Welcome to beautiful spring days in Risør
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As the spring sun slowly but surely takes over from the winter cold, the white wooden town of Risør comes to life.
April is a perfect time to experience this historic southern town - whether you're planning a romantic weekend getaway, an outing with friends or a family vacation. With Easter coming late this year (Easter Eve is April 20), April is an ideal month for a visit to Risør.
🎸 There's a lot happening in April! 🎭
Check the full calendar at the bottom of the page! 👇
Experience the wooden house town of Risør
Risør is known as "The White City by the Skagerrak" for good reason, take a walking tour through one of Europe's best preserved wooden townhouses.
- The shipowners' houses on Solsiden - see the impressive white-painted "patrician houses" that testify to the city's prosperity from the sailing ship era
- Kamperhaug and Tangen - explore the city's charming neighborhoods where pilots, fishermen and sailors lived, with small white wooden houses in narrow streets
- Risør Church - the beautiful church from 1647, one of the city's oldest buildings. Free guided tours are possible
Highlights from the spring cultural calendar
Risør is known as the cultural municipality, and it's not without reason! Here are some highlights from this spring's program:
- Concerts on the Beach - Experience everything from Tom Waits interpretations to Norway's best slide guitarist Johny Aasgaard
- At the Kunstparken you can meet the Swedish poet and singer Dan Fägerquist.
- Standup at Park Café - Laugh your way through the evening with humor and a good atmosphere
- The National Theatre - The performance Prima Facie comes to Risørhuset on April 1st
- Art experiences - Visit the beautiful exhibition "Where is the common thread?" by textile artist Sidsel Hødnebø
🐣 For families with children, an Easter workshop will also be held at Risørhuset on April 12, where the little ones can express themselves creatively.🎨
For the whole family
With Easter falling late this year, there are good opportunities for spring-like temperatures and outdoor activities.
- Risør Aquarium – see sea animals from the local area up close every weekend and every day during the Easter holidays.
- Easter workshop at Risørhuset on Saturday, April 12th, 11am-1pm - Children can paint figures, make yarn tassels and stamp cards
- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at Risørhuset on April 10 - 13
- Explore Urheia - a beautiful natural area in the middle of the city with exciting old fortifications, a playground and safe nature trails.
- City beach - a pleasant sandy beach on Holmen in the middle of the city, popular with families with children.
- Randvik - two nice sandy beaches and nature reserve, playground and parking.
- Find hidden treasures in Risør's niche shops and second-hand stores, and on April 26th there is the Risør Market on the Square.
Accommodation with Easter offers
Take the time to truly experience Risør with a stay at:
- Det lille Hotel - From only 1,400 kr per night with accommodation in a historic hotel including delicious breakfast
- Sørlandet Feriesenter - Super offer on camping throughout Easter for only 999 NOK
Food and drink
In Risør you can enjoy good food and drink, with a surprisingly good selection of restaurants and nightlife.
- Buy delicious freshly cooked shrimp, crayfish and other goodies "straight from the boat" at the city's fish market
- Stavelins Bakeri and Kortreist Lykke offer really good baked goods - people travel far to taste Kortreist Lykke's bread and doughnuts
- Danish Breakfast on Rådhusgata on March 29th and April 25th - Experience a traditional Danish lunch with sandwiches and good drinks
- Visit one of the city's cozy nightclubs and restaurants, such as Stranden , which also has concerts every Saturday.
Explore nature
Risør has several great hiking opportunities for all activity levels:
- Randvik - area with two beautiful sandy beaches and a nature reserve, perfect for family outings
- Risørflekken - a 20-minute walk to the highest point in the city center
- The coastal path - follow the beautiful coastal path from the city center out to Randvik.
- Kastellet - visit the old fort from the Napoleonic Wars with a view of the approach
- Risør Havbad - floating sauna and sea bath in the middle of the city
- Bring a picnic to one of the many viewpoints in the area
🥾 At ut.no you will find many good hiking tips in Risør
Click here to see the overview
Practical information
- Driving time: Under 3 hours from Oslo, 1.5 hours from Kristiansand
- Parking: Good parking capacity with charging in the city center at Tjenna
- Opening hours: Most shops are open 10-16 on weekdays, until 18 on Thursdays, 10-15 on Saturdays.
- Tourist information: Visit visitrisor.no for tourist information.
We look forward to welcoming you to Risør this spring!
Give Risør as a gift!
Buy a gift card that can be used anywhere in Risør town; shops, restaurants, nightlife, accommodations.
