Checkpoint Charlie - A Journey through history!

  • Course length: All year
  • Start-up date: 23.08.2026
  • Course teaching amount: 16 hours/week
  • Price: from NOK 143 000,-
  • Foundation:
    Liberal?
    The liberal folk high schools are built on values that are not based on one particular belief. They encourage students with different interests and beliefs to apply.
  • Food: Vegetarian, vegan?
    Most schools will accommodate food allergies and other dietary needs. If you have questions, please contact the school directly.
  • Location: Søgne i Kristiansand
  • Study tour for the course: Berlin, Athens, Interrail - A journey through European history! , Oslo/Bergen/Stavanger, Sørlandet
  • Study tour for the school: Common trips
Send applicationAgder Folkehøgskole

This program is for those who are curious about the world around them, who want to step into the past and uncover the answers to how Europe became what it is today.

Have you ever wondered what it was like to live in the past? What it might have been like to be a petty criminal in 18th-century Norway, a prostitute in Pompeii, or a farmer in medieval France? That’s exactly what we try to explore at the history program *Checkpoint Charlie* – Norway’s only history-focused line at a folk high school!  

We seek out history in our local surroundings here in Southern Norway and expand our journey across the country and into Europe. History has happened everywhere, and we’re lucky to have a treasure trove of “crime scenes” right outside the school doors. Here’s just a small taste:

- Interrail with visits to several European capitals  

- Learn about Norwegian pirates from the Napoleonic wars and “capture” a British trade ship  

- Sleep over in a lighthouse keeper’s house and search for shipwrecks  

- Visit the ship D/S Hestmanden, known from the film *War Sailor*  

- Roast a leg of lamb in a Stone Age-style cooking pit  

- Gain insight into queer history  

- Cook historical meals and brew your own mead  

- Learn the basics of genealogy and research your own family history  

- Learn about the persecution of Jews in Kristiansand, in the former Gestapo headquarters “Arkivet”  

- Visit the slave ship *Fredensborg* in Arendal to learn about Norway’s involvement and profit in the transatlantic slave trade  

 

 

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Berlin

Mandatory: Yes

Price: Included in course price

Our first trip abroad goes to Berlin! This seven-day journey gives you a unique insight into one of the consequences of World War II: the division of Germany and the Berlin Wall. Life in Berlin changed completely depending on which side you lived on. In 1961, the Wall was suddenly built, dividing people between freedom in the West and dictatorship in the East. On this trip, we’ll explore what life was like under a dictatorship, learn about espionage, and gain a deeper understanding of World War II.

You’ll meet eyewitnesses who share personal stories about life in a divided Germany. We’ll explore secret tunnels underground and visit the offices of the Stasi, the feared secret police. You’ll also learn about daily life in East Germany — from the popularity of nudism to how an East German cartoon ended up on Norwegian children’s TV. Berlin also offers great shopping, from vintage markets to LEGO stores, all free to explore!

But it’s not all museums and history! In our free time, we’ll enjoy stand-up comedy, good food, and everything Berlin has to offer.

On this trip, you will:

  • Visit the Stasi prison and headquarters

  • Meet eyewitnesses from life behind the Wall

  • Explore historical World War II sites

  • Enjoy a comedy club night

  • Visit a local market

Athens

Mandatory: Nei

Price: Included in course price

Duration: ca 7 dager

This is an alternative to one of the main trips of the course.

Join us in Athens! Here we will explore the birthplace of antiquity, and look at the history that has shaped Europe into what it is today. Among other things, we will visit the Acropolis, the Temple of Zeus, and Hadrian's Library. Of course, we will also take the time to enjoy the sunshine and everything Greece has to offer! Perhaps we'll even find time for some island hopping?

Interrail - A journey through European history!

Mandatory: Yes

Price: Included in course price

Duration: ca 7 dager.

Veni – vidi – vici! I came, I saw, I conquered! These were the words of Julius Caesar to the Roman Senate in Rome. Now, almost 2,000 years later, you too will have the chance to visit that very same Senate, the Colosseum, and explore archaeological excavations – including some hidden beneath a church. We’ll take a deep dive into Roman history and discover why this empire is still talked about today. Of course, there will also be plenty of opportunities to enjoy gelato, pasta, and pizza! We’ll be guided through the city and discover hidden gems that not all tourists know about.

