One of the world’s largest areas of untouched nature awaits you. In the summer, beautiful colours and contrasts provide the frames for dramatic glaciers, majestic mountain formations, buzzing bird mountains and endless arctic tundra with its diverse fl ora and fauna. Visitors find themselves enclosed by the unparalleled silence on Svalbard.

The light lures us to this unique place in which the midnight sun shines from early spring till autumn. During the winter, the northern lights cast sparkles of light across snow-covered, pointed mountain
peaks and an infi nite landscape. The blue light caught between darkness and light turns reality into a pure
fairytale. The surroundings become works of art. A stay on Svalbard is the perfect vacation if you want
peace, quiet and space for thoughts and dreams.

photo credit: Yukon White Light

Thoughts swell in the encounter with Svalbard’s exciting history and fascinating cultural monuments located
across the archipelago. We move with respect in this vulnerable landscape. For the sake of your safety and to ensure that you get the most out of your stay on Svalbard, we recommend our local tour operators’ diverse selection of organised tours.

photo credit: aliasgrace

Facts about Svalbard

photo credit: thecameo

The archipelago that constitutes Svalbard with its 61 000 square metres is located at 74º – 81º N and 10º – 35º E. The largest islands are Spitsbergen, Nordaustlandet, Barentsøya, Edgeøya and Prins Karls Forland. The
archipelago is governed by Norway and regulated by the Svalbard Treaty. There are multiple settlements on
Spitsbergen, and Longyearbyen is the Norwegian administrative centre with approximately 2000 inhabitants. Of these, about 240 commute to the mining community of Svea. Ny-Ålesund is an international research centre with approximately 40-100 inhabitants (depending on the time of year). Barentsburg is the centre of Russian mining activities and has about 500 inhabitants. In addition, Poland operates a research station in Hornsund with 10-12 inhabitants. There is no road connection between the settlements.

photo credit: Yukon White Light

Short history

In 1194, the ”Svalbarði fundinn” was noted in Icelandic texts, in which Svalbard was referred to as the ”land of cold coasts”. After Willem Barentsz discovered Svalbard in 1596, Svalbard became a site for international whaling (1600-1750), Russian all-winter hunting (1700-1850) and Norwegian all-winter hunting (1850-1973). In 1906, American John M. Longyear established the fi rst mine and named the town Longyearbyen. In 1916, Store Norske Spitsbergen Kullkompani took over the mining activities in Longyearbyen. Almost 40 countries signed the Svalbard Treaty in 1920, and Norway was granted sovereignty in 1925. In 2002, the responsibility for community services and public authority tasks were transferred from the Norwegian government to Longyearbyen Community Council. This Council is an extended local democracy based on a unique model adapted to the local circumstances.

photo credit: Juergen Kurlvink

photo credit: welcome_to_nunavik

Location

Group of islands between 74° – 81° N and 10° – 35° E.
Area 63 000 sq.km.; 60% covered by glacier
Largest islands Spitsbergen, Nordaustlandet, Barentsøya, Edgeøya and Prins Karls Forland
Settlements

• Longyearbyen (Norwegian administrative centre) 2 080 inhabitants
• Barentsburg (Russian mining community) 500 inhabitants
• Ny-Ålesund (Norw. international research centre) 40 inhabitants
• Sveagruva (Norwegian mining community) 210 commuters
• Hornsund (Polish research station) 8 inhabitants

Administration Norwegian sovereignty, regulated by the Svalbard Treaty of 1920.
Transportation By plane from/to Oslo and Tromsø, Norway.
There are no roads connecting the communities on Svalbard.

For more in depth information and brochure’s about Svalbard please visit: Svalbard.net

The Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen) is no doubt the best known tourist attraction and has been a magnet for tourists for over 150 years. The characteristic mountain shelf 604 metres over Lysefjord has been visited by hundreds of thousands throughout the years.

Image gallery:

From the Preikestolhytta, a 7 km traiI climbs the rest of the 350 metres to the top. Good shoes and physical health are necessary for the 3 – 4 hour hike.
In June – August there are daily buses from the ferry quay at Tau to the cabin. You can also enjoy the Pulpit Rock and the Kjeragbolt from the ferries and express boats on the fjord.

The Kjerag mountains rise majestically 1000 metres above the innermost part of the Lysefjord, offering a stupendous view of Lysebotn and the fjord.

photo credit: Helico

One attraction is Kjeragbolten, a boulder wedged into a crack in the mountain.

The trail from Øygardsstøl by Lysevegen road above Lysebotn is demanding. Allow 4 – 6 hours for the 1O km hike, which climbs 570 metres.

Good shoes and physical health are advised. The truly adventurous climb up the precipitous rock faces or parachute from the top.

photo credit: Dany_Sternfeld

The new Lysebotn road has become another great tourist attraction, almost through coincidence; it was built as part of the power station project and not with tourists in mind. The road has 27 hairpin curves and a drop of 950 metres. The last section of road passes through a 1100 metres tunnel and on the top a cafe called Øygardsstøl.

photo credit: Kai Mengel

Innermost in the magnificent Lysefjord lies the village of Lysebotn, the perfect base for exploring the fjord and nearby mountains. Lysebotn power station, experience at close hand how Lysefjord´s waterfalls are turned into electrical energy. In Lysefjorden centre presents the history of the Lysefjord – how it was created and it´s culture throughout the ages – all organised in an exciting, exhibition and adventure centre.

