Things To Do in Stavanger
Bookstore
Available as paperback
and as e-book.
Stavanger Attractions
A Bike Ride to the "Three Swords" -- On a summer day we like to get the makings of a picnic and set out to see Sverd I Fjell, or the Three Swords monument at Hafrsfjord. This is the spot where King Hårald Fairhair united Norway into one kingdom in 872. In 1983 Fritz Røed created this monument, and it was unveiled by King Olav. The monument, standing as a symbol of unification, depicts Viking sword sheaths modeled on actual swords found in various parts of the country. The crowns on the tops of the swords represent the Norwegian districts that took part in the epic battle for unification. From the center of Stavanger, bike along Mosvannet Lake and continue along Rte. 510 toward Sola. Allow about half an hour to reach this monument. The area of Møllebukta itself, in which the monument lies, is a popular outdoor spot of great beauty.
- Religious Site
Domkirke (Cathedral)
It's not up there in the celestial ranks with the cathedral of Trondheim, but this is the other great church still left from Norway in the Middle Ages -- and it stands proud and relatively intact. Constructed over a decade beginning in 1125, the cathedral was dedicated to Saint… - Neighborhood
Gamle Stavanger
This is northern Europe's largest and most impressive -- and best preserved -- settlement of old-fashioned wooden houses. In "Old Stavanger" (its English name), more than 170 buildings from the late 18th century and early 19th century are not only preserved, but also fully renovated.… - Religious Site
Utstein Kloster
This is Norway's only preserved medieval abbey. In the 9th century, Utstein was one of the royal residences of Harald Hårfagre, the Fairhair, Norway's first monarch. In 1250 it belonged to Magnus Lagabøter (the Lawmender) who as king would draft Norway's first constitution, then the… - Landmark
Valbergtarnet & Vektermuseet
Inhabiting a wooden city, the residents of Stavanger lived in constant fear of fire. So, from 1850 to 1853, they constructed this historic tower, Valbergtarnet, with a panoramic sweep over Stavanger and its harbor. A guard was stationed here 24 hours a day to be on the lookout for a…
Stavanger Shopping
Locals head for the area's major shopping center, Kvadrat Kjøpesenter at Lura, lying between Stavanger and Sandnes (tel. 51-96-00-00). There are nearly 160 shops here selling everything from reindeer hides, sheepskin jackets, and pewter souvenirs, to Norwegian handcrafts such as wooden trolls. Other outlets include restaurants, a state-run wine store, a pharmacy, and even a post office, if you want to mail back some of the cards you can purchase in one of several shops.
Most shops are open Monday to Wednesday and Friday from 9am to 5pm, Thursday 9am to 7pm, and Saturday 9am to 3pm.
