To get ahead of the crowds which will be converging on Norway's fourth-largest city next year, when Stavanger shares the title of European Capital of Culture with Liverpool. With a population of just ,, it is compact, easy to explore and holds great charm β all of which sounds unlikely given that this is also the oil capital of Norway.
There's a great mix of the new and the old here: you'll see plenty of huge ships and tankers in the harbour, yet this tiny city also contains the greatest number of wooden houses in northern Europe. And there's a wealth of things to do: Stavanger boasts 26 museums and galleries and is the gateway to especially fine fjord country. The ferry terminal 1 is at Strandkaien, an easy walk to the city centre. Airport buses 00 47 51 59 90 60; www.
Ryanair ; www. Kystbussen buses 00 47 ; www. Given the high duties in Norway, and the fact that the country is outside the EU, many travellers consider it worthwhile to invest in alcohol; you are allowed 1l of spirits, 2l of wine and 2l of beer.
The one drawback of Stavanger is expense: all that oil money means that this is not a cheap city to visit. If you pay a little more you can expect high standards. The Thon Hotel Maritim 4 at Kongsgaten 32 00 47 51 85 ; www. For views and atmosphere, book a room at the Skagen Brygge Hotell 6 at Skagenkaien 28 00 47 51 85 00 00; www.
You may find these hotels available online at lower rates bundled together with flights at websites such as www. The picturesque old town is set on a hill just to the west of Vagen. To its south-east is the newly developed central plaza 2 , with Stavanger's Gothic cathedral 5 behind it. The church overlooks the small City Park, with its pretty pond. Immediately to the north is the main shopping area, which straggles between the two harbours.
