About

Jomfruland, located at the outermost edge of the Kragerø Archipelago, is a beautiful, flat moraine island and a central part of Jomfruland National Park. The island, with just over 70 permanent residents, is a cycling paradise and is extremely popular, especially in summer, due to its unique pebble beach and the special cultural landscape of the Oak Forest (Eikeskogen). The island is perfect for families with children and offers great experiences in spring, summer, and autumn.

Route Description: From Tårnbrygga to Øitangen

Bring your bike and experience this unique pebble island from the saddle!

Arrival and Starting Point (Tårnbrygga)

You arrive at Jomfruland at Tårnbrygga. Here you will find a well-maintained public sandy beach with shallow water—a popular playground for families. The area also features service buildings with toilets, showers, and washing machines.

The cycling tour itself starts from the Tårnkrysset (Tower Junction), by the mailbox stand with information signs, just after Sykkel-Knut's workshop.

Culture, Nature, and Kittelsen

From Tårnkrysset, you pass the fire station and Ormedammen (a small pond where cows drink). Here you can turn off towards Tårntjernet. Follow the forest road on the left for a while to see Tårntjernet, which was immortalized by Theodor Kittelsen in his Jomfruland Cycle from 1893. From the tarn, you can cycle further down towards Utsida to enjoy the beautiful horizon.

The Lighthouse and The Manor:

  • Lighthouse Keeper's Garden and The Tower: Cycle back to Tårntjernet, turn right, and follow the arrows into the forest to the Lighthouse Keeper's Garden (Fyrmesterhagen). If you haven't already been up in the Tower (lighthouse), now is the time! (Outside the summer season, the tower is closed but can be opened upon request for groups).
  • The Main Road: Continue down onto Hviteveien (the main road). You pass the old schoolhouse and the community hall, and cycle through the beautiful courtyard of the Manor (Hovedgården).
  • Alternatives: From the Manor, you can turn right through the gate to Saltstein, or shortly after, take the path down to the Outdoor Church (Friluftskirken).
  • Hasselgården: If you continue straight ahead, you will reach Hasselgården, where you can buy newspapers and all kinds of healthy organic vegetables.

Oak Forest, Pebbles, and Birdlife

After Hasselgården, follow the gravel road that leads into the magnificent Oak Forest (Eikeskogen). This is a fantastic cultural landscape with rare vegetation.

The road continues through the hazel forest and out to Øitangen on the northern tip. Here you will find a staffed bird station with competent and friendly ornithologists. A trip up the bird-watching tower gives you a spectacular view of the entire north end of the island (Guided tours should be booked in advance). Øitangen also has a lovely white sandy beach.

Return and Accommodation

From Øitangen, the tour heads south-west (return), past the community hall, the schoolhouse, Tårnkrysset, and the fire station again. If you cycle a little further, you will reach the campsites and the ferry terminal at Åsvik brygge.

Jomfruland Camping is a great base for those who wish to stay on the island for a few days—sleeping in a tent or renting a cabin! For animal lovers, Gundersen Visitor Farm (Jomfruland Horse Center) offers many exciting animals and also horse rental.

Jomfruland is a beautiful, but also very vulnerable place that we all must help to take care of!

Transport, Accommodation, and Eateries

Transport and Practicalities

Take the ferry or water taxi from Kragerø or Valle to Jomfruland. The ferry crossing takes approximately one hour.

Accommodation and Food

  • Cafés and Restaurants: Haga Kystkafé, Tårnbrygga Cafe ("Smaken av Jomfruland"), and Okidokk Mat & Drikke.
  • Accommodation: Jomfruland Camping, DNT Øitangen, and Gundersen Visitor Farm.

Note! Opening hours for Jomfruland's eateries vary outside the summer season. Some places close, while others, like Haga Kystkafé, may be open on some weekends. Always check the opening hours in advance (preferably on Facebook), and remember to bring packed food and drinks!