Stabbestad: Coastal Paths, Swimming Spots and Cycling Routes

Stabbestad is located on a peninsula outside Kragerø. A section of the Kyststien, swimming spots and cycling opportunities give visitors several ways to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you’re planning to spend your time hiking a trail, swimming or cycling, the local destinations offer practical guidance for making your choice.

Coastal Path and Location

The Strømtangen coastal path hut is part of the Strømtangen lighthouse station on the Stabbestad side of the Kragerøfjord. It sits at the edge of the forest, close to the coastal path. Several landscape features come together here: the coast, the forest and the path along the shoreline. The hut is a prominent landmark in descriptions of the area.

A Section of the Kyststien

A section of the Kyststien starts in Stabbestad. The section from Stabbestad to Rapen is about 12 kilometres long and takes approximately 3.5 hours. The distance and estimated walking time give you two points of reference for planning this hike. If you include the section in your trip, you can set aside enough time and weigh it against other plans around Stabbestad.

Swimming Spots and Activities on the Water

Vestre Stabbestad has a sandy beach, a bathing ladder and a diving board. The swimming facilities may be staffed seasonally. If you want to make swimming a fixed part of your plans, check what is currently available before your visit. There are also opportunities for fishing in the swimming area at Vestre Stabbestad.

The Kragerø Resort Beach Club is located near the Stabbestad ferry terminal. Its facilities include a diving tower with two heights, a saltwater pool, a café or restaurant, and a volleyball court. This makes it easy to distinguish between the swimming spots: Vestre Stabbestad offers a sandy beach with a bathing ladder and diving board, while the Beach Club brings together the other listed facilities.

Cycling and Golf

The cycling trails at Kragerø Resort include technical singletrack over rocky terrain and through the forest; they are free to use. The National Cycle Route 1, Kystruta, which passes through Stabbestad, is a separate route. These are two distinct cycling options to consider when planning: resort singletrack of the described type, and a national route that runs through the area.

Golf is also one of the activities available at Kragerø Resort, which has an 18-hole golf course. Together with the swimming spots and trails, this offers different ways to spend your days in Stabbestad, without having to make any one activity the focus of your entire stay.

Getting There and Finding Your Way Around

The ferry from central Kragerø to Stabbestad takes about ten minutes; fast boats and taxi boats also run to Stabbestad. The crossing time is approximate. Check the current timetable before travelling if your journey depends on a specific departure.

You can reach Vestre Stabbestad from the ferry terminal via a forest road suitable for vehicles. The road initially climbs uphill, then turns right towards the signs for Vestre Stabbestad. These directions describe how to access the swimming area and help distinguish it from the other destinations mentioned in Stabbestad.

Discover more destinations: Sannidal, Kragerø, Nordbø.

Return to the main travel overview: Kragerø.