Experience Risør
in winter
Risør offers unique experiences and activities all year round – and winter is no exception.
It's happening in Risør! 🎷🎸
🗓 The event calendar can be found further down the page.
Although the town is best known for its summer idyll, it has a lot to offer in the quiet winter months. Here are some of the best things to experience in Risør when the cold sets in.
Risør Sea bathing and winter swimming
For the adventurous, Risør Havbad is a must. The combination of ice bathing and a hot sauna provides a unique experience that provides both energy and well-being. If you don't dare to swim, you can relax inside and enjoy the view of the ocean.
Everything that is good for the body, soul - and taste buds
After you've challenged your body with an ice bath and found peace of mind in the sauna, it's time to pamper your taste buds at one of the city's excellent restaurants.
Rådhusgata Spiseri and Promenaden are among those that stay open throughout the winter and offer delicately presented food with seasonal menus.
Get an overview of all the city's restaurants and nightlife here. 🥂🦐
Enjoy the best shellfish of winter
Did you know that winter is peak season for shellfish? At Risør Fiskemottak you can secure fresh shrimp, crabs and other top-quality seafood. Take a shellfish platter home with you, or enjoy a great meal in one of the city's restaurants.
Intimate concerts on the beach
Stranden Café in Risør has become known for its intimate Saturday concerts, and this winter you can look forward to artists such as Thom Hell and "The Bills".
The organizer is Arve Bøe, a renowned guitarist and musician from Bergen, who has now made Risør his home. With a long career in the Norwegian music industry, he has an impressive network, which he uses to bring talented artists to small-scale concerts at Stranden. You won't get any closer to talent!
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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150th anniversary of boatbuilding at Hammeråker and Moens Båtbyggeri (1875 - 2025)
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 .
150th anniversary of boatbuilding at Hammeråker and Moens Båtbyggeri (1875 - 2025)
It is a great pleasure to welcome the first Urheia Pride 2025. This year, Østre Agder will attempt a world record with 9 pride parades in Østre Agder and 6 parades in Risør municipality.
Summer concert with Risør music band at Urheiaplatået on Wednesday, June 18th at 6:00 PM.
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.
CHANGES part 3
Unveiling of Helga Arntzens Plass by Mayor Kai Strat. Music, speeches and refreshments.
Galleri Kunstparken is pleased to invite you to the opening of the exhibition CHANGES part 3 by Roald Andersen dy on Saturday, June 21 at 1:00 PM. Opening speech by playwright and composer Fredrik Bratberg. Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM. The exhibition shows paintings, installations, sculptures and graphics from recent years. As always, Roald Andersen dy invites you to a journey in a landscape we can all recognize, from the forms of nature and the external scenography of life to the world of dreams. The exhibition will be on display from June 21 to August 24. The exhibition is the third in the series Changes, where the previous two were shown in Aarhus and Bergen. A warm welcome!
Galleri Kunstparken is pleased to invite you to the opening of the exhibition CHANGES part 3 by Roald Andersen dy on Saturday, June 21 at 1:00 PM. Opening speech by playwright and composer Fredrik Bratberg. Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM. The exhibition shows paintings, installations, sculptures and graphics from recent years. As always, Roald Andersen dy invites you to a journey in a landscape we can all recognize, from the forms of nature and the external scenography of life to the world of dreams. The exhibition will be on display from June 21 to August 24. The exhibition is the third in the series Changes, where the previous two were shown in Aarhus and Bergen. A warm welcome!
Meet at Risør Church. Price NOK 100. Tipping on site. No registration required.
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.
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.
One of the most exciting musical things that can happen is when Marius Neset gets to decide both form and content. Unleashing him in Hollenderhagen, among large lush trees and green fresh grass, will be a wonderful summer experience.
Over the course of 60 minutes, Tor Espen Aspaas will take us through 250 years of musical history through the sharp mind and gaze of the philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein. And no, these will not only be beautiful words, but also beautiful sounds from some of the greatest composers of the period. Tor Espen Aspaas is, after all, Knight 1st Class of the Order of St. Olav for his ability to communicate music and culture.
