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E N C EN GIA cia I e R WE Sp E A P R EX NO IER E RIV H T m he

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Photo: Terje Rakke

Fishing, forests and old seaside charm The southernmost part of Norway is known for its mild climate and a beautiful archipelago with coastal outports and countless islets. It is the perfect destination for a family holiday. By Visit Sørlandet

Boating, fishing and kayaking are popular activities along this stretch of coastline, which is also known as Norway’s Riviera. Not far from the coast, you will find an inland landscape of forests, rivers, lakes and valleys. These areas are great for short or long hiking trips, inland fishing and skiing. Southern Norway is the natural first choice for families travelling to Norway on holidays. Outdoor activities such as

biking, climbing, rafting and wildlife safaris are perfect for the adventurous visitor. Learn about Norwegian wildlife at Norway’s largest zoo and amusement park, Dyreparken, or meet the king of the Norwegian forest, the elk, at Elgtun. The coastline of southern Norway is dotted with old, white wooden cottages and narrow streets with a charm unique to Norway. These are former timber

ports that grew as shipbuilding became an important industry for the country. Coastal outports like Lyngør, voted the best-preserved village in Europe, and Ny-Hellesund are easily accessible by sightseeing boats. A visit to these unique settlements from the Age of Sail is truly something special. Visit Norway’s southernmost point, Lindesnes Lighthouse, which hosts the country’s last remaining full-time lighthouse keeper. Throughout the year and especially in summer there are many festivals in the south of Norway, including Risør’s famous chamber music festival; Scandinavia’s largest beach festival, Palmesus, in Kristiansand; the electronic Punkt festival; and Mandal’s seafood festival. For literature lovers, both Henrik Ibsen and Knut Hamsun have ties to southern Norway and even have festivals named after them.

Photo: Adam Read

22  |  Issue 90  |  July 2016

Photo: Terje Rakke

For more information, please visit: www.visitsorlandet.com