Population 10,350 / 58.5 degrees north

Kragerø, Norway

Kragerø is a well-known holiday destination for Norwegians. Located at the end of a peninsula between the Kilsfjorden and Hellefjorden, the town grew as an important harbour from the 16th century onwards. Timber was shipped from the forests Telemark out of Kragerø and onwards to Europe. The town’s business was characterised by timber exports, shipping and shipbuilding from then until the First World War, and at one point Kragerø was one of Norway’s largest shipping towns.

About Kragerø

Latitude: 58.5 degrees north

Population: 10,350

Hottest Month: July

Coldest Month: February

Wettest Month: January

Windiest Month: November

Kragerø Municipality

In this Travel Guide...

Map of Kragerø

Uniquely Kragerø

Here are some things that you must do and try in Kragerø

Art influence

Edvard Munch

Kragerø has been inspiring artists for hundreds of years, and was a big inspiration for Edvard Munch. The unique light inspired Munch, and it’s possible to follow a self-guided walk in Munch’s footsteps through the streets that inspired him.

Art influence

Theodor Kittelsen

Theodor Kittelsen is a major Norwegian artist and was born in Kragerø. He became famous for drawing mythical creatures and felt that Kragerø had “fairy tales in every corner”. His childhood home in the town centre is now a museum.

Things to See & Do

Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Kragerø

Explore the town

Walk Around!

Kragerø is the perfect place to wander. The narrow alleys and pretty wooden houses make for a great place to explore.

Hikes, Day Trips & Experiences

Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are our recommendations!

Island

Jomfruland

The offshore island of Jomfruland is Kragerø’s most popular attraction. On the island you can go horseback riding or birdwatching, or visit a charming lighthouse.

Viewpoint

Utsikten

For a great view over the town, climb from Kragerø Stadium to the lookout point on Steinmann hill.

Scenic Cruise

MS Kragerø

M/S Kragerø, the same boat that runs ferry services to Jomfruland, offers a seal watching package where you get return boat rides to Jomfruland, wildlife fact sheets and a pair of take home binoculars. Seals are spotted on around 50% of the crossings.

Road-Trips

Follow our road-trip guides for scenic trips around Kragerø

The E18 from Ørje to Kristiansand

The E18 is the main highway from Oslo down south to Kristiansand. Along the way are several important towns and villages that feature in Norway’s early history. 

The E18 from Ørje to Kristiansand

Scenic Telemark Drive (Fv37 & Fv38)

The traditional region of Telemark is known for its remote villages, large forests, and huge ski culture. In old times, Telemark was a rough and lawless place, but now it has transformed into a popular place for people to come for outdoor activities. Telemark is home to the iconic Telemark Canal, was the birthplace of skiing, saw one of the greatest acts of resistance during the war, and has some of Norway’s tall peaks. This drive on two highways – the Fv37 and Fv38 – will take you past the major highlights of the region.

Telemark Scenic Drive (Fv37 & Fv38)

Self-Guided Walks

Kragerø on YouTube

Watch our YouTube videos featuring Kragerø

History of Kragerø

Kragerø is located at the end of a peninsula surrounded by islands that provide shelter for the town. By the beginning of the 16th century, the area was an important harbour for exporting timber from the forests of Telemark. Kragerø received town privileges in 1666 and developed as an important place for timber export, shipping and shipbuilding.

The town had to be rebuilt after a large city fire in 1711. The houses are characteristically close to each other as space here is limited and before there was public transportation, everyone wanted to live close to the harbour area.

Kragerø Today

Today Kragerø is one of the most popular summer destinations for Norwegians. The town is characterised by fishing and tourism and has a large number of vacation rentals.

Travel Information

Getting Here

Fly: No airport

Drive: Kragerø is located a short drive from the E18, the main highway going from Oslo to Kristiansand. Kragerø is just under three hours from Oslo by car.

Train: Trains from Oslo or Kristiansand on the Sørlandsbanen stop at Neslandsvatn, where you can then take a bus to Kragerø.

Ferry: No ferry

Getting Around

It is easy to get around Kragerø on foot. 

Shops

Places to Eat

Cafes & Bakeries

Skaarups is a handmade ice cream place – highly recommended! You can view their website here. 

Quick Bites

 

Reasonable Restaurants

Tollboden is a casual dining restaurant with lots of different options.

High End & Unique Eats

 

Places to Stay

Camping & Hostels

Kragerø Sportell Apartments is a former youth hostel but is now a simple hotel for those on a budget.

Cabins & B&Bs

Chains & Mid-Range

High End & Unique Properties

Victoria Hotel is the town’s historic hotel with unique rooms with kitchonettes and balconies.

Sunrise/Sunset & Weather Averages

January

Sunrise: 9:02am

Sunset: 4:01pm

Average Temperature: 0C (32F) 

February

Sunrise: 7:57am

Sunset: 5:15pm

Average Temperature: 0C (32F)

March

Sunrise: 6:37am

Sunset: 6:25pm

Average Temperature: 3C (37F)

April

Sunrise: 6:08am

Sunset: 8:37pm

Average Temperature: 7C (44F)

May

Sunrise: 4:51am

Sunset: 9:47pm

Average Temperature: 11C (52F)

June

Sunrise: 4:10am

Sunset: 10:35pm

Average Temperature: 15C (59F)

July

Sunrise: 4:36am

Sunset: 10:18pm

Average Temperature: 18C (64F)

August

Sunrise: 5:52am

Sunset: 9:09pm

Average Temperature: 17C (62F)

September

Sunrise: 6:52am

Sunset: 7:41pm

Average Temperature: 14C (57F)

October

Sunrise: 8am

Sunset: 6:14pm

Average Temperature: 9C (48F)

November

Sunrise: 8:14am

Sunset: 3:58pm

Average Temperature: 5C (41F)

December

Sunrise: 9:09am

Sunset: 3:25pm

Average Temperature: 1C (38F)

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