Jomfruland National Park

Jomfruland Overview

Jomfruland National Park, known locally as Jomfruland nasjonalpark, is a scenic coastal park in Norway, covering approximately 55 square miles (143 square kilometers).

Located along the southeastern coast in the municipality of Kragerø in Vestfold og Telemark County, the park consists of both land and sea, with islands, skerries, and marine ecosystems forming its distinctive landscape. The park was established in 2016 to protect the area’s rich biodiversity, cultural heritage, and geological formations.

The island of Jomfruland, which gives the park its name, is a long, narrow island formed by glacial deposits, creating a unique mix of rolling meadows, coastal forests, and stunning beaches along the Skagerrak Sea.

The terrain of Jomfruland National Park is a result of glacial activity, with the island itself being a terminal moraine, created by the last Ice Age. The landscape varies from the pebble-covered western shoreline to the lush woodlands and flower-filled meadows on the eastern side.

The park is home to rich oak forests, juniper fields, and wetlands, offering a diverse range of habitats. The dramatic contrast between the rugged stone beaches and the softer, vegetated interior makes the park an attractive destination for visitors seeking scenic beauty. The island also has several freshwater ponds and marshy areas, crucial for birdlife and amphibians.

Jomfruland National Park is renowned for its abundant birdlife, making it a haven for birdwatchers. Over 300 species of birds have been recorded in the area, with notable species including the white-tailed eagle, osprey, Eurasian bittern, and common eider. The island is an important stopover for migrating birds, and Jomfruland Bird Station plays a key role in studying and conserving avian species.

Besides birds, the park supports a variety of mammals, such as red deer, roe deer, foxes, and otters, while the surrounding waters host harbor seals and porpoises. The rich marine ecosystem includes kelp forests, eelgrass beds, and diverse fish populations, sustaining a dynamic coastal environment.

One of the most iconic features of the park is the Jomfruland Lighthouse, which consists of two towers—one built in 1839 and the other in 1938. The lighthouse is a major attraction, offering stunning panoramic views of the coastline. The park also has numerous hiking and biking trails, allowing visitors to explore the island’s scenic beauty.

The rolling meadows and coastal forests provide a perfect setting for peaceful walks and wildlife observation. Additionally, the park’s beaches and rocky shores invite visitors to relax, swim, and enjoy the serene surroundings. Kayaking and boating are popular activities, offering a chance to explore the skerries and small islands that make up much of the park’s maritime area.

Conservation efforts in Jomfruland National Park focus on preserving its delicate coastal and marine ecosystems, which are vulnerable to climate change and human impact. The park management actively works on protecting bird habitats, restoring wetlands, and preventing over-tourism.

There has been success in monitoring and regulating activities to minimize disturbances to wildlife, ensuring that the park remains a sanctuary for both nature and visitors. With its blend of natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and cultural heritage, Jomfruland National Park offers an unforgettable experience for those looking to explore Norway’s coastal wonders.

Park Map

Jomfruland National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Jomfruland National Park, located along the southeastern coast of Norway, is known for its beautiful coastal landscapes, rolling pebble beaches, and diverse wildlife. The park is home to a variety of species that thrive in its unique mix of marine, forest, and meadow habitats. Below are some of the more popular species found within the park.

European Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus)
This small and agile deer is commonly seen grazing in the park’s meadows and woodlands. They have a reddish-brown summer coat that turns grayish in winter, and males grow small antlers that are shed and regrown each year.

Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)
An adaptable and cunning predator, the red fox is frequently spotted in Jomfruland National Park. With its striking reddish fur, bushy tail, and sharp senses, it thrives in both forested and open landscapes, preying on small mammals, birds, and insects.

Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina)
Harbor seals can often be seen resting on the rocky shores of Jomfruland. These marine mammals have a distinctive spotted coat and are excellent swimmers, hunting fish and squid in the surrounding waters.

