Drive it Yourself: Oslo to Kristiansand on the E18
This drive goes from Oslo to Kristiansand in the south of Norway, following the E18.
The Hidden North
North European travel guide
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.
Fun Facts 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...
Things to See & Do
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Kragerø
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!
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
For a great view over the town, climb from Kragerø Stadium to the lookout point on Steinmann hill.
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
Self-Guided Walks
Kragerø on YouTube
Watch our YouTube videos featuring Kragerø
Uniquely Kragerø
Here are some things that you must do and try in Kragerø
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.
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.
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
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.
All Posts About Kragerø
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)