Kragerø

Kragerø is extremely popular among Norwegians (as well as foreigners) as a vacation destination during the summer, when the population swells considerably (approx. 250% increase).

Edvard Munch fell in love with Kragerø in his days, and gave it the name "Pearl of the coastal towns" (Perlen blandt kystbyene).

1 The name
2 Coat-of-arms
3 Locations / villages in Kragerø
4 Famous inhabitants

[edit] The name

The Norse form of the name was Krákarøy. The first element is probably the genitive case of *krák f 'crow' (a sideform of kráka f 'crow'). The last element is øy for 'island' or 'ey' as in Scottish.

Another possible origin of the first part of the name, originates from the Norse word 'krag' as in the Scottish 'crag', meaning steep. This would refer to the extreme steepness of the island's eastern and southern facades. I should also be noted that 'Krak' is a boy's name in Norse.

The form Kragerø is a Danish form of the name, established in the 17th Century.

[edit] Coat-of-arms

The coat-of-arms is from 1938. It shows a galley. (When Kragerø was given the rights of a city in 1666 the citizens in return was obliged to equip a galley.)

[edit] Locations / villages in Kragerø

Helle
Sannidal
Skåtøy
Jomfruland
Portør
Furuholmen
Tåtøy

[edit] Famous inhabitants

Municipalities of Telemark
Bamble \| Bø \| Drangedal \| Fyresdal \| Hjartdal \| Kragerø \| Kviteseid \| Nissedal \| Nome \| Notodden \| Porsgrunn \| Sauherad \| Seljord \| Siljan \| Skien \| Tinn \| Tokke \| Vinje