Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
This burg of about 117,000 is a mildly charming (if unspectacular) waterfront
city whose streets are lined with unpretentious shiplap cottages that echo its
perennial ties to the sea. Stavanger feels more cosmopolitan than most small
Norwegian cities, thanks in part to its oil industry—which brings multina-
tional workers (and their money) into the city. Known as Norway's festival
city, Stavanger hosts several lively events, including jazz in May
(
www.maijazz.no
)
, Scandinavia's biggest food festival in July
(
www.gladmat.no
), and chamber music in August (
www.icmf.no
)
. With all of
this culture, it's no surprise that Stavanger was named a European Capital of
Culture for 2008.
From a sightseeing perspective, Stavanger barely has enough to fill a day:
The Norwegian Petroleum Museum is the only bigtime sight in town, while
the Norwegian Emigration Center thrills only those with family ties here.
The city's fine cathedral is worth a peek, but beyond those options, the chief
activity is dodging the thousands of cruise passengers routinely dumped here
throughout the summer season. For most visitors, the main reason to come to
Stavanger is to use it as a launch pad for side-tripping to Lysefjord and/or the
famous, iconic Pulpit Rock: an eerily flat-topped peak thrusting up from the
fjord, offering perfect, point-blank views deep into the Lysefjord.
The most scenic and interesting parts of Stavanger surround its harbor. Here
you'll find the Norwegian Emigration Center, lots of shops and restaurants
(particularly around the market plaza and along Kirkegata, which connects the
cathedral to the Petroleum Museum), the indoor fish market, and a produce
market (Mon-Fri 9:00-16:00, Sat 9:00-15:00, closed Sun). The artificial Lake
Breiavatnet—bordered by Kongsgaten on the east and Olav V's Gate on the
west—separates the train and bus stations from the harbor.
