Stavanger
| Crest | Map |
|---|---|
| 
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| Basic information | |
| County: | Rogaland |
| Administration center: | Stavanger |
| Area: | 71,2 km² |
| Population: | 111 007 (2003) |
| Website: | stavanger.kommune.no |
| Politics | |
| Mayor: | Leif Johan Sevland |
The city of Stavanger (also the name of the municipality) in the county of Rogaland, Norway, is located on the southwest coast of Norway. It is the fourth largest city in the country.
The city itself is an odd combination of new and old. There is a significant foreign influence with a nearby NATO base, as well as foreign oil interests. Norway's oldest Cathedral, Stavanger domkirke, is situated right in the city centre. Stavanger has several beautiful lakes, which are popular recreation areas. 
is located in the heart of Stavanger, while 
and Stokkavatnet is situated right outside.
Stavanger Airport is located 14 km from the city centre, in the municipality of Sola. The local football team, Viking F.K, plays in the Norwegian premier league (2003).
Stavanger was founded in the year 1125, mainly because the Stavanger bishop was established in the 1120s. But even before that time Stavanger fullfilled an important urban role. A number of historians have argued convincingly that Nord-JÃÂæren was an economic and military centre as far back as the 800-900s with the consolidation of the nation at Hafrsfjord. Stavanger grew into a centre of civic administration and an important south-west coast market town around 1100-1200.
The city's history is a continuous alternation between upswings and recessions. The city is deeply rooted in religion and Christian life, and for long periods of time its most important industries have been shipping, shipbuilding, the canning industry and associated subcontractors.
VÃÂÃÂ¥gen (the harbour) is located in the city center of Stavanger
For tourists, the best thing to do in Stavanger is head to the hills. Two of the best day hikes in Norway (some would say in the world) are located a couple of hours out of town on the beautiful Lysefjorden. Not too far from Stavanger, alpine centers are ready for skiers and snowboarders throughout winter season.
Preikestolen (aka the Pulpit Rock) is a massive rock overhanging the fjord. It's a 3-4 hour round trip hike with fabulous views. Kjeragbolten is a rock wedged in the cliff 1000 meters above the fjord. It's a more strenuous 4-5 hour hike out and a longer drive, but a spectacular look down from the rock. The free fall makes Kjerag a very popular location for BASE jumping.
For the more urban minded, Old Stavanger (Gamle Stavanger) is located right next to the city centre. This collection of eighteenth- and nineteenth century wooden structures is one of the finest in Northern Europe. Most houses in Old Stavanger are privately owned and maintained, and in the area you will also find the studios of a number of local artists and artisans. The Canning Museum is also located in Old Stavanger, commemorating the city's past glory as the herring capital of Norway.
Every May, Stavanger is host to MaiJazz, the Stavanger International Jazz Festival. Stavanger was the host port of the Cutty Sark Tall Ships' Race in 1997 and this year the regatta returns once again.
History
Tourism
External links
| Rogaland |
| Bjerkreim | Bokn | Eigersund | FinnÃÂøy | Forsand | Gjesdal | Haugesund | Hjelmeland | HÃÂÃÂ¥ | KarmÃÂøy | Klepp | KvitsÃÂøy | Lund | Randaberg | RennesÃÂøy | Sandnes | Sauda | Sokndal | Sola | Stavanger | Strand | Suldal | Time | TysvÃÂær | Utsira | Vindafjord | ÃÂÃÂlen |
| Municipalities of Norway | Norway |