Dyreparken is actually five separate parks, including a water park (bring bathing suits and towels); a forested park; an entertainment park; a theme park; and a zoo, which contains an enclosure for Scandinavian animals such as wolves and elk, a large breeding ground for Bactrian camels, and exotic animals such as lions and tigers. In the zoo, the Africa exhibition allows you to move along a bridge observing native savanna animals such as giraffe and zebras. The park is 11 km (6 mi) east of town.

photo credit: Visit sørlandet

Kristiansand Zoo is Norway`s most frequently visited attraction covering an area of 150 acres of wild Nordic terrain. It is totally different from other European zoos, which are characterised by bars and heavy padlocks. In Kristiansand Zoo, the animals have wide open spaces in which to roam – however, the visitors are still able to get up close to observe some of the most beautiful animals – like the red panda, which is threatened by extinction.

The first part of the rain forest is alive with a variety of apes and monkeys. Here you will find an open air area where some of the smaller monkeys run wild amongst the trees and climbling areas and swing on the ropes while you can move amongst them! Deeper into the rain forest, the mist and the humid atmosphere, dark and scary passages lead the way to crocodiles, alligators and many other reptiles – You will find more than 800 animals and birds living in as much freedom as possible in a natural environment.

photo credit: pbb

The park has many kilometres of good paths throughout, to enable visitors the possibility to roam for hours. Kristiansand Zoo is working very closely with the World Wild-life Foundation to help save animals under threat of extinction. It offers you the opportunity to see the Nordic wolf, lynx and wolverine in their natural environment.

A trip to Cardamom Town (Kardemomme by) is recommended. The town is based on a well-known children’s story written by Thorbjørn Egner and you will meet all the Kardemomme by’s characters from the book in the park’s main season!

The park is full of surprises – not only will you find animals, but there is also a “Summer Island” (a bathing area), with heated swimming pools. Watch the Pirates battle it out from the Black Lady ship, while you enjoy an ice cream. It’s paradise for both young and old… The Living Park is a place to be remembered – a park to be revisited…

More info: Kristiansand zoo

Welcome to Kristiansand, the administrative, business and cultural capital of South Norway! Definitely a modern city with a pronounced renaissance profile. Right in the middle of what international media have named “the coolest riviera”.
After King Christian established the city in 1641, it gradually developed into the administrative centre of the region. The present population of 78.000 makes Kristiansand Norway’s fifth largest city.

Centrally located on the South coast of Norway, Kristiansand offers convenient domestic as well as international travel and transportation – by air, sea, rail and road.

In addition to a substantial service sector, local business spans from advanced process industry to leading suppliers of offshore technology. With a strong link to the Agder University College, Kristiansand has one of Norway’s most competent IT and telecommunications clusters.

Music plays a key role on the city’s cultural stage, with the Quart Festival and the International Church Music Festival as the most prominent annual events.

Images – Click to enlarge

Kristiansand – city full of energy

Kristiansand Municipality has made a brochure in English about Kristiansand. The purpose of the brochure is to present Kristiansand to the international business community and to potential jobseekers abroad.

Administrative centre with strong industrial traditions

photo credit: SandShoes

Many of Kristiansand’s around 36.000 work places are related to the city’s function as the regional centre and the county capital of Vest-Agder. Public and social services, along with education are the most employment sectors, with trading, hotels and restaurants as runners-up. Major banks and international management consultants make important contributions to the development of local enterprises.
Access to vast hydro-electrical resources in southwest Norway was important for the establishment of process industry in Kristiansand. Norwegian Elkem and Canadian Falconbridge were among the pioneers, and both companies remain key elements in the local industry.

Deeply rooted in a mechanical industry based on strong maritime traditions, creative engineers have developed companies such as Hydralift and Maritime Hydraulics into world leaders within advanced offshore oil and gas technology. Although recently acquired by international enterprises National Oilwell and Aker Kværner, the know-how built up in and around these corporations still play important roles in the business life of Kristiansand.

With strong ties to the advanced research and development faculty of the Agder University College, the region constitutes one of the country’s strongest clusters within information technology and telecommunications.

Internationally oriented University (UiA)

photo credit: Andreas Solberg

Agder University (UiA) has 8,000 students and 840 teaching and administrative staff. Thus it is one of the largest University in Norway. Study programmes include Business and Economics, Engineering and Technology, the Humanities, Mathematics, Nursing, Teacher Education, as well as Fine Arts.

There is heavy emphasis on international student exchanges through European and national co-operation programmes and bilateral agreements. Students are encouraged to continue their studies abroad. Either by taking an integrated part of their study programme with Socrates / Nordplus partners in Europe, with partners in the Unites States, Australia and Asia, or through post-graduate studies abroad.

Additional key university level educational institutions in Kristiansand offer studies within journalism (Mediehøgskolen) and business administration (BI Norwegian School of Management).

