Jomfruland National Park

Om

The Jomfruland National Park Adventure
The moraine island of Jomfruland began to rise up from the sea after the last Ice Age and is home to many endangered species, making it a truly unique national park. Jomfruland is also part of the Gea Norvegica UNESCO Global Geopark. Part of the national park is also a lobster reserve.
As soon as you set foot on Jomfruland, you feel your pulse slow down—and it drops even further when you enter the enchanting, almost magical oak forest. Here, you can simply find an old oak log, sit down, and soak in the nature, the peace, and your packed lunch. This is also where Theodor Kittelsen found inspiration for creating his fairytale world of goblins, trolls, and the island's own elves and maidens. A little further away, by the mysterious Tårntjernet pond, he envisioned The Nix (Nøkken). Kittelsen stayed with lighthouse keeper Sartz in the old tower. Both the pond and the tower still stand today and can be visited on the way to Tårnbrygga. In spring 1893, Kittelsen wrote to lighthouse keeper Sartz that he wished to "place a mark on Jomfruland that will shine as brightly as your white lighthouse."
For Kittelsen, Jomfruland was "the realm of longing," a place where his creativity thrived between dream and reality. He created an entire series of artworks inspired by Jomfruland. The island's mystique, peace, and tranquility are unlike anywhere else, making it easy to completely lose yourself in daydreams. Copies of the Jomfruland series can be seen in the exhibition house next to the Visitor Center in Tårnhagen.
We also recommend a trip out to Vestre Saltstein to enjoy the beach of rolling stones and the polished rock formations dating back to the Earth's ancient past—some of the oldest in the world. You can clearly see glacial striations, evidence of the last Ice Age. The pebbles consist of many different rock types, carried here long ago by the glaciers. On the inner side of Jomfruland, you'll also find long, beautiful sandy beaches.
The Visitor Center in Tårnhagen is free to enter and open from 12:00–16:00. They serve coffee, soft drinks, waffles, and delicious homemade buns. Here you'll also find very interesting information about the coastal culture, the geopark, and the national park.
From Kragerø, we'll take you directly to Øitangen, near the bird station on the northern tip of the island. Bring good walking shoes, a windbreaker, and a packed lunch, and enjoy exploring Jomfruland National Park before we pick you up a bit further south at Tårnbrygga. It's about a 2.5 km walk along a gravel road through the center of the island or along scenic coastal trails. Maps are available on the boat.
The taxi boat picks you up at Tårnbrygga for the return trip at 2 pm. Back in Kragerø at 2.30 pm
Duration: 4,5 hours
Departure: from the taxi boat pier (next to the ferry) in Kragerø at 10 am to Øitangen
Price: NOK 350,-
Return: Tårnbrygga 2 pm
Booking in advance: tone@kragerotaxibat.no or +47 90 80 44 44

Minimum 6 people