20 May 2019 -- Day 12 -- Stavanger, Norway
We were were treated to some spectacular sites as we made our way down the fjord to Stavanger.
We docked around 10:30 am and experienced a warm, bright sunny day of 70 degrees. In fact, it seemed hot as compared with our average port of call temperatures during our voyage thus far.
Due to the late arrival we didn't get off the ship until around 11:30 am, enjoying a leisurely breakfast with a British couple that we've been conversing with throughout the trip.
We walked along the harbor and traversed more cobblestone streets and paths. The restored buildings (warehouses) along the pier had a small covered gable that housed hoists which women, on the top floor, would use to lift the fish catch up, process and, preserve the fish, and then lower it to waiting vessels. The river was right up to the houses to make this possible. It has changed quite a lot over the years.
There were a lot of steep, winding streets and stairs that took us through parks and old sections of the city. A lot of the sights we visited were situated high above the piers.
The old city called Gamle Stavanger dates to the 17th century. In those days white paint was used only by the rich because zinc is not found in Norway. Because of this, most houses were yellow or beige with brown.
Norway's first industry, though, was herring fishing in the fjord in the early 1800s. This lasted about 50 years and then the canning industry took hold. In between there were periods of poverty and many buildings were derelict and many people (over 1 million) left for North America.
Next we descended from the old city and entered the newer section of the city with its boutiques and stores.
The Stavanger Cathedral was erected in the 1400s as the only Catholic church in the area. The king brought the stonemasons from England to build it and bishop came from Bergen. Of course as was with most churches we've seen thus far, the became Lutheran after the Reformation. It is presently being restored to celebrate its upcoming anniversary.
Stavanger is one of the most expensive cities in Europe due to the oil and gas exploration off the Norwegian coast. Most of the manufacturing for the platforms is done in and around the city. Our last stop, before reboarding, was the Oil and Gas Museum on the harbor.
Stavanger is quite picturesque and a lovely city to visit. Our time there was scenic arriving and leaving and in between!
We were were treated to some spectacular sites as we made our way down the fjord to Stavanger.
We docked around 10:30 am and experienced a warm, bright sunny day of 70 degrees. In fact, it seemed hot as compared with our average port of call temperatures during our voyage thus far.
Due to the late arrival we didn't get off the ship until around 11:30 am, enjoying a leisurely breakfast with a British couple that we've been conversing with throughout the trip.
We walked along the harbor and traversed more cobblestone streets and paths. The restored buildings (warehouses) along the pier had a small covered gable that housed hoists which women, on the top floor, would use to lift the fish catch up, process and, preserve the fish, and then lower it to waiting vessels. The river was right up to the houses to make this possible. It has changed quite a lot over the years.
There were a lot of steep, winding streets and stairs that took us through parks and old sections of the city. A lot of the sights we visited were situated high above the piers.
The old city called Gamle Stavanger dates to the 17th century. In those days white paint was used only by the rich because zinc is not found in Norway. Because of this, most houses were yellow or beige with brown.Norway's first industry, though, was herring fishing in the fjord in the early 1800s. This lasted about 50 years and then the canning industry took hold. In between there were periods of poverty and many buildings were derelict and many people (over 1 million) left for North America.
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| A rare concrete structure among many wooden ones |
One of the sights, on the highest point of the town, is the old fire tower that was used up until 1866 when the forced water mains were completed. The tower is octagonal and had windows to indicate to the people what sector of the city the fire was and alert them.
The Stavanger Cathedral was erected in the 1400s as the only Catholic church in the area. The king brought the stonemasons from England to build it and bishop came from Bergen. Of course as was with most churches we've seen thus far, the became Lutheran after the Reformation. It is presently being restored to celebrate its upcoming anniversary.
Stavanger is one of the most expensive cities in Europe due to the oil and gas exploration off the Norwegian coast. Most of the manufacturing for the platforms is done in and around the city. Our last stop, before reboarding, was the Oil and Gas Museum on the harbor.
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| John and Robbi's reflection in the window of the museum |
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| Largest Oil drilling bit |
Stavanger is quite picturesque and a lovely city to visit. Our time there was scenic arriving and leaving and in between!
Love the quaint white houses/buildings. The cruise ship is right there!! That's perfect!
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