'''Stavanger''' is the fourth largest city of Norway with a population of 117 315 as of January 1, 2007. It is located in the south-western coast of the country.
Get in
By plane
It depends on where one is coming from.
Sola Airport (SVG) is a 20 minutes drive from Stavanger. It is a medium sized airport, but it is currently being upgraded. Tel:''+47 51'' 658-000
[http://www.stavanger-guide.no/to_from.pdf '''To & From the Stavanger Region Map''']
By train
About 9 hours from Oslo station. Reservation is obligatory.
By car
By boat
About 4 hours from Bergen, twice daily with [http://www.hsd.no HSD]. Tickets can be bought on the boat, but may be cheaper if bought in advance.
Get around
By bus
Public transportation in Stavanger is mainly by bus and works smoothly. A single ticket will cost from 23-57 NOK depemding on how many zones you travel although it can be used again within a certain time limit. A better option might be to buy a day-pass for 72 NOK, which can be used unlimited until midnight. In addition, you can buy the 3-day pass which costs 123 NOK. One and two-week passes are also available. Buses in the city centre can be caught at the main bus terminal and at stops around the city lake, Breiavannet. The public transportation system, including the local trains connecting Stavanger to the greater region, is currently being expanded and incidences of temporary schedule and route changes in this period is to be expected.
The airport shuttle bus is very expensive (70 NOK one-way, 110 NOK return) and if you are heading to a location outside the centre it may be more worthwhile to take a taxi. However, on workdays bus no. 9 which travels half-hourly between the airport and the city centre, is a much cheaper option than the airport shuttle bus (28 NOK one-way).
Buses are modern and most have areas for wheelchairs and baby carriages. More information about public transportation in Stavanger and the region on the [http://www.kolumbus.no Kolumbus Website]
By car
International drivers licenses are accepted as well as many national licenses (all EU and some other). Cars drive on the right hand side of the road and all speed limits are in kilometres. Fuel is very expensive in Norway.
When driving in Norway it is vital to obey the speed limit. Speeding offenses are rigorously enforced and speed checks are very common. Speed limits in residential areas are 30 kmh, but speeding in these areas incur the highest penalties. The maximum speed limit on the motorway is 90 kph (56 mph).
'''Norway has some of the strictest drunken-driving laws in the world''', 0.2 milligrams of alcohol per litre of blood. As a general rule of thumb it is best to drink nothing at all before driving.
Winter tyres are not legally necessary for foreign drivers of regular cars, but driving without them can be risky especially if you are headed for the hills. Snow-chains are mandatory only for big-rigs in winter-time.
Dipped headlights are mandatory at all times of the day.
By train
The train station is located next to the bus terminal. Long distance tickets can be bought at the counter while shorter distances can be bought from the conductor. The trains are modern and spacious. The trains to Oslo follow the coast. Many trips to, or from, Oslo will require a sleeper train.
By taxi
It is not uncommon to travel in a Mercedes or BMW when using taxis. This is a good thing once you consider that an average 15 minute journey can cost over 150 NOK. Night-time and weekends have special rates. You can use credit cards to pay through the taxi meters.
See
The '''Stavanger Oil Museum''' is a very interesting building with fascinating information on Norway's oil industry. Displays of submersibles, drilling equipment, a mock oil platform, and audio-visual presentations make for a good few hours. The museum caters for all ages.
The '''Canning Museum''' may not seem like the most interesting place to visit but it is a surprisingly good little museum with a lot of hands-on exhibits.
'''Gamle Stavanger''' (Old Stavanger) is a well preserved slice of Norwegian history. Old winding streets and wooden houses are representative of accommodation from Stavangers days as a the canning capital of Norway. Most houses in Old Stavanger are privately owned and well kept.
'''Preikestolen''' (the pulpit rock) can be seen by boat or hiked up. It is an impressive geological feature that is prominent on almost every Stavanger postcard. It protrudes from the rock about 604 metres above the fjord and is almost totally flat on top. The view from the boat is less satisfying than the hike and a round trip takes several hours. Boats leave from the Vaagen (the harbour in the centre of town.) The hike is moderate and the trail is well used especially during the summer.