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Kiwanis Club Risør is also organizing Children's Day in the city center this year. It's about doing something fun for the children, but also to showcase Kiwanis Club Risør. KIWANIS is an international humanitarian organization of volunteers who actively work for children and young people. There will be playground equipment and other activities. There will also be opportunities to get some food and drinks. The Kiwanis boat will of course be present with opportunities to buy a winning ticket. Everyone is welcome, and admission is free.
Risør Cinema has two nice cinemas at Risørhuset, the cinema program can be found here .
Risør Cinema has two nice cinemas at Risørhuset, the cinema program can be found here .
Kiwanis Club Risør is also organizing Children's Day in the city center this year. It's about doing something fun for the children, but also to showcase Kiwanis Club Risør. KIWANIS is an international humanitarian organization of volunteers who actively work for children and young people. There will be playground equipment and other activities. There will also be opportunities to get some food and drinks. The Kiwanis boat will of course be present with opportunities to buy a winning ticket. Everyone is welcome, and admission is free.
Kiwanis Club Risør is also organizing Children's Day in the city center this year. It's about doing something fun for the children, but also to showcase Kiwanis Club Risør. KIWANIS is an international humanitarian organization of volunteers who actively work for children and young people. There will be playground equipment and other activities. There will also be opportunities to get some food and drinks. The Kiwanis boat will of course be present with opportunities to buy a winning ticket. Everyone is welcome, and admission is free.
In 2025 we will launch the new Risør Classicboat Festival!
A new plastic boat community emerged in the 50s-70s where both Norwegian and Swedish designers and boat builders made a name for themselves. Now we also want to create a festival for floating cultural relics in plastic and hybrid, this will be a really exciting new addition to the festival town of Risør.
In 2025 we will launch the new Risør Classicboat Festival!
A new plastic boat community emerged in the 50s-70s where both Norwegian and Swedish designers and boat builders made a name for themselves. Now we also want to create a festival for floating cultural relics in plastic and hybrid, this will be a really exciting new addition to the festival town of Risør.
Risør Folkeakademiet is pleased to present the first winner of the Folkeakademiet's newly established prize "New Voices". In collaboration with the music education at the University of Agder, we concluded that AUGUST w/band was in a class of its own among the applicants. We are proud that they are starting their tour for the Folkeakademiet by playing at Torvet in Risør.
The winner of the award is concerned with themes that everyone can identify with. The way he uses his life and experiences in his lyrics makes the songs universal, yet personal; quirky and natural; challenging and unifying. He has a very good flair for melodically strong choruses and hooks that stick. AUGUST has already been played a lot on NRK, has released two EPs, and is probably on the verge of a definitive breakthrough this year.
The concert will be held in direct connection with the opening of
Classic Boat Festival - see: www.trebatfestivalen.no/classic/
Risør Folkeakademiet is pleased to present the first winner of the Folkeakademiet's newly established prize "New Voices". In collaboration with the music education at the University of Agder, we concluded that AUGUST w/band was in a class of its own among the applicants. We are proud that they are starting their tour for the Folkeakademiet by playing at Torvet in Risør.
The winner of the award is concerned with themes that everyone can identify with. The way he uses his life and experiences in his lyrics makes the songs universal, yet personal; quirky and natural; challenging and unifying. He has a very good flair for melodically strong choruses and hooks that stick. AUGUST has already been played a lot on NRK, has released two EPs, and is probably on the verge of a definitive breakthrough this year.
The concert will be held in direct connection with the opening of
Classic Boat Festival - see: www.trebatfestivalen.no/classic/
This year we will be arranging the big town Breakfast both in June and in August. 21.6 during the Risør Classic festival and 9.8 during the Risør Wooden Boat Festival. Welcome!
Who has the best fish soup in town?
Join the tasting tour, visit the town's restaurants between 12 and 4 pm and cast your vote.
The voting will take place in the square at 5:00 PM.
You can get information at the individual restaurants.
For the 35th time, we welcome you to one of Norway's leading chamber music festivals.
With nearly 40 concerts and events, and over 30 invited performers, this will be a fantastic celebration of the 35th anniversary of the Risør Chamber Music Festival.
Starting December 1st, we will gradually release artists and concerts until the sale starts on January 27th.
Welcome to Risør, see you June 24–29, 2025!
Program and tickets: https://kammermusikkfest.no/
For the 35th time, we welcome you to one of Norway's leading chamber music festivals.
With nearly 40 concerts and events, and over 30 invited performers, this will be a fantastic celebration of the 35th anniversary of the Risør Chamber Music Festival.
