Karmsundet sound to the east, the old King’s Road and the thoroughfare to the north, where seafarers for centuries sought and found a safe fairway and a secure harbour. It is this fairway, “Nordvegen” that has given our country its name. Avaldsnes is Rogaland County’s millennium site, and this is also the site of the beautiful Olavskirken. Next to the church is the new Nordvegen Historiesenter where we meet the king who gathered Norway into one kingdom and who made Avaldsnes Norway’s first royal seat. On Bukkøy nearAvaldsnes, we can find a reconstructed Viking farm.

Images from Karmøy

Avaldsnes

Avaldsnes – Norway’s first king’s seat – was chosen as Rogaland County’s millennium site. Harold the Fair-Haired located his main farm at Avaldsnes in about 870 and the site was a king’s farm up until about 1450. At present the Olavskirken in Avaldsnes, which was constructed by Håkon Håkonsen around 1250, is the most important monument to Avaldsnes’s time of glory. The historical landscape at Avaldsnes tells a story about the Norwegian kings and the legendary characters that are described in myths and lays. The
noblemen that controlled the old “Nordwegen” have left powerful traces: Impressive burial mounds, high stone monuments and abundant findings. Next to the medieval church a new history centre has been built and east of the church is a reconstructed Viking farm which you can visit in the summer.

Nordevegen History Centre

is located in an area that is important to national history. In consideration of the medieval church and the historical landscape, most of the building is placed underground. From the Karmsundet, the glass and concrete façade is visible. From the church plateau only the round entrance part is visible. The centre
measures some 1800 sqm divided between two floors. On the first floor lies Kongshallen, where Harold the Fair-haired is placed at the high end of the table, looking across the Nordvegen. Here we can hear how Harold made Avaldsnes Norway’s eldest royal seat at around the year 870. From Avaldsnes Harold
ruled his kingdom. From here he controlled the shipping along the Nordvegen and the trade with Europe, here he died and here next to the Karmsundet he was buried around 930. In the History Centre Harold acts as our historical guide through the ages. On the ground floor we meet Harold the Fairhaired in a movie theatre where he gives us his version of history. He presents us with some of the chieftains who governed
Nordvegen from Avaldsnes. Some of them we know from archaeology, others from the heroic sagas, and the sagas of the kings and from lays. Harold will also lead us to the magic world that people once believed to be real. here we’ll meet sorcerers, female warriors, personified natural forces and Norse gods. Harold founded a dynasty and was king of all kings! All kings after him had to prove their bloodline to Harold before they were allowed to ascend the throne. Harold and his successors reigned at Avdalsnes for 500 years. Eirik Blood
Axe, Håkon the Good, Olav Tryggvason, St Olav and Håkon Håkonson are but a few names linked to the saga landscape at Avaldsnes.

Skudeneshavn

photo credit: Bertr@nd

At the southernmost tip of Karmøy, with its lighthouses facing the Skudefjorden fjord and the North Sea lies the charming sailing vessel town of Skudeneshavn. Its history goes back to the 1800s when the herring fisheries created a hectic activity in the town and when what we today refer to as the old part of town was built. Virtually all the 130 houses and sea houses have been preserved and can be enjoyed to this day. It could be said that the Mælandsgården Museum presents the town’s history in a nutshell. Today Skudeneshavn is one of the best preserved of all our small towns. It won second prize in NORTA’s competition for Norway’s Best Preserved Small Town in 1990. In 2004, Skudeneshavn was elected Norway’s Summer Town. The visitor’s harbour in the centre of town is an attractive site indeed and a short walk
brings you to countless quaint, attractive boutiques. Care for a round of golf? Just outside of the town limits you can enjoy a beautiful 18-hole course. Children will enjoy the outdoor park near the Skudeneshavn School.

Museums

Åkrehamn Coastal Museum

Located on the harbour front, and completely renovated in 2006, this museum has become a definite
“must-see”. It houses photographs and objects from Karmøy from days gone by and tells of this region’s
history as an important fishing community. This museum also richly depicts the contact enjoyed between
West Karmøy and North America. The Nora Sjøhuset boasts to being one of the few herring salteries in
Norway still in existence. Open during the summer season, otherwise by appointment.

N-4270 Åkrehamn
Tel.: +47 98 64 35 23

Vigsnes Mining Museum

Do not forget to visit the Vigsnes copper mines – one of the finest mining regions in Norway. In the
Vigsnes Mining Museum, you will find the history of the rather special mining community that was one of
Norway’s largest copper mines and had 3,000 inhabitants in the 1800s! Take a stroll in the elegant
garden of managing director Charles de France – Fransehagen – and see the remnants of the smelting
hut by the sea. Children are happy too – the playground is very popular! Open in the summer season,
otherwise by appointment. Please contact Karmøy Kulturopplevelser AS.

