RISØR

Cultural vibes by the sea

Explore the laidback vibes of Risør. Famous for its quaint traditional white wooden houses and vibrant creative scene, the town is located just over an hour from Kristiansand in Southern Norway.

Risør is a compact city that is easy to cover on foot. Explore narrow lanes decorated with flowers and browse for something special to take home in the city's niche shops.

Get up close to the creatures of the sea and explore over 500 different species at Risør Aquarium.

Explore more of the quaint coast at nearby villages like Lyngør, or in the maritime national parks Jomfruland in Kragerø and Raet, which runs through Arendal, Grimstad, and Tvedestrand.

Explore all the options below, or go directly to:

Flower pots at Galleri Villvin in Risør, Southern Norway.

Risør Trebåtfestival (The wooden boat festival) in Risør

A family kayaking through a strait in the archipelago of Risør, Southern Norway

A person standing on the edge of a pothole at Sild in Risør, Southern Norway.

Concert at Stangholmen lighthouse in Risør

People on M/F Øisang in Risør, Southern Norway.

Listen to the gentle sound of the waves lapping the shore and let the sun paint freckles on your nose as you stroll along the harbour.

Enjoy panoramic views from Risørflekken, and sign up for a historic walk with a traditional watchman.

Risør is known as an art and culture city. Risør Kunstpark has two galleries and studio space where artists work.

The traditional white wooden houses are not the only wooden structures Risør is known for. They’re pretty good at boat building, too.

They even host an annual wooden boat festival: Risør trebåtfestival.

Old and new vessels lined up next to each other, visitors enjoy the freshest seafood out there, and there's also a sailing regatta – this is what maritime dreams are made of!

The idyllic island is also the perfect base to go kayaking through the Risør archipelago.

And you’ll have no trouble finding a nice and secluded swimming spot.

Or do you want to go for a swim in this little saltwater pool?

The potholes at Sild provide a unique seawater dip.

At The Risør Chamber Music Festival, held the last week of June, some of the best musicians in the world perform in a variety of venues across the city – some are even hosted in private homes.

You don’t need your own boat to explore the archipelago.

Go old-school! The family-friendly Lille Danmark beach at Risøya is just a short trip from Risør aboard the M/F Øisang, the oldest wooden car ferry in Norway that is still in operation.

The ferry was built at the local Moen boatyard, which is also home to the Risør Coastal Heritage Centre. Here, you can learn more about traditional boat building, and let your kids build their own boat and fish for tiny crabs from the pier.

Top things to do

Don't miss these highlights.

Risør
Ferry to Stangholmen
Vegårshei
War history at Vierli
Sundebru
Den lille Dyrehage Zoo in Gjerstad
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Risør
Risørflekken sea beacon
Risør
Urheia cultural trail in Risør
Risør
Galleri Villvin
Søndeled
Øisang wooden car ferry M/F Øisang
Risør
Risør Church guided tour
Risør
Risør Aquarium
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Sundebru
Abel centre in Gjerstad
Risør
Gallery Branntårnet in Risør
Risør
Branntårnet Scenic viewpoint in Risør
Risør
Potholes at Sild
Risør
Fishing holiday - Sørlandet Feriesenter
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Find more attractions

A person sitting on a bed in Det lille hotel in Risør, Southern Norway

Two women standing on the terrace of Gjøkeredet tree house in Gjerstad, Southern Norway.

Ahoy there!

It's a familiar refrain as you approach the guest harbour.

You can stay on your own boat in the marina, or rent a cosy summer house in one of the lanes that overlooks the archipelago. Just remember to book well in advance.

At the award-winning and historic Det lille hotel, you’ll find just what you need to recharge after a day of seaside fun.

The hotel is a member of De Historiske, a collection of Norway's most charming historic hotels and restaurants.

The treetop cabins in Gjerstad are also a must! Kids will love it.

Where to stay

Book comfy hotels or cosy cabins. Find your home away from home.

Risør
Det Lille Hotel Maritime Suites Risør
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Risør
Risør Hotel
Søndeled
Jegertunet Feriesenter
Risør
Lindland Natur
Risør
Motorhome parking in Risør center
Vegårshei
Færsnes Gjestegård guesthouse
Vegårshei
Vegårtun
Risør
Røed Camping
Gjerstad
Trehyttene - Treetop cabins in Gjerstad
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Risør
Risør Pensjonat B&B
Risør
Risør Resort Moen Camping
Risør
Sørlandet Feriesenter Camping

More accommodation alternatives

To experience rock and pop by a variety of up and coming bands, head to the lighthouse music festival FyrJam by boarding theAgnes ferry toStangholmen island.

While you’re there, you must try the chef's renowned seafood soup at the gourmet restaurant at Stangholmen lighthouse – Stangholmen bouillabaisse!

There is plenty of delicious fresh seafood in Risør!

The popular outdoor restaurant Risørfiskemottak doesn’t even have a set menu – just the catch of the day! It's also a fishmonger, so you can bring home a snack for supper or Sunday brunch if you're staying in the area. Can’t say no to that, can you?

Strandgata is home to some of Norway's most beautiful outdoor restaurants, right by the sea.

Food and drink

Taste delicious local food and book a table at a fine restaurant.

Risør
Risør Hotel Restaurant og terrasse
Risør
Kortreist Lykke
Risør
Stangholmen Lighthouse Restaurant
Risør
Risør Fiskemottak
Risør
Peterhead Bar
Risør
Stavelin Kafe og Konditori
Risør
Stranden
Risør
Hjembu Gård

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A traditional watchman in front of a Christmas parade in Risør, Southern Norway.

Are you dreaming of a charming small-town Christmas?

Christmas lights twinkling in the narrow streets, traditional decorations, and activities for the whole family – December in Risør is magical!

Find more information on Risør's official website

visitsorlandet.com/risor

Getting here and around

Plan your trip to Risør with Entur, Norway's official travel planner.

By car
If you want to drive from Oslo or Kristiansand, follow the E18 to Akland, and then the Fv416 to Risør.
Plan your route, check traffic alerts, ferry information and more on the Norwegian Roads Administration website.
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By boat
You can travel by ferry to Kristiansand from Hirtshals in Denmark or to Sandefjord from Strömstad in Sweden. Both ports have bus connections to Risør.
By plane
The closest airports to Risør are Kristiansand Airport and Torp Sandefjord Airport. Both airports have bus connections to Risør.
You can also fly to Oslo Airport and continue your journey to Risør by bus or a combination of train and bus.
Ad: Norwegian – cheap and direct flights in Norway and over 70 European destinations
By bus
There are several daily bus services to Vinterkjær near Risør from Oslo, Kristiansand, and Stavanger. From Vinterkjær, you can take a local bus or a taxi to Risør (10 minutes).
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By train
The Sørlandsbanen Railway line between Oslo and Stavanger stops at Gjerstad station, from where you can continue by bus to Risør.
Ad: Visit Vy’s website for tickets and timetables

Discover more

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A girl on a family holiday in Trysil, Eastern Norway, in the climbing park Høyt & Lavt

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