Over the course of 60 minutes, Tor Espen Aspaas will take us through 250 years of musical history through the sharp mind and gaze of the philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein. And no, these will not only be beautiful words, but also beautiful sounds from some of the greatest composers of the period. Tor Espen Aspaas is, after all, Knight 1st Class of the Order of St. Olav for his ability to communicate music and culture.
In September 2024, a piece Mozart wrote when he was just over 10 years old, Ganz kleine Nachtmusik, was rediscovered in the Leipzig music library. Now it comes to us in Risør. You have certainly not heard this piece before, and you will get it performed by quite a bouquet of musicians.
In September 2024, a piece Mozart wrote when he was just over 10 years old, Ganz kleine Nachtmusik, was rediscovered in the Leipzig music library. Now it comes to us in Risør. You have certainly not heard this piece before, and you will get it performed by quite a bouquet of musicians.
Risør Chamber Music Festival has many good friends, but Ingrid Bjørnov is right up there among the "BFF"s. She has visited Risør many times, and every time people go home happy and satisfied, and a little smarter. Norway's most subtle artist? That's probably Ingrid Bjørnov.
Risør Chamber Music Festival has many good friends, but Ingrid Bjørnov is right up there among the "BFF"s. She has visited Risør many times, and every time people go home happy and satisfied, and a little smarter. Norway's most subtle artist? That's probably Ingrid Bjørnov.
A cool summer breeze and beautiful music mixed with rustling leaves and smiling faces. Imagine being able to lie back in the grass and look up at the clouds while Tine and her friends play. This is probably the most wonderful summer concert of the year.
A cool summer breeze and beautiful music mixed with rustling leaves and smiling faces. Imagine being able to lie back in the grass and look up at the clouds while Tine and her friends play. This is probably the most wonderful summer concert of the year.
The title may be a bit dark, but no, this is not going to be a bloody orgy celebrating death. But it is still an acknowledgement that not everything is always rosy, and that we need the contrasts to understand what is good and what is bad.
Here you get what is written on the poster. Antonín and Johannes without any pretense. One with his heart in rural and romantic Bohemia, and the other from the vibrant metropolis of Hamburg. Yet they have a journey that is closely connected.
40 years ago, embarrassingly precisely on June 1, 1985, the relatively unknown pop group a-ha released their debut album, Hunting High and Low. And Norwegian music life was completely turned on its head. Forever. With Take On Me, The Sun Always Shines on TV, and the title song Hunting High and Low, we finally had a reason to walk with our heads held high, even when the Swedes walked by.
40 years ago, embarrassingly precisely on June 1, 1985, the relatively unknown pop group a-ha released their debut album, Hunting High and Low. And Norwegian music life was completely turned on its head. Forever. With Take On Me, The Sun Always Shines on TV, and the title song Hunting High and Low, we finally had a reason to walk with our heads held high, even when the Swedes walked by.
There is something very special about the bright premises, with high ceilings, where you end up almost in the lap of the artists. Music becomes very close when you see eyes and facial expressions, and can it get more intimate than when the British super couple offers Grieg?
There is something very special about the bright premises, with high ceilings, where you end up almost in the lap of the artists. Music becomes very close when you see eyes and facial expressions, and can it get more intimate than when the British super couple offers Grieg?
Bring the whole family to a really fun performance for the youngest and oldest. It will be improvised fairy tale theater with the fantastic performers in Plutselig Barnetetater, consisting of three actors and a really good pianist.
USA and freedom. Almost as if they are next to each other in the thesaurus. When Americans are asked which state has the best motto, New Hampshire always wins: "Live Free or Die."
Ravel was born in the Basque Country, and that influenced his work for the rest of his life. With a French father who was an engineer, and a Spanish mother who is described as a "freethinker", we can see why Maurice's works turned out the way they did. A good mix of structure mixed with play and dance.
