Kalstad

Kalstad, developed during the 1960s, is in many ways an extension of Kragerø’s business district. The suburb has several good residential districts, excellent schools and sports facilities. It is has also well suited for business development. There are good hiking trails that start at Sjåen and Kalstadtjenna.

The area around Sjåen was a famous mining district about 1900. That is when mining operations were started up here to excavate rutile a mineral is used in the production of glass and china and in other industries. The world’s largest deposits of rutile are found in Kragerø.

There are two cemeteries at Kalstad. One is the municipality’s official cemetery, while the other, Bråten Cemetery, is regarded as more of a historic site. Visitors to this last cemetery sense a very special atmosphere as they wander among unique, old grave monuments resting in the shade of immense birch trees. The artist Theodor Kittelsen is one of many who have been fascinated by the place. The “Bråten Cemetery Project” has been started with the aim of refurbishing the cemetery and restoring it to the appearance it had when Kittelsen visited it in the early 1900s.

Helle

Helle lies along the Helle Fjord about seven kilometres from the centre of Kragerø. It grew up because of industrial activities, but in 1930 the largest sawmill was shut down after having existed for 350 years. The production of natural ice was once another important industry in Helle, with three large production units located here.

Helle is now a vital little residential suburb built up of large housing developments. The most important of these, Måneliheia, Sollia and Norbø, offer stunning views over the fjord and Lovisenberg on the opposite shore.