Southern Norway - Norway - page 229

interior, be sure to wander the grounds, particularly the ancient cemetery with
its impressive rune stones.
Oddernesvn. & 38-05-87-50. Free admission. May-Aug Sun-Fri 11am-2pm.
Vest Agder Fylkes-Museum This is one of the largest open-air museums
in Norway, lying 4km (2 1 ⁄ 2 miles) east of town on E18. From all over the Setes-
dalen region, nearly 50 antique farm and town dwellings were moved to this site.
Some are furnished with provincial pieces, illustrating life as it was lived in the
18th and 19th centuries. Traditional costumes of the region are also displayed,
along with other artifacts from the past. Folk dancing is staged Wednesday at
6pm from mid-June to mid-August. The major building houses thematic exhi-
bitions, devoted to18th- and 19th-century Norwegian life, once a year.
Kongsgård. & 38-09-02-28. Admission 40NOK ($5.70) adults, 15NOK ($2.15) children, 100NOK ($14) fam-
ily ticket. June 20-Aug 20 Mon-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun noon-6pm; off season Sun noon-5pm.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
The Setesdalsbanen in Grovane ( & 38-15-64-82 ) runs a steam train along
4.8km (3 miles) of narrow-gauge track. The locomotive, built in 1894, starts its
run at Grovane, 20km (12 miles) from Kristiansand. It runs for 78km (48 miles)
between Kristiansand and Byglandsfjord, providing a vital link between Setes-
dalen (the Setesdal Valley) and the southern coast. At one time it transported
nickel from the mines along with other exports such as timber. In July depar-
tures from Grovane are at 6pm Tuesday to Friday. From June 17 to June 30 and
from August 1 to September 2, the train also operates on Sunday at 11:30am
and 2pm. A round-trip fare is 80NOK ($11) for adults and 40NOK ($5.70) for
children.
The countryside around Kristiansand is rich with rolling meadows, birch-clad
hills, deep valleys, and mountain moors. You'll see panoramic scenery along the
E18 going east or west. Our favorite spot for a hike is in the Baneheia Skog or
Baneheia Forest. The trail begins only a 15-minute walk north of the city cen-
ter. Trails are cut through the forest, which is studded with evergreens and graced
with small lakes. You can make this walk easy or lazy, or a challenge if you head
up some of the steeper hills. It's best to pick up the makings of a picnic before
heading here.
Another favorite place for hikers is Ravnedalen or “Raven Valley,” which is
signposted just northwest of Kristiansand. This is a lush park that bursts into
wildflower bloom in spring. You can wander its narrow, winding trails for hours.
The climax comes when you climb 200 steps to a 93m (305-ft.) lookout point.
You're rewarded with one of the most panoramic vistas along the southern coast.
You can also drive along the E18 to Mandal, 42km (28 miles) southwest of
Kristiansand, Norway's southernmost town. Here you can walk the streets of its

Heading for the Fish Market
On a lovely summer evening, stroll down to the Fish Market at Grovane
where you can purchase fresh shrimp from one of the vendors and enjoy
them on the pier as you people-watch and breathe the fresh air of Nor-
way's all-too-fleeting summer. Small bridges lead to wooden maritime-
inspired structures painted in red and yellow, housing a series of
restaurants and shops by the canal. There's no better way to spend an
evening in Kristiansand than to spend it here.

Moments