Another pearl of the Norwegian coast (in the Telemark region) is the Jomfruland Marine National Park. The park’s land area – only 2% – includes part of the coast near the Kragerø and one hundred and sixty islets, the largest of which – Jomfruland – gave its name to this protected natural area. But even such a small area is enough to offer sandy and rocky beaches. By the way, the local pebble beach is one of the longest in the country, almost 7 km long.

There is a rainforest here, but it is underwater. These are so-called highly productive marine areas where there are high densities of bladder wrack, kelp and eelgrass, which are a haven for fish and crustaceans. Every square meter of this “blue forest” is home to tens of thousands of snails, mussels and crustaceans.

In summer, the national park is full of sailing and boating tourists, and sea fishing is allowed all year round. To see the most beautiful view, tourists climb the old lighthouse on the Jomfruland island.

The local landscapes inspire not only tourists, but also artists. Two famous Norwegian painters – Theodor Kittelsen and Edvard Munch – dedicated their paintings to their favorite places in Jomfruland and Kragerø. Munch devoted an entire series to the city, immortalizing its streets, nature and buildings at different times of the year. Grateful residents of the Kragerø commune erected a monument to their world-famous compatriot in 1998, in memory of this period in his work, which lasted six years (1909-1915).

The entire national park is an important resting place for migratory birds. Over 300 species of birds can be observed here – more than anywhere else in Norway.