Effective city administration

Like other Norwegian municipalities, the city of Kristiansand is responsible for day care facilities, child welfare, and primary and lower secondary schools. In addition to public libraries, primary health care, financial support for welfare clients, care for the elderly and disabled. Its responsibilities also include the fire department, the harbour, municipal roads, water supply, sewerage, garbage collection and disposal, as well as organisation of land use.

photo credit: watz

To carry out these tasks the city of Kristiansand employs approximately 5,500 people – 4,200 man-years, mainly within the health and educational sectors.

The chief administrative officer (the rådmann) manages the city administration. In addition to his management responsibilities, the rådmann is also responsible for preparation of the budget and other matters to be approved by the city council.

The 2004 budget totals NOK 2.8 billion (EUR 326 million), which includes operations as well as investments.
Most Norwegian municipalities have a hard time balancing their budgets, and Kristiansand is no exception. However, through a continuous improvement process over a number of years politicians and the administration have achieved ambitious cost reduction goals.

In two benchmarking studies for good municipal governance, Kristiansand made considerable progress from 1999 to 2002. The studies were conducted according to an adapted version of the Bertelsmann criteria. This method portrays the municipality as a service provider (ideally) under democratic control, its learning capacity, and includes an evaluation of the municipality as a workplace.

Kristiansand achieved its best scores in the field of co-operation between politics and administration. However, results are almost equally good with regard to democratic control, decentralisation and delegation, controlling and reporting, innovation policy, as well as citizen and customer orientation.

The studies were carried out in co-operation with Kristiansand’s Nordic twin towns: Kerava (Finland) Trollhättan (Sweden), Hjørring (Denmark) and Rekjanesbær (Iceland).

Busy cultural scene

The downtown area of Kristiansand is an interesting place to spend an evening out. A number of art galleries and the impressive regional museum Sørlandets Kunstmuseum present varied contemporary art. The Night Gallery presents experimental open-air video art. Students and intellectuals give life to numerous cafés and pubs that cater to most international tastes.

photo credit: Earphones

Regional institutions such as the Agder Teater, Kristiansand Symfoniforkester as well as the Sørlandet kunstmuseum are all based in Kristiansand. The city’s own cultural activities include a public library, a natural museum and a botanical garden, cinemas, as well as activity centres for children and youngsters. The Quart Festival and the International Church Music Festival are among the most reknown musical events.
Kristiansand recently established a cultural foundation – Cultiva – with a considerable capital (NOK 1.4 billion). The purpose is to secure creativity and innovation in local art, culture and knowledge institutions activities. This effort may well contribute to developing Kristiansand into one of the leading cultural cities in Norway.

Communication and travel

Because of short ferry crossings and frequent sailings to neighbouring countries, Kristiansand is frequently referred to as Norway’s “Gateway to Europe”. Color Line will get you there from Hirtshals, Denmark, in only five hours (3 ½ in the summer). DFDS ensures good connections from Newcastle (UK) and Gothenburg (Sweden) throughout the year.

Kristiansand International Airport offers frequent shuttle flights to Oslo, Stavanger and Bergen. International connections are maintained through several daily direct flights to Copenhagen.

The south-western branch of the national railroad system runs through the city, linking passenger and freight trains with the west coast (Stavanger) as well as the rest of the country via Oslo.

Departing from Kristiansand, a number of scenic local roads let travellers follow the curving coast-line, with inviting detours to scenic towns, beaches and campsites.

In addition the national road system provides fast transportation in three main directions: by the coastal route E39 to Stavanger and Bergen, the inland route (N39) via the scenic Setesdal valley to the Fjord country, and the E18 to Oslo and Stockholm.

Regional information

Kristiansand is the county capital of Vest-Agder, which together with Aust-Agder – its neighbouring county to the east – constitute the Agder or Sorlandet region. The total Agder population is around 250,000.
Historically regional trade and industry developed around the exportation of timber to neighbouring North Sea countries. The wood resources also gave birth to fast growing ship building and shipping industries. Thus local culture has been heavily influenced by shipping and other activities related to the sea, including fishing. Presently the varied and green coastline, with its charming old out-ports is an important element in numerous recreational activities.

The sheltered coastline with scenic fishing villages and vast uninhabited areas is one of the region’s most valuable assets and provides unforgettable experiences.
A short inland drive by car brings visitors to the scenic Setesdal valley with some of the oldest preserved rural wooden settlements in Norway. The northern part of the valley offers excellent winter sports facilities.

Tourism – catering to most tastes

Due to its favourable climate and location by the sea and a number of family oriented activities, Kristiansand and the immediate surroundings is a favourite summer recreational area to most Norwegians. An increasing number of foreign visitors share this fascination for the region.

photo credit: Andreas Solberg

Even within the city limits you will find one of the most attractive coastal sceneries in northern Europe. This sheltered area is the playground of a large fleet of pleasure crafts – many on their way to secluded beaches or abundant fishing grounds.

