Sjømannssuitene - Det Lille Hotel - Martime suites/apartments in Risør

In the 17th century many small ports sprang up along the coast. Risør was one of them. The ports were used as "the service-stations of the sea" where seafarers could find a harbour and purchase supplies. In 1630 Risør got its first publican. The church of Risør was erected in 1647. The town obtained the rights of a provincial town in 1723. The town grew around the bay that is now called the inner harbour. In 1673, 33 sailingships were native to Risør. During the next hundred years the fleet doubled in size and Risør was, during its golden era, one of the largest seaports in the country.

The lumber trade was the big industry and oak for the buildings of ships was exported all over Europe. The timber was chopped down further inland and in the fjords. Thereafter it was brought to the sawmills. In 1830 the county of Risør had 30 sawmills. Here the lumber was prepared for export by either being "chopped into squares" or sawed into boards. There was also a considerable ship-building industry in Risør. In total there were registered 52 ship- and boat builders. This enterprise reached its peak in 1875.

On June 5, 1861, a major fire broke out in Risør. After 14 hours 248 houses had burned to the ground. The church and 81 houses were saved. The fire happened at the time Risør was enjoying its golden era as a sailboat town. A good economy made it possible for us to build this beautiful and uniform town anew. Clever architects and craftsmen were brought here from all over Europe. The town was quickly built up again. In the plans of development one emphasised broad streets/fire breaks. The fire tower was built in the 1880's.

During the time that the steamboats made their entry at the end of the 19th century, Risør was still holding into their sailboats. The fact that it did not switch over in time caused many of the shipping companies at the beginning of the 20th century to go bankrupt. The golden era of Risør was over.

Nevertheless, the old historical town is still there and looks about like it did at that time. This is thanks to the bad economising of the 1960's. During the demolition years (the 50's, 60's and 70's), Risør was so poor that it simply could not afford to demolish the old houses to make room for new ones. That these houses are still standing is now Risør's family heirloom. The citizens know its value and are proud of their unique town.

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Sjømanns Suitene - Det Lille Hotel

Storgt. 5, 4950 Risør
Tlf: +47 37 15 14 95
Mobil: +47 91 12 82 73
Fax: + 47 37 15 01 68
E-mail: info@detlillehotel.no
Internett: www.detlillehotel.no
Organisasjonsnummer: 989 213 598
Bank: DnB NOR
Kontonummer: 5081 0585 282
A/C for international payments: NO84 5081 0585 282
SWIFT: DNBANOKKXXX