The charming little town of Kragerø, with its narrow streets and alleyways, has long been popular among artists. One of them was Edvard Munch, who was inspired by this area's unique light when he painted "The Sun" and "History" for the Aula (auditorium) of the University of Oslo.

The town is set in beautiful surroundings with a fabulous cluster of islands just offshore. 495 islands, islets and skerries lie waiting for you to explore and enjoy. But Kragerø can offer far more than inviting small-town streets and beautiful coastal islands. Its forests and recreational areas with their many refreshing lakes, are ideal for hiking, canoeing and fishing.

Every season has its charm, and Kragerø has a lot to offer the year round. Tourists quadruple the town's population during the busiest summer months. Autumn can be dramatic when the Skagerrak flexes it muscles. Winter is a quiet season with a beauty of its own. The traditional Easter Swim, arranged every Easter Eve, is when the toughest of the tough plunge into the fjord and open the swimming season. Then spring returns and brings back the sunlight, whilst the flowers that cover the floors on the island of Jomfruland carry with them a promise of a new summer. 

Facts about Kragerø

Total area: 307.4 square kilometres
Population: Approximately 11,000
Number of inland lakes: 190
Total coastline – mainland: 147 kilometres
Total coastline – islands: 493 kilometres
Coastal-zone national park: 36.3 square kilometres