Stavanger - Norway - page 249

Valbergtarnet & Vektermuseet Inhabiting a wooden city, the residents of
Stavanger lived in constant fear of fire. So from 1850 to 1853, they constructed
this historic tower, Valbergtarnet, with a panoramic sweep over Stavanger and its
harbor. A guard was stationed here 24 hours a day to be on the lookout for a
fire. Today the site is visited mainly for its panoramic view , one of the most
memorable cityscape vistas in southwestern Norway. But a small museum, Vek-
termuseet, has been installed here as well. The watchman's museum focuses on
the guard's duties and the watchman as a symbol of safety.
Valbergjet 2. & 51-89-55-01. Admission 30NOK ($4.25) adults, 15NOK ($2.15) children. Mon-Fri
10am-4pm; Sat 10am-2pm.

6 Shopping
Locals head for the area's major shopping center, Kvadrat Kjøpesenter at Lura,
lying between Stavanger and Sandnes ( & 51-96-00-00 ). There are nearly 160
shops here selling everything from reindeer hides, sheepskin jackets, pewter sou-
venirs, to Norwegian handcrafts such as wooden trolls. Other outlets include
restaurants, a state-run wine store, a pharmacy, and even a post office if you want
to mail back some of the cards you can purchase in one of several shops.
Most shops are open Monday to Wednesday and Friday from 9am to 5pm,
Thursday 9am to 7pm, and Saturday 9am to 3pm.
Gjestal Spinneri Motorists and serious shoppers might want to
check out this spinning mill, lying 30km (19 miles) southeast of Stavanger in
the little village of Oltedal. Established in 1937, it has since become one of Scan-
dinavia's leading producers in the manufacture of hand-knitting yarn and plaids.
The mill uses mostly Norwegian lamb's wool but also English or New Zealand
wool to create ideal, high-quality wool garments. The outlet sells all types of
yarn and ready-made sweaters and other woolen products at 30% to 40% below
the prices you'll find in most city stores. On-site is a cafeteria so you can also
make this a luncheon stopover. 4333 Oltedal. & 51-61-22-00.
Helger Myhre Marine Supplies This shop would never be considered a sta-
ple on Stavanger's tourist circuit, and many non-Norwegian shoppers might
bypass it immediately in favor of a more luxurious venue. But if you've ever sailed
a boat, or if you happen to own a boat, or if you merely happen to be fascinated
with the thousands of articles you could stockpile if you owned a boat, this place
is well worth a visit. Nautical hardware (everything you'd need to winch, ratchet,
hoist, or belay a sailing craft) is stocked on the street level. Clothing for men,
women, and children is upstairs, and a collection of sometimes kitschy-looking
“Ahoy, Mate!” souvenirs, many in brass, are scattered around the store. Overall,
it provides an insight into the sometimes-obsessive care with which many Nor-
wegians maintain their pleasure crafts. Skagenkaien 22. & 51-89-07-20.
Helgi Joensen Sculptural pewter—modern decorative art—reaches its
peak in Stavanger at the working studio of this renowned artist who grew up on
the coasts of the North Atlantic and found inspiration for his work here. Sculp-
tures are mainly in pewter, and each piece is constructed individually, its texture
formed freehand with no casting or molds. One piece of Joensen's sculptural
pewter makes for a good heirloom gift. A visit here is also a chance to explore
inside the working studio of a Norwegian artist. Ovre Strand Gate 52. & 51-52-98-99.
Thune Gullsmed & Urmarker This is one of 12 shops in Norway that
showcases the beautiful gold work and elegant watches of this leading chain, in
addition to diamonds, silver jewelry, cutlery, pewter, and silver tableware. The

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