Accommodation
Risor A Summer Town but charming in Winter too! As summer reaches its peak so multiplies the town's population. This in turn fills the intimate small roads and alleys with people, making the town bustle with life.
Whether you come by car, boat, bus or bike you will find that little extra experience, especially for you. To get the most out of your visit perhaps you should sit for a while by the water in the harbour eating a bag of freshly cooked shrimps, that have been locally caught a couple of hours earlier of the coast of Risor. Alternatively you can enjoy a glass of cold beer at one of the outdoor restaurants, while the sun does its best to give you a tan that will compete with any tan you may get sunbathing of the coast of the Mediterranean.
Risor is a city and municipality in Aust-Agder county, Norway. The city belongs to the traditional region of Sorlandet. It is a popular tourist place. The surrounding area includes many small lakes and hills, and is known for its beautiful coastline as well.
Risor is famous for its tourist attractions such as the wooden boat festival which is staged during the first week of August every year. It also has a growing reputation as the regional capital of arts and crafts, which culminates in the "Villvin-festival" during the summer holiday.
The city of Risor was established as a municipality on 1 January 1838. On 1 January 1901, an part of neighbouring Sondeled municipality (population: 658) was transferred to Risor. On 1 January 1964, the rural municipality of Sondeled (population: 3,134) was merged into Risor, giving the newly enlarged municipality with a population of 6,136. On 1 January 1984, the uninhabited Folevatnet area of neighbouring Tvedestrand was transferred to Risor.
Risor is a living town. The town of white-painted wooden houses - one of Europe's best preserved - boosts activity and creativity. The old town of sail is now a town of arts and culture. The art town of Risor is famous for its artisans and galleries, and for several internationally renowned festivals.
The people of Risor are interested in preserving the town and its history. In the summer time, this is manifested in festivals that all originates from the distinctive character of the town. Every second year we have a design festival called BeyondRisor. Each year we have the Risor Festival of Chamber Music, the Villvin handicraft market, a Bluegrass festival, and Risor Wooden Boat Festival. There is also much to do outside the festival periods. We'd like to suggest a visit with Acanthus, which complements arts and crafts with many activities for children and adults. Another good thing to do is to explore Risor aquarium. And don't forget the coast, with islets, beaches, and large potholes.
Risor: Inhabitants: 6.924
Characteristics: Art town with old wooden houses
Must buy: Arts and crafts
Risor, the ‘White Town on the Skagerrak', is one of southern Norway's prettiest. Centred on a U-shaped harbour with colourful fishing boats and private yachts, and surrounded by historic white houses (dating from 1650 to 1890), this is a great place to wander and soak up the rustic charm for a few days. If you get bored by long, lazy days by the water, you probably shouldn't be here.
Sightseeing:
Risor Aquarium
The only salt water aquarium between Drobak and Stavanger. Many kinds of known and not so known fish, in different pools. Short and educational explanations, which also include historical information about the coastal fishing of Risor. Great family activity if you want to stay indoors. By Damskipsbrygga in Risor.
