Stavanger, Norway

Cathedral

On the shore of the small lake Breiavannet stands the cathedral church-along with the Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, the most outstanding medieval sacred structure in Norway. A three-aisled basilica (late 11th century), it was built in the Anglo-Norman style. One of the main relics here is the relics of St. Swithun-patron of the cathedral. After the fire of 1272, a new chancel was built in the Gothic style. The church’s rich interior is a unique example of Norwegian Baroque; in the 19th and 20th centuries, the temple was carefully restored. Particular attention should be paid to the luxurious Baroque carved pulpit (1658) and the stone Gothic baptismal font. The stained-glass window in the eastern wall, depicting Gospel scenes, was created by Victor Sparre (1957).

Ulstein Abbey Cloister

Ulstein Kloster, the only preserved medieval abbey in Norway. In the 9th century, Ulstein was one of the residences of King Harald Horfager (Harald Fairhair), the first monarch of Norway. In 1250, the abbey belonged to Magnus VI Håkonson Lagabøter (meaning “the law enforcer”), King of Norway, who drafted the first Constitution of Norway-the most democratic in the world. Magnus granted Ulstein to the Augustinian canons, who built the abbey around his fortress in the late 1200s. During the Reformation, to avoid losses, Ulstein became one of the largest private estates in Norway. Today, classical and jazz music concerts are held in the abbey chapel.

Walberg Tower

Living in the wooden city, which characterized all the cities of Norway, the residents of Stavanger were constantly afraid of fires. They decided to build the Valberget Tower (1850-1853), from which the entire city and harbor could be viewed in panorama. The guards were in the tower for all 24 hours, and by closely watching the city, they searched for even the smallest ember of a possible future fire. Today, the historic tower is visited to enjoy one of the unforgettable perspectives of the cityscape. There is also a small museum, the Museum of the Guards, focused on the duties of the guards-and, in general, on the guard as a symbol of safety.

Old Stavanger

In the narrow lanes of old Stavanger (Gamle Stavanger) on the west side of the Vågen Bay, one hundred and seventy snow-white, beautifully restored wooden houses with gas lanterns on the facades and exquisite windows and entrance doors are conveniently located. In the 18th-19th centuries, fishermen, craftsmen, and sailors lived here. Most of the houses on Ovre Strandgaten are architectural monuments.

Kongeparken Amusement Park

Kongeparken Amusement Park-the so-called Norwegian Disneyland-is spread out in Ålgård, 30 km south of Stavanger. On the territory of the park there is Norway’s largest factory for producing dairy chocolate-Freia. Practically all park visitors begin their walk around the park by visiting the factory, where you can not only taste sweet products, but also make a chocolate bear yourself. Along with the country’s biggest carousel and the tallest Ferris wheel, the park features a bobsleigh track stretching 1 km and a large ice rink. You can feel like a real mountaineer on one of the local rocks, where experienced instructors will help you make your first climb.

Sand Beach Sulastranden

In the Stavanger region, you’ll find not only majestic mountains and delightful fjords, but also some of the most beautiful beaches. This is where Norway’s longest sandy beaches are located. In 2004, the Sunday Times newspaper ranked Sulastranden Beach sixth among the world’s beaches. Here you can swim and sunbathe, as well as go kitesurfing and windsurfing. Along the coast, there are many lighthouses that are open to visitors, and in some of them you can even spend the night.

Preikestolen and Kjerag Cliffs

The cliffs around Lysefjord are an unforgettable sight. Among them, Preikestolen and Kjerag stand out in particular. Preikestolen (“The Preacher’s Pulpit”) is a 604-metre-high cliff. The top of the cliff is a flat four-sided surface. Every year, around 100,000 tourists come to admire the view from this picturesque plateau. The climb to the plateau will have to be made over steep slopes. The route takes two to three hours. The highest point of the mountain plateau Kjerag is 1,100 metres above sea level. Its most visited section is on the north side. That’s where Kjeragbolten is located-a round stone wedged between two vertical rock walls at a height of 984 metres above Lysefjord. The climb to Kjerag takes two and a half hours.

Cruise to Lysefjord

You will see the famous Preikestolen-a 600 m-high cliff rising above the Lysefjord. You will sail through the Stavanger harbor, then through the Høgsfjord, where you can admire many small islands and get an insight into the life of Norwegians in this region. Sail close to the cliffs and you will see seals, visit a cave, and drink the spring water from a waterfall. And, of course, majestic mountains will surround you throughout the entire cruise.

For a more detailed list of excursions and their prices, you can view it after booking the cruise in your “Customer Personal Account”.