Stavanger on Foot

on foot

Stavanger is the fourth largest city in Norway and has always played an important role in the country’s history, from when the Viking Kings fought in the Hafrsfjord, through the times of the white sails and steamships up to the present day with the oil and gas industry becoming the most important income source.

During this experience, you will explore the city on foot, beginning very close to where the ship is docked. ‘Gamle Stavanger’ is the picturesque old town consisting of charming houses which were mostly built for seafarers, craftsmen and tradesmen, surrounded by tiny, colourful gardens, which date from the 18th and 19th centuries. It is not a museum area but on the contrary, a living part of the city with well-preserved wooden houses lining narrow lanes of paving stones and old gas lanterns.

From here you will continue walking to the Fisketorget, the bustling fish market. The impressive cathedral stands close by. Built around 1125 by Bishop Reinald of Winchester with the help of British craftsmen, it is the best-preserved medieval church in Norway after the Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim. The cathedral was dedicated to St. Svithun who is the Patron Saint of Stavanger.

Finally, stroll to the Valbergtårnet, the historic watchtower that once kept watch over Stavanger’s harbour and town. After learning all about Stavanger, you will stroll back to the ship.