Although Rome is a perfect city for anyone interested in history, that doesn’t mean we’ll stay there the whole time! We’ll also head to Florence to wander through the narrow medieval streets of Italy’s former capital and the birthplace of the Renaissance. You’ll walk the same paths as the powerful Medici family and explore areas once said to “smell” of gold. Maybe we’ll even take a day trip to the Leaning Tower of Pisa?

On this trip, you will:

  • Visit the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon

  • Discover hidden archaeological treasures

  • Enjoy authentic pizza, pasta, and gelato

Oslo/Bergen/Stavanger

Mandatory: Yes

Price: Included in course price

Duration: 4-7 dager

I tillegg til flere turer i nærområdet reiser vi også andre store byer i Norge! Bli med til Stavanger for å besøke jernaldergården og lære hvordan man feiret jul i vikingtiden. Eller kanskje å reise til bryggen i Bergen å gå inn inn i de hanseatiske kontorene? 

Det er opp til klassen hvert år å bestemme hvilken by vi velger, og hva vi ønsker å gå i dybden på!

Sørlandet

Mandatory: Yes

Price: Included in course price

I Farsund skal vi lære om de norske sjørøverne, nemlig kaprerene! Her skal vi dra på overnatting, seile utenfor Farsund og kapre et engelsk handelsskip. Kanskje kapteinen også må gå planken? 

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Mandatory: Yes

Price: Included in course price

The school is located in what we call the pearl of the southern archipelago. Out of the window you can see straight towards the port of Ny - Hellesund where Nordal Grieg wrote the song "Til ungdommen" in his time. This is where our first joint trip goes.. Accommodation in a tent, lavvo, hammock or on a sleeping pad under the open sky. Bathing, bonfire, play and seriousness. We enjoy the scents of late summer and look out to sea, where Denmark is almost visible on the horizon, and get to know each other in an unforgettable way. Friendships are made here.

The school's last joint trip goes to the same place. Summer is in the offing, and it's quite a different group that's on tour. Safe in each other, but melancholy has taken over from anticipation. A feeling that something will soon be over, along with the knowledge that something new is coming. This new thing, which will now be created together with the people you have around you, is no longer as frightening. This will be a trip filled with good memories and strong emotions.

Between these two trips there is a lot of time and space. There is much to be created. Our different classes go on their own trips and spend a lot of time together at school. But every now and then we do some joint trips. It can be to the Pulpit Rock, cinema, theatre, bowling, Zip-line, and it can be to Lindesnes lighthouse or Lista. The animal park is also a natural destination for the school when we are first in these parts.

Amnesty International

This is an action group within Amnesty International that will organize campaigns for human rights. We study current issues in different parts of the world and contribute our part to making the world a better place.

Ball games

Ball games should be fun and for everyone. Join in deciding the rules and various activities in the gym. Examples of activities include floorball, corner football, basketball, Danish dodgeball, and dodgeball.

Fantasy Premier League

If you enjoy English football, you can join this elective. We will form our own school league and meet once a week to discuss tactics and select the winner of the round.

Film Experience

We watch some of the best films from recent years, along with a selection of timeless classics. Afterwards, we discuss such as sound, cinematography, editing, acting, directing, music, genre, structure, character development, and storytelling.

Philosophy and the good life

We explore techniques such as meditation, light exercise, and habit building, along with different philosophies and ways of thinking. Together, we use these tools to find our own paths to a good life. Make it a good day!

Photography

A brief introduction will be given to how a camera works technically. The aim is to gain control over formal techniques in relation to light and the visualization of spatial and temporal concepts.

Individual and Society

The Principal’s Elective: Welcome to the school’s most boring—and most fascinating—elective. Here, we dive into all aspects of society, past and present, exploring sociology, psychology, and the big questions of life.

Instagram and photography

We take photos throughout the year of “life” at the school and publish them on Instagram and Facebook, update text and photos on the school’s website, and review the school’s brochure.

International food

Love cooking? Join our international students and prepare exciting dishes from around the world. The kitchen becomes a meeting place for different food cultures. The food is usually served as the evening meal for everyone.

Coffee Bar

Join the School Coffee Bar: Learn how to make the perfect espresso and all kinds of coffee drinks. We’ll make the classics like cappuccino, latte, and mocha, and experiment to create new recipes. Together, we’ll run the coffee bar in the lounge.