Salmon fishing is open to the public in the Otra, a well-known salmon river that literally runs through the city. The city offers a number of restaurants and bars in all categories with opening hours allowing guests to fully profit from the light summer evenings.

photo credit: pbb

Open-air restaurants on the seafront offer fresh seafood, as well as venison and other game from neighbouring districts. Only ten minutes on foot from the busy city centre, countless paths allow you to disappear in the tranquillity of the woods – a much sought after retreat appreciated by locals as well as visitors. With its one-storey ancient wooden houses – all painted in a bright white colour, Kristiansand is regarded as one of Europe’s best preserved Renaissance cities. Cobblestone streets give the old town the appearance of a living museum – just a few blocks from the busy commercial part of the city.

Agder Naturmuseum and Botanical Garden offers a number of rare plants, while the impressive open-air museum at the Vest-Agder Fylkesmuseum shows early building fashions as well as insight into the daily lives of our ancestors. Built around the works of painter/sculptor Kjell Nupen, is an impressive theme park with water as a central element. Nearby is the historic fortress Christiansholm, built to protect the city from its enemies.

The Ravnedalen is a beautiful natural park to the north east of the centre.

Kristiansand Dyre- og fritidspark (Zoo and activity park) is the favourite of all families visiting the region. This intersting park offers Nordic and other animals in a natural setting, in addition to commercial attractions.

The city’s commercial activities are centered on Markensgate, which is a pedestrian street. The Markensgate offers a number of informal cafés, and is the number one meeting place for the locals. The Sørlandsparken commercial centre is located 5 kilometers to the east, hosting a large shopping mall, specialised retailers, and other businesses.

Facts and figures

• Population: 78,000
• Education: 25 per cent have university and/or college degrees
• Home ownership: 43 per cent live in privately owned houses

Area

• Total 277 km sq
• Populated 36 km sq
• Agricultural 10 km sq
• Productive forests 150 km sq
• Lakes 15 km sq
• Inhabitants per km sq 258

During the summer season, there are daily guided tours across the glacier between the Norwegian Mountain Hiking Association cabins of Fonnabu and Holmaskjær. It is also possible to take blue ice tours on some of the offshoots of the glacier.

Image Gallery

More information at the Tourist Information Office or www.folgefonni-breforarlag.no

photo credit: Henke.

photo credit: bananeman

photo credit: bananeman

History

Painting by I. C. Dahl, 1820Before this church there was a wooden church on the same place. That church is assumed to have been built by Olav Trygvason, and it is possible that the present stone church is built around this church originally.

This church has been a landmark for the seafarers passing through the strait of Karmsund for 750 years. King Håkon IV Håkonsson gave permission to build a church around the year 1250. It was not completed until nearly 1320, and was then the fourth largest in the country. The church was dedicated to St. Olav and received the status of ”Royal Chapel”. During the same period it became one of four ”college-churches” ( it appointed a council of theological and juridical scholars). Probably there was a group of four scholars, and it could be there was an octagonal house of stone in close proximity to the quire. This is assumed to have been mentioned by Peder Clausen Friis in 1599. Remaining walls were visible as late as 1840, but are now completely gone. «Kapittelhus» are common for english cathedrals.

photo credit: -Kj.

The history of the church depicts a fine cross-section of Norway`s history. Being one of the largest churches along the coast of Norway, it is certainly to have been visited by many travelers on their pilgrimage to St. Olav`s shrine in Trondheim.

The decay started with the Black Death in 1349-1351. This disaster was followed by 400 years of Danish supremacy. In this period, the church gradually fell into a state of ruin due to lack of repair. In the 17th century a little wooden church was built inside the stone walls. This one was used for more than 200 years.

The first restoration work began in 1830. The old steeple was demolished, the nave was rebuilt, and a small wooden steeple was erected on the top.

In the 1920’s the church was once again restored in a manner which was more similar to its original architecture. A new stone steeple was built and the interior renewed.

The German occupation in World War II became dramatic for the church. The Germans asserted that the high steeple was used as a landmark for allied planes, coming in over the strait of Karmsund to drop bombs in the water. German authorities demanded the steeple to be demolished. Many people were engaged in the task of saving it, and they persuaded the Germans to let them camouflage the whole church with timber! This was to be done in 5 weeks, but the whole job lasted a year.

photo credit: Frans & all

The 700th anniversary of the church in 1950 was a big event for the community, with concerts and a historical outdoor play which pictured the Viking history of the place.

The stained glass windows were ordered for the anniversary. They were made by Bernhard Greve, a Norwegian painter, and present the most important events in the life of Christ : Baptism, passion, ascension and resurrection.

Design and architecture

The pointed arches, but thick walls and no pillars, suggest an early Gothic design. The walls are composed of ordinary gray stone in thickness about 1.2–2.0 meters. The corners and frames around the doors and windows are of steatite (soapstone) from ”Tolgetjønn” near Haugesund.

The sewing needle of Virgin Mary

photo credit: Skygge

The sewing needle of Virgin Mary (Norwegian:Jomfru Marias synål) is the only one remaining of several monumental stones which once stood around the church area. The stone has been somewhat taller, but, towering at 7.2 meters it is still the next largest of its kind in Norway. The stone leans in towards the church wall—the distance to the wall is in fact only 9.2 cm. A saga tells that “the day of Judgement will come when the stone comes into contact with the church wall”. A popular story tells us about the minister in the old ages climbing up the monument and cutting off a piece from the stone when it came dangerously near the church wall!

