Kragerø is a town and municipality in Telemark county. Kragerø municipality is the most south-westerly district in Telemark, and its 305,7 km2 also include the old districts of Sannidal and Skåtøy. The population of approximately 10.800 supports it self by industry, commerce, agriculture, shipping and fishing. The number of inhabitants in creases significantly in the summer months when the 2.000 or more cabins scattered throughout the archipelago receive their visitors, and a further unknown number of people visit the town and surrounding area by boat, car and cycle. It then becomes difficult to describe the seething town other than by using such adjectives such as picturesque, idyllic etc.

The built-up area occupies virtually the whole of Kragerø island as well as the mainland, with many attractive houses and narrow, twisting lanes, passages and steps. Artists such as Thaulow and Peters have found inspiration in Kragerø in both summer and winter and this, too, is where Munch painted his murals for the University of Oslo auditorium. Kragerø´s own son, Theodor Kittelsen, has faithfully reproduced what he has seen of the local landscape and the inhabitants on canvas. In all 1,200 metres of guest quays in Kragerø town: Gunnarsholmen, Barthebrygga, Lilletorvet by the town bridge, Blindtarmen, Dampskipskaia, Bryggasenteret etc. Modern shower and W.C. building. Power and water quayside, laundry etc.

The London-based newspaper The Independent, published an article on Kragerø stating that “When Norwegians want to get away from it all they head for Kragerø. Forests, fjords and islands await them at the place where Edvard Munch found peace and relaxation.”

Edvard Munch fell in love with Kragerø in his time, and called it “The Pearl of the Coastal Towns” (Perlen blandt kystbyene). In 2002, The Independent published an article on the region´s coastline saying that “It may not have many sandy beaches, but the coast of Norway offers sophistication and stunning scenery.”

The built-up area occupies virtually the whole of Kragerø island as well as the mainland, with many attractive houses and narrow, twisting lanes, passages and steps. Artists such as Thaulow and Peters have found inspiration in Kragerø in both summer and winter and this, too, is where Edvard Munch painted his murals for the University of Oslo auditorium.

Kragerø´s own son, Theodor Kittelsen, has faithfully reproduced what he has seen of the local landscape and the inhabitants on canvas. In all 1,200 metres of guest quays in Kragerø town: Gunnarsholmen, Barthebrygga, Lilletorvet by the town bridge, Blindtarmen, Dampskipskaia, Bryggasenteret etc. Modern shower and W.C. building. Power and water quayside, laundry etc.

Kragerø Fjordbåtselskap ferries operates Kragerø archipelago throughout the year.

Jomfruland is a small elongated island located off the coast of mainland, about 2 km south of the island of Stråholmen. Jomfruland Lighthouse is aproximately on the island´s center there are two white lighthouses – one old and one new. Only the newer is in use today. The lighthouses are most characteristic and can be seen from all sides. These towers are often referred to as the characterizing feature of Kragerø and the archipelago.

Every summer during the “two towers” on the island Jomfruland the rock band Di Derre hold a concert.

JOMFRULAND

Jomfruland is a small elongated island located off the coast of mainland, about 2 km south of the island of Stråholmen. It measures about 7.5 km by 1 km. Jomfruland provides shelter to the many islands of the Kragerø archipelago from the Skagerrak seas. Access to Jomfruland is by water taxi, car ferry, or by private vessel. The island has several guest harbours. The island has several attractions, among which are splendid beaches, developed docks with restaurant and kiosk facilities, rolling stone beaches on the island´s north side, as well as good hiking possibilities for tourists and residents alike.

Jomfruland Lighthouse

Approximately on the island´s center there are two white lighthouses – one old and one new. Only the newer is in use today. The lighthouses are most characteristic and can be seen from all sides. These towers are often referred to as the characterizing feature of Kragerø and the archipelago.

PORTØR

From Stabbestad (ferry connection from Kragerø) there is a good roadway to Portørlandet, where smooth rocks among a slightly undulating terrain form sheltered swimming spots and fine cabin sites.

BERG KRAGERØ MUSEUM

Berg Kragerø Museum is Kragerø’s foremost attraction. The rich historical collections are located in the beautiful main building at Berg, which was once the summer residence of a wealthy Kragerø merchant, and built at the beginning of the 19th century. In a specially built museum house there is a fine collection of objects and equipment with the emphasis on coastal culture.

KITTELSEN’S HOUSE

Theodor Kittelsen’s childhood home in the centre of Kragerø, where he was born in 1857, is also part of the museum.

THE OLD LIGHTHOUSE at JOMFRULAND

The old lighthouse was built in 1836, and now houses an exhibition of household objects etc.

GUNNARSHOLMEN

Strategically positioned at the entrance to the inner harbour is Gunnarsholmen with its battery, beautifully restored and with the same ordinance which, in its time (the war years of 1808-14) drove off 4 English warships.

SANNIDAL RURAL MUSEUM

Sannidal Bygdetun museum lies in the vicinity of the church by the Humlestad signpost. It consists of 6 buildings, taken from different parts of the former district, which has now be come part of Kragerø. The houses are fitted out with period fixtures and furniture.

CHILDREN’S SUMMER TOWN

Activities for children and families with children every day all summer long. Everything from fishing trips to ski races. For more information, contact Krageø Tourist Office.

INTERNATIONAL GOSPEL FESTIVAL

Norway’s biggest gospel event for young people.

BLINDTARMEN SKIING FESTIVAL

A fun skiing contest through the streets of Kragerø, with many of the world’s best skiers taking part on snow.

CAR FERRY KRAGERØ, SKÅTØY to JOMFRULAND

The car ferry plies the route daily. Contact Kragerø Fjordbåtselskap.

KRAGERØ FJORD CRUISE

Boat trips and sightseeing arranged. Can take up to 30 passengers. Saloon with simple refresh ments. Comfortable indoor and outdoor areas.

DIVING

Rental accommodation at Strømtangen ligh thouse, with opportunities to dive to shipwrecks. Contact the Tourist Office.

FISHING TRIPS

Here the open sea meets the little fishing town. It has its’ own fish delivery, (reception, where the fishermen deliver and sell their catch) with activity all year round and basic service in the summer.

Lien sea trout: Kjølebrønd, 3766 Sannidal.

GOLF

Kragerø Golfclub is a golf course with 18 holes and a variation of difficulties. The course lies at Stabbestad. At wintertime Kragerø have a 9 holes inndoor court at Roland (Valbergveien).

Lønne Golfcourt is a golf course with 9 holes and a variation of difficulties.

Gumøy Golfcourt is a privat golf course with 9 holes and is difficult to play.