Starting December 1st, we will gradually release artists and concerts until the sale starts on January 27th.
Welcome to Risør, see you June 24–29, 2025!
Program and tickets: https://kammermusikkfest.no/
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Finally we meet again in Risør Church! Sitting with old acquaintances, or greeting this magical space for the first time. Regardless of your history with us: Welcome to this year's opening concert. As usual, the concert will be played twice, so that as many people as possible can experience the opening.
Finally we meet again in Risør Church! Sitting with old acquaintances, or greeting this magical space for the first time. Regardless of your history with us: Welcome to this year's opening concert. As usual, the concert will be played twice, so that as many people as possible can experience the opening.
Sissel Kyrkjebø with a full symphony orchestra out on an island.
You haven't read that sentence many times before, and the reason is simple: It's not often that one of our absolute biggest singing stars performs in these settings.
Since Sissel and the orchestra can play whatever they want, we get a fantastic mix of Sissel's highlights, some classic quirks and wonderful national treasures. There's everything from laughter to a sit-close-together-and-humming atmosphere.
Sissel Kyrkjebø with a full symphony orchestra out on an island.
You haven't read that sentence many times before, and the reason is simple: It's not often that one of our absolute biggest singing stars performs in these settings.
Since Sissel and the orchestra can play whatever they want, we get a fantastic mix of Sissel's highlights, some classic quirks and wonderful national treasures. There's everything from laughter to a sit-close-together-and-humming atmosphere.
Graphic exhibition -July 1st to July 13th -2025 inside and outside in my home here in Risør at Storgata 17. Showing graphics that are figurative, naive and colorful. Welcome to a playful and inspiring exhibition in a beautiful green oasis of a garden. Here you can experience seeing art and unique objects inside and outside. Welcome!
Graphic exhibition -July 1st to July 13th -2025 inside and outside in my home here in Risør at Storgata 17. Showing graphics that are figurative, naive and colorful. Welcome to a playful and inspiring exhibition in a beautiful green oasis of a garden. Here you can experience seeing art and unique objects inside and outside. Welcome!
The Rollers is a rock band from Risør that was founded in 1993. Since then, they have had a number of concerts in Southern Norway. The band is known for playing cover songs by famous artists and bands such as Dire Straits, Pink Floyd and Madrugada. Get ready for an unforgettable summer evening at Stangholmen Fyr on July 5, 2025 at 8:30 PM. Stangholmen has a location that promises spectacular sunsets and atmospheric sounds from the sea, this will be an evening you will not soon forget.
Bar license and food sales
Age limit: 20 years
Welcome
The Rollers is a rock band from Risør that was founded in 1993. Since then, they have had a number of concerts in Southern Norway. The band is known for playing cover songs by famous artists and bands such as Dire Straits, Pink Floyd and Madrugada. Get ready for an unforgettable summer evening at Stangholmen Fyr on July 5, 2025 at 8:30 PM. Stangholmen has a location that promises spectacular sunsets and atmospheric sounds from the sea, this will be an evening you will not soon forget.
Bar license and food sales
Age limit: 20 years
Welcome
Villvin Crafts Market is the country's largest gathering of professional Nordic crafts.
We promise an inspiring party in form, color and lushness when over 100 professional artisans from Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Norway gather in the square and around Risør's beautiful inner harbor on the second weekend in July.
Unique works in ceramics, glass, textiles, metal, leather, wood, paper, wicker and brushwork are presented and sold here.
There will be artist talks on stage, a children's workshop and an award ceremony for the most outstanding participant!
Villvin Crafts Market is the country's largest gathering of professional Nordic crafts.
We promise an inspiring party in form, color and lushness when over 100 professional artisans from Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Norway gather in the square and around Risør's beautiful inner harbor on the second weekend in July.
Unique works in ceramics, glass, textiles, metal, leather, wood, paper, wicker and brushwork are presented and sold here.
There will be artist talks on stage, a children's workshop and an award ceremony for the most outstanding participant!
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On July 15th, Risør Pride 2025 will take place and there will be a parade through the city and appeals and entertainment at Fredsparken.
We meet at Risørhuset, then we walk through the town and end up at Fredsparken.
Risør pride is a so-called inclusive pride which means that we bring together all four major international prides which in English are called gaypride, blackpride, transpride and disability pride. Risør pride celebrates freedom, human rights, love and the right to be the wonderful person you are.
Together we will color Risør in all the colors of the rainbow, so come to Risør to show that you stand with the rights and freedom of minorities.