This waterfall is set in the Municipality of Etne, specifically it sits in Fjaera. Etne contains about 4,000 people and is a popular little tourist locale in the summer. Well-known for their country markets and fishing festivals, not to mention the waterfall itself. On the land opposite river that the waterfall Langfoss enters is a small rest area and visitor’s kiosk. Tourists are often found, necks craned in awe of the spilling waterway.

photo credit: liknes

Langfoss pours down the mountainside in a rich tumultuous froth of water from top to bottom. It is diverted around large rocky outcroppings that would bring to a painful halt any courageous or silly enough to attempt extreme white water rafting down this waterfall. One or two particularly large rocky outcrops are known to host a few frail conifers that have managed to take seed in the thin soil and have more than enough water flowing around them. Though they are stunted in growth they offer a small sense of comfort that this roiling waterway isn’t entirely dangerous to all life. On the sides of the waterfall the rocks slowly give way to a thick layer of mature conifers that are attempting to fill in the bald spots on the mountainside.

photo credit: sirispj

Year round tourists can visit Norway and find that the flow of water from Langfoss is at the height of its flow. It is a perennial waterfall which means that unlike some waterfalls, such as Victoria Falls it is unaffected by changing conditions in the seasons. The volume of water issuing forth from Victoria Falls is dramatically reduced during the dry seasons on the African continent, whereas Langfoss maintains the same flow year round.

Although many waterfalls in Norway have been utilized by the building of Hydroelectric plants in their waterways, Langfoss has not been altered in such a manner. Naturally any such plant would divert much of the volume of water from the waterfall and greatly diminish its flow down the mountainside to a mere trickle. However, Langfoss and a few other waterfalls in Norway have been lucky to escape utilization and remain preserved in their natural state to continue their work eroding the cliff faces and mountainsides they issue forth from.

Offering some exceptional recreational activities, tourists flock to Trondheim to enjoy hiking around the Bymarka area, skiing on the Vassfjellet mountains and fishing on the Gaula river. Although the summer weather in Trondheim is rarely scorching, there are many sandy beaches close by which soon fill up on the sunniest of days, particularly around the Lade area and the Sjobadet.

photo credit: clydeye

As you traverse the compact centre of Trondheim, bear in mind that many of the road signs end in ‘gate’, which simply means ’street’. A free tourism guide is available at the Trondheim Aktivum tourist information office on the Torget and features a useful map.

Trondheim Tourist Information: Top Trondheim Sights

Trondheim may be a large city, but tourists will soon discover that is contains a series of important wetland habitats, where you may even be able to spot some wild beavers and otters around the River Nidelva. The manmade sights around central Trondheim are especially impressive and include the wooden palace of Stiftsgarden, the 17th-century Kristiansten Fortress, and the glorious Nidaros Domkirke, which stands next to the Archbishop’s Palace. A day trip to Monks’ Island (Munkholmen) also comes highly recommended and is a great place for a picnic, being connected by boats from the Ravnkloa quay. More information about Trondheim Tourist Attractions and Landmarks.

photo credit: Martin Eian

Culture abounds in Trondheim and many good museums present themselves, offering information about folklore, music, natural history and science. Art galleries are also well represented in the city and both the Museum of Contemporary Art (Kunstforening) and the Trondheim Art Museum (Kunstmuseum) have much to offer, the latter of which contains an impressive collection of Norwegian art works and paintings from all over Scandinavia. Something a little less highbrow is the city’s Science Centre, where interactive displays allow visitors to take part in their very own experiments. More information about Trondheim Museums and Art Galleries.

Regular boat trips run from Trondheim to many coastal towns and cities, such as Froya and Hitra. Also close by, the Skarvan og Roltdalen National Park is a vast nature reserve with some enormous mountains, scenic hiking trails and even a number of mountain cabins. Many day trippers from Trondheim also choose to visit the historic site of the Battle of Stiklestad, the fishing lakes and beaches of Skaun, and also the small village of Hell, often so that they can tell people they ‘went to Hell’ and how enjoyable it was. More information about Trondheim Attractions Nearby.

photo credit: Andreas Solberg

More Trondheim Information / Fast Facts and Orientation

• Country: Norway (Northern Norway)
• Location: County of Sor-Trondelag / Trondelag
• Status: city
• Area: approximately 131 square miles / 340 square kilometres
• Population: approximately 165,000
• Language: Norwegian
• Currency: Norwegian Kroner (NOK)
• Time zone: UTC / GMT +1
• Country dialing code: +47
• Telephone area code: 73
• Average daily Trondheim January temperature: 0°C / 32°F
• Average daily Trondheim July temperature: 19°C / 66°F

photo credit: olillevik

Experience this country of majestic mountains, picturesque fjords, spectacular waterfalls and ancient glaciers. Inland, abundant farmlands dot the landscape, where trout and salmon rivers or lakes offer a taste of the great outdoors. At the coast, feel the exhilaration of wild foaming seas during a storm, or wide sandy beaches on a calm summers’ day.

