A Journey Through Time – Stavanger’s Story

by coach & on foot

Step ashore in Stavanger, a city that has shaped Norway’s maritime story for centuries. From Viking kings clashing in Hafrsfjord, through the age of steamships, to today’s mighty super tankers, Stavanger is Norway’s oil capital and offers a gateway to its seafaring past. This guided experience takes you on a journey through time, blending history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.

Begin your adventure at the Iron Age Farm, the only reconstructed site of its kind in Norway. Located on its original archaeological grounds, this open air museum offers a vivid glimpse into daily life more than 1,500 years ago. Step inside authentic longhouses and discover how Norwegians lived during the Migration Period.

Continue to Ullandhaug Tower, perched 135m above sea level. From here, enjoy sweeping views over Stavanger, Ryfylke, Nord Jæren, and the legendary Hafrsfjord—the site of the decisive battle in 872 that united Norway under one kingdom.

Pause for a photo stop at Sverd i Fjell, one of Norway’s most iconic monuments. Created by sculptor Fritz Roed, three bronze swords - each 10m (32ft) tall — rise dramatically from the rock to commemorate the Battle of Hafrsfjord. Together, they symbolize peace, unity, and freedom.

Your sightseeing drive will pass through both the older and newer sections of Stavanger. Admire Norway‘s oldest cathedral, dating back to the 12th century. With its Romanesque and Gothic features, Stavanger Cathedral has stood for nearly 900 years as the city’s spiritual heart. Conclude with an optional guided stroll through Gamle Stavanger. Wander cobbled lanes lined with charming white wooden houses from the 18th and 19th centuries—once home to seafarers and craftsmen, now one of Europe’s best preserved wooden towns.