2027
  • 9 days
  • 8 Stops
  • All meals & unlimited selected drinks included
christmas pictures12

Oslo - Honningsvåg - Copenhagen

The North Cape Line Special Christmas Voyage

Premium winter cruise to Norway’s North Cape, chasing the Northern Lights

  • December 2027
  • 15 days
  • 12 Stops
  • All meals & unlimited selected drinks included

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the questions our guests ask most often

If an excursion is not fully booked, any remaining slots will be available for purchase on board through your Expedition Team. These will be charged in Norwegian Kroner at your ship’s exchange rate.  

However, to ensure yourself a spot, we recommend booking in advance.

You will be able to view them all by logging into your booking here.

If you booked through a travel agent, you can reach out to them for this information.

Yes, you will get a full refund to your original payment method. If that's not possible, we will reach out to check your payment details.

Each of our excursions has a rating to illustrate the level of fitness required. There are four categories, with 1 being the easiest and 4 the most difficult.

Level 1 = Easy: suitable for most

Excursions at this level are physically undemanding and suitable for most people. Level 2 = Moderate: some mobility needed

Excursions in this category involve a small amount of physical activity, but on easy terrain with few major challenges. Level 3 = Active: good mobility needed

Excursions in this category are more active and involve outdoor pursuits that require a decent level of fitness. You may be expected to carry your own backpack and equipment. They are not suitable for those with limited mobility.

Level 4 = Challenging: good mobility and fitness needed 

These are our most challenging excursions, and require a good level of fitness. They may involve hiking or biking on uneven terrain and may also require specialist equipment. You would be expected to carry your own backpack and equipment. Excursions in this category are not suitable for those with limited mobility. 

Prices can vary depending on the season you travel. Costs such as exchange rates and local prices may change from year to year, so we show a “starting from” price as a guide. The exact price will be confirmed when you book.

Other excursions in Kristiansand

Discover more ways to explore this beautiful coastal destination

kvadraturen-fra-odderoy

Kristiansand·2h

Green Walking Tour of Kristiansand

An eco-focused guided walk around Kristiansand featuring art, crafts and nature.

Winter, Spring, Autumn

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Kristiansand·2h 30min

Norwegian Christmas at Skraastad Farm

Visit a working farm in Kristiansand and enjoy a traditional Norwegian Christmas meal.

Winter