Kragerø: Skerries, coastal trails and Munch connections

Kragerø’s coastline is shaped by islands, islets and skerries: the municipality has 495 of them in total. Just off its outer coast lies Jomfruland National Park, a marine national park covering 117,000 mål and stretching 27 kilometres. The protected area includes a coastal and marine landscape of particular geological significance, with kelp forests, seagrass meadows, soft seabeds and shell sand. Here, striking coastal formations meet a variety of underwater habitats.

Experience the archipelago and Jomfruland

In Jomfruland National Park and the archipelago, you can go boating, kayaking, hiking, birdwatching, diving and fishing. Cycling is permitted on designated roads. Seasonal restrictions apply in parts of the park; take these into account when planning your activities. Jomfruland is also an established visitor destination in the Gea Norvegica Geopark, which includes Kragerø.

Ferries run daily from Kragerø to Jomfruland. As timetables can change, it is a good idea to check the latest departures before your trip. Another way to visit the national park is on day trips from Kragerø Taxibåt, with a local guide. Here too, check the booking details in advance.

Tårntjernet, the largest lake on Jomfruland, is located on the island. The paths there are accessible to wheelchair users. Kragerø’s archipelago also has five Kystled cabins. The guest harbour on Jomfruland offers water and electricity; as facilities may change, check the latest information before making plans.

Coastal trails with different stages

The Kyststien in Kragerø runs from Fossing to Ellingsvika and is 42 kilometres long in total. For route planning, it is important to note that the section between Kragerø town centre and Stabbestad is covered by ferry. The ferry service on this part of the route may change, so it is worth checking the latest information before setting out. The total distance and this ferry section are two useful points of reference when fitting the hike into your travel plans.

If you prefer to combine activities in and on the water, the national park and archipelago offer options ranging from boating and kayaking to diving and fishing. Cycling is specifically restricted to designated roads. The different activities span water, trails and roads; seasonal restrictions in parts of the park should also be considered when choosing what to do.

Coastal culture, art and lighthouse architecture

The Berg-Kragerø Museum explores coastal culture, the export of ice during the sailing-ship era, and Edvard Munch’s artistic life in Kragerø. The museum grounds include nature trails, a park area, a café, a museum shop, a swimming beach and a boat landing. Opening times may vary seasonally. Another connection to the town’s art history is the signposted trail “I Edvard Munchs fotspor” (“In Edvard Munch’s footsteps”), which features reproductions of Munch’s Kragerø motifs.

The two lighthouses on Jomfruland also tell the story of different eras of engineering and illustrate the development of Norwegian lighthouse architecture. In Kragerø, historic street name signs were installed in 2016 to mark the town’s 350th anniversary. Several galleries and exhibition venues add to the cultural offerings.

Events in Kragerø include the Norwegian philosophy festival På Kanten, which opens the festival season in early June; Kragerø Havnefestival, held in August; and Barnegospelfestivalen, which brings the festival season to a close. Dates may change, so check the latest event information before your trip.

Connect your travel interests with your accommodation search

These interests can give your search a clear direction without limiting your experience to just one type of stay. If Jomfruland is on your itinerary, factor in the ferry times; if you are hiking the Kyststien, the ferry section between Kragerø and Stabbestad is a separate point to plan for.

More destinations

Discover also: Nordbø, Kragerø, Sannidal, Stabbestad, Tinn, Notodden, Bø, Seljord.

For the broader travel overview: Telemark.