The fourth-largest city in Norway, with a population of around 150,000. It is the capital of the Rogaland administrative region. The first significant event in the city’s history was the establishment of a bishopric in 1125. Soon after, Bishop Reinald of Winchester began the construction of the cathedral. For centuries, the city was a center of ecclesiastical administration and fishing. In the second half of the 19th century, the first canning factory was established. The first half of the 20th century was marked by industrial development. Numerous factories were built in Stavanger, and the city became a hub for fishing and sardine processing. In the 1960s, fish schools moved farther out to sea, and the industry declined. The city lost its importance, but soon afterward, oil deposits were discovered nearby, giving a boost to the region’s development.
Today, Stavanger is home to companies involved in oil and natural gas extraction in the North Sea. Tourists often stop here on their way to the Preikestolen cliff and the Lysefjord.
Main Historical Sites and Tourist Attractions
Old Town (Norwegian: Gamle Stavanger) – a charming district located on the western side of the harbor. Cobblestone streets wind between white wooden houses from the 18th and 19th centuries. Many of the historic homes now house art galleries and artisan workshops selling local crafts. The district becomes especially picturesque in the summer when the houses are decorated with flowers. Old Town consists of around 170 houses.
Fargegaten – a prominent street in the city center, known as the most colorful street in Norway. The idea to paint the houses in bright colors, transform the busy road into a pedestrian zone, and revitalize the area was born in the early 2000s. The colorful houses and murals gave rise to cafes, bars, and craft shops, turning the street into a lively area from morning until dusk.
Cathedral (Norwegian: Domkirke) – The cathedral in Stavanger was built in the city center around 1125, most likely by stonemasons from England, as reflected in its architecture. It is considered the oldest cathedral in Norway. The cathedral’s patron is Saint Swithin, Bishop of Winchester, who died in 862. Originally, the cathedral had a wooden nave and a tall tower, but it was severely damaged in the great fire of Stavanger in 1272. After the fire, it was rebuilt and expanded in the Gothic style. During the Reformation, the cathedral was plundered, resulting in the permanent loss of many valuable interior elements. In recent years, the cathedral has been renovated. Of particular note are the stained glass windows and the organ. Admission is charged.
Stavanger Museum – The city museum consists of five branches located in different parts of Stavanger. The main building dates back to 1893. Inside, you can see permanent exhibitions on the city’s history from the Middle Ages to modern times, as well as an exhibition dedicated to the region’s fauna, featuring numerous taxidermied animals.
Norwegian Children’s Museum – Located right next to the City Museum, it showcases toys and the childhood of Norwegian residents through the ages.
Archaeological Museum of the University of Stavanger (Norwegian: Arkeologisk museum, Universitetet i Stavanger) – A small, renovated museum featuring exhibitions on human history from the Stone Age to the present day. A large part of the collection consists of artifacts from archaeological excavations. There are also quizzes and games for children, and the museum hosts interesting temporary exhibitions.
Norwegian Canning Museum (Norwegian: Norsk grafisk museum og Norsk hermetikkmuseum) – This museum, located in a former canning factory, reflects the time when Stavanger was an important center for fish canning production. Original machines have been preserved, and visitors can learn about the entire production process. Recently opened exhibitions show the lives of factory workers. Part of the building is dedicated to the Printing Museum, which presents the history of printing. In summer, live demonstrations of fish smoking are held.
Maritime Museum – An institution dedicated to the development of shipping and maritime trade, housed in historic warehouses dating from 1770 to 1840. The museum’s biggest attractions are two historic sailing ships. During the tour, visitors can also see a reconstructed merchant’s apartment, a store, a shipowner’s office, and two multimedia rooms. The museum receives mixed reviews—some tourists find it disappointing.
Norwegian Petroleum Museum (Norwegian: Norsk Oljemuseum) – A must-visit for those interested in the extraction and processing of petroleum. Stavanger is known as Norway’s oil capital, and the museum boasts modern exhibits and excellent facilities. It opened in 1999. Inside, visitors can see, among other things, a model of a drilling platform. A large part of the permanent exhibition is dedicated to the history of oil and gas extraction in Norway and the impact of the oil industry on climate change.
Breidablikk Museum – An elegant villa from 1881 transformed into a museum. The villa was built for merchant and shipowner Lars Berentsen. Visitors can admire richly decorated interiors typical of wealthy Norwegian households at the end of the 19th century. All furnishings, such as furniture and tableware, are preserved in excellent condition. The museum is open only during the summer season, from mid-June to mid-August.
Ledaal Residence – A neoclassical residence built between 1799 and 1803 for shipowner Gabriel Schanche Kielland and his family. Today, it serves as the royal family’s official summer residence. The main rooms of the residence are open to the public. Like the Breidablikk villa, Ledaal is only open from mid-June to mid-August.
Sverd i fjell (Swords in Rock) – Southwest of the city center, three giant swords embedded in the ground draw attention. This monument commemorates the Battle of Hafrsfjord in 872. According to legend, Harald Fairhair’s victory enabled the unification of Norway into a single kingdom. The largest sword, 9.2 meters high, symbolizes the victor, while the two smaller swords represent the defeated kings. The entire monument symbolizes eternal peace among the former enemies. The monument was unveiled in 1983.
A few kilometers west of the city lies a reconstructed Iron Age village. Guided tours are conducted by staff dressed in historical costumes. About 30 kilometers from Stavanger, you can visit the Fjøløy lighthouse and a nearby fort of the same name, featuring bunkers, shelters, and military buildings.
Stavenger train station is located in the city center, close to the main tourist attractions.
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