Torvet 1 - Prebensens House
This is Prebensens hus, built shortly after the town fire by I. W. Prebensen, from a family that belonged to one of the most prominent trading environments in Risør.
The Prebensen name was closely tied to shipping, timber trade, ice export, and other activities that made Risør an important maritime city.
As you stand here at Torvet, you're also standing in the midst of the city's economic center, as it developed after 1861.
The house has had many roles. On the first floor, it was initially an office, later a café, tourist information office, and today it is home to the offices of Risør By AS and the Risør Trebåtfestival.
The fine wrought-iron veranda was likely acquired in connection with the royal visit in 1891. After a fire in 2007, the house was completely renovated, and both the courtyard and garden were redeveloped.