Top 5 experiences in coastal Telemark

The coast of Telemark is scattered with islands, skerries and small idyllic villages. Here's the best of the best from the Telemark coast.

Tåtøy, Skåtøy, Jomfruland – artist of all sorts have always loved the stretch of islands and skerries outside of Kragerø.

It's the light, its fairytale-like scenery and its tranquility that has been attracting them. The calmness of the nature close to Skagerak has had a positive effect on a lot of artist's minds. Theodor Kittelsen found the fairy tale character Nøkken at Jomfruland, Edvard Munch found peace of mind and inspiration in Kragerø, Erik Werenskiold and his wife Sophie Thomsen gathered their artist friends on the island of Tåtøy and Oda and Christian Krogh shocked the locals with their public nudity in Bjelkeviken on Skåtøy island.

There is 16 km of shoreline framing the island of Jomfruland and both mermaids and other maids can rest, dream and stare into the wild blue waves. Skåtøy has a rich cultural agenda and for the 15th time this summer they are arranging their folk song and poetry festival. Why not search for your favorite island amongst Kragerø's islands and skerries?

The ferry companies in Brevik and Helgeroa invites to island hopping.

They are inviting tourists and locals to join them on an island adventure along the coast of Telemark. There are nine different island destinations to choose from and the ferries correspond both with each other and with the local busses. Start your island hopping from Brevik and visit Løvøya, take a walk over to Sandøya and continue on towards Helgeroa and the coastal paths or towards Langesund and enjoy a platter full of mussels.

The coast of Telemark has surprisingly many beaches.

In Langesund you can find the beautiful Krogshavn with its great grass field for playing and slopes of naked rock running down into the sea and shallow water.

Gunnarsholmen in Kragerø is also a beach worth mentioning. Here the kids have their own seawater pool while the older kids and the adults can enjoy the sandy beach. The marina is just next to the beach so if you arrive by boat, there is easy access.

Brønstadbukta is situated outside Porsgrunn in the Eidangerfjord. It is a sheltered cove where you can hunt for crabs from the pier, take a swim to the floating dock, play games on the grass or take a leap into the sea from the cliffs.

In Bamble you will find Ivarsand – a beach particularily suitable for families with small children. If you prefer a quiet cove with a charming park where you can spend your days reading, you should try out Mule Varde between Porsgrunn and Bamble.

Those of you who fancy walking should give "Kyststien" (the coastal path) a try.

It is a 62 km long marked path that leads you over hilltops and naked rocks, through leaf forests and past beautiful beaches, idyllic cultural landscapes and nice views of the coastal landscape. The path is divided into six and each of them can be walked in a day. You will wander through nature reserves and can sleep at camping sites or hotels along the way if you choose to walk the whole Kyststien during a summer week.

For the locals of Telemark it hasn't felt like summer without a stroll through the narrow streets of Langesund, Kragerø or Brevik.

The charming villages fill up with sun loving tourists every summer. You can take a peek in one of the many art galleries, have an ice cream in the main square or drink a ice-coffee while watching the boats in the port area.