Kragerø Archipelago
Kragerøskjærgården · Jomfruland approaches · Kragerø øyer
58°52.2'N 009°24.3'E
Depth
4–12m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
80m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m
80m in 4–10m. Good holding on mud throughout. Outer skerries anchorages have more swing room than inner Blindleia-style passages. Shore line recommended in exposed positions. Check wind direction — SE exposure is the main vulnerability in this area.
About This Anchorage
The Kragerø archipelago stretches south of the charming historic town of Kragerø (known as 'the pearl of the coastal towns' and beloved by the painter Edvard Munch who summered here) into a maze of hundreds of islands, skerries and islets in the Skagerrak. The archipelago offers outstanding cruising with countless anchorages varying from completely sheltered inner leads to more open outer skerries. Jomfruland National Park (accessible 8nm south) is a long sandy island with a lighthouse and unique coastal flora. The town of Kragerø has an atmospheric historic core, excellent guest harbour and good provisioning.
Protected From
N · NW · W · SW
Exposed To
E · SE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Allemannsretten applies. Jomfruland National Park (8nm S) has specific landing restrictions — check park boundaries. Maintain 150m from inhabited dwellings. Fishing gear is prevalent throughout — check for net floats before anchoring.
Hazards
- !Skagerrak east swell: easterly or southeasterly systems can build steep seas in the outer skerries — choose well-protected coves facing W or NW
- !Extensive fishing gear throughout the archipelago — nets, crab pots and long lines; fish-hook cutter on propeller shaft essential
- !Numerous unlit rocks and isolated dangers in the skerries — never navigate without detailed Norwegian chart; do not cut between islands at speed
- !Weekend powerboat traffic from Oslo area can be heavy in July — wake from fast powerboats is the main anchored-boat nuisance
Skipper's Tips
- →Kragerø guest harbour is an excellent base — anchor out in the skerries by day and return for overnight if preferred
- →Munch's Kragerø: explore the town by dinghy landing at the guest quay — the old wooden quarter is well-preserved and atmospheric
- →Jomfruland island (8nm S) is worth a day sail: long sandy beach, lighthouse, and unique coastal ecology — anchor off the east beach in light conditions
- →Norwegian Sjøkart chart 8 covers this area — download the Kartverket app for offline chart access on tablet
Facilities
Kragerø town (3nm N) has full facilities: water, fuel, restaurants, provisioning, chandlery. Guest harbour at Kragerø has good services. Outer skerries have no facilities.
Nearest provisions: Kragerø town centre / guest harbour (3nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August
July is peak season. June and August offer more space and similar weather. The Skagerrak passage from Denmark or the Kiel Canal makes Kragerø a first Norwegian landfall for many Baltic sailors heading north.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 80m
In Norway's skjærgård archipelago, summer katabatic squalls and tidal streams can drag anchors without warning. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.
Download Free for iOS