Kettlebells and cross training

In CrossFit, the focus is on full-body training, cardiovascular fitness, mobility, and strength development. Kettlebell training is a demanding strength exercise originating from Russia. Here, CrossFit exercises are combined with kettlebell lifting.

Choir

Our folkehøgskole has proud singing traditions. In the choir, we sing songs from musicals, pop and rock, and whatever else we feel like performing. Some pieces are sung a cappella (without instruments), while others are accompanied by piano.

Creative Writing

In this elective subject, we will play with words and associations, both individually and together with others. No experience with creative writing is needed — it is simply for fun and to help us practice gathering our thoughts and imagination.

Art

Instruction in various art techniques, with opportunities to work on both individual and group projects. Group art projects may include figure drawing, painting, printmaking, and bookbinding.

Joy of Nature

In this elective subject, you will learn more about the nature and wildlife around you, as well as traditional uses of nature. There will also be campfire coziness, peace, and a sense of community out in nature.

Salsa - Dance

Dancing is great for your health—it makes you happy and gives you energy. We dance, listen to music, laugh, and have fun. You’ll learn basic steps and some “moves,” including partner dancing in a Cuban style.

Language Practice

A mandatory elective for international students, where Norwegian students also sign up and contribute by focusing on reading aloud, pronunciation, difficult Norwegian words and expressions, as well as board games. Cake break!

Knitting

Learn how to knit or develop your knitting skills. Start with simple projects using two needles, and gradually move on to more advanced items such as mittens or socks. You will also learn from each other and get to know one another while knitting.

Retake High School Subjects

Are you planning to retake subjects from upper secondary school? Whether you are missing a subject or want to improve your grades, teachers and other students who have done well in the subject can help you.

Hiking

This is a great opportunity to get to know the local area. There are many beautiful hiking trails near the school that we will explore throughout the fall. We’ll take breaks along the way—sometimes with a campfire.

Volleyball

Here we will primarily play volleyball. But everything becomes more fun when the ball goes where you want it to. That is why you will also practice setting, passing (bump), serving, smash, and blocking, as well as defensive and offensive strategies.

Yearbook

Yearbook is one of the most important electives at the school. Why? Because students can read and reminisce about their year at Agder Folk High School—both while they are here and for the rest of their lives. Do you want to join create the book?

Agder Folkegøgskole gives you every opportunity to live an active life, both academically and socially. The school is independent and located in a place you will have to search long and hard to find a match for — secluded, yet close to the city. You can enjoy the archipelago of Kristiansand together with your breakfast, before the shared morning gathering and your main course of study.

The afternoons are filled with a wide range of elective subjects, social activities, or simply a walk around the idyllic Kvernhus Lake. In the evenings, you might head into Kristiansand to go to the cinema, the theatre, or try one of the city’s restaurants.

A perfect evening could just as easily be an international late-night meal after a yoga session in the gym. We call ourselves an international school, perhaps mainly because we have many international students who shape everyday life. How about having a Korean or Russian friend who can give you an insight into their lives, let you taste their food, and help break down prejudices.

Life at the school is created by you. We provide the framework, and each cohort lives its own unique year. There is plenty of laughter, joy, and learning, and learning happens everywhere — in the classroom, in the dining hall (which also serves good and varied meals), in encounters with fellow students, in shared life in the dormitories, or by the fire in our cosy lounge.

What we find truly wonderful is when young people from all over the country create something together, and in addition enrich it with a touch of the world. We want you to leave with a sense of security, friendship, and knowledge that will support you for the rest of your life.

Courses at the school

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Former students

My year here at Agder was the best of my life! I got to meet so many wonderful teachers who truly care about their students, and I’ve made friends for life! Agder Folk High School will always be my second home.

Silvana Brevik Slavov

My year at CC was like a journey through time. You learn to understand the world through history, by experiencing new places with fresh insight, while building friendships that last. It’s a year that shapes your thinking and gives perspective on both

Emil Aasen

Every time I meet someone I went to class with, our conversations usually go back to: ‘Remember when we did this?!’ At CC, I had an amazing teacher who truly cared about me and the class. Anyone who has him as a teacher is extremely lucky.

Desiree Fredheim