Quaint wooden houses, festivals, and an archipelago with idyllic islands, sandy beaches and saltwater pools – an ocean breeze with a cultural touch awaits in Risør.
In Southern Norway just an hour and a half from Kristiansand, you’ll find the jewel that is Risør – a town with a well-preserved historic centre full of white-painted wooden houses and narrow streets.
Small and charming islands make up an idyllic archipelago that is favoured by many Norwegians during summer. From water sports and swimming to “the catch of the day” at seafood restaurants – the ocean is a big part of life here.
The town is also increasingly known for its craftsmanship and creativity – and the locals know how to put on good festivals to show it off.
The popular wooden boat festival Trebåtfestivalen celebrates boatbuilding, while the Risør chamber music festival and FyrJam bring together musicians and music lovers. The local gallery Villvin hosts the annual Villvinmarkedet festival, which showcases and sells work from more than a hundred artists.
Get in-depth travel information on Risør’s official website.
Explore all the options below, or go directly to:
Top things to do
Don't miss these highlights.
RisørFerry to Stangholmen
VegårsheiWar history at Vierli
RisørGalleri Villvin
SundebruAbel centre in Gjerstad
RisørPotholes at Sild
Where to stay
Book comfy hotels or cosy cabins. Find your home away from home.
RisørRisør Hotel
SøndeledJegertunet Feriesenter
RisørLindland Natur
VegårsheiFærsnes Gjestegård guesthouse
VegårsheiVegårtun
RisørRøed Camping
RisørRisør Pensjonat B&B
Food and drink
Taste delicious local food and book a table at a fine restaurant.
Getting here and around
Plan your trip to Risør with Entur, Norway's official travel planner.
By train
The Sørlandsbanen Railway line between Oslo and Stavanger stops at Gjerstad station, from where you can continue by bus to Risør.
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 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.
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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 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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