Theodor Kittelsen, Norway's beloved illustrator of fairy tales, was born in Kragerø. His childhood home is now a museum right in the centre of town. Annual exhibitions are held there in honour of the artist.
The Compagniet group of applied artists have their workshops near the harbour on Ytre Strandgate. You can visit them there and watch as they produce hand-blown glass, ceramics and textiles.
The history of the coastal fortess at Gunnarsholmen goes back to the years when enemy warships and pirates threatened the town. The area is now a park with excellent bathing facilities. The fortresse's cannons are fired whenever a major event is celebrated, such as Norway's national day on 17 May.