Stavanger Norway Tourist Information provided by FIVE CONTINENT GROUP, (FCG):

Stavanger

History Stavanger (Old Norse 'Stafangr' which means Staff-fjord) was founded in the year 1125, mainly because the Stavanger bishop was established in the 1120s. But even before that time Stavanger fulfilled an important urban role. A number of historians have argued convincingly that Nord-Jæren was an economic and military centre as far back as the 800-900s with the consolidation of the nation at Hafrsfjord. Stavanger grew into a centre of civic administration and an important south-west coast market town around 1100-1200. With the reformation in 1536, Stavanger's role as a religious centre declined, and the establishment of Kristiansand in the early 17th century led to the relocation of the bisphopric. However, rich herring fisheries in the 19th century gave the city new life.

The city's history is a continuous alternation between upswings and recessions. The city is deeply rooted in religion and Christian life, and for long periods of time its most important industries have been shipping, shipbuilding, the canning industry and associated subcontractors.

In 1969 a new upswing started as oil was first discovered in the North Sea, and in 2003 Norway was the world's third largest exporter of crude oil.

Modern Stavanger

Since petroleum exploration and production became the most important business sector in the Stavanger area during the mid 1970s, business and cultural climate has changed considerably. The self-esteem of Stavanger people has been strongly reinforced and there is a considerable amount of entrepreneur spirit. There is a powerful consciousness of the area's large contribution to GNP. The petroleum sector is strongly globalised and it can be argued that the Stavanger area is one of the dynamic and receptive regions in Norway in terms of business and culture.

The largest oil company in Stavanger is state-owned oil company Statoil who have their headquarters located in the suburbian area of Forus, located between neighboring Sandnes and Stavanger. University of Stavanger with about 10,000 students was granted full University status beginning January 1, 2005.

The Nato Joint Warfare Centre is also located at Forus.

Tourism

Vågen (the harbour) is located in the city center of StavangerFor tourists, an interesting suggestion is to head for the hills. Two of the best day hikes in Norway (some would say in the world) are located a couple of hours out of town on the beautiful Lysefjorden. Not too far from Stavanger, alpine centers are ready for skiers and snowboarders throughout winter season.

Preikestolen (aka the Pulpit Rock) is a massive rock overhanging the fjord. It's a 3-4 hour round trip hike with fabulous views. Kjeragbolten is a rock wedged in the cliff 1000 meters above the fjord. It's a more strenuous 4-5 hour hike out and a longer drive, but a spectacular look down from the rock. The free fall makes Kjerag a very popular location for BASE jumping.

Along the coast south of Stavanger there are a number of large, sandy beaches, among which the one at Sola is within closest reach from the city. The beaches are quite unique in a country where fjords and mountains dominate. These beaches are widely used by the locals for walks and wind surfers all year around and for bathing during summer.

For the more urban minded, Old Stavanger (Gamle Stavanger) is located right next to the city centre. This collection of eighteenth- and nineteenth century wooden structures is one of the finest in Northern Europe. Most houses in Old Stavanger are privately owned and maintained, and in the area you will also find the studios of a number of local artists and artisans. The Canning Museum is also located in Old Stavanger, commemorating the city's past glory as the herring capital of Norway. The city centre itself is small and intimate, with narrow streets and open spaces protected from car traffic. The open-air vegetable market is one of the very few in Norway (if not the only one) where you can buy produce directly from local farmers every working day through the year. Stavanger domkirke (St. Svithun's cathedral) was built between 1100 and 1125 by the English bishop Reinald in anglo-norman style, and in the late 13th a new choir was added in gothic style, with a vaulted roof. Among old stone churches in Norway the cathedral in Stavanger is among the best preserved. The cathedral is recognized as one of Norway's most beautiful medieval structures. The Norwegian Petroleum Museum is located at the harbour. The museum reflects the fact that Stavanger has been Norway's oil capital since oil drilling activities started in the North Sea in 1966.

Every May, Stavanger is host to MaiJazz, the Stavanger International Jazz Festival. Stavanger was the host port of the Cutty Sark Tall Ships' Race in 1997 and 2004.