Luxury Pontoon Tours: Archipelago & Historic DS Hestmanden
By Nordic Waterways
Available from: April - September
Price From
Float through Kristiansand’s picturesque archipelago. Explore Bragdøya with its historic sea houses and ancient rock formations. See the legendary Hestmanden – the ship that survived both World Wars
Embark on a relaxing and premium boat trip through the beautiful islands of Southern Norway. This tour is designed for comfort and safety, perfect for families, seniors, and anyone who wants a smooth ride on the water.
Board the Bennington 25L Pontoon, famous for its stability. It has a spacious, flat deck, making it easy to move around and find a good seat. Let the certified crew take care of everything, so you can just sit back and enjoy the view.
Explore the scenic areas around Bragdøya, navigating through calm, sheltered waters. See traditional Norwegian wooden cabins and historic sea houses up close. The boat's unique design allows you to glide close to the shoreline, rock formations, and lush forests. To ensure the most comfortable and safe journey, the exact route is tailored by the captain based on the day’s weather and tide conditions.
Cruise to the home port of the legendary D/S Hestmanden, the only remaining Norwegian cargo ship to have survived both World War I and World War II. Get a fantastic close-up view of "The Lucky Ship" while you hear its dramatic history and vital importance to Norway's freedom. Note: On the rare occasions the ship is sailing to a festival, you will still hear its incredible story as you pass its historic docks.
Cruise Guest Guarantee: Full refund if your cruise ship is delayed or fails to call the port due to Force Majeure, preventing you from joining the tour. We also guarantee to have you back at our docking place in good time before your ship's scheduled departure. Our meeting point is located a comfortable 500-meter walk from the cruise terminal.
- Premium Archipelago Tour: Enjoy a relaxing journey through Southern Norway’s islands, passing lush forests and dramatic rock formations.
- Culture & Heritage: Get a close-up view of traditional wooden cabins and visit the home port of the legendary D/S Hestmanden.
- Intimate Nature Experience: Glide through the calm waters around Bragdøya, where the city seamlessly meets the serene wilderness.
Please note that food and drinks are not provided, though you are more than welcome to bring your own. Our visit to the vessel Hestmanden is a waterside viewing and does not include guided tours onboard. Due to the boat's design and boarding steps, the tour is unfortunately not accessible for wheelchair users or children under 3 years of age.
- Enjoy a luxury archipelago tour for 79 minutes with a certified crew and spacious lounge seating
- Discover history and iconic sights including unique views of Christiansholm Fortress and the legendary vessel D/S Hestmanden
- Experience peace of mind and service with a welcome for your own refreshments and a full refund guarantee for cruise guests
- You are eligible to receive a full refund of the booking amount if you cancel your reservation at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time.
Location
Nordic Waterways
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Premium Pontoon Boat Tours Discover the peacefu Otra River and the Archipelago on our first-class pontoon. Experience the best Kristiansand Boat Tour with a stable ride and social atmosphere for up to 12 guests. 1. The Otra River Boat Tour (Exclusive): The only tour on the Otra! Watch the city change from urban streets to forest-covered hills as we pass the historic Christiansholm Fortress. Our unique hull design allows us to reach shallow, serene spots where other boats cannot go. 2. The Archipelago Boat Tour: Explore the scenic islands around Bragdøya with traditional cabins and sea houses. We cruise to the home port of the legendary D/S Hestmanden, the world’s only surviving cargo ship from both World Wars.