A good place for a photo opportunity are the '''Three Swords''' (Sverd i fjell, literally '''Sword in Mountain'''), a monument outside the centre of Stavanger, beside the Hafrsfjord. The swords themselves are massive and in the background is the fjord. The monument commemorates the battle of Hafrsfjord in the late 800's where Harald Harfagre beat his eastern opposition and became the first King of Norway.
'''Sculptures''' - In 2000 the mobile installation '''Another Place''' by British sculptor Anthony Gormley was placed on and off Sola beach. A few years later a new and permanent installation '''Broken Column'''[http://www.stavanger-web.com/features/brokencolumn.htm], by the same artist, was placed at various locations surrounding the centre of Stavanger.
'''The Rogaland Kunstmuseum''' (art museum) is on Mosvatnet Lake, only 2 km from the city center. The museum has a permanent exhibition of Norwegian art, and a rotating exhibition that is sometimes quite spectacular. Be sure to see the Lars Hertervig paintings; you'll see the landscape of the islands just north of Stavanger reflected in his work.
Do
The seasons control what to do in Stavanger. Summers can be very warm, although sometimes rainy, and the long days keep the temperature up. Winters usually mean snow or rain in Stavanger although going into the mountains will ensure snow.
'''Hiking''' and '''climbing''' around Stavanger is the best way to see the fantastic landscape. Many of the trails have been marked out by the Turistforetning with rocks bearing a red "T". Turistforening hyttes (cabins) provide simple accommodation in the mountains. Also mountain bikes can be hired and taken on the trails. [http://www.stavanger-guide.no/ Maps]
'''Solastranden''' (Sola Beach) is a long sandy beach by the airport. It is very popular in the summer and allows for some small waves for surfing. Along the beach, in the dunes, are the remains of defences from the 1940-45 occupation. Other less populated beaches are all along the coastline although they are sometimes hard to find.
'''Skiing''' and '''snowboarding''' are the best winter activities. It is necessary to travel into the mountains where there are slopes designed for day-trippers, and full resorts. Snow reports can be found in the local papers.
'''Ice skating on Stokkavannet''' - In the depths of winter the government tests the ice on its lakes. Once the official word is given many Norwegians will head for the largest lake, Stokkavannet. The lake itself is located near to Madla about 20 minutes bus ride outside of Stavanger. Should the ice not be safe, and you have a compulsion to skate, another option is to visit the Siddishallen, an indoor ice-rink.
Buy
'''Pewter serving utensils''' at several shops in town that will also sell other tourist things. They are pretty to look at, coming in several different designs, and practical to use. The cheese slicer (ostehovel) is most traditional, and the fish server (fiskespade) is something rarely seen outside of Norway.
Eat
'''Ekofisk''' is across from the fish market & sells fresh fish. They make excellent fish soup; eat it there, at the little tables, or take it home for dinner. 55 nok per serving. Try the "fiskegrateng" -- a casserole with fish, noodles, cheese, etc.
Drink
Stavanger has a varied and exciting nightlife, by many seen as one of the best in Norway. Much of the reason lies in the high density of pubs and bars, most of which are situated around ''Vagen'' (the bay) or a stones throw away from it. Also, weekday nightlife is more vibrant in Stavanger than in most towns in Norway.
Folken. tudent house. okkeveien 24. 1654444. ww.folken.no. 1:00 - 01:30. ow. Folken is the Student House in Stavanger. During the summer Folken accommodates travellers at Folken Bed & Breakfast. Folken is by far the cheaper place to drink if you bring your Student Card. The music varies in both genre and loudness. Enjoy the summer in Folkens backyard!