On July 15th, Risør Pride 2025 will take place and there will be a parade through the city and appeals and entertainment at Fredsparken.
We meet at Risørhuset, then we walk through the town and end up at Fredsparken.
Risør pride is a so-called inclusive pride which means that we bring together all four major international prides which in English are called gaypride, blackpride, transpride and disability pride. Risør pride celebrates freedom, human rights, love and the right to be the wonderful person you are.
Together we will color Risør in all the colors of the rainbow, so come to Risør to show that you stand with the rights and freedom of minorities.
Once again, Vidar Villa is embarking on his summer tour with the Culture Boat MS Bjørvika and visiting a number of towns along the Norwegian coast - including Risør on July 15 and 16! The ferry will be docked at the steamship dock and the concert will take place while the ferry is docked.
The event will end no later than 23:00.
There will be an 18 year age limit at the event.
Once again, Vidar Villa is embarking on his summer tour with the Culture Boat MS Bjørvika and visiting a number of towns along the Norwegian coast - including Risør on July 15 and 16! The ferry will be docked at the steamship dock and the concert will take place while the ferry is docked.
The event will end no later than 23:00.
There will be an 18 year age limit at the event.
It is a pleasure to announce that Eva Weel Skram will be coming to Stangholmen Fyr on Wednesday, July 16. 2025. Last year, Eva released her latest album Vendepunkt, to great reviews, and the title track was nailed to the playlists of NRK P1 for months. Eva Weel Skram has always been very personal in her lyrics, and fortunately she still is.
The album Vendepunkt was written during a period when a lot was happening in her life, especially on the inside. She searched for and found answers to many things within herself, and the reflections she made along the way quickly found their way out of her head and into the lyrics, as they often do. And if something so good comes out of Eva's personal journey, we can only hope that she continues this journey in the years to come. With songs like "Om du vil", "Selmas sang", "La meg være", and "Vendepunkt", Eva Weel Skram is without a doubt one of the most beloved artists we have in this country.
Skram has released three albums with Norwegian lyrics, Finne heim from 2018, Sleppe tak from 2021, and Vendepunkt in 2024, all of which have received rave reviews, and have been described as both “Brutalt ärl” and musically mature. This spring, the time is ripe for more new music from the Sogndal artist, who continues to impress with his live performances and songs that hit the mark.
"Eva Weel Skram has long been one of Norway's most distinctive pop artists. With the album "Sleppe tak" everything is in place for her to become a household name," wrote Dagsavisen in its review of the latter album, which has elevated Eva right up to the top of Norwegian-speaking pop artists in the country. Skram's trademark has been catchy melodies with strong Norwegian lyrics about themes close to her heart, which has proven to be both comforting and inspiring for her ever-growing audience.
In 2025, there will be great opportunities to see Eva and her musical companions on stages across the country, an opportunity you shouldn't miss!
It is a pleasure to announce that Eva Weel Skram will be coming to Stangholmen Fyr on Wednesday, July 16. 2025. Last year, Eva released her latest album Vendepunkt, to great reviews, and the title track was nailed to the playlists of NRK P1 for months. Eva Weel Skram has always been very personal in her lyrics, and fortunately she still is.
The album Vendepunkt was written during a period when a lot was happening in her life, especially on the inside. She searched for and found answers to many things within herself, and the reflections she made along the way quickly found their way out of her head and into the lyrics, as they often do. And if something so good comes out of Eva's personal journey, we can only hope that she continues this journey in the years to come. With songs like "Om du vil", "Selmas sang", "La meg være", and "Vendepunkt", Eva Weel Skram is without a doubt one of the most beloved artists we have in this country.
Skram has released three albums with Norwegian lyrics, Finne heim from 2018, Sleppe tak from 2021, and Vendepunkt in 2024, all of which have received rave reviews, and have been described as both “Brutalt ärl” and musically mature. This spring, the time is ripe for more new music from the Sogndal artist, who continues to impress with his live performances and songs that hit the mark.
"Eva Weel Skram has long been one of Norway's most distinctive pop artists. With the album "Sleppe tak" everything is in place for her to become a household name," wrote Dagsavisen in its review of the latter album, which has elevated Eva right up to the top of Norwegian-speaking pop artists in the country. Skram's trademark has been catchy melodies with strong Norwegian lyrics about themes close to her heart, which has proven to be both comforting and inspiring for her ever-growing audience.
In 2025, there will be great opportunities to see Eva and her musical companions on stages across the country, an opportunity you shouldn't miss!