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.
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 .
CHANGES part 3
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!
A simple Villvin breakfast with coffee and juice is served in Hollenderhagen.
There will be an artist talk with this year's guest of honor Siv Dahl and Asgeir Bøe Sand. A nice little warm-up for market day number 2 at Risør Torv.
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!
Welcome to the second edition of Lindgrov Pride at Hope outside Risør.
Vamp is a Norwegian folk rock band from Haugesund, formed in 1990. Since their debut in 1993, the band has had great success in Norway, with a number of top ten albums and singles. Vamp is known for its blend of Norwegian folk music and rock, and for its lyrics about love, nature and life's challenges.
The band was originally formed by Jan Toft (vocals), Torbjørn Økland (guitar), Øyvind Staveland (violin), Carl Øyvind Apeland (bass) and Erling Sande (drums). In 1998, Toft was replaced by Vidar Johnsen on vocals, and in 2008, Sande was replaced by Odin Staveland.
Vamp's debut album, "Godmorgen, søster", was released in 1993. The album was a huge success and won the 1993 Spellemannprisen in the category for best rock album. The album contained the songs "Tir n'a Noir" and "Evig eies kun det tapte", both of which became big radio hits.
Vamp's next album, Horisonter, was released in 1994. The album was also a major commercial success, but received somewhat less critical acclaim than her debut album.
In the years that followed, Vamp released a number of albums, all of which were well received by both audiences and critics. Among the most popular albums are "13 humler" (1996), "Flua på veggen" (1998) and "Ei med alt" (1999).
In the 2000s, Vamp continued to make popular music. The albums "Another Sun" (2000), "Månemannen" (2002) and "Siste stikk" (2005) all became top five albums in Norway. In 2006, Vamp released an album with a symphony orchestra, "Vamp i full symfoni" with the Kringkastingsorkesteret. The same year, the band was named Spellemann of the Year.
Vamp is a Norwegian folk rock band from Haugesund, formed in 1990. Since their debut in 1993, the band has had great success in Norway, with a number of top ten albums and singles. Vamp is known for its blend of Norwegian folk music and rock, and for its lyrics about love, nature and life's challenges.
The band was originally formed by Jan Toft (vocals), Torbjørn Økland (guitar), Øyvind Staveland (violin), Carl Øyvind Apeland (bass) and Erling Sande (drums). In 1998, Toft was replaced by Vidar Johnsen on vocals, and in 2008, Sande was replaced by Odin Staveland.
Vamp's debut album, "Godmorgen, søster", was released in 1993. The album was a huge success and won the 1993 Spellemannprisen in the category for best rock album. The album contained the songs "Tir n'a Noir" and "Evig eies kun det tapte", both of which became big radio hits.
Vamp's next album, Horisonter, was released in 1994. The album was also a major commercial success, but received somewhat less critical acclaim than her debut album.
In the years that followed, Vamp released a number of albums, all of which were well received by both audiences and critics. Among the most popular albums are "13 humler" (1996), "Flua på veggen" (1998) and "Ei med alt" (1999).
In the 2000s, Vamp continued to make popular music. The albums "Another Sun" (2000), "Månemannen" (2002) and "Siste stikk" (2005) all became top five albums in Norway. In 2006, Vamp released an album with a symphony orchestra, "Vamp i full symfoni" with the Kringkastingsorkesteret. The same year, the band was named Spellemann of the Year.
Duo featuring Peter Andersson and Martin Rahmberg. The name of the band comes from an old stone fort on the island of Inishmore just off the west coast of Ireland. We both sing and Martin plays the guitar and Peter the tenor banjo. Dún Aengus has a rich repertoire of Irish tunes and songs. Music from Scotland has also been a huge influence on us, but we also play modern tunes if we feel the necessity.
The concert is in KROA
Duo featuring Peter Andersson and Martin Rahmberg. The name of the band comes from an old stone fort on the island of Inishmore just off the west coast of Ireland. We both sing and Martin plays the guitar and Peter the tenor banjo. Dún Aengus has a rich repertoire of Irish tunes and songs. Music from Scotland has also been a huge influence on us, but we also play modern tunes if we feel the necessity.
The concert is in KROA
After a fabulous success in this year's Every Time We Meet, Stein Torleif Bjella and his incomparable band have filled cultural centers and venues all over the country. And it doesn't stop there! The tour continues well into the fall of 2025.
