We started with another pleasant surprise on our final morning in Norway. Our hotel didn’t include breakfast, so we drove downtown to find a bite to eat. After walking around for a bit, we heard someone singing in the distance. We followed the delightful voice we heard and came to a large blocked area, preventing people from seeing inside. We walked around it a bit and found a clearing where we could spot a lady singing on a stage with a group of backup singers behind her. A poster nearby advertised a concert later that evening featuring Helene Bøksle, a renowned singer from Norway. That was her on the stage rehearsing. She has a very ethereal voice, and Jason downloaded some of her music later. She’s amazing.

Next, we visited the Kristiansand Friluftsmuseum (Open Air Museum). It was a relaxing stroll through 1500’s-era historic buildings and homes. A massive hanger also contained an entire town of miniature houses.

Our journey to Denmark was an adventure in itself. We boarded a ferry more akin to a cruise ship, with restaurants, bars, a stage, banquet rooms, and gift shops. The sheer size and amenities of this 10-deck ship starkly contrasted what we had come to expect from the ferries we had encountered to date. It was a welcome chance to unwind and catch up on our blog as we sailed towards our next destination.

Once we arrived in Denmark, we checked into our hotel and headed for dinner. We found a place not far from the beach, so after our meal, we went for a walk and found our second surprise of the day.

The Hirtshals Lighthouse, a towering 35-meter structure erected in 1863, commands attention from its perch on a high cliff. Its grandeur was even more striking up close than we had imagined. We decided to brave the 144 steps to the top for a bird’s-eye view. Despite his unease with heights, Jason managed to step onto the outdoor platform for a few quick photos before retreating indoors. On the other hand, I ventured out. I circled the perimeter, capturing stunning town views and the vast ocean below.

The Bunker Museum is next door and consists of 54 bunkers used in World War II. We walked through a few of them, reading about them before leaving to walk around outside. Jason took more pictures as the sun set, marking the end of another fantastic day.