Guest Harbours on the Southern Norwegian Coast: Prices, Facilities and Tips

# Guest Harbours on the Southern Norwegian Coast: Prices, Facilities and Tips

The southern Norwegian coast – the stretch from Kristiansand to Kragerø – is Norway's most popular coastline for boaters in summer. With its white timber towns, sheltered archipelagos and countless anchorages, the coast attracts thousands of leisure boats every year. Here is our complete overview of guest harbours along the southern coast.

Kristiansand – Capital of the South

Gravane Guest Harbour

• Location: Central Kristiansand, by the Fish Market (Fiskebrygga).
• Capacity: Approx. 100 guest berths.
• Facilities: Shore power, water, showers, toilets, laundry, wifi.
• Price: Approx. NOK 350–500/night depending on boat size (2024 prices, may vary).
• Nearby: Restaurants, shops, Fiskebrygga with seafood dining.
• Tip: Popular in July – arrive early or call on VHF channel 12.

See available boats in Kristiansand to start your southern coast journey here.

Lillesand – Southern Pearl

Lillesand Guest Harbour

• Location: In the town centre, at the eastern entry to Blindleia.
• Capacity: Approx. 80 berths.
• Facilities: Shore power, water, showers, toilets.
• Price: Approx. NOK 300–450/night.
• Nearby: The Seamen's Church, restaurants, ice cream parlour.
• Tip: Lillesand is the starting point for Blindleia – perfect for a day trip west towards Kristiansand.

Grimstad – Ibsen's Town

Grimstad Guest Harbour

• Location: In the harbour basin, central.
• Capacity: Approx. 70 berths.
• Facilities: Shore power, water, showers, toilets, wifi.
• Price: Approx. NOK 300–400/night.
• Nearby: Ibsen Museum, restaurants, ice cream bar.
• Tip: Grimstad's harbour promenade is one of the southern coast's most pleasant spots for an evening stroll.

Arendal – the Archipelago City

Pollen Guest Harbour

• Location: In Pollen, Arendal's historic harbour basin.
• Capacity: Approx. 60 berths.
• Facilities: Shore power, water, showers, toilets.
• Price: Approx. NOK 350–500/night.
• Nearby: Restaurants, Arendal Cultural Centre, Tyholmen (historic timber quarter).
• Tip: Arendal is a perfect base for exploring the archipelago by boat or finding a dock spot.

Tvedestrand – the Quiet Pearl

Tvedestrand Guest Harbour

• Location: In the town centre, along the river estuary.
• Capacity: Approx. 50 berths.
• Facilities: Shore power, water, showers, toilets.
• Price: Approx. NOK 250–400/night.
• Nearby: Tvedestrand Book Town, antiquarian bookshops, cafes.
• Tip: Tvedestrand is one of the southern coast's most underrated towns – cosy and calm, without the summer rush.

Lyngor – Europe's Best Preserved

Lyngor Guest Harbour

• Location: Between the four islands that make up Lyngor.
• Capacity: Limited – approx. 30 berths.
• Facilities: Basic – water and toilet.
• Price: Approx. NOK 200–350/night.
• Nearby: Lyngor inn, shop (summer season).
• Tip: Lyngor is car-free and has a very special atmosphere. Arrive early – berths fill up quickly in peak season.

Risør – the White Town

Risør Guest Harbour

• Location: In the harbour basin, surrounded by white timber houses.
• Capacity: Approx. 80 berths.
• Facilities: Shore power, water, showers, toilets, laundry.
• Price: Approx. NOK 350–500/night.
• Nearby: Risør Wooden Boat Festival (August), restaurants, art galleries.
• Tip: During the Wooden Boat Festival the harbour is fully booked – reserve well in advance.

Kragerø – Munch's Summer Paradise

Kragerø Guest Harbour

• Location: In the town centre, by the Kragerø bridge.
• Capacity: Approx. 60 berths.
• Facilities: Shore power, water, showers, toilets.
• Price: Approx. NOK 300–450/night.
• Nearby: Kragerø Art Association, restaurants, Skatoy ferry.
• Tip: The Kragerø archipelago has hundreds of islands – spend an extra day exploring.

General Tips for Guest Harbours on the Southern Coast

• Season: Most guest harbours are staffed from mid-June to mid-August. Outside the season many harbours are open but unstaffed.
• Payment: Most guest harbours use the Havneguiden app or Vipps payment. Some also accept cards.
• Booking: Few guest harbours on the southern coast take reservations – it is mostly first come, first served. Arrive before 15:00 in peak season.
• Shore power: Standard shore power is 230V/16A. Bring an adapter if needed.
• Waste: Most harbours have waste sorting. Some also offer septic tank pump-out.

Plan Your Southern Coast Trip

The southern coast is perfect for a 5–7 day boat holiday, hopping from harbour to harbour and discovering something new each day. Read our article on summer holiday by boat: 3 ready routes for a complete travel plan along the southern coast.

For a more detailed guide to the Kristiansand area, see Kristiansand by boat: the best stops.

Ready to explore the southern Norwegian coast paradise? Find boats in Kristiansand or Arendal and start planning.