Stavanger, Norway
Stavanger, Norway
Description
View cruises with Stavanger, NorwayNorway's fourth largest city, Stavanger lies at the mouth of the Gandsfjord. The old port, attests to the sea's enduring role in Norwegian history. Here, Vikings once sailed on voyages of conquest and exploration. In later centuries, the port served as a major hub for Norway's mercantile and fishing fleets. By the mid-20th century, however, Stavanger had fallen on hard times as the fishing grounds dwindled. In 1969, the discovery of North Sea oil opened a new chapter in Stavanger's history.
At the "Sword in the Rock" Monument, three giant crossed Viking swords commemorate King Harald Fair Hair's unification of Norway in 872 following his victory at the Battle of Hafrsfjord.
Points of Interest
- Lysefjord Cruise
- Old Stavanger
- Jernaldegarden (Iron Age Farm)
- Utstein Kloster
- Petroleum Museum
- Stavanger Cathedral
- Ullandhaug Viewpoint
- Flor og Fjære Gardens
More about Stavanger, Norway Points of Interest
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Lysefjord Cruise -
One of the most famous fjords in the Stavanger region is Lysefjorden. The fjord is 42 km long with rocky walls falling nearly vertically over 1000 m into the water. This is undoubtedly one of the highlights of Norwegian nature.
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Old Stavanger -
Gamle Stavanger ('Old Stavanger') is believed to be Europe's largest collection of wooden buildings. Here, you'll find the Norwegian Canning Museum that displays a typical factory from the 1920's.
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Jernaldegarden (Iron Age Farm) -
Step back into the 4th and 5th centuries A.D. Tour the reconstructed wooden buildings with roofs of peat and bark from the days when our early ancestors first used iron implements and weapons.
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Utstein Kloster -
Built around 1160, the Abbey was once home to Augustine monks until the Reformation. It's been owned by the state since 1900, and is now popular for concerts, weddings, meetings and as a museum.
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Petroleum Museum -
Seen from the water, the museum looks like a small oil platform. Opened in 1999, this unusual landmark lets you discover the history of offshore petroleum activity especially in the North Sea.
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Stavanger Cathedral -
Stavanger domkirke or St. Swithun's cathedral was built between 1100 and 1150 by the English bishop Reinald. It's the only Norwegian cathedral that is almost unchanged since the 14th century.
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Ullandhaug Viewpoint -
Ullandhaug Viewpoint offers panoramic views of the Jæren countryside and Ryfylke Mountains to the east and of Hafrsfjord to the west.
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Flor og Fjære Gardens -
Stavanger boasts a mild climate and the longest growing season in Norway. Exotic Flor og Fjære Gardens in turn boasts the northernmost tropical garden in the world.