Haugesund, the “capital” of Haugalandet, has become a major tourist centre in Norway. Not that it was unknown previously! The sound, Karmsundet – also known as the old King’s Highway, was also called the Highway to the North. Nordvegen, Norwegen, Norway. Thus was our nation’s title derived.

But this was not just circumstance, for here in Haugesund rests Harald the Fairhaired, Norway’s first king, buried at Haraldshaugen – Norway’s national monument. Having unified the country, Harald placed his seat at Avaldsnes on Karmøy and which can rightly claim to be Norway’s first capital.

photo credit: MGSpiller

There are many traces of the fine Vikings who were domiciled here. The characteristic Olavskirken was built some 750 years ago by Håkon Håkonsen and consecrated to Saint Olav. The cross, Krosshaugen, has stood here for a thousand years. The burial mounds are from the iron age. At Etne is a viking ship. And along the nature trail i Utbjoa you can see the rock carvings dating back to the age of the great migration.

During the period when the Norwegian shipping fleet was among the world’s largest, so was the Haugesund fleet among the largest in Norway. It is said that the local song “Amanda from Haugesund” was sung more frequently than the national anthem when the longing for home became too much.

Internationally, the Norwegian Film Festival held in Haugesund has long been renowned. Even in New Orleans, the annual “Herring Jazz Festival” (Sildajazz) in Haugesund is much respected.

photo credit: mattj

STEINSFJELLET

227 meteres above sea level. Panoramic view over Haugaland and the North Sea Cars may be driven right to the summit (use the car park 100 yards before the summit). Marked track from the summit to Kringsjå tourist cabin. Open Sundays. Coffee and waffles. About 15 minutes walk.

VARDAFJELLET

122 metres above sea level. Fine view over the town and North Sea 30 minutes walk from the town.

HAUGESUND ART GALLERY

One of the finest galleries in the country and the region’s leading exhibitor of modern art. Open all year.

THE TOWN HALL

A gift from the ship-owner Knut Knutsen OAS and his wife Elisabeth. The Town Hall was inaugurated in 1931 and the park was opened in 1949. Guided tours June – August.

KARMSUND FOLK MUSEUM

Thematic exhibition with domestic implements from the home and community, seafaring, fishing, agriculture and archeology. Open all year.

SUPER VIDEOGRAPH OF HAUGALANDET

Experience Haugalandat’s rich fauna, wild coastline and major attractions on the 5-screen super-videograph in “LILLE MARITIM” at Rica Maritim Hotel in Haugesund. An event for the whole family. Viewing hourly between 16.00-18 00 in the period 01.07 – 31.08. Subject to change without notice.

THE MOVIE “A COASTAL PEOPLE”

A triple-screen documentary depicting life along the west coast of Norway as we enter the new millennium. Learn how coastal life has changed from generation to generation as seen through the eyes of local inhabitants. The film portrays music, art and Iyrics in a naw and invigorating style. Subject to chance without notice.

DOKKEN OPEN AIR MUSEUM

Thematic exhibition depicting living end working conditions during the herring industry period of the 1800s and upwards. Exhibits include sailing and rowing boats of the period, chapel, an apartment from the 1950s and an interesting photographic collection. Guided tours daily mid-June – early August except Saturdays.

HARALDSHAUGEN

photo credit: Vegard Økland

Norway’s national monument wes erected at Harald the Fair-haired’s grave in 1872 in celebretion of the 1000 yeer enniversary of the unification of Norway.

Norway’s national monument wes erected at Harald the Fair-haired’s grave in 1872 in celebretion of the 1000 yeer enniversary of the unification of Norway.

KROSSHAUGEN

Located approximately 75 metres south of Haraldshaugen is Krosshaugen, a stone cross dating from early Christian times.

photo credit: Charlie bosmore

MUSEUM FARM AT ØRPETVEIT

Near Amanda Shopping Centre. A farm from the 1800s. Farmhouse, barns, and outbuildings in the traditionel weet coast style.

RØVÆR

photo credit: hc gilje

Røvær is an idyllic group of islands about 10 km west of the Haugesund mainland with about 100 inhabitants. The island is rich in plant and bird life with good shoreline fishing possibilitiee and a fine harbour for pleasure boats. There is a reguler boat connection between Haugesund and Røvær.

STATOIL

Statoil is one of the world’s largest crude oil traders. Statoil is operating in 25 countries world-wide. Statoil shares is trading on the Oslo Stock Exchange. Statoil operates some 2,000 service stations in nine countries. About 1,500 of these outlets are in Scandinavia, including about 490 in Norway, 570 in Sweden, and about 300 in Denmark.

The Company’s own refining capacity also makes the group a big trader with refined oil products. The business unit for NGL trading in Statoil sells liquefied natural gases (propane and butanes) as well as ethane, petrochemical naphtha and condensate internationally. As a professional player in the energy market, the group has an extensive trading business with electricity in Scandinavia.

FISHING

Enjoy the rugged coastline, the invigorating sea air and the secluded coves. Sea-fishing is unrivalled here. Try your luck casting the line from the rocky foreshore. A day at sea is an unforgettable experience, fishing either from a smack or a cutter – a bite is virtually guaranteed.

