Stavanger, Norway

Norway'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.

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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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Ullandhaug Viewpoint

    Ullandhaug Viewpoint offers panoramic views of the Jæren countryside and Ryfylke Mountains to the east and of Hafrsfjord to the west.

  • 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.

9 EXCURSIONS

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Easy Stavanger

2 hours | Stavanger | S V G - 2 9 0
  • Stavanger Cathedral

Take in the sights from the comfort of your coach on a narrated drive around Stavanger. Journey past the 12th century Stavanger Cathedral, the Iron-Age Farm at Ullandhaug, and the long sandy beaches of Jaeren. Photo stops at the 12th century Sola Church and Hafrsfjord complete your journey.

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Easy Activity

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Iron Age Farm & Stavanger Cathedral

3 hours | Stavanger | S V G - 2 0 0
  • Ullandhaug Viewpoint
  • Jernaldegarden (Iron Age Farm)
  • Stavanger Cathedral

Relive some of Norway's ancient history as you travel to Ullandhaug and the Iron Age Farm. There you'll discover what life was like in the 4th/5th centuries. You'll also enjoy a narrated scenic drive that visits St. Svithun 's cathedral, the best-preserved medieval cathedral in the country, founded circa 1125.

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Moderate Activity

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Flavors of Stavanger

3 hours | Stavanger | S V G - 3 0 0
  • Old Stavanger

The flavors of Norway's capital of gastronomy come alive on this guided foodie tour through Stavanger. Walk through the cultural heart of the city, samplecanned brisling and smoked salmon at the Breidablikk Museum,fenalår (salted, dried and cured leg of lamb) and herring, coffee and traditional soft flatbread 'lefse' at the Maritime Museum.

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Iron Age Farm & Petroleum Museum

3.5 hours | Stavanger | S V G - 2 0 5
  • Ullandhaug Viewpoint
  • Jernaldegarden (Iron Age Farm)
  • Petroleum Museum

Travel through time, getting a glimpse into Norway's ancient history, successful present and brilliant future. You'll visit the Iron Age Farm to discover what life was like in the 4th/5th centuries, tour the 21st century Petroleum Museum, and perhaps stroll the cobblestone streets of Old Stavanger.

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Stavanger and Surroundings

5 hours | Stavanger | S V G - 2 1 0
  • Old Stavanger

Immerse yourself in Norwegian heritage when you journey along the Dirdal River to Byrkjedalstunet, a charming hotel, restaurant and candle factory, to savor a traditional treat and browse locally produced handicrafts. Then, photograph Gloppedalsura, northern Europe's largest rockery, and enjoy a panoramic drive through Stavanger's city center with an optional walking tour.

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Moderate Activity, Includes snack

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Utstein Kloster & Music Recital

3 hours | Stavanger | S V G - 2 1 5
  • Utstein Kloster

Experience the resonance and beauty of Norway's best-preserved medieval monastery. Located on Moster Island, Utstein Kloster was founded in the 13th century. You'll have a guided tour of the graceful cloisters and enjoy a music recital in the chapel, then sample some traditional local refreshments.

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Flor og Fjaere Gardens & Cruise

2.5 hours | Stavanger | S V G - 2 4 5
  • Flor og Fjære Gardens

Experience another side of Stavanger as you cruise to Sør Hidle Island and tour Flor og Fjære Gardens. These exotic gardens are home to the world's most northern plantations of tropical flora including palm trees, bamboo and bananas. In the summer months, the paths bloom with over 15,000 flowers.

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Cruise Along Lysefjord

3 hours | Stavanger | S V G - 2 4 0
  • Lysefjord Cruise

Explore majestic Lysefjord, considered one of the most beautiful fjords in all Norway, from the comfort of your watercraft. You'll sail along its 35 miles into the countryside with forested mountains, dramatic cliffs and graceful waterfalls, view the 'Pulpit' rising more than 1,800 feet and enjoy some local refreshments.

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Easy Activity

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$169.95

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Lysefjord & Pulpit Rock by Helicopter

1.5 hours | Stavanger | S V G - 8 0 0

Thrill to Norway's grandeur on a helicopter adventure that explores the dramatic beauty of Lysefjord, the sheer cliff walls of Pulpit Rock and the delightful and scenic Stavanger. Climb aboard and take flight over incredible scenery and iconic landscapes on an exciting 30-minute flight with lively commentary by the pilot.

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Moderate Activity

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$499.95

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