Tourist information - Stavanger
Stavanger, the oil capital of Norway, is actually a medieval city. Although it didn't gain city status until 1125 when construction of the wonderful medieval cathedral began, the area has been populated for over 10,000 years.
The city is an remarkable combination of old and new. Narrow lanes and white timber houses are usually in well preserved traditional style, from classic style to funkis. It is a modern city having a wide variety of shops, cafes and restaurants. Contrast characterizes this city, the people who live there, the surrounding landscape - and the weather! This all makes Stavanger an excellent and very charming city.
Stavanger is also the centre of higher education in Rogaland county. It features a various cultural institutions which includes international, British and French schools because of the great influx of foreigners connected to the oil industry and also to the "Emigration Centre for Genealogical Studies and Contact between Norway and North America". The Canning Museum is the only one of its kind across the world and testifies to what has been an important industry for Stavanger. One of the many various other tourist attractions include the theatre as well as the symphonic orchestra that has its home in the beautifully found Kulturhuset.
By boat you may reach the eye-catching islands of Kvitsøy, where the fjord meets the open sea. If you happen to travel into Lysefjord, you will arrive at the strange and magnificent mount formation called Pulpit Rock. Utstein monastery beyond Stavanger is Norway's best preserved. Magnus Lagabøter built it in the year 1200. Originally a royal residence, it was later a Danish style manor. Concert events are held in the chapel, and throughout the summer months you may be fortunate to hear famous musicians perform here.
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