Stavanger: a Port City
Stavanger's fun and relaxed atmosphere entices visitors from all over.Atmospheric Stavanger is one of Norway’s most beautiful cities; rising gently from the water in a series of climbing streets, the city is filled with cultural and entertaining pursuits.
Though classed as a city, much of Stavanger remains small town-esque, with a charming and quiet atmosphere of a Sunday morning. However, as with many port towns, it features a boisterous, fun-loving nightlife, particularly during the summer months.
The fantastic Norwegian Petroleum Museum is a must for any visitors to the area; featuring a complete geological history of Norway, a documentary by Ian Wright and a model of the amazing ‘Efofisk City’, this is an interesting and informative museum which mixes technical information with archive material of oil exploration.
On a far less serious note, Stavanger plays host to the Sand Volleyball World Series every year. Beginning in June, this two-month sports event features two matches a day.
Stavanger’s beautiful cathedral contains examples of Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque and Anglo-Norman architecture. This 900 year old cathedral is Norway’s oldest and is a visual feast for visitors, boasting stunning stained-glass window representations of events in the Christian calendar. Every August, it, along with dozens of other venues in Stavanger, is filled as the Annual International Chamber Music Festival commences.
Stavanger is a city of music; as well as the Chamber Music Festival, it is host to the Annual NuMusic Festival in September and a much-loved jazz festival. The Mai Jazz Festival is the city’s oldest – dating back to 1988, it has become one of Stavanger’s best festivals, presenting concerts by local, national and international jazz musicians.
There are frequent flights from London Heathrow to Stavanger.