This winter's tour has been a huge success, with over 15,000 tickets sold, including two sold-out concerts at the Oslo Opera House. Audiences and critics alike have been unanimous in their enthusiasm – the last six months have simply been a real boom for the singer from Ål.
On this tour, both loyal and brand new fans have been able to experience a new side of Bjella. The concerts offer both classics and new interpretations of his own and others' songs, which elevates his musical universe to new heights. As always, Bjella combines the thoughtful with the heartwarming - the concerts touch both the heart and the dance floor. And yes, as is tradition, a fruit basket is raffled off at each venue. Along with him on the road, Bjella has his regular and talented band consisting of Geir Sundstøl (guitar), Eirik Øien (bass), Kenneth Kapstad (drums) and David Wallumrød (keyboards). Together they ensure an unforgettable concert experience.
About Stein Torleif BjellaStein Torleif Bjella had his breakthrough with the critically acclaimed solo album Heidersmenn in 2009. Since then, he has released several award-winning and Spellemann-nominated albums, including Vonde visu (Spellemann Prize winner), Heim for å døy, Gode Liv, Øvre-Ål Toneakademi and Nysetmåne. He has also collaborated with the Norwegian Broadcasting Orchestra, released a spoken word album, and received awards such as the Edvard Prize and the Prøysen Prize.
Bjella's music is characterized by poetic, down-to-earth lyrics and a unique ability to reach both rural and urban people. With songs such as "Romantikken gjer meg sjuk", "Psykisk kan du vera sjøl", "Heidersmann" and "Tilbake i det blå", he has written himself into the Norwegian song tradition as one of the most important voices of our time. In addition to music, Bjella is a recognized author, with the poetry collection Jordsjukantologien Nr. 1 and the novel Fiskehuset, which won the Nynorsk Literature Prize and was nominated for the P2-lytternes Novel Prize. Bjella's music has also inspired theater productions, such as Kan nokon gripe inn and Heil ved, the latter still in the repertoire at Det Norske Teatret. Stein Torleif Bjella – Live 2025 promises more concerts, more stories and more fruit baskets.
After a fabulous success in this year's Every Time We Meet, Stein Torleif Bjella and his incomparable band have filled cultural centers and venues all over the country. And it doesn't stop there! The tour continues well into the fall of 2025.
This winter's tour has been a huge success, with over 15,000 tickets sold, including two sold-out concerts at the Oslo Opera House. Audiences and critics alike have been unanimous in their enthusiasm – the last six months have simply been a real boom for the singer from Ål.
On this tour, both loyal and brand new fans have been able to experience a new side of Bjella. The concerts offer both classics and new interpretations of his own and others' songs, which elevates his musical universe to new heights. As always, Bjella combines the thoughtful with the heartwarming - the concerts touch both the heart and the dance floor. And yes, as is tradition, a fruit basket is raffled off at each venue. Along with him on the road, Bjella has his regular and talented band consisting of Geir Sundstøl (guitar), Eirik Øien (bass), Kenneth Kapstad (drums) and David Wallumrød (keyboards). Together they ensure an unforgettable concert experience.
About Stein Torleif BjellaStein Torleif Bjella had his breakthrough with the critically acclaimed solo album Heidersmenn in 2009. Since then, he has released several award-winning and Spellemann-nominated albums, including Vonde visu (Spellemann Prize winner), Heim for å døy, Gode Liv, Øvre-Ål Toneakademi and Nysetmåne. He has also collaborated with the Norwegian Broadcasting Orchestra, released a spoken word album, and received awards such as the Edvard Prize and the Prøysen Prize.
Bjella's music is characterized by poetic, down-to-earth lyrics and a unique ability to reach both rural and urban people. With songs such as "Romantikken gjer meg sjuk", "Psykisk kan du vera sjøl", "Heidersmann" and "Tilbake i det blå", he has written himself into the Norwegian song tradition as one of the most important voices of our time. In addition to music, Bjella is a recognized author, with the poetry collection Jordsjukantologien Nr. 1 and the novel Fiskehuset, which won the Nynorsk Literature Prize and was nominated for the P2-lytternes Novel Prize. Bjella's music has also inspired theater productions, such as Kan nokon gripe inn and Heil ved, the latter still in the repertoire at Det Norske Teatret. Stein Torleif Bjella – Live 2025 promises more concerts, more stories and more fruit baskets.
