A beloved summer retreat, Kragero showcases the natural beauty of Southern Norway. Cobbled streets and alleyways wind down to the picturesque harbour, which is lined with colourful wooden houses. Hundreds of islands and skerries dot the coastline, making Kragero a dream destination for scenery lovers and adventure seekers.

Things to do

Kragero is known as the pearl of Norwegian coastal towns and its easy to see why. The town is criss-crossed with narrow streets lined with cafes and boutiques. A short stroll from the main square is the Artist Quarter, a lively enclave filled with galleries and studios.

Island hopping is a rite of passage in Kragero. Ferries whisk you to islands like Skåtøy, where you can explore scenic hiking and cycling trails. Stroll around the World War II fort, peer into a beautiful wooden church built in the 1800s and enjoy lunch in the sun-drenched gardens of the local café.

Sandy beaches and crystalline water make Kragero a haven for summer sunseekers. Gunnarsholmen is one of the most popular bathing spots, with a small arc of soft sand and a saltwater swimming pool overlooking the bay. The grassy foreshore is perfect for enjoying a picnic in the sunshine.

Just out of town is the excellent Berg-Kragerø Museum, which is set on the grounds of a sprawling 120-hectare estate. It occupies a charming wooden manor house built in the 19th century and features exhibits on artists, ice explorers, local wildlife and other topics.

Getting around

Compact and walkable, Kragero is easy to get around on foot. Public car and passenger ferries connect to offshore islands, while trains run between Oslo and Neslandsvatn in around three hours. The drive from Neslandsvatn to takes around 30 minutes. Oslo Airport is a three-hour drive away and Torp Sandefjord Airport is two hours north.