The Stavanger region consists of the counties and cities of Randaberg, Stavanger, Sandnes, Sulla, Jesdal, Klepp, Thime and Ho. Check topschoolsintheusa.com to learn more about Norway.
Stavanger itself is a major university city. Various educational and research institutions, institutes are located here, and in 2008 the city was also declared the Cultural Capital of Europe.
Of considerable interest are the historical finds of the region, many of which are associated with the Viking Age (starting with a bit in Hafrsfjord in 872 and up to 1050). There are historical sites both in Sula and in Stavanger itself.
How to get to Stavanger
Stavanger Sula Airport is the second largest in Norway with direct connections to Copenhagen, London, Aberdeen, Newcastle, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Billund, Gothenburg, Rome and Paris.
There is an express bus between the airport and the city center. Departure – every 20 minutes, travel time – 30 minutes. The bus stops at several hotels in the center of Stavanger, as well as at the train station, bus station and passenger pier in the port.
From Oslo to Stavanger can also be reached by train in eight hours. From Bergen, Oslo and Kristiansand there are buses operated by Nor-way Busexpress. From Bergen to Stavanger about five hours, Kristiansand – four hours, from Oslo – ten hours.
Cuisine and restaurants in Stavanger
In a small cheese factory, Voll Ysteri, you can buy divine Jæren brand raclette cheese.
Herlige Restauranter is a chain of Stavanger restaurants distinguished by gourmet cuisine and a pleasant atmosphere.
And don’t miss the region’s chicest restaurant in Sandnes, Charles & de, opened by Norwegian chef Charles Tjes (winner of the prestigious culinary competition Bocuse d’Or in 2003).
Moreover, the Gastronomic Institute is also located in Stavanger, a Gastronomic Forum for professionals is organized. And local festivals will delight even the most notorious gourmets: these are the Glamat food festival, the garlic week, the wine festival and the potato festival.
Stavanger beaches
In the Stavanger region, tourists are waiting not only for majestic mountains and amazing fjords, but also for beautiful beaches. It is here that the longest sandy beaches in Norway are located. One of the most popular is Sulastranden. Here you can swim and sunbathe, as well as ride kite surf and wind surf.
Along the entire coast there are many lighthouses that are open to the public, and in some of them you can even spend the night.
Shopping
In the central part of Stavanger, Sandnes and Bryne there are many large shopping centers, cozy shops and shops. Among them are Oleana, Stavanger Glassblåseri (glass blowing workshop) and Mingar Walker Glass.
Also known are the textile and clothing workshop Linloftet, the glass-blowing workshop Glasstudio Jæren, Værktøy AS, a workshop for handicrafts and wooden souvenirs. In addition, in Sandnes you can find shops selling traditional pottery. In Yesdal, there is Gjestal spinneri, a shop of the same name factory that sells candles, yarn and sweaters.
The largest shopping center in the region – Kvadrat – is located in Sandnes. Under its roof there are 160 shops and 18 restaurants.
Entertainment and attractions in Stavanger
The center of Stwanger is very compact and most sights can be easily reached on foot. Here are interesting: “Broken Column” (Broken Column) – a sculptural project by Anthony Gormley, consisting of 23 cast-iron figures scattered throughout Stavanger.
The Swords in the Rock monument in Hafrsfjord commemorates the Viking battle led by Harald Fairhair in 872.
It is worth visiting one of the city’s many museums: the Norwegian Oil Museum, the Norwegian Canning Museum, the Rogaland Museum of Art and the Norwegian Children’s Museum.
Traveling around the area, it is worth stopping by the Jærmuseet Science Center, whose branches are located in Sandnes and Nelbø. In April 2009, the Jærmuseet was awarded the Best Museum in Norway.
In Sandnes there is an entertaining Science Factory (Vitenfabrikken), which is worth a visit to the planetarium. The Fritz Roed Sculpture Park “Song of Life” is located in the center of Brunet. There are ten sculptures in the park, different in style and size.
The picturesque Lysefjord with the majestic rock Preikestolen (“Pulpit”) is located very close and you can go there at any time of the year. Boats depart from Stavanger harbor. More about Norwegian fjords.
Other natural attractions: the Monafossen waterfall in Jesdal (height – 92 meters), the scree of Gloppedalsyur near Burkedalstun (consists of boulders heaped on a glacial moraine, here you can see boulders the size of a house).
Stavanger is a paradise for those who love hiking. The routes to the mountains and the surroundings of Sandnes and Lysefjord are especially good for hiking.
Fishing is popular here, and the beaches of Sula and Jeren are ideal for surfing and kiting. Adrenaline lovers should try fjord rafting or a helicopter flight over the Lysefjord.
Bicycles can be rented from the tourist information office. The Nurshevegen cycling route is very popular. Kayaks and canoes are also available for rent.