GOLF

Haugesund Golfclub is a golf course with 9 holes and a variation of difficulties. The course is located at Kolnes approximately 5 minutes from Amanda Storcenter.

photo credit: larskflem

In Stavanger, you will find all the advantages and charm of a small town; small wooden houses lining narrow streets and alleys, cobblestone streets in the automobile-free heart of the town, lots of pleasant shops, a safe environment where you do not need to be afraid of violence against yourself or your children, the open-air flower and vegetable market, the fish pier with live catches and small boats along the harbor offering freshly caught shrimps, crabs and lobsters.

However, the city can also offer the advantages of a big city; an international mixture of people where nearly everyone speaks English (!), an excellent golf-course, a vibrant cultural environment with large and small concerts, exhibitions, festivals, theater and revue shows, a selection of restaurants and cafes to satisfy all tastes and styles, and nightlife that includes the most hectic nightclub.

photo credit: Pål Berge

Stavanger’s roots go back to the Ice Age and the time of the Vikings. The city itself is 873 years old, and preserves still some of last century’s appearance. Yet Stavanger is also a modern, lively place of culture. You can enjoy all kinds of music, galleries and museums, festivals, theatre and cabaret here. If you want a night on the town, you can opt for a sedate “library-bar” or a roof-raising nightclub – or anything in between.

People have lived in the Stavanger area ever since Norway has been populated. Traces from before the last Ice Age show the hardy people who lived and battled with nature around here. At the Archaeological Museum you can study the oldest relics of our culture, the first signs of life in our environs. Stavanger as a city was founded in 1125, when it was made a bishopric and building on the Cathedral started. The huge medieval Cathedral loomed over the little water front settlement around Vågen and its 200 or so people. It was not much of a city for the first 700 years and even in 1800, Stavanger had just 2.500 inhabitants.

photo credit: Marcus Ramberg

And then, the boom times arrived in rapid succession: herring fisheries, shipping, and the canning industry increased population ten-fold over the next 100 years. Yet another resource from under the sea – oil has brought the development of the town even further these last 30 years. The history of Stavanger is illustrated by a new exhibition at the Stavanger Museum. The history of seafaring and trade is shown at the Maritime Museum, located in two seaside warehouses on Strandkaien quay. The Canning Museum you will find in the midst of the old town of small wooden houses, Gamle Stavanger.

A TIMBER TOWN

Timber-built houses were not exclusive to this part of the world, but fires, wars and relentless progress took their toll. This has made the surviving Scandinavian timber built areas particularly interesting. The largest uninterrupted stretch of these is the section of wooden houses in Stavanger. This includes the oldest downtown areas as well as its surrounding residential areas. In fact, the houses we build in Stavanger today are still mainly of timber. Stavanger’s position as Europe’s, perhaps the world’s largets wooden house city, carries with it a cultural responsibility.

Most of the wooden houses were built between 1850 and World War ll, and range in style from classical to functionalist. A few older houses remain, as well. From the late 1700s until the 1860s, classicism was the reigning fashion. Examples of this period can be found in Gamle Stavanger and the ABC-block. It was only after the end of the 18th century that houses were painted preferably in ocher or red. The white that is now so typical of Stavanger’s old section first appeared in the mid-19th century, when paint could be prepared chemically and zink pigment became popular and inexpensive. After the 1860 fire that left the northern part of the centre in ashes, the centre was halved.

photo credit: Damiel

The north side had streets that were regular, straight and relatively wide with large, late-empire houses with fireproof gables. The Swiss style was dominant around the turn of the century. The most imaginative example of this is Breidablikk manor, open to the public now. Swiss-style houses were often painted in two or three deeply contrasting colours, which enhanced the ornamentation and richness of form. Art Nouveau became popular in 1910. At first it was a mixture of Swiss and Art Nouveau, but from 1920 onwards Art Nouveau reigned alone. The Eiganes area west of the centre, is full of examples of this style. After World War I, the economy of Stavanger plummeted. The town still conserved the appearance of an old timber town, but in the years prior to World War ll a number of houses were built following the rational simplicity of functionalism.

THE OLD TOWN

photo credit: Today is a good day

Gamle Stavanger contains 173 closely built, small wooden houses, all under preservation order. In 1975, the UN Architectural Heritage Year, Gamle Stavanger was selected as one of three Norwegian pilot projects – along with Røros and Nusfjord. The preservation of Gamle Stavanger has merited several respected international awards. This section of town is like a living museum, with residents of all ages. Strict regulations govern the maintenance of the houses. Several artisans have their workshops here, and sell crafts ranging from woodwork and ceramics to knives. The Canning Museum in Gamle Stavanger is well worth a visit.

WAREHOUSE

Aside from the Cathedral, the row of wharf warehouses fronting the harbour is Stavanger’s most outstanding architectural feature. In days past, the prominent gables of these houses lined the waterfront almost as far as eye could see 240 buildings at one time. Some 60 remain under preservation order. The painstaking restoration work is an on-going process. Compared to the other major ports Bergen, Ålesund, Kristiansund and Trondheim, Stavanger’s half-timbered waterfront wharf warehouses are outstanding in both construction and finish.

