Bergen & the Southwestern Fjords - Norway - page 435

STAVANGER FOR CHILDREN
Stavanger has plenty to keep the kids occupied. Older children will enjoy the Norsk
Oljemuseum , while younger visitors could spend an entire day playing in the Museum of
Childhood . The Arkeologisk Museum sometimes has Viking-themed activities in summer,
while children of all ages will enjoy Geoparken ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; Norsk Oljemuseum), a
playground fashioned from oil-exploration equipment at the Norsk Oljemuseum. And
don't miss the beautiful stretches of sand at Sola , Hellestø and Bybergsanden .
Tours
Siddisvandring WALKING TOUR
(per person Nkr100; daily 2pm, mid-Jun-Aug)
The name of these tourist office-run summer walking tours translates to 'stroll with a loc-
al'. A great concept, it makes for a casual, chatty hour of exploring.
Guide Companiet WALKING TOUR
( 51 85 09 20; www.guidecompaniet.no ; 2hr tour adult Nkr170)
Guide Companiet tours leave from outside the tourist office and cover the cathedral, old
Stavanger and the listed wharf houses.
OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
CITY BEACHES
A 20-minute drive south of Stavanger, a number of soft-sand beaches stretch down the
coast. Backed by sea-grass spiked dunes and dotted with wooden holiday shacks, they
are all incredibly atmospheric, if often on the fresh side. Sola sits right near the airport,
and has parking and a kiosk, plus the historic Sola Strand Hotel ( 51 94 30 00; Sola
Strand Hotel ; Axel Lunds veg 27, Sola). Further along, Hellestø and Bybergsanden form a gor-
geous peaceful continuum: perfect for bracing walks whatever the weather, or a shallows
frolic in summer.