Stavanger Old Town

Being named the European Capital of Culture (ECC) has really helped to elevate some of Europe’s lesser-known destinations. In 2008, Liverpool, England shared the title with Stavanger, Norway, and both got a big boost in tourism. And many of Stavanger hotels were renovated or upgraded for the event.

But even before ECC, Stavanger had reaped the economic benefits of being the hub of Norway’s North Sea oil industry. And today, Stavanger is a prosperous, cosmopolitan place that effortlessly combines old and new.

The fjordland scenery is beautiful. The historic harbor is charming. And there are several interesting museums and churches to check out.

Stavanger attractions.

The most notable church in Stavanger is the Domkirke, which was begun in 1125. It was pretty much destroyed by fire in 1272, and rebuilt in the Gothic style with twin towers, and a chancel. Between 1938 and 1942, another renovation restored its medieval appearance. The highlight of the church is its carved-wood pulpit, which illustrates scenes from the Old Testament. The baldachin overhead celebrates key moments in the life of Christ. Look for the Norse dragon and griffin column capitals.

With more than 170 examples from the18th- and 19th century, Gamle Stavanger has the largest collection of wooden houses in Scandinavian. The houses, which are jointly owned by private citizens and the city of Stavanger, have been extensively restored. And exploring the narrow, cobblestone streets of the old town with its pretty flower boxes, neat gardens, and gas lamps is like stepping back in time.

The Stavanger Museum is actually five museums – one that combines history and natural history, one dedicated to the city’s maritime history, a canning museum, an old neo-classical mansion, which is the home of the Norwegian royal family when they’re in Stavanger, and a restored Victorian house built in 1881. Entrance to all is included in the price of admission.

As you’d expect, many of Stavanger’s attractions are closed in December and January.

Stavanger hotels.

Stavanger Norway

Although it’s usually filled with oil industry executives, the Clarion Hotel is one of the top hotels in Stavanger. It’s location, a few blocks uphill from the harbor and within ten minutes of the old town, is also convenient to shops and restaurants. Many of the 249 rooms have great views of the fjord and its islands. And they include amenities like Duxiana beds, original artwork, wireless Internet access, and Scandinavian furniture. The décor is clean and inviting with lots of natural materials like birch and stone. And the top-floor relaxation center has a Jacuzzi, sauna, and more beautiful views. There are two restaurants and a bar.

Close to the Clarion physically and figuratively, the Radisson Blu Atlantic Hotel has 354 rooms decorated in the modern Scandinavian style. The location on Lake Breiavannet is convenient to Stavanger’s attractions. Rooms have free WiFi Internet access, coffee makers, and a trouser press. Many have lake views. The Restaurant Antique has views to match the food. And the English-style Alexander Pub and King Oscar Bar & Saloon are pleasant spots for a drink. There’s no fitness club on site, but guests have access to a nearby facility at reduced rates.

The Atlantic’s sister hotel, the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel has 204 rooms decorated in four different styles – Scandinavian modern, Pan-Asian, high-tech, and green, which features arts and crafts made of natural materials. The Royal is more luxurious than its sibling. The Pool Club has a heated swimming pool, saunas, Jacuzzi, whirlpool, and exercise equipment.

Located in Stavanger’s picturesque harborfront and designed to look like one of the old wharfhouses, Skagen Brygge Hotel is one of the most charming hotels in Stavanger. The architects did a terrific job of replicating the tall, narrow townhouses with their steep gables. Ten of the rooms are in a 19th-century brick building. These rooms are decorated with English country fabrics and many have exposed brick walls and wood beams. The exercise room is in this part of the hotel. Rooms in the newer section are brighter with large windows designed to take advantage of the harbor views. Guests have charging privileges at 14 restaurants within walking distance of the hotel.

View Stavanger hotels and attractions. in a larger map

1. Clarion Hotel Stavanger
2. Radisson Blu Atlantic
3. Radisson Blu Royal
4. Skagen Brygge Hotel
5. Domkirke
6. Gamle Stavanger
7. Stavanger Museum

Find our recommended Trondheim hotels here.

Stavanger Old Town image Flickr: gee
Stavanger image Flickr: Andrew®

Trondheim

The city boasts several well-preserved examples of medieval architecture, and many timbered buildings. The historic center of the city lies on a small island reached by bridges.

Trondheim attractions.

Dating from 1070, the Cathedral of Trondheim (Nidaros Domkirke) is by far the most impressive church in Scandinavia. And it has an interesting history. For centuries, pilgrims have come here to worship. And the Norwegian kings were buried here in medieval times. The coronation of Haakon VII here in 1905 marked the birth of modern Norway.

