The city of Stavanger, once a bishopric, became a trading centre in the 15^th century, and is today the main hub of the North Sea oil drilling industry in Norway. The city is situated in the southwestern part of the country, on a peninsula that cuts between the Norwegian Sea (to the west) and the Gand Fjord (to the east). Stavanger is principally known as a trading and industrial town- it is an important centre for shipping, food processing, and oil refining- but it also has some interesting tourist attractions, including cathedrals and museums.

Stavanger’s most famous sight is the magnificent Cathedral of St Swithin, a Norman-Gothic building which was built in the 12th century, when Stavanger became a bishopric. Built by the bishop of Winchester, the church is a fine tribute to the relations that once existed between England and Norway.

Among Stavanger’s other attractions are the lovely old mansion of Ledaal; the 60 centuries old Viste Cave, and Ullandhaug, a recreated farm dating back to the Iron Age.

Museums are legion in Stavanger; turn a corner, and you’re bound to run into one- some good, some indifferent; among the best- and most unusual- are the Norwegian Graphical Museum, the Norwegian Childrens’ Museum, the Archaeological Museum and the Stavanger Museum. Other, more specific, collections are to be found in the Norwegian Canning Museum, the Stavanger Maritime Museum and the Bank Museum.

Stavanger is also an excellent base for exploring the nearby fjords; a number of travel agents and tour companies organise excursions to some of the loveliest fjords in Norway- the Ryfylke Fjord is perhaps the most scenic. 

Stavanger is easily accessible by train and bus from the rest of Norway; in addition, it has ferry links from a number of other ports, both within Norway and abroad.

For detailed country and visitor information, see Norway.