At our school, you get the best of both worlds: challenges that help you grow – and a safe, supportive environment where you can truly be yourself.
With nice views of the Kristiansand archipelago, Agder folkehøgskole offers a unique and open-minded learning community that welcomes all of you.
Here, you’ll experience a different kind of year – one filled with meaning, friendship, and unforgettable moments.
What we offer:
- You choose one of our programs, which you follow for the entire year. The programs range from outdoor life, history, biology, and film to art, languages, development work, and tourism.
- Electives that let you explore new sides of yourself – or dive deeper into what you love.
- Study trips in Norway and abroad – filled with memories, cultural encounters, and valuable experiences.
- A welcoming and lively dorm atmosphere where social life thrives.
- Teachers who care and inspire – both in and outside the classroom.
Why choose Agder folkehøgskole?
- We have over 140 years of experience as a folk high school – always with the student at the center
- Our location is stunning – nestled between sea and mountains, in to Kristiansand
- You’ll stay in comfortable rooms with sea views and enjoy access to excellent facilities
- We are a liberal and inclusive school – open to everyone, regardless of faith or background
I thought the trips and experiences would be the highlights – but what I miss most are the classmates, the teachers, the friendships, and warm community.
Elida Gustavsen, former student
A School Year with Purpose
Agder Folk High School is for those who want more than just a gap year – it’s about discovering who you are, exploring new sides of yourself, and building a strong foundation for the road ahead.
We value compassion, engagement, and respect. You’ll be supported in finding your own direction, in a daily life filled with both play and learning. Here, you’ll have space to make mistakes, grow, be challenged – and truly be seen.
Rooms and Facilities
We have room for 115 students – and we make sure you’re well taken care of. Most of the rooms face the sea, and you can choose between single and double rooms.
- Gym and fitness room (open 24/7)
- Canoes available for student use
Sand volleyball court and beautiful hiking terrain
Coffee bar, billiards, and table tennis
Auditorium with stage and professional sound and lighting equipment
Cabin in Hovden – perfect for weekend getaways
Vil du at jeg skal hjelpe med å sette sammen hele den engelske presentasjonen av skolen i én flytende tekst? - Canoes available for student use
- Beach volleyball court and beautiful hiking terrain
- Coffee bar, billiards, and table tennis
- Auditorium with stage and professional sound and lighting equipment
- Cabin in the ski resort Hovden – perfect for weekend getaways
A Vibrant School with Deep Roots
Agder Folk High School is one of Norway’s oldest liberal folk high schools, with a history dating back to 1885. The school has remained strong through change, relocation, and rebuilding – and has always been a place for lifelong learning and personal growth.
The school is owned by Agder Høgskolelag, which includes the school’s friends association, the municipality of Kristiansand, and Agder County Council. This makes us an independent and well-established school, with a heart for young people and their future.
My year at Agder Folk High School gave me more value than any academic program ever could. Wild memories, unforgettable travels, the most wonderful teachers, and friendships worth more than 180 credits. Trust me – your studies can wait a year. Just give a little F 😉
Kathrine Skjærum, former student
In the Heart of Southern Norway’s Coastal Charm
The school is located in Søgne, just west of Kristiansand. Here, you’ll live close to both nature and city life – with the sea, smooth coastal rocks, and hiking trails right outside your door, and Kristiansand’s vibrant cultural scene only 25 minutes away by bus.
Ready for something more?
A year at Agder Folk High School isn’t just a break – it’s an investment in yourself. You arrive as you are, and leave as a more confident, thoughtful, and self-aware version of yourself.
Are you ready for a year you’ll never regret?
I had the best year at Agder Folk High School. It was exciting from start to finish. I experienced amazing new things, learned a lot about myself and found friends for life!
Merete Reichert – Germany, former student
Address: Høgskoleveien 49, 4643 Søgne
Phone: 38 16 82 00
E-mail address: kontor@agder.fhs.no
Student capacity: 115
Aldersgrense: 18 år
Organisation no: 971 552 611
Bank account no: 2801 47 40475.
Five years after my year at Agder folkehøgskole, I still thank myself for the choice I made.
