Special Feature
Stavanger, the land of Vikings and black gold
Stavanger, the oil capital of Norway, didn’t wait for black gold to grow and prosper. Since the Middle Ages, the town, built entirely around the port, has earned a fine reputation for its canning and preserving industry. It is around these banks, bordered with colourful houses and traditional wooden boats, that today this 2008 European Capital of Culture, welcomes its visitors.
Must see…
To celebrate its European year, the town is celebrating the country’s most famous material: wood! Open until 20 December 2008, the wood exhibition demonstrates the knowledge of architects and local artisans. Houses, furniture and objects are all on the menu. Open Tuesday to Friday from 10am until 4pm and from midday until 3pm on Saturdays.
Dream…
Of going back in time to the maritime industry as it was at the beginning of the 20th century, and lose yourself in the town’s Maritime museum. Find out about the big fishing and naval adventures of old with a journey that covers two centuries of activities linked to the sea. Worth noting, a section of the museum is reserved for children. There are two English speaking assistants to help them learn and understand about protecting the big blue sea.
Nedre Strandgt. 17-19, 4005 Stavanger - (+47) 51 84 27 00 -
www.stavanger.museum.no
Take a ride...
On a rented bicycle, an activity you can enjoy all year round. Take the coastal routes to see the fjords and stop off in a few of the cafés with their brightly coloured façades. The rental companies have thought of everything: maps and guides are provided so you can’t get lost.
Bike rental in Stavanger Domkirkeplassen 3, 4006 Stavanger -
(+47) 51 85 92 00 - info@regionstavanger.com
Learn...
About black gold at the Norwegian Petroleum Museum, which is also a centre of geological research. The museum profiles one of the most beautiful 3D films ever made about oil. The sumptuous underwater images evoking the adventure of exploration are well worth seeing.
Norwegian Petroleum Museum Kjeringholmen, 4001 Stavanger -
(+47) 51 93 93 00 - www.norskolje.museum.no
Navigate…
Through Lysefjord (the fjord of light), one of the most beautiful fjords in the world. Take a pleasure boat that takes you to Pulpit Rock, a huge mass of rock that dominates the sea. An exceptional trip between sky and sea with views of the majestic hills that dominate the watery landscape. Unforgettable. Worth noting, the excellent quality of service on board the boats.
Rødne Fjord Cruise - Skagenkaien 35-37, 4006 Stavanger -
(+47) 51 89 52 70 - www.rodne.no
Climb…
To the summit of Kjerag, the mountain that dominates Lysefjord. It’s a breathtaking view. From here, it feels as if the climber owns the seas and their surrounding peaks. As one of the most well known climbing destinations in Europe, guided climbs are organised throughout the year… weather permitting.
Call in…
At the Andreas Boe Collection. Installed in Bryne, a few kilometres from the town centre, this gallery houses works of art from the artist Andreas Boe: 50 oil paintings and 20 drawings in a very colourful figurative style.
Arne Garborgs vei 32, 4340 Bryne - (+47) 51 77 61 00
Relive the past …
“The Old Stable”, without doubt the oldest house in the town, built in the 18th century. Completely renovated, it has become a reputable bed and breakfast, giving guests the feeling that they’re living in the age of the Vikings.
"The Old Stable" Øvre Strandgate 112, 4005 Stavanger - (+47) 51 52 53 46
► How to get to Stavanger
Stavanger is served by 4 daily flights (operated by KLM) departing from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.
GOOD ADRESSES
To discover
► Eat at the Tango Bar
which takes its name from the preferred
musical style of the… Finnish! Very modern
designer décor. Food-wise, a successful
mixture of Norwegian and European flavours
based around fish and seafood. Our advice :
be sure to reserve a table at weekends.
Tango Bar & Kjøkken -
Nedre Strandgate 25, 4001 Stavanger -
(+47) 51 50 12 30 - www.tango-bk.no
► Have a drink at Café Sting
Without doubt the trendiest bar in town,
music concerts and exhibitions are held
all year round.
Valberget 3, 4006 Stavanger -
(+47) 51 89 38 78 - www.cafe-sting.no
► Dance the Salsa at the Holmen bar
every Tuesday from 8pm until midnight.
Great atmosphere guaranteed in this bar
set inside the Victoria Hotel.
Skansegaten 1, 4006 Stavanger -
(+47) 51 86 71 91
► The country’s most renowned craftsmen
of traditional glass display and sell
their wares at Stavanger Glassblåseri -
Dykjelsletta 29, 4032 Stavanger -
(+47) 51 80 10 82 - www.stavangerglass.no
► Who could imagine Norway without
its famous jumpers in white or coloured wool?
Find them at Sandnes Garn
(20 minutes from the town centre) -
Foss Eikeland, 4302 Sandnes -
(+47) 51 60 86 00 - www.sandnesgarn.no
► Traditional jackets
from Gjestal Spinneri, a factory shop located
30 minutes from the town centre.
A modernised and reworked collection
that adds a beautiful touch to womens’ fashion.
Gjestal Spinneri
Oltedalsveien 2-4, 4333 Oltedal -
(+47) 51 61 22 00 - www.gjestal.no.
► When fishing in these bountiful waters,
it is difficult to come away empty handed.
Take a trip by boat in the fjord. Rods and bait
are provided. Everything is organised by
Tide Fjord fishing -
Fiskepirterminalen,
4004 Stavanger - (+47) 51 53 85 85
► See one of the most beautiful living
collections of butterflies at the only park
that’s set aside just for them.
Open from March, from 10am to 5pm.
The Butterfly Park-
Forusbeen 337, 4312 Sandnes -
(+47) 47 67 80 33 - www.sommerfuglparken.no
