Fantasy: From Hobbiton to Hogwarts

In the spring, we travel to New Zealand for 2-3 weeks. Together, we create lifelong memories and test our limits.

New Zealand is famous for being the filming location of major fantasy works like The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Avatar, and Narnia. We visit Weta Studios to learn more about the creation of these films and travel to the world-famous Hobbiton set, where you’ll get a special tour among the hobbit holes and enjoy food worthy of a hobbit. You’ll also have the chance to follow in Frodo’s footsteps to Mt. Doom (aka Tongariro National Park).

During the trip, you’ll learn about local stories and legends told by the Maori, the indigenous people of New Zealand. This gives you insight into a fantasy universe quite different from what you find in Europe. Did you know that the demigod Maui from Moana is a well-known character in several Polynesian myths? We learn more about New Zealand’s history at the Auckland Museum and visit the cultural capital, Rotorua.

New Zealand is also known for many action-packed activities and beautiful nature. There might be opportunities for bungee jumping or RIB boating. We go on night hikes to see glowworms, visit the “giant trees” in the Redwood Forest, and enjoy hot springs heated by the volcanic underground. There will also be time for city life and personal exploration.

Are you ready to join the fellowship? This will be an adventure even Bilbo would be proud of.

This program is suitable for those with an interest in the fantasy genre who would like to spend a year exploring it further.

About different branches in the fantasy genre: literature, art, board games, gaming, movies, series, live-action role-playing

• Develop skills in storytelling
• Characteristics of fantasy stories
• Recognize messages in various books, movies, series, and games
• Create characters and fantasy universes
• Read more in-depth about what you will learn in this program by clicking here.

• That you participate in the program’s and school’s teaching
• That you show respect and consideration for fellow students and their work
• That you show enthusiasm for what we do in class
• That you love fantastic literature and stories. It is not a requirement that you are strong in reading and writing - we accommodate all students’ needs and interests.
• That you actively contribute to creating a good class environment

You need to bring this equipment yourself:

• Passport valid until approximately September 15, 2026
• A set of D&D dice
• Daypack
• Books, movies, comics, and games in the fantasy genre that you like
• Computer or something to write on by hand
• Drawing materials or other hobby supplies you use
• Cat, owl, or frog (with the teacher’s approval)

With us, you become part of a large, inclusive environment where everyone gets to know each other – of course, across different courses. That’s why we prioritize being together.

• Overnight trip in the Archipelago (Havglimt!)
• Trip to Denmark with the whole group
• Mountain hike
• Various tournaments
• Large common room to hang out in during free time
• Special weeks where we mix classes based on what you want to contribute:
  • Practical work
  • Adventure forest for 1st grade at the local primary school
  • Entertainment show for parents
  • Learning to manage sound and light
  • Filming/photography
• Many leisure activities to choose from – often something happening every day.
• Night hike in the moonlight
• Christmas workshop
• Cozy evenings
• Hall activities
• Super enjoyable student evenings

Group Trip to Denmark

At the beginning of the school year, the entire school travels to Rønbjerg Feriecenter in Denmark. On this trip, we get to know each other well and lay the foundation for a good and safe community that continues when we return to Sørlandet. A very nice start to the year!

International Trip Across Courses

Later, at the beginning of spring, the entire school goes on a trip at the same time, but to different destinations. You choose one of four options and travel with students from other courses. These trips are rich in content in their own way and offer impressions, human encounters, and experiences you will greatly enjoy! One of the trips is included in the school fee, so it doesn’t cost extra to join. The other trips cost extra.

Everyone chooses one of three options for the international trip across courses. These are arranged simultaneously. You make your choice after you have started at the school.

• Copenhagen, Denmark (included in the school fee).
• England (costs extra).
• Ecuador and Galápagos (costs extra).

The trips will be arranged around March 2026.

More information about all the trips will be provided before you choose which trip you want to go on. You can read more about all the trips here.

Course costs: 46,300 NOK

Total price for the entire school year: 159 400 NOK *

*If you are eligible for loans and grants, and take them out for the school year 24-25, it amounts to 137,907 NOK (grant = 55,162 NOK, loan = 82,745 NOK)

The total price includes, among other things:

• Enrollment fee of 2,800 NOK
• Group trip with the entire school to Denmark
• Board and lodging in a double room (all have an attached shower)
  • 4 meals on weekdays, 3 on weekends
  • Use of washing machines and dryers
  • Wireless and wired network
• Course trip to Oslo and northwards by train to Trøndelag to experience fantastic Norway!
• Common expenses such as internet, electricity, travel insurance, school ID, use of common equipment, etc.
• Shorter trips with the whole school: Archipelago trips, etc.
• Access to great facilities most of the week: Sports hall, swimming pool, gymnasium, LAN room, car workshop, the school’s own café, sound studio, craft room, cinema room, dormitory lounges, billiards - table tennis tables, common living room.
• 7.000 NOK for an optional group trip. Covers, among other things, a trip to Copenhagen if you choose this trip.

Additional costs

• Single room (between 5.000 NOK and 10.000 NOK for the entire school year)
• Diets *: Celiac disease 8.400 NOK extra (for the whole year). Other significant diets: 5.250 NOK (for the whole year)
• Optional trips if you want to join trips to England or or Ecuador

*Vegetarian diet and lactose-free food cost nothing extra.