Silje Fugleberg, OutdoorOutdoor Life & Photography
Folkehøgskole burde være obligatorisk! Ett år fylt med glede, uforglemmelige opplevelser, utvikling, motivasjon og en stor interesse for det man driver med! Jeg fikk venner for livet, ikke bare i medelever, men også i en fantastisk lærer på friluftsliv
Maren Luise Ruim, Outdoor Life & Photography
Everyone who has attended folkehøgskole says that their year was amazing, but you don’t truly understand it until you experience it yourself.
Elida Gustavsen, Outdoor Life & Photography
Agder is a magical place with even more magical people! I have made so many memories and friends I hope to keep and cherish for the rest of my life. I can`t wait to see y`all again at the next Agder reunion!
Finyx Klock USA
My year at Agder folkehøgskole gave me more value for the money than any university program ever could. Precious memories, unforgettable trips, the most wonderful teachers, and friends worth more than 180 credits.
Kathrine Skjærum
My year at Agder folkehøgskole gave me new opportunities and experiences. After 13 years of schooling, getting up in the morning was no longer difficult, because I wanted to enjoy every single day. It’s the best decision I’ve ever made, and I will never regret it.
Emilie Aas
A once in a life-time experience for sure! Agder Folkehøgskole is a safe place to grow, meet new people and be the best version of yourself. Both challenging and rewarding, a year rich in learning, emotions, fantastic trips, and the best teachers!
Ananda Nilsen, Bali, Indonesia
FAQ Questions
For year 2026-27
Total Fee For Each Program:
Biology and Nature Appreciation: 145.000 kr
Checkpoint Charlie: 143.000 kr
Film and Video Production: 149.500 kr
Outdoor Life and Photo: 149.500 kr
Global Development: 158.500 kr
Art Graphic Ceramics: 147.500 kr
Norwegian Languaage & Culture: 148.500 kr
Nature & Adventure Tourism: 149.500 kr
Tourism and Development: 153.000 kr
The school is located in Stokkelandsskogen in Søgne, west of the city center. The addresse is Høgskoleveien 49, 4643 Søgne. See Agder folkehøgskole on Google Maps.
No, the school is non-denominational. This means it welcomes students from diverse backgrounds in terms of beliefs, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, political views, and more. We emphasize human dignity, equality, tolerance, personal freedom, democracy, and ethical reflection.
It’s 18–19 kilometers, depending on which route you take. You can choose the scenic coastal road via Langenes, the highway, or the old E39. It takes about 20 minutes by car and 25–30 minutes by bus.
No, unfortunately not. The buildings are from the 1970s and contain quite a few stairs.
It is important that the school is a safe place for everyone who lives here. Therefore, it is prohibited to drink alcohol, store alcohol, or appear intoxicated on school grounds. However, it is permitted to return to the school after having consumed alcohol, provided that you go directly to your room and go to bed.
Primarily, it is bus numbers 40 and 40E that run between the bus station in Kristiansand and Årosskogen, 1–2 times per hour. On weekends, there are also night buses. See akt.no for timetables in the Kristiansand area.
No, it is included in the accommodation fees.
The school has a garage for bicycles and a bike shed. If you have a bicycle in the garage, you will receive your own key for it. However, remember to lock your bike.
Yes. The school has guest rooms that friends or family can rent at a reasonable price. Meals will be included. If the guest stays overnight in your room (you can borrow a mattress from the school), they only pay for the food.
On weekdays, four meals are provided—breakfast, lunch, dinner, and evening meal. On weekends, brunch is served instead of breakfast and lunch.
You will need an average of three hours of electives per week. You can choose as many as you want as long as there is space available.
The school has an age limit of 18 years. This means you must turn 18 during your first semester.
Stipendiater” are second-year students who have typically attended the school as regular students the previous year. We usually have three to four stipendiater. They play an important role in fostering a positive school environment and help organize various activities and social events
You will receive a packing list well in advance of the school start. Besides clothing for the entire school year and personal items, you should bring a sleeping bag and a sleeping mat. Many bring a bicycle and skis. It can be a good idea to bring something to make your room a bit personal, such as pictures, posters, etc. (these must be attached with adhesive putty).
You choose about 15 Saturday seminars during the school year. Twice a year, your program organizes a student evening (Agder Saturday). The remaining Saturdays are free. You can change your seminars along the way if you need to travel home for a weekend.