Tel.: +47 52 83 84 00 / 95 10 36 12.
Fax: +47 52 83 84 01.
E-mail: post@vikinggarden.no www.vikinggarden.no

Karmøy Lyngsenter

This heather centre is located in Visnes and tells the story of how heather has been used throughout
the ages and how important it was to people. Heather garden and boutique with various heather
plants. The centre is open during the summer season and otherwise by appointment. Contact Karmøy
Kulturopplevelser AS.

Tel.: +47 52 83 84 00 / 95 10 36 12.
Fax: +47 52 83 84 01.
E-mail: post@vikinggarden.no www.vikinggarden.no

Mælandsgården townhouse

A richly equipped town museum showing life in a merchant’s home, general store, shipping, old workshops,
etc. The museum also tells the history of Skudeneshavn through the ages. A town model shows what old Skudeneshavn looked like in the 1900s. The film “Skipper Worse” was shot at the museum
and in the Old Skudeneshavn milieu. Open during the summer season, otherwise by appointment.

N-4280 Skudeneshavn.
Tel. +47 52 84 54 60.
Fax: +47 52 84 54 69.
E-mail: s-histo@online.no http://www.skudenes.no/museum/

Old Skudeneshavn

Especially well-known for its old perfectly-preserved wood buildings dating back to the 1800s, Old Skudeneshavn also offers its visitors museums, art galleries and cafés. Most of the houses in Skudeneshavn
were built in the style of the Late Empire and in all, 130 preserved houses from the 1800s lie nestled
in the narrow bay of Søragda. One seldom sees a town atmosphere that is so defined by its old building
culture and there are very few places where the old city buildings are so well-preserved as in Skudeneshavn.
Why not go on a guided tour through the town?

Tel.: +47 52 84 54 60
Fax: +47 52 84 54 69
E-mail: s-histo@online.no http://www.skudenes.no/museum/

Karmøy Fishery Museum

Exhibits that illustrate developments in the fishery business from the time when the steam engine arrived
and up to the present. The building has a very special form and is definitely worth seeing. It is designed by the Snøhetta firm of architects. Apart from the exhibitions, the museum also contains a saltwater aquarium
and a café. Open during the summer season, otherwise by appointment.

N-4276 Vedavågen
Tel.: +47 52 81 74 55
Telefon 52 81 74 55
www.museumsnett.no/karmoyfiskerimuseum

Sandy Beaches

photo credit: randihausken

On a hot summer’s day there is nothing like visiting one of our local “southern European beaches”. Sandvesanden by Skudeneshavn and Åkrasanden further to the west offer white sandy beaches and clean, clear water. Åkrasanden is a fantastic experience on hot summer days, but also offers speed and excitement on a stormy day when the waves are pounding against the shore. Åkrasanden is a first class beach for both children and adults, and it is possible to take part in activities like board surfing and sand volleyball. There is a kiosk and lifeguards on duty during fine summer days from May to September. Åkrasanden has a reputation for being Norway’s best board surfing beach. The beach is also an important hatching area for several rare species of sea birds, and there are several rare plants and flowers in the sand dunes around the sandy beaches. The municipality has made a culture and nature trail along the shoreline from Åkrehamn to
Ferkingstad.

Festivals

The Viking Festival

The Viking Festival is held at Karmøy, the homeland of the Vikings. On historical grounds you can take part in Viking feasts, study the day-to-day life of Vikings, visit the Viking market, join in an historic walk and
participate in a Viking procession along with visitors from Norway and other countries. On Saturday, you may attend a Saga Evening in Avaldsnes, at the Viking farm. Here you can listen to exciting sagas, take part in various competitions and enjoy the drama, dance and food. The historic seminar related to the festival attracts professionals from Norway and abroad. The Viking Festival is arranged every year in early June.

Vikingfestivalen, Rådhuset, N-4250 Kopervik.
Tel.: +47 52 85 75 00, Fax: +47 52 85 73 60.
http://www.vikingfestivalen.no

The Skude Festival (Skudefestivalen)

Western Norway’s most important coast culture gathering – wooden boats, vintage boats, pleasure boats, small boats, sailing vessels. There is teeming life around the market stalls at the marketplace in the town
centre; craftsmen demonstrate old work methods related to the sea and boating life. Søragadå, the main street in the old town, has a number of art exhibits. Local and international entertainment day and night. Skudefestivalen is always held during the first weekend of July (Wednesday – Sunday).

Skudefestivalen, P.O. Box 83,
N-4297 Skudeneshavn.
Tel./fax: +47 52 82 87 37.
Mob.: +47 90 01 42 80.
http://www.skudefestivalen.no

Fishery Days in Åkrehamn

The Fishery Days in Åkrehamn are slowly becoming a tradition just as the Viking and Skude Festivals. The organisers are gradually increasing their focus on fishery-oriented activities. Local industry and commerce are represented and sell their wares in the many stalls in the harbour area. There is also a fair where children and young people enjoy themselves and an outdoor dance for the adults on Saturday night. On Sunday there is an open-air church service.