CULTURE

Stavanger is a wide-awake town, with an impressive list of places to go to and things to see. “There is everything in this town”, we keep hearing visitors say. We have festivals and “weeks” for every taste. Here is a sampling: Garlic Week, The Great Norwegian Humour Festival, MayJazz, Emigration Festival, Religious Culture Festival, The International Chamber Music Festival, the Kapittel literary festival and Literature Week at Sting. You can enjoy all sorts of music here. Stavanger is proud of its top-class symphony orchestra. Regular symphony concert season as well as special concerts at other times. In the summer, lunch-time concerts are held daily at the Concert Hall.

Utstein Monastery Church is the venue for a series of summer concerts. The town also has a poetry club, and Stavanger Musikkforum also has a varied concert programme. In addition, nightclubs bring to town famous artists and entertainers. Rogaland Theatre has always something exciting to offer both from the main scene and the intimate scene. One of the year’s highlights is Molieres undying comedy “The Stingy” which will be played in the main scene from the 21st March. The Theatre also promises top entertainment in the autumn season. Inquire at the Tourist Office, they always know what’s going on. Cabarets are popular. In the heart of town is the Culture House, a powerhouse of activity.

From downtown Stavanger, you are only a short distance away from the most the spectacular sceneries. The fjords are just outside your front door, and if you board a boat in the center of the town, you can reach the incomparable Lysefjorden in less than one hour. Here, you can see the famous Pulpit Rock (“Prekestolen”), among many other things. But nature has more to offer than fjords; Take a trip in the skerries, visit the open sea or the nearby mountains and try out your luck fishing, enjoy the sea, the sky and the light and the beaches of Jæren, or surf the beach at Solastranden. With Stavanger as your starting point, you can pursue every outdoor challenge you desire, while enjoying food and accommodation as simple or sumptuous as you wish.

STAVANGER CATHEDRAL

The medieval church, Stavanger Cathedral (Domkirke) dating from 1125, is always open. Come in, sit down, relax and enjoy the very beautiful church of ours! Of all the Norwegian churches built in the Middle Ages, our cathedral is the only one that has retained its original style. Adjacent to the church, the upper secondary school, Kongsgård, is located. For the last 150 years the buildings have served as a school, but prior to that it was a residence of kings, bishops and district governors.

THE CANNING MUSEUM

The Canning Museum (Hermetikkmuseet). This is a living museum in an old canning factory where brisling is smoked, for you to taste. A fine museum, providing you with the data on the most exiting historical account of Stavanger. Here, you will see why Stavanger looks as it does!

THE NORWEGIAN PRINTING MUSEUM

It will give you a fine introduction to the old printing crafts, and show you how the herring industry gave birth to Stavanger’s highly advanced graphical expertise.

EMIGRATION CENTRE

The Norwegian Emigration Centre with their National Archives and genealogical research centre, is also worth a visit. It also arrange the Emigration Festival every year, between June 22 and 29.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM

Archaeological Museum, displays interesting artifacts covering 15.000 years of history. Rogaland has an incredible collection of ancient relics. The Iron Age Farm at Ullandhaug is a reconstructed farm-stead from the Migration. Period, open during the summer season. Here you can see an interesting portrayal of Iron Age life.

STAVANGER MUSEUM

Stavanger Museum has a zoological exhibition of animals and birds from all over the world. There is also now a new town history exhibition with life-like scenes from Stavanger’s 870-year tradition.

ROGALAND ART MUSEUM

Rogaland Art Museum, displays 1500 paintings from the 19th century, many by Lars Hertervig. Fantastic paintings from the region around Stavanger dating from the 18th century.

BREIDABLIKK MANSION

The Swiss-chalet style Breidablikk mansion dating from 1881. Also displays old landaus and sledges in its barn museum.

MANSION MUSEUM

See the Ledaal Herregaardsmuseum (Mansion Museum). This magnificent and beautiful old house, a fine example of the Neo-Classical, was the summer residence of the Kielland (writer) family from 1799.

MARITIME MUSEUM

Maritime Museum, displays the important maritime history of the area for the past 200 years. Easy to find; At the harbour just across the street from the fish market.

THE MISSIONARY MUSEUM

The Missionary Museum (Misjonsmuseet), has many interesting artifacts and relics from Africa, Asia and South America.

STATOIL

Statoil is one of the world’s largest crude oil traders. The head office is located at Forus. Statoil is operating in 25 countries world-wide. Statoil shares is trading on the Oslo Stock Exchange. Statoil operates some 2,000 service stations in nine countries. About 1,500 of these outlets are in Scandinavia, including about 490 in Norway, 570 in Sweden, and about 300 in Denmark.

The Company’s own refining capacity also makes the group a big trader with refined oil products. The business unit for NGL trading in Statoil sells liquefied natural gases (propane and butanes) as well as ethane, petrochemical naphtha and condensate internationally. As a professional player in the energy market, the group has an extensive trading business with electricity in Scandinavia.

GOLF

Stavanger Golfclub is a golf course with 18 holes and a variation of difficulties. The course lies at Store Stokkavatn, approximately 6 km from Stavanger City Center.