Despite having burned several times, the church retains many 11th-century features. After each fire, it was rebuilt in the original Gothic style. The highlight is the west façade which is decorated with carved saints and royals. See it at night when it’s lit by floodlights. Inside, huge columns support the arches dividing the chancel from the nave and there’s a beautiful stained-glass rose window. Don’t miss the jewel-encrusted tomb of Saint Olaf.

Design and history buffs will enjoy the National Museum of Decorative Arts (Nordenfjeldske Kunstindustrimuseum). The collections here cover arts and crafts from the 16th through the 20th centuries. They include Scandinavian jewelry and silverwork, furniture, textiles, ceramics, and fine art.

There’s a nice collection of British Arts and Crafts, including pieces from William Morris and his school. And nice examples of French Art Nouveau, most of which came from the 1900 Paris World’s Fair. The museum provides an excellent overview of Scandinavian design through the ages.

Those who are musically inclined should visit the Ringve Museum on the Lade Peninsula. Located in a 1740 manor house and adjoining barn, it displays a good collection of antique and folk instruments, including clavichords, harpsichords, and stringed instruments.

The Sverresborg Trondelag Folk Museum has objects from just about every part of Norwegian life. You’ll see coaches, carriages, cottages, churches, and 200-year-old, sod-roof barns – more than 60 historic buildings in all. The ski museum that’s also on the property is included in the price of admission.

Trondheim hotels.

Cathedral of Trondheim

The Britannia isn’t just the oldest hotel in Trondheim, it’s also the grandest. Opened in 1897, it’s easily recognized by its slate-covered dome and Victorian-style tower. The Art Nouveau Palm Garden is a lovely spot for tea year ‘round. And guests can choose from four restaurants and two bars. The 247 rooms vary quite a bit in size, but most have been thoughtfully updated. Many have four-poster beds and each has a writing desk and free WiFi Internet access. The Britannia leads the pack in facilities, and travelers who want to stay in shape will appreciate the fitness room, mineral pools, sauna, indoor swimming pool, and full-service spa. It’s the best in town. A buffet breakfast is included in the rate.

Architectural design, state-of-the-art amenities, and sheer style make the Radisson SAS Royal Garden the best Trondheim hotel. Built on the mirror-like Nid River waterfront in 1984, the Royal Garden, like the warehouses it replaced, is built on stilts. The interior of the hotel has stone floors, glass skylights, and soaring ceilings. The mood is Scandinavian through and through. Most of the 298 light, airy rooms have parquet floors and many have balconies. There are two restaurants, a bar, and a health club with indoor pool. The Royal Garden hosted royals from all over Europe for the 2002 wedding of Norway’s Princess Martha-Louise.

As the name implies, the Best Western Chesterfield has a British feel about it. Its leather sofas and pub-like lobby lounge would be equally at home in Chester. Although it opened as a hotel in 1992, it was fully renovated following a fire in 2006. Now, it has 43 spacious rooms with high ceilings, nice furnishing, and modern bathrooms. Some of the corner rooms have nice views of the city. Breakfast is the only meal served, but it’s a good one. And the Chesterifield is walking distance to shops, restaurants, museums, and transportation hubs. The airport shuttle stops out front.

The Hotel Bakeriet is one of two Clarion Collection hotels in Trondheim. The 1863 building was Norway’s largest bakery for a century, so it’s got more ambience than most hotels. And all the accoutrements of baking are used to decorate the public areas. Rooms are large and comfortable with overstuffed chairs, wainscoting, and large bathrooms. Breakfast and a light evening meal in the café are included each day. The hotel is centrally located. And there’s a fitness center with exercise equipment, a Turkish bath, and a sauna.

The other Clarion hotel, the Grand Olav, is modern all the way. Opened in 1989, it was redesigned as a boutique design hotel in 2006. The Grand Olav is part of a multi-use complex that has up-scale shops, restaurants, and Trondheim’s concert hall. The common areas are done in black, grey, and red with mid-century inspired furniture. The 106 rooms are bright and contemporary with amenities like DVD players – DVDs are available at reception – modern art, and flat-panel TVs. Like the Bakeriet, Grand Olav includes two meals in the rate.

Another victim of Trondheim’s fires, Thon Hotel Gildevangen first opened as an office building in 1910. But it was extensively rebuilt in 2006 after suffering water damage from a fire. The original chiseled-stone, Gothic entrance remains. But the rooms are now simple and comfortable with large windows, high ceilings, and tile bathrooms. It’s convenient to most of Trondheim’s attractions. And two meals are included on weekdays.

Find our recommended Stavanger hotels here.

Trondheim image Flickr: eirikref
Cathedral of Trondheim image Flickr: kohlerkarsten