Stavanger Hotels and Things to Do
Unless you're Scandinavian, you probably haven't heard of Stavanger, Norway. But it's a charming town, surrounded by spectacular scenery.
The base for Norway's North Sea oil operations, Stavanger is a prosperous place that was the European Capital of Culture (ECC), along with Liverpool, England, in 2008. That designation brought more travelers to Stavanger, and many facilities were improved so that the city would live up to expectations.
There's a quaint old harbor with plenty of restaurants, and several interesting churches and museums worth visiting. Come during the summer months, as many attractions are closed in winter.
The Domkirke, which dates from 1125, is the most impressive church in Stavanger. A fire destroyed much of it in 1272. But it was rebuilt with Gothic-style twin towers. A renovation that took place between 1938 and 1942 brought the church back to the way it looked in medieval times. Don't miss the wooden pulpit which is carved with stories from the Old Testament. The ornate canopy overhead shows scenes from Christ's life. And the columns are decorated with Norse griffins and dragons.
History buffs will enjoy the five different collections that make up the Stavanger Museum. The combined admission ticket includes entrance to a neoclassical house that is the Stavanger residence of the Norwegian Royal Family, a restored 1881 Victorian home, and maritime, canning, and natural history museums.
Gamle Stavanger is a must-see if you visit Stavanger. It has Scandinavia's biggest collection of 18th- and 19th-century wooden houses. More than 170 of them have been restored and now form a pretty town with cobblestone streets, flower boxes, and gas lamps. The buildings are owned by private citizens and the city of Stavanger. A trip here is like traveling back in time.
Stavanger hotels and places to stay.
Many Stavanger hotels were upgraded for the ECC celebration, and they're some of the nicest in Southern Norway.
The Radisson Blu Atlantic Hotel is a stylish, modern hotel on Lake Breiavannet. In fact, many of the 354 Scandinavian-style rooms have lake views, as does the Restaurant Antique. The location is convenient to everything and there's free WiFi access. Guests get reduced rates at a nearby fitness center.
A sister property, the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel is more luxurious. It has four rooms styles to choose from: green - which features natural materials - high-tech, Asian, and Scandinavian modern. There's a Pool Club with heated swimming pool, whirlpool, sauna, and fitness equipment.
The Clarion is a few blocks up from the harbor, about ten minutes walk from the Old Town. The rooms have Duxiana beds, Scandinavian furniture and original art, and many have beautiful views of the fjord and islands. The hotel has two restaurants, a bar, and a top-floor relaxation center with Jacuzzi and sauna.
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