On the western side you will find '''Checkpoint Charlie''', a legendary hangout for rockers and students. It is also home to CCAP, a record label that hold Thomas Dybdahl and Popface in their expanding stable. Though its clientel has gradually gotten younger over the years (now around 18-22), it retains much of its old feel. (Lars Hertervigsgt. 5 4005 Stavanger, tel: 51532245[http://www.checkpoint.no/])
Another bar well worth the visit is '''Cementen'''. Situated on the third floor of a concrete building alongside the bay, it has a great view of inner city Stavanger. It is easy to find, just look for the cement mixer hanging from the outside wall seven meters above its entrance. The recently added dance floor has resulted in increased popularity. (Nedre Strandgt.25, 4005 Stavanger)
For the see and be seen crowd, '''Taket''' is the place to go (Nedre Strandgt. 15, 4005 Stavanger Tel: 51 84 37 01). '''Hall Toll''' is another popular hangout that was added to the night scene in 2004. With Hall Toll, the Stavanger night life scene has finally gotten a taste of the international cosmopolitan jet set, complete with drunken bimbos, obnoxious bouncers with headsets and a separate VIP line at the entrance. Hooray.
Clubbers are advised to seek out '''Sting''' , located next to ''Valbergstarnet''. It is a bit cramped, but they keep great DJs and the atmosphere is inviting. The first floor is cafe style, and basement is a night-club. The rooms to the right when you enter the cafe is traditionally for gay people. If you get tired from dancing there is a lounge area, Indian style, with lots of pillows to lie down on.(Valberget 3, 4006 Stavanger, Tel: 51 89 32 84, c-sting@online.no[http://www.cafe-sting.no/])
'''Munken''' (The Munk) is a traditional bar that serves beer, wine and spirits. Crowd varies a great deal in age (22-72), often many english speakers. Usually not very loud music. Free entrance. Prostebakken -in the Alley by the Dressmann haberdashery.
Sleep
House Ryfylke. ttp://www.norwegian-holiday.com/stavanger/ryfylke.htm. 300 NOK/night for a flat for Flat 2 (June 2008). 10 min walk from the city center. 100% advance payment by booking. Flat 2 is situated on the second floor, has two bedrooms, spacious living-room, one bathroom, wi-fi. The owner of the house is a very nice and atentive lady
'''Thon Hotel Maritim''', Kongsgaten 32 [http://www.thonhotels.com/maritim]. Ideally situated in down town Stavanger with a view of Lake Breiavannet, and a short two- minute walk to the city's commercial and entertainment centre. A short walk to the main bus and train stations.
Folken Bed & Breakfast. okkeveien 24. 15644444. ttp://www.folken.no/bedbreak. 200. 200. OK 250. Folken Bed&Breakfast is by far the most social way of spending a night or six in Stavanger. Located just a few hundred meters from the city centre Folken Bed & Breakfast is close to all the things you might want and need in Stavanger.
Folken Bed & Breakfast is the most social way to stay simply because Folken Bed & Breakfast is one big dormatory with 40 beds spread around in what usually serves as Stavangers #1 venue for live music. But don't worry, the beerspills and the sweat from the last semester is cleaned up.
2009 Folken Bed & Breakfast starts Thursday June 19th at 12:00 and ends August 3rd at 12:00.</sleep>
There are countless hotels in Stavanger, still not nearly enough for the business travellers during non-holiday weekdays, so book in advance or pay through the nose. There is also a combined youth hostel and camping site by Mosvannet.
Park Inn. agardsveien 61. 47 (51) 76 20 00
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Get out
Go south, to rural areas in Jaren. Take a fast-boat to some of the islands like Usken. Go to the family theme park Kongeparken close to Algard.
Go to climb the Kjerag and see the Kjeragboltn.
Visit the Norway's most famous attraction - Preikestolen or Pulpit rock. From Stavanger you can get there by ferry and then by bus. The tickets are sold on board or it is also possible to buy them in advance in the tourist information office. Trekking to the Pulpit rock will take you nearly 5 hours to and from. t is better to take water with you, because there is no possibility to get it on the road.