Contact Fiskeridagene, N-4296 Åkrehamn.
Tel./fax: +47 52 81 81 37.
www.fiskeridagene.no

The Olav Days (Olavsdagene)

There is an annual Olsok event at the historical Avaldsnes, where the old Olavskirken church is the main arena for the day. The event offers various concerts, seminars, pilgrim wandering and an Olsok service. For
more information, contact Avaldsnes Parish.

Tel.: +47 52 84 21 55.

Gospel Festival

This annual Gospel Festival at Karmøy is an event that caters to young and old. The festival is held in Åkrehamn with a separate day for the youngest (small) and special days for young people and adults (large). Concerts are held in Åkrahallen and Åkra Church. The gospel festival offers with seminars and concerts,
while maintaining the focus on gospel music.

Organisers: Karmøy Gospelfestival.
Tel.: +47 52 83 27 45
Website: http://www.gospel.as

Lots to see

By taking a relaxing walk in Karmøy, there is a lot you can discover and experience. Here are but a few.

The Five Foolish Virgins, Norheim Five single-stone monuments located under the Karmsund Bridge. It is thought that these stones once served as a primitive calendar.

St Olav’s Church and The Virgin Marie’s Sewing Needle An historic church and Norway’s tallest single-stone monument.

Old Skudeneshavn
An arena for historical buildings and culture. Guided tours available.
Information and registration at the museum in Mælandsgården:
Tel.: +47 52 84 54 60
Fax: + 47 52 84 54 69

Kopervik
Kopervik offers a charming mix of old and new settlements.

Rehaugane, Avaldsnes
Six large, ancient burial mounds dating from the Bronze Age.

Nedre Hauge, Utvik and Grønhaug, Avdalsnes
Ancient relics and monuments.

Fransehagen, Visnes
Open air spaces and museum. Park.

Old Boat houses at Hop, Ferkingstad
Based on the large boat houses on King Ferking’s estate during the Iron Age. Information boards located on site.

Ting stones at Åkra
There are three single-stone monuments now located at the cultural centre in Åkrehamn. Originally these monuments stood at the old Åkra farm where they marked the Ting (place of assembly, parliament).

Fisherman’s memorial,Ferkingstad
A memorial to the fishermen who lost their lives at sea along the east and west coasts of the USA. Glockenspiel.

Boating – lighthouses – fishing

For many, boating is synonymous with summer holidays, and there are many opportunities for staying by the jetty. The harbours on the west side of the island offer relaxation and anchoring sites. On the north-west side lies Feøy, a little island kingdom with bays and coves, narrow sounds and fine anchoring places. Karmsundet is made for boating. Stop at Prestøyene in Avaldsnes – ideal for a coffee break. Then sail
your boat in towards Røyksund and continue along Fosnaneset under the bridge and into the Førdesfjorden. At Fosen and Høvring you feel like you have the world to yourself, the way you only can experience in a boat.
Even if you are not a boat owner, you can still experience these idyllic places.

Feøy with its 70 regular inhabitants, and guaranteed to have no cars, has a daily boat service from Haugesund. With the ever-increasing nautical traffic in the 16 and 1700s, private business owners found it good business to build lighthouses along the coast. These lighthouses in turn made it possible to tax all ships in the boating lanes. Some of these lighthouses have now been restored and are available for overnight stays. The quaint Vikholmen lighthouse built in 1849 marks the entrance to Skudnes Harbour. This lighthouse is available for rental from the Norwegian Seamen’s Mission at Skudeneshavn. The Geitungen lighthouse, appropriately named, is majestically located atop Søre Geitungen offSkudeneshavn. It was built in 1924 and has been declared a protected building. For overnight accommodations, please contact the Haugesund Tourist Centre.

Surrounded by the sea, Karmøy offers great opportunities for fishing. Set out on the wide ocean with a spinner or a rod, or try your luck from the bare rock faces! One day of deep-sea fishing is an unforgettable
experience. Take a fishing trip on a fishing smack or a cutter – you will not return empty-handed! If the open sea becomes too rough, take a trip to the many freshwater lakes on Karmøy – where trout, eel and
pike are waiting. There are guest harbours in Skudeneshavn and in Kopervik.

Åkrehamn

To the west, on the edge of the North Sea, lies Åkrehamn. Since prehistoric times, people have being living by the beautiful sandy beaches and bare rock-faces on the western side of Karmøy. Åkrehamn was created by fishermen, farmers and sailors over several generations. Today Åkrehamn is a modern, built-up area with 6,500 inhabitants, and offers various shops and services.

