Strong Stavanger sounds

What is Stavanger associated with? With the European Capital of Culture 2008, or maybe with heavy metal music? With great conditions for winter sports? Or maybe with fjords that only a really brave tourist will conquer?

The colder and whiter in any part of the world, the darker creatures you can meet there. It fits very well to the north of Europe, where a lot of black-, death- or even folk metal bands come from. A good example is the Norwegian city of Stavanger, where groups such as Sirenia and the Theater of Tragedy, Kvelertak and Gehenna were born.

Stavanger is a 12th-century port resort located on the south-west coast of Norway, in a region known for the Preikestolen mountains, the Lysefjord and beaches (including Sola). It is also famous for fishing for sprats, but to say that it is a fishing town is definitely not enough - in the past it specialized in processing fish and producing canning on a mass scale. We can find out about it by crossing the threshold of the Norsk Hermetikkmuseum , the Canning Museum. It is located in the oldest part of the city, Gamle Stavanger.

Center smelling of vegetables

Lovers of monuments will be satisfied. The chalet decorating Stavanger 's city center is Norway's oldest cathedral. As the only one in the country, it has remained virtually unchanged since the 14th century.

Right next to the center is the above-mentioned Gamle Stavanger , where you can see a number of historic wooden buildings. Other places worth visiting include the Bishop's Palace, the Romanesque cathedral and the Ledaal manor.

It is worth taking a walk to the vegetable market . It is one of the few places in Norway where you can buy fresh produce from local farmers all year round.

Driving on the E39

About 6 km from the center, there is Sverd i fjell (Three Swords), a monument built in 1983. It symbolizes the reunification of Norway after the Battle of Hafrsfjord in 872, and at the same time is a sign of peace - swords stuck in the ground, never to be used again. Every year, Viking fan events are held at the monument.

If we have more time, it is worth going south. About 75 km from Stavanger, there is a large tourist attraction - Magma Geopark belonging to the European Geopark under the auspices of UNESCO. In addition to the unique rock formations, the park also features beautiful, though slightly disturbing, lunar landscapes.

The longest sandy beaches in Norway are also relatively nearby. In particular, the beach of Solastranden (2.3 km) deserves recognition. Lovers of warm waters and the scorching sun of the South may not be enchanted, but its beauty cannot be denied. The sand is loose and the water is cold but crystal clear. Gusty winds attract kitesurfers and windsurfers. The beach is approximately 100 km from Stavanger, taking the E39 road.

Camping in the Stavanger area

Tourists interested in staying as close to the city as possible can consider Stavanger Camping Mosvangen . The center can be reached on foot, and the facility itself offers guests a location by the lake, cozy accommodation (including pitches for campers and caravans with access to electricity), a kiosk and sports equipment rental on site. There is a supermarket nearby. It is easy to find camping thanks to the signs leading from the E39 road.

You don't necessarily have to be a heavy music lover to enjoy a great holiday in Stavanger (and its surroundings). Both amateurs of hiking along mountain trails, people practicing water sports, and those who love historic architecture will find their place here perfectly.