Risør municipality has approximately 7.000 inhabitants and covers a area of 193,0 km2, lies in Aust Agder. It is easy to fall in love with Risør. This white town on the Skagerrak is the melting pot of Sørlandet. Outer Risør has the magnificent archipelago and romantic Sørland houses which stand shoulder to shoulder around the beautiful harbour. Everything goes on inside Risør. Street life is more continental than Norwegian.
It is easy to fall in love with Risør. This white town on the Skagerrak is the melting pot of Sørlandet. Outer Risør has the magnificent archipelago and romantic Sørland houses which stand shoulder to shoulder around the beautiful harbour. Everything goes on inside Risør. Street life is more continental than Norwegian.
The architecture in Risør bears witness to 300 years of development, and the town is known for its beautifully preserved wooden buildings. The town first flourished as a port for exporting timber to the Netherlands. A memorial to this era is the elegant Baroque style church, “The Church of the Holy Spirit”, built in 1647.
Risør is also known for its galleries, three of them are open all year round. During the summer comes at least three more, which is quite good concidering that Risør town has only 7.000 inhabitants. The intimate environment in Risør is perfect for the chamber music festival which draws both Norwegian and international musicians and audiences in the month of June. In August, boat lovers flock to Risør to enjoy the elegant lines and traditional workmanship of Europe’s largest collection of wooden boats during the Wooden Boat Festival.
As with so many other towns, the traditional wooden buildings were built close together. In days of old, they burned wood for heat and used oil lamps and candles for light. And as with so many other Norwegian towns, Risør has suffered the tragedy of several fires.
In 1861, 248 houses were burnt down. Fortunately, this was during one of the town’s more prosperous periods, and the buildings were replaced by large, elegant mansions. In 1991, after 30 years of debate, a carefully compiled plan for protection of the town’s buildings was agreed upon by the municipal committee. This plan included the restoration and maintenance of close to 600 houses in Risør centre, and it not only covered the buildings but also the local environment with streets and lighting.
RISØRSPOT
Risørflekken is an old landmark from the time when sailing vessels dominated the seas. On a nice day the landmark can be seen twelve nautical miles of the shore. This gave the old sailors the right position to sail straight in to Risør harbour. Till this day “Risørflekken” is used by Risørs fishermen to locate their favourite fishing spots. Not only is “Risørflekken” nice to look at, it is also nice to look from. The view from “Risørflekken” is breathtaking. The spot is painted white.
WOODEN BOAT FESTIVAL
In August, boat lovers flock to Risør to enjoy the elegant lines and traditional workmanship of Europe´s largest collection of wooden boats during the Wooden Boat Festival. Wooden boats reaching as far as the eye can see. Framed by the white houses of Sørlandet. A glimpse of the past and an exotic southern atmosphere throughout the town.
RISØR WOODEN BOAT YARD
Classic wooden hoats on display. Guided tours for groups by arrangement.
CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL
In addition to the artistic leadership of Lars Anders Tomter and Leif Ove Andsnes, audiences can look forward to meeting leading national and international musicians.
VILLVIN HANDICRAFTS MARKET
Craft market complete with “Håndverksgate” (Handicraft Lane). Demonstrations and various activities. Craftsmen from all over Norway and Scandinavia.
RISØR CLASSIC BOAT REGATTA
A regatta for traditionally-built sailing boats, and the Roundabout regatta for fast, classical motor boats.
KITE-MAKING WORKSHOP
Making kites is both fun and interesting. It is fun for the whole family and stimulating too.
RISØR ART PARK
The promotion of commercial development in Risør is closely connected to art and design, both in the shape of small handicraft studios and larger companies. Risør Art park covers fourteen galleries, studios and a café. The Villin artistic association has played an important role in the promotion of the town’s cultural life. The association’s artists work with a range of arts and crafts, from weaving, textiles, ceramics, leather, jewellery and graphic art. Each summer, the Villin art and handicrafts market is held in the middle of July. One of the largest galleries in Sørlandet, with 15 workshops, cafe, art shop and creche. Wheelchair access.
RISØR AQUARIUM
Just outside Risør Hotel and directly situated at “Dampskipsbrygga” (The Steamship pier) lies thes aquarium. The Aquarium has a thrilling selection of fish and the wildlife of the sea. The open top tanks lets you get closer to the fish. For the youngest there is also the possibility of trying their luck at fishing crab. Every day through out the summer the opening hours are 11 a.m. till 7 p.m. with a highlight at 2 p.m. when the fish are being fed.
GALLERY VILLVIN
Handicrafts gallery which has attracted over 50 handicraft artists from all over the country.
RISØR MUSEUM
Museum of local interest currently featuring an exhibition of Risør and the elements.
THE GLASS BLOWER
Situtated just outside Sandnes. You can see how ornamental glass is made. Open by arran gement.
NORWEGIAN STONE CENTRE
The lagest stone wholesaler in the Nordic countries. Exhibition and sale of stone and stone products, jewellery and gifts. Open all year.
GJØRTLERIET
About 500 meters futher along the seaside from Risør Hotel, you will find the workshop of the pewter-smith, Helge Krystad.
ACANTHUS KERAMIKK
Workshop near the townsenter where beautiful pottery is handmade.
WALKS WITH THE NIGHT WATCHMAN
Guided tours of the town with the night watchmen.
THE GIANT POTHOLES
At the peninsula of “Sild” there are some of Northern Europe’s largest potholes 5 meters (16 feet) deep and 6 meters (19 and a half foot) wide. Here you are guarantied to have a swim in surroundings you’ve never swam in before.
THE CHURCH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Was built in 1647, is known to be Norway’s most typical baroque church. The Alter piece, with the motive from the last communion, that was meant for a church in Riga, was salvaged from the ships wreck of a ship that went down just outside Risør. The church is the main stage for the Risør String Musical Festival that takes place every year. The Church of the Holy Spirit have guided tours in the period from the 30th of June till the 7th of August.
RIDING
Horseriding in the wilderness. Horses for hire / riding courses and trips in the wildcrness.
Risøyland Riding and Wilderness Camp: Kittil and Trine welcome you to the farm’s riding camp, or to a genuine wilderness holiday with overnight accommodation in traditional Sami tents.
STANGHOLMEN
Jetty with 15 mooring places, shower and washing machine. From mid-June to mid-August. Trip to Stangholmen every hour from 12 pm.
GUEST HARBOUR
Risør Inner harbour: 60 places. Shower, WC, laundry, services, WC for disabled. Risør Guest marina: 50 places. Sørlandet Camping Guest harbour: 20 berths. Shower, WC, shop, cafe, washing, drying, Trampoline and play-ground. Risøya: Risør Motorbåtforening’s (Risør Motor Boat Association) guest jetty with around 20 mooring places. kiosk and activities. Finnøya sailing Centre: Shower, WC, service and kiosk.
FISHING
Take a boat to the best places to sunbathe and swim in the archipelago. Sea and fjord fishing in the evening, during the swimming season, and otherwise throughout the year by arrangement onboard M/S Østerfjord. 20 people (max. 10 people on each fishing trip). Wheelchair ramp for 2 people. There is good fishing from the shore or from a boat. Sea-angling trips can be arranged on a hired boat. The ocean has always been an important means of sustenance. Sea-fishing is unrivalled here. Try your luck casting the line from the rocky foreshore. A day at sea is an unforgettable experience, fishing either from a smack or a cutter, a bite is virtually guaranteed.
GOLF
Golf Clubs in Aust and Vest Agder.