Southern Norway 🇳🇴 - Ferry, Fort and Rail Bike

Off to Norway

After a few lovely days in Denmark, the crossing to Norway is next. Like so many travellers we take the classic route from Hirtshals to Kristiansand.

This time we gave ourselves a bit more time in Hirtshals - and were rewarded. West of the town we find a beautiful beach with a comfortable campsite and an ice cream shop whose selection makes the decision anything but easy.

The next morning it is time to cast off.

Mandal

Mandal is considered Norway’s southernmost town - and that is exactly where we end up next.

While I work through the day in Mammothon with a view of the harbour, Saskia explores the old town. The climb to the viewpoint is of course obligatory - from up there our parking spot photographs perfectly.

At lunchtime we meet in the town centre before I disappear back into my rolling home office.

Nordberg Fort

Since we are now staying unexpectedly longer at the campsite in Mandal, we start by enjoying the fine beach right outside the door. You have to make the best of every situation.

Afterwards we continue to Nordberg Fort.

From there we explore a landscape shaped by people over thousands of years, and visit the remains of the German fortifications from the Second World War.

Impressive, oppressive - and a place that forces you to think.

Flekkefjord

Today one of the highlights of our Norway trip is on the agenda - although: is there really such a thing as the highlight in Norway? Here one dream location seems to follow another.

This time we head to Flekkefjord, for a ride on a rail bike along the old railway line.

What an experience. The route climbs steadily, through countless pitch-dark, damp tunnels and onwards to the end of the line. Giving up is, after all, not an option.

Right by the harbour we then find a large pitch.

• Truck
• Travel
• Norway
• Mandal
• Flekkefjord
• Ferry