Kragerø combines a densely built-up town centre with places associated with artists and a coastal path divided into three sections. When planning your trip, you can focus on culture in the town centre or on individual stages of the Kyststien.

Town centre: artists’ places and maritime history

Kragerø’s town centre still largely retains its appearance from its heyday as a seafaring town in the 19th century. Dense wooden houses, narrow streets and small lanes define the townscape. Those interested in artists’ biographies will find two distinct connections here: Kittelsenhuset in the town centre is Theodor Kittelsen’s birthplace and the childhood home where he first lived with his parents. At the museum, visitors can learn more about his life and work; it is open during the summer season.

Edvard Munch is also associated with walks and a route through the town. Munch walks are regularly organised in collaboration with Kultur-kameratene. The Munch trail leads through Kragerø’s streets to places where Edvard Munch found inspiration for his art. Signs along the route feature text and images. For a culture-focused visit, you can choose between the regularly organised walks and the stops along the route.

Kragerø Kunstforening is located at P. A. Heuchs gate 6, 3770 Kragerø, and is one of the town’s galleries and exhibition venues. Another cultural event is På Kanten, the Norwegian philosophy festival: it takes place in Kragerø and starts in early June. As the annual programme may change, check the programme for your specific travel dates.

Kyststien: sections, coastline and ferry connection

The Kyststien runs from Fossing to Ellingsvika, is 42 kilometres long in total and is divided into three sections. Most of it follows the shoreline; in some places, the path goes through the forest because of development along the coast. Official blue coastal path markers indicate the Kyststien. Signs along the way point out viewpoints and rest areas. This information helps you understand the character of the route without treating the three sections as one uniform stretch.

The ferry is used for the section between Kragerø town centre and Stabbestad. If you include this connection in your plans, check the timetable in advance, as ferry services may change. Kragerø Municipality’s millennium anniversary site is the promenade around Blindtarmen, extending to the area by Victoria Hotell.

Kragerø as a wider travel destination: islands and marine nature

Beyond the town centre, the wider Kragerø destination also encompasses a distinctive island and marine landscape: Kragerø has 495 islands, islets and skerries. Jomfruland National Park lies off Kragerø’s outer coast. It is a 117,000-mål marine national park stretching 27 kilometres. It protects a geologically distinctive coastal and marine area with kelp forests, seagrass meadows, soft seabed and shell sand.

Boating, kayaking, hiking, birdwatching, diving and fishing are possible in Jomfruland National Park and the archipelago. Cycling is possible on designated roads; seasonal restrictions apply in parts of the national park. Ferries from Kragerø call at Jomfruland daily. It is a good idea to check the current timetable before travelling by ferry.

Tårntjernet, the island’s largest lake, is located on Jomfruland. The paths there are accessible to wheelchair users. Jomfruland’s two lighthouses also make their own mark: they represent engineering from two different eras and illustrate the development of Norwegian lighthouse architecture.

Check the location and current availability when making your specific selection.

Discover other destinations: Sannidal, Nordbø, Stabbestad

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