Otter (Lutra lutra)
A playful and elusive resident of the park’s coastal waters, the otter is an expert swimmer and skilled hunter of fish, crustaceans, and amphibians. Its thick fur keeps it warm even in cold water.

European Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus)
A nocturnal insectivore, the European hedgehog is a frequent visitor to Jomfruland’s grassy fields and forest edges. It is well-known for its spiny coat, which provides excellent defense against predators.

Eurasian Badger (Meles meles)
Badgers live in family groups in underground burrows and are mostly nocturnal. They are omnivores, feeding on earthworms, small mammals, and berries, and their distinctive black-and-white striped face makes them easy to recognize.

European Pine Marten (Martes martes)
This agile and tree-dwelling carnivore is an excellent climber, often hunting birds, rodents, and insects. With its sleek brown fur and cream-colored throat patch, the pine marten is a rare but exciting sight in Jomfruland.

Harbor Porpoise (Phocoena phocoena)
A small and shy marine mammal, the harbor porpoise is sometimes spotted in the waters surrounding the park. They are known for their rounded heads, small dorsal fins, and preference for coastal habitats.

Brown Hare (Lepus europaeus)
Distinguished by its long ears and powerful hind legs, the brown hare is a fast and agile species often seen in open fields and meadows. It has a keen sense of hearing and can reach high speeds to escape predators.

European Adder (Vipera berus)
As Norway’s only venomous snake, the European adder is an important part of the park’s ecosystem. It has a characteristic zigzag pattern along its back and can be found basking in sunny spots on rocky outcrops or forest clearings.

Birds

Jomfruland National Park is also home to a remarkable variety of bird species, making it an ideal destination for birdwatchers. The island’s mix of coastal, wetland, and woodland environments provides a haven for both migratory and resident birds.

White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla)
One of Europe’s largest birds of prey, the white-tailed eagle is a majestic sight in Jomfruland. With a wingspan of up to 2.4 meters, this powerful raptor primarily hunts fish and waterfowl along the coast.

Eurasian Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus)
Recognizable by its black-and-white plumage and bright orange beak, the oystercatcher is commonly found along the park’s shores. It feeds on shellfish and other marine invertebrates, using its strong bill to pry them open.

Common Eider (Somateria mollissima)
This large sea duck is known for its soft, insulating down feathers. Males are black and white with a greenish nape, while females are brown and mottled for camouflage. They are often seen diving for mollusks and crustaceans.

Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus)
With its striking white body, black wingtips, and yellowish head, the northern gannet is a skilled diver, plunging into the sea at high speeds to catch fish. They are frequently seen off the coast of Jomfruland.

Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata)
This wading bird is known for its long, down-curved bill, which it uses to probe mudflats and wet meadows for invertebrates. Its eerie, bubbling call is a distinctive sound in the park’s coastal areas.

Common Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna)
A strikingly colored duck with a black, white, and chestnut body, the common shelduck is often seen in tidal flats and estuaries. It primarily feeds on small invertebrates and aquatic vegetation.

Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus)
A common and noisy coastal bird, the black-headed gull is easily recognized by its dark summer plumage on its head, which turns white in winter. It is an opportunistic feeder, scavenging and hunting for small fish and insects.

Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis)
This medium-sized goose is a frequent visitor to Jomfruland, especially during migration. It has black and white plumage and is known for its loud, high-pitched calls.

Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo)
Often seen perched on rocky outcrops drying its wings, the great cormorant is a large, black waterbird with a hooked bill used for catching fish. It is an excellent swimmer, diving underwater to hunt.

Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio)
This small but fierce bird is known for its habit of impaling prey, such as insects and small vertebrates, on thorns or barbed wire for later consumption. Males have a distinctive black mask and a reddish back, while females are more muted in color.

Jomfruland National Park’s unique blend of coastal and forested habitats makes it an exceptional destination for wildlife enthusiasts, offering opportunities to observe both land and marine species in their natural environment.