Stavanger

Stavanger and the surrounding areas have for centuries played a leading part in Norway's development. As you approach Hafrsfjord you’ll hear how King Harald Haarfagre defeated the regional princes here in 872, thus founding the Kingdom of Norway. Nearby at Møllebukta you’ll pass the monument of 3 giant swords which commemorate this battle and symbolise the fight is over.

Your leisurely drive will continue along the coast of south west Norway, where you’ll pass the attractive 12th century Church of Sola, as it sits on the hill overlooking Sola Bay. Hear about life in Stavanger as you pass the long sandy coastal stretches of Jæren and travel by fertile farmland. As you approach Eiganes, you’ll travel down the narrow road with its pretty villas and past Ledaal Manor, once the home of the writer Alexander Kielland and today the King’s residence when he visits Stavanger.

Back in Stavanger, you’ll see the impressive medieval Cathedral, and the characteristic, colourful facades of the buildings which overlook the harbour. En route back to the ship, you’ll pass ‘Old Stavanger’, for a glimpse of its charming, picturesque, wooden houses which date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. This area is considered unique and the city's most important rehabilitation project.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by coach. All sightseeing is conducted from the comfort of the coach. The itinerary may operate in reverse. The tour will involve some long tunnels.

Lysefjord, Norway’s most southern major fjord, stretches 25 miles and was formed more than 10,000 years ago during the last ice age. Experience a leisurely cruise along the scenic Lysefjord, as you pass steep mountains with their cascading waterfalls and the occasional dwelling clinging to its rocky terrain.

There will be a limited commentary providing information about the various points of interest including Preikestolen, better known as the Pulpit Rock. The ‘Pulpit Rock’ is a famous natural rock formation which protrudes vertically from the mountainside. On a clear day, you will be able to see the rock with its flat plateau proudly jutting out above you.

During the tour, a stop will be made for refreshments of tea or coffee and freshly-made waffles.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by boat. Various sized boats will be used for this excursion. There are 2 flights of stairs between the decks on the boat. Whilst there are sufficient seats for everyone on the boat, we cannot guarantee that you’ll be able to sit in the area of your choice (either inside or on the open deck). A warm, windproof jacket is recommended. There are steps leading to the refreshment stop. The Pulpit Rock is situated approximately 1,968 feet above sea level and therefore appears smaller when viewed from below. Pre-reservation of this tour is highly recommended due to limited availability.

Following the Dirdal River and valley, you will reach Byrkjedalstunet. The re-constructed cheese factory in Byrkjedalstunet dates back to 1920 and now houses a restaurant and a candle-maker’s workshop. Enjoy a tea or coffee and some traditional 'lapper' (thick pancakes) with jam and sour cream. Take some time to visit the colourful candle workshop, to see the wide variety of candles produced here, before browsing the gift shop with its array of Norwegian handicrafts, woollens, souvenirs and candles.

Venture onwards to see the Gloppedalsuren Boulder Field, Norway's largest field of boulders, with some as big as houses. Continue via the flat, fertile farming area of Jæren and the beaches at Sola before some city sightseeing in Stavanger.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by coach. There is approximately 15 minutes’ total walking involved on this tour, most of which is optional. The lighting at the refreshment venue is quite dim to add to the atmosphere, therefore care should be taken. This tour involves several tunnels.

Your exploration begins in Old Stavanger, a lively area that hosts well-preserved 18th and 19th century wooden houses, mostly built for seafarers, craftsmen and traders. An important rehabilitation project has meant that this is now northern Europe’s largest and best-preserved ‘wooden house’ settlement.

Your stroll through Stavanger continues to the market square at the head of the harbour bay. A colourful scene greets you where fruit and vegetables, flowers and seafood are laid out on sale with the 12th century Stavanger Cathedral forming an impressive backdrop.

Looking towards the harbour is the statue of the former mayor and well-known writer, Alexander Kielland. The pedestrian street leads you to the Valberg Tower, situated on a small hill and overlooking the central part of the city and harbour. It was once used at a watchtower in case fire broke out in the wooden buildings of Stavanger.

Essential information

This excursion will operate on foot. The terrain in Old Stavanger is a little uphill and over cobblestoned streets. Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Please note that entrance to the Valberg Tower is not included in the tour. The market may be closed on Sunday calls.

From the port, a short drive will bring you to Ullandshaug Viewpoint for magnificent views of Hafrsfjord and the surrounding area. Hafrsfjord is where the Kingdom of Norway was founded in 872 after the Viking King, Harald Hårfagre, defeated the last of the regional princes and united the 29 small kingdoms under one crown. Nearby at Møllebukta, you’ll stop to see the 3 Giant Swords monument which commemorate this battle and symbolise the fight is over.

As Stavanger is considered to be the most important ‘oil city’ in Norway, no visit would be complete without visiting the entertaining state-of-the-art Norwegian Oil Museum. Its unusual architecture has already made it a main landmark in Stavanger. The museum cleverly manages to tell the story of oil and how it is created, discovered and produced, in a very interesting and informative way using audio-visual aids, models, interactive exhibits and an amusing 3D dinosaur movie. Discover how oil is used in our everyday life for more than just fuel and learn the challenges facing the North Sea Divers.

On the return journey, a stop will be made at the quaint old town of Gamle Stavanger (Old Stavanger). You’ll have the option to take a short guided walk along the picturesque narrow cobbled lanes and past the well preserved wooden houses as you listen to tales of the bygone ages.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The Norwegian Oil Museum is wheelchair accessible. Passengers who do not wish to participate in the guided walk of Gamle Stavanger can remain on the bus.

Enjoy a scenic boat trip through the Gandsfjord, which is dotted with several picturesque islands. On arrival at the lovely harbour on the private island of Sør Hidle, there is a short walk to the Flor and Fjære Garden which is set in a protected harbour making it a place of peaceful tranquillity, colourful flowers and great sea views.

You’ll be given a guided walk of the gardens with one of the knowledgeable garden guides before having free time to explore the exotic gardens at your own leisure. See the world’s most northerly plantation of tropical palm trees, bamboo and banana trees; smell the fruit trees and bountiful flowers all set against the backdrop of majestic mountains and deep fjords.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by boat. There is approximately 1½ hours spent at the gardens. There are gravel pathways and some inclines in the gardens. Comfortable, non-slip walking shoes are recommended. Please note that in May the garden is newly planted.