The name Åkrehamn is compiled by Åker (field) and hamn (harbour), but nowadays most of the fields are covered with shops, service buildings and homes. The old Åkra municipality was in its time the largest
fishing municipality in the country and in fact an active fishing community still exists here. From the old harbour area with its idyllic little wooden houses, fishing boats still leave for the fishing banks every morning.

The fishermen bring their catch to the harbour later in the day, and on most days fresh fish, shrimps and crabs can be bought in the harbour. Fishery days are celebrated every year ay the beginning of August.
Come and enjoy fishing activities and entertainment for the young and old at heart!

Kopervik

Kopervik is the municipal administration centre of Karmøy. Already in the early 1800s, there were “buildings
along the bay”. One is still able to find traces of the old buildings of that era – well preserved old wooden
houses. Earlier, Kopervik was known for its canning factories. The factories were often owned by Stavanger companies and nearly all trade was with Stavanger. The building estates surrounding Kopervik were mainly built after the aluminium smelter Karmøy Fabrikker, Norsk Hydro, arrived in 1965. Kopervik is now the junction for scheduled boats headed north and south, carrying passengers and goods.

The Icelandic historian Tormod Torfæus spent most of his adult life at Stangeland in Kopervik. He is best known for his historic work “Historia rerum Norvegicanes”, the history of the Norwegian people from prehistoric times to the present, which he wrote in the 1600s.

The Vikings

THE PERIOD OF THE VIKINGS SPANNED FROM 800 TO 1050 AD. The term “Viking” applied to people from
Scandinavia who travelled abroad to trade, plunder or wage war. The Vikings were blessed with good boats and were skilled sailors. Some Vikings elected to settle in foreign countries, but most returned home bringing with them the goods that they has traded or plundered. They instilled fear and terror in the hearts of everyone when they attacked from the sea. They murdered, stole, plundered and burned. Sometimes they
even took slaves. However, they also acquired great wealth for their country.

Harold the Fair-Haired turned Avaldsnes on Karmøy into the oldest royal seat in Norway. Around 870, after the victory at Hafrsfjord he turned Norway into one kingdom. From Avaldsnes he reigned over his kingdom and controlled the shipping lanes along Nordvegen and, and the trade with Europe.

Many other well-known individuals have spent time at Avaldsnes, and these included King Augvald and St. Olav. Avaldsnes still has countless traces pointing to the Vikings ages.

Vikinggården

THE VIKINGGARDEN MUSEUM IS LOCATED ON A SMALL, WOODCOVERED ISLAND directly below the
medieval church at Avdalsnes, in the vicinity of Skrattaskjær where Olav Tryggvason was reported to have drowned a group of sorcerers more than one thousand years ago. This museum will provide the visitor with knowledge about how our Norwegian ancestors used to build houses, which materials and tools they used
and how they exploited the natural resources available. The museum attempts to present us with a more nuanced picture of what the Vikings were like, that is to say not all of them were pirates and murderers. Vikings were in fact mostly farmers and fishermen as well as craftsmen and tradesmen. They were poets
and inventors. In the museum courtyard you will find a traditional longhouse as well as smaller dwellings, a Viking boat and plants and animals. There are nature trails available outside in the forest for those who want some peace and quiet. The museum is open to visitors in the summertime. During the other seasons it is open for guided visits and organised events. The light from the hearth and the oil lamps will certainly transport you 1000 years back. The building itself is a part of an experimental archaeological research programme where the aim is to acquire more knowledge about prehistoric building techniques.

Communication

Transport to and from Karmøy is simple. The island has good domestic and international connections by air, bus, speedboat service and ferries. Ferries travel from Skudeneshavn to Stavanger several times a day, all year round. The airport, Haugesund Lufthavn, Karmøy, has several flights daily to Oslo, Sandefjord and Bergen. If you are going abroad, Rayanair has daily flights to London. Once a week there is a chartered flight to more southerly destinations.

There are several weekly departures from Haugesund by car ferry to Hanstholm in Denmark and Newcastle in England. A speedboat leaves both Kopervik and Haugesund for Stavanger and Bergen several times a day.
There are buses daily from Haugesund to Bergen, Stavanger and Oslo.

Open all year round

Avdalsnes Tourist Information Centre

Nordvegen Historiesenter
N-4262 Avaldsnes
Tel.: +47 52 81 14 88
Fax: +47 52 83 8401
e-mail: post@vikinggarden.no

Kopervik Tourist Information Centre

Rådhuset, N-4250 Kopervik
Tel.: +47 52 85 75 00
Fax: +47 52 85 73 60
e-mail: turistinfo@online.no

Oasen Tourist Information Centre

Oasen Storsenter, N-5508 Karmsund
Tel.: +47 52 83 10 89
Fax: +47 52 83 05 06
e-mail: post@oasen.no

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.