Stavanger

Stavanger is one of the largest cities in Norway, and one with a relatively mild climate by Norwegian standards. It’s a place that combines contrasting attractions, offering both a lively city and easy access to unspoilt nature with mountains and sandy beaches, as well as ancient history and modernity. It even manages to retain its small-town feel, despite being one of the most populous cities in the country. That’s thanks to its historic city centre and its many suburbs spread across the surrounding valleys, plains and islands. 

While Stavanger has earned the nickname of “the Oil Capital of Norway” thanks to its current main industry, it’s a place with a long history. This is especially evident in Gamle Stavanger, among the delightful 18^th- and 19^th-century wooden houses. It has also left behind the beautiful Stavanger Cathedral and populated a wide range of museums. The beaches and beautiful surroundings remain a major draw, though, filling the harbour with cruise ships every summer.