Stavanger City

“Excuse me, where? Is that, like, in Sweden?” Excuse you, indeed. Stavanger is located on the coast of Norway, and is often on the bottom of the articles of “top places to visit”. Freezing Svalbard is in, while rainy Stavanger is out. As I recently (a month can still be called recently, right?) returned from the stunning parts of Northern-Norway, it kind of makes sense. It rains so much in Stavanger that people wear shorts at the first sighting of the sun. However, I’m about to give you three reasons why it’s still worth it.

1. Nature. “Perikestolen” – The Pulpit Rock. If you enjoy hiking, and are not afraid of heights, this approximately four hour trip is a must. Grab some good shoes (high heels just won’t do), a happy attitude and off you go. Oh, and don’t forget your camera:
   
   
   The Pulpit Rock gives a magnificent overview of the Lysefjord, but the cliff is much steeper than it looks. Going to the edge is not for everyone.

2. Culture. Norwegians are too many times characterized as cold. A more appropriate adjective is skeptical. If you approach them on the street they’ll probably think you want them to sign something, or that you are a Jehovah’s Witness.
   When they understand that you’re only looking for directions, they’ll ask where you’re from, if you like the city and how long you’re staying. Almost every Norwegian speaks English (nearly 90%, according to wikipedia), so getting to know the people when you first have connected is easy.
   “Fargegaten – The Street of colors, is a common place for norwegians to meet up and have a cup of tea or coffee. It’s a happy place for happy people.

3. History. Kongsgård High School is located in the heart of the city. It is one of the many buildings with a story worth telling. Before it became a school it was used as the bishop’s residence in the 11^th century, a cellar to keep witches before they were burned in the middel ages, and during the Second World War, the Nazi’s chose it as their headquarters in the city. Be brave and ask one of the students to show you around, it’ll give both of you a good time.

P.S. The photos are from last spring, it’s nowhere near that sunny yet.