Ravel was born in the Basque Country, and that influenced his work for the rest of his life. With a French father who was an engineer, and a Spanish mother who is described as a "freethinker", we can see why Maurice's works turned out the way they did. A good mix of structure mixed with play and dance.
Pekka Kuusisto is the star he is today because he does things no one else in the classical music world thought were possible. Giving him free rein to create his own “Late Night” concert is therefore an entry ticket to what music is, and what it can be.
Pekka Kuusisto is the star he is today because he does things no one else in the classical music world thought were possible. Giving him free rein to create his own “Late Night” concert is therefore an entry ticket to what music is, and what it can be.
The concept is very simple. Like a Kinderegg, you get three surprises in the same package. We meet at Risør Torv, then we divide into three groups that go to each of our concerts. And then we roll.
Those who have been to Risør before have heard of the "optimist queue". The queue for those who do not have a ticket, but hope to get a place at the concerts. Last year, when the Festival Choir sang Carmina Burana, we were a little unsure in advance about how ticket sales would be. In short: The longest optimist queue we have ever seen.
Those who have been to Risør before have heard of the "optimist queue". The queue for those who do not have a ticket, but hope to get a place at the concerts. Last year, when the Festival Choir sang Carmina Burana, we were a little unsure in advance about how ticket sales would be. In short: The longest optimist queue we have ever seen.
The concert begins with a world premiere of Ukrainian composer Bohdana Frolyak's piece, based on the poem by Victoria Amelina, a Ukrainian writer who was killed during the war at the age of 37. Now, for the first time, it will be performed in what is arguably one of the most peaceful cities in Europe.
The concert begins with a world premiere of Ukrainian composer Bohdana Frolyak's piece, based on the poem by Victoria Amelina, a Ukrainian writer who was killed during the war at the age of 37. Now, for the first time, it will be performed in what is arguably one of the most peaceful cities in Europe.
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.
Modest Mussorgsky (without the g originally) actually means "enclosed music maker". But you can't say that his main work "Pictures at an Exhibition" is. The Promenade and The Bogatyr Gates (The Great Gate of Kiev) are some of the most recognizable things in classical music, and are far from being enclosed. But they are made by a real music maker, which Mussorgsky really was.
Modest Mussorgsky (without the g originally) actually means "enclosed music maker". But you can't say that his main work "Pictures at an Exhibition" is. The Promenade and The Bogatyr Gates (The Great Gate of Kiev) are some of the most recognizable things in classical music, and are far from being enclosed. But they are made by a real music maker, which Mussorgsky really was.
A little Brahms, a little Mendelssohn, a dose of Shostakovich, and our amazing artists. It's a perfect way to end this year's festival, to say the least. And what's even better: When the concert is over, the summer holidays begin!
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!
Ragnhild invites you to Afternoon Tea in interiors from a bygone era. She tells the story of the house and the people who have lived there. Afternoon Tea consists of sandwiches made in the English style, cut into triangles, scones with cream and jam, and delicious cookies. Everything is served on tiered platters and in decorated and set surroundings. Tea is of course served with it. It is set with silverware, crystal and "Copenhagen porcelain". Must be ordered in advance.
Ragnhild invites you to Afternoon Tea in interiors from a bygone era. She tells the story of the house and the people who have lived there. Afternoon Tea consists of sandwiches made in the English style, cut into triangles, scones with cream and jam, and delicious cookies. Everything is served on tiered platters and in decorated and set surroundings. Tea is of course served with it. It is set with silverware, crystal and "Copenhagen porcelain". Must be ordered in advance.
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
Welcome to the very first pride parade at Søndeled.
Norway's only sailing humor tour docks in RISØR!
The comedy group Dragsug presents Humorhavari – a tailor-made summer show made especially for you in Risør!
One night. One show. We sail on tomorrow.
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!