Risør Wooden Boat Festival has been visited by 10-15,000 people every year since 1984 at the beginning of August. We are the meeting place for some of the world's most beautiful wooden boats. In addition, we promote coastal culture and traditional crafts in boats and construction. We have activities for all generations through a large program, both academic and social.
It's no wonder that people flock to Risør during the wooden boat festival, these are beautiful days with a fantastic atmosphere in the town, and the world's finest boats!
There is free admission to the festival.
Risør Wooden Boat Festival has been visited by 10-15,000 people every year since 1984 at the beginning of August. We are the meeting place for some of the world's most beautiful wooden boats. In addition, we promote coastal culture and traditional crafts in boats and construction. We have activities for all generations through a large program, both academic and social.
It's no wonder that people flock to Risør during the wooden boat festival, these are beautiful days with a fantastic atmosphere in the town, and the world's finest boats!
There is free admission to the festival.
How thin, long and difficult is it possible to turn wood? Vidar Iversen shows, through his objects and sculptures in wood, that little is impossible when he uncompromisingly follows an idea - and at the same time masters the craft. The exhibition opens at the same time as the Wooden Boat Festival, and makes Galleri Kunstparken even more relevant for wood lovers.
How thin, long and difficult is it possible to turn wood? Vidar Iversen shows, through his objects and sculptures in wood, that little is impossible when he uncompromisingly follows an idea - and at the same time masters the craft. The exhibition opens at the same time as the Wooden Boat Festival, and makes Galleri Kunstparken even more relevant for wood lovers.
A TRIBUTE TO JAHN TEIGEN
Tom Mathisen can celebrate over 50 years as an artist, and is still in his prime. After a long life in the spotlight as part of Prima Vera, Falsk/Mathisen and not least as the narrator of all of Norway in "Brødrene Dahl", it is time to celebrate himself.
After a guest appearance with Jahn Teigen's tribute band "En Dags Pause" at the Drøbak Havnefestival in 2023, both band and artist were convinced: They need to do more of this. It's been a long time since Mathisen has played with a full band, and now the opportunity finally presents itself again.
And with a backpack full of songs, anecdotes and stories from the Prima Vera era, it is also fitting to pay tribute to our song treasure Jahn Teigen as part of the show. And if there is one thing "En Dags Pause" can do after over 200 concerts together, it is Teigen's songs. They have toured country and beach since 2019, and also received Teigen's acceptance to do this before he passed away.
So here is a real kinder egg put together: You get Mathisen/Falsk, Prima Vera and Jahn Teigen in one and the same evening. In addition to stories and acrobatics that only Norway's funniest man, Tom Mathisen, can pull off. Here you get to hear classics like:
A Nice Day
Norway is good
Optimist
My first love
The most beautiful thing there is
Every pretty lady has an ugly friend.
The drunk has a duty.
....And many more
A TRIBUTE TO JAHN TEIGEN
Tom Mathisen can celebrate over 50 years as an artist, and is still in his prime. After a long life in the spotlight as part of Prima Vera, Falsk/Mathisen and not least as the narrator of all of Norway in "Brødrene Dahl", it is time to celebrate himself.
After a guest appearance with Jahn Teigen's tribute band "En Dags Pause" at the Drøbak Havnefestival in 2023, both band and artist were convinced: They need to do more of this. It's been a long time since Mathisen has played with a full band, and now the opportunity finally presents itself again.
And with a backpack full of songs, anecdotes and stories from the Prima Vera era, it is also fitting to pay tribute to our song treasure Jahn Teigen as part of the show. And if there is one thing "En Dags Pause" can do after over 200 concerts together, it is Teigen's songs. They have toured country and beach since 2019, and also received Teigen's acceptance to do this before he passed away.
So here is a real kinder egg put together: You get Mathisen/Falsk, Prima Vera and Jahn Teigen in one and the same evening. In addition to stories and acrobatics that only Norway's funniest man, Tom Mathisen, can pull off. Here you get to hear classics like:
A Nice Day
Norway is good
Optimist
My first love
The most beautiful thing there is
Every pretty lady has an ugly friend.
The drunk has a duty.
....And many more