The Port of Stavanger, Norway
ABOUT
Stavanger is a city in south western Norway. In the center of town, Stavanger Cathedral dates back to the city’s 12th-century founding. Stavanger Museum chronicles the city’s history and displays preserved wildlife.
The city’s population rapidly grew in the late 20th century due to its oil industry. Stavanger is known today as the Oil Capital of Norway.
Population in 2014 was just over 130,000.
Currency is the Krone.
THINGS TO DO
Stavanger might be one of the oldest cities in Norway, but it has a modern side, too. Among its preserved old wooden houses, visitors will find vibrant street art, which can be seen through a walking tour of the city.
Other things to do include the Breidablikk Museum an elegant 1881 manor featuring historic furnishings & antiques; the Norwegian Petroleum Museum; Norwegian Canning Museum; the historic centre of Gamle with its beautiful houses; RIB adventures; hiking; tours to some of the nearby Fjords – and more.
OUR FAVOURITE THINGS TO DO
We have visited this port several times and enjoyed it each time. The old town is a delight to walk around, if a little steep for some. Very pretty and picturesque.
We have also popped in to the Viking Virtual Reality (VR) experience situated close to where the ships dock. This was quite a find. It takes you on a journey in a long ship – but we won’t say too much so as not to spoil the experience. Well worth a visit.
We have experienced local hostelries and a lovely coffee shop that served the most delicious waffles. It’s good to seek out such places.
In early 2024 we arrived in Stavanger aboard P&O Cruises Aurora. It was the last port of call during our visit to the Artic Circle.
On this particular occasion we thought the weather would suit taking a short tour around the local fjord. A tour boat with cover would mean even with poor weather we could enjoy our time.
We looked at various options through tour companies before we cruised. Eventually we settled on booking direct with a local company called Rodne Fjord Cruise.
The tour takes up to 3.5 hours along Lysefjord seeing the spectacular Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), majestic waterfalls and amazing mountains.
Departure times depend on time of year and are listed on the website. We paid 840NOK each (approx £60). There is a child rate, flexible change ability and cancellation policy.
Whilst this is not cheap, it is a well run company – and cheaper than booking the same boat from the ship!
Lysefjord Cruise
The photos below give an idea of the scenery that we saw. It was very dramatic in places and provides ample opportunity for photos. The boat travelled along the Fjord, slowing at notable spots. We were driven very close to one of the waterfalls which made for some lovely photo opportunties and of course paused to see Pulpit Rock. Do note it is quite difficult to photograph Pulpit Rock from the water.
Gamle Stavanger
There have been a couple of occasions when we walked through the `Old Town’. With its narrow cobblestone streets and buildings from the 18th & 19th Century it is a really nice walk. If you have mobility issues be aware of the steep slopes, uneven pavements and streets.
These streets, now familiar to us, are lived in and small businesses are run from there too. It is lovely to take time to look at how life is going on there. Whilst weather can be difficult in this part of the world there is often lots of flowers and shrubs to see.
As we walked through the streets we also come to a small park called Lendeparken. There are a number of sculptures here, a tribute to Lars H. Lende and his work with local children.
More of the Town
It wouldn’t be right visiting Stavanger without sampling some of the food and drink, or perhaps visiting some of the shops. Whilst it isn’t cheap, we have found it to be good quality. We have found all sorts of items to buy – including Trolls! But we have enjoyed refreshments too. Yes we have visited a couple of bars.
But the one place we re-visit is a little cafe called No 18 Kulturcafe. This quaint cafe is usually full of locals having snacks and lunch. They are very welcoming and serve light snack including hot and cold beverages (hot chocolate is amazing). There seems to be a good selection of sandwiches including the traditional open sandwiches. But for us it is the waffles – delicious!
Enjoy more photos and Videos below
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