Listen to the sound of the waves and let the sun paint freckles on your nose as you stroll along the harbour.
It’s time to explore the laidback vibes of Risør. The town, famous not only for its white-painted wooden houses but also for its contagious creative passion, is located a mere hour and a half from Kristiansand in Southern Norway.
You can live in your boat in the marina, or you can rent a quaint summer house in one of the alleys that overlook the archipelago. Just remember to book well in advance.
Summer in Risør
.
Photo:
Adam Read / Visit Sørlandet
Summer in Risør
.
Photo:
Adam Read / Visit Sørlandet
Risør is a totally walkable city. Get a panoramic view from Risørflekken, sign up for a historic walk with a traditional watchman, or explore the streets on your own.
Treasures await around every corner, in both niche shops like Embla design and the many cafes and restaurants.
Risør
.
Photo:
Christine Baglo
Risør
.
Photo:
Christine Baglo
You’ll want to go back to the marina eventually, though – because the white-painted houses are not the only wooden handicraft Risør is known for. They’re pretty good at boat building, too.
Old and new vessels lined up next to each other,the freshest seafood out there, and a sailing regatta – this is what maritime dreams are made of!
Trebåtfestivalen in Risør
.
Photo:
Adam Read / Visit Sørlandet
Trebåtfestivalen in Risør
.
Photo:
Adam Read / Visit Sørlandet
The creative vibes lie thick over Risør. Go on an artistic journey through GalleriVillvin, which displays and sells handicraft from more than one hundred Scandinavian artists.
At the annual Villvinmarkedet festival in July, you can get your hands on even more handicraft products.
Galleri Villvin in Risør
.
Photo:
Galleri Villvin
Galleri Villvin in Risør
.
Photo:
Galleri Villvin
The people of Risør are passionate about their music as well. At The Risør Chamber Music Festival in the last week of June, some of the best musicians in the world perform in about 30 concerts in different venues – some even in private people’s homes.
Potholes at Sild
.
Photo:
Peder Austrud / Visit Sørlandet
Potholes at Sild
.
Photo:
Peder Austrud / Visit Sørlandet
The best way to explore the archipelago is undeniably by boat, but you don’t need your own.
Go old-school! The family-friendly Lille Danmark beach at Risøya is just a short trip from Risør with M/F Øisang, the oldest wooden car ferry in Norway that is still in operation.
The ferry was built at the local boatyard Moen, which is also home to Risør coastal heritage centre. Here, you can learn more about boat building, and let your kids build their own boat or just fish for tiny crabs from the pier.
And speaking of shellfish …
M/F Øisang in Risør
.
Photo:
Adam Read / Visit Sørlandet
M/F Øisang in Risør
.
Photo:
Adam Read / Visit Sørlandet
… it should come as no surprise that the seafood here is super fresh. At the popular outdoor restaurant Risørfiskemottak, they don’t even have a set menu – they serve thecatch of the day!
They have a shop as well, so you can bring home a snack for supper or Sunday brunch. Can’t say no to that, can you?
The cafés have got your dessert sorted. Perhaps the locals’ favourite “melkekake” (milk cake) from Stavelin will be your new craving, too?
Shrimp
.
Photo:
Marte Kopperud / Visitnorway.com
Shrimp
.
Photo:
Marte Kopperud / Visitnorway.com
After a day packed with fun, the ocean breeze will have made you tired. At the award-winning and historic Det lille hotel, you’ll find just what you need to recharge.
Det lille hotel in Risør
.
Photo:
BorderFreeTravels / Fredrik Bye
Det lille hotel in Risør
.
Photo:
BorderFreeTravels / Fredrik Bye
But that is not the only charming place to spend a night in Risør – the tree houses in Gjerstad are bucket-list worthy! And if you have kids, those little monkeys will love it.