Silversea Luxury Cruises A STAVANGER

The town of Stavanger is the centre of the oil industry, and is the fourth largest town in Norway. It lies at the entrance to the Gandsfjord, protected from the North Sea, of which the town is very dependent. Many of the islands in the area are today part of the town and connected to the central parts by bridges. Here you find both industry areas as well as charming suburbs with attractive homes.

Depart the pier via boat in the direction of Lysefjord. It cuts almost 31 miles (50 kilometres) deep into the country surrounded by steep mountainsides, polished by glaciers and waterfalls. There are only a few small farms located here. On the southern side of the fjord is "Helleren" - an overhanging cliff that in former days gave shelter to the people that fished and hunted in this area. On the northern side of the fjord the well-known protruding rock formation" the Pulpit" is situated. On top it is completely flat with an extension of 82 x 82 feet (25 x 25 metres). The height above sea level is more than 1800 feet (549 metres).

A stop will be made en route to go ashore for refreshments.

The tour will conclude at the pier.

Please note: This tour involves minimal amount of activity, and it is suitable for guests with limited mobility and those guests who utilise a wheelchair who are able to embark and disembark the boat via the steps. There may not be room for all guests outside at a time and also the seating possibilities out on deck are limited. Binoculars are recommended. Local currency is required for restroom facilities.

Stavanger and the surrounding areas have for centuries played a leading part in Norway's maritime history, from the time when the Viking Kings battled in Hafrsfjord, through the period of the "white sails" and the steamships up to modern super-tankers. Stavanger is also the most important "oil-city" in Norway due to its geographical position.

Ullandhaug

This tour will show you much of the city's history. Board the coach for a 30 minute drive to the Iron Age Farm. We start by driving through the center towards the outskirts, passing fertile land on the way to Ullandhaug where we shall visit the reconstructed farmhouses from the Iron Age. In one of the low houses with turf roof you will learn more about the living conditions around the year 500 A.D. A local guide will demonstrate how they made flour, wove their clothes and many other things. From Ullandhaug viewpoint, observe the fertile farmland of Jaeren with the Ryfylke Mountains as a backdrop. To the West have a magnificent view over Hafrsfjord, where the Viking-King Harald Haarfagre (the Fair-haired) in 872 defeated the last of the regional princes and united the 29 small kingdoms under one crown. A monument was recently raised to commemorate this event, called "Sword in Rock". There are three Viking swords more than 30 feet (9 metres) high and forced into the ground.

Petroleum Museum

Next board the bus for a short ride to visit to the Petroleum Museum which opened in 1999. The striking building is situated on a small island in the middle of the harbour and the museum enables you to get a glimpse of "offshore" life in the North Sea!

On the way back to the ship, you have the option to walk on foot through "Old Stavanger". The picturesque, well-preserved wooden houses are in narrow lanes, dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. The houses were mostly built for seafaring people, craftsmen or businessmen. This particular area is today considered to be unique and the city's most important rehabilitation project. It is situated only minutes away from where your ship is docked.

Please note: This tour requires a moderate amount of walking on grass, gravel, mud paths and uneven grounds. It is not suitable for guests who utilise a wheelchair, or guests with limited mobility. It is recommended to wear comfortable clothing that can get soiled. The order of sights may vary. Local currency is required for restroom facilities. Local vehicles are utilised; coaches may not be equipped with air-conditioned cooling.

Embrace the stunning natural beauty of Stavanger and its surrounds in a unique new way during this captivating helicopter flight-seeing excursion.

Stavanger and Lysefjord

Depart the pier for the short transfer to the helipad. After receiving your safety and flight instructions, board your helicopter. After lift-off, your scenic and exhilarating, approximately 30-minute flight-seeing tour flies in an easterly direction towards the Lysefjord, which cuts approximately 31 miles (about 50 kilometres) deep into the mountain massif. It is considered the wildest, least-accessible fjord in the region, and surrounded by cliffs which rise steeply up from the water, but have clearly been worn down by the ice. In a few places along the fjord, there is enough space for small, isolated farms that can be seen from above.

Pulpit Rock and Lysefjord

Fly over the renowned Prekestolen, or 'Pulpit Rock'. This cliff is situated approximately 1,968 feet (about 600 metres) above sea level, and completely flat on top. A very popular tourist attraction, Pulpit Rock offers breath-taking vistas of the mountain world around it. From here, turn west and cross over mountain landscape dotted with lakes before reaching Lysefjord once more.

Stavanger and Gandsfjord

Your helicopter then flies over Stavanger, situated at the entrance to the Gandsfjord, which protects it from the North Sea. Although Stavanger has become a centre of Norway's oil industry, observe the wooden, white-painted houses with tiny gardens that help this town retain its Old World charm. Your route over Stavanger also offers a bird's-eye view of the town, port and cruise ship in the harbour. At the conclusion of your tour, head back to the helipad, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and board/de-board the helicopter. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility but is not wheelchair-accessible, and not recommended for guests prone to motion sickness, guests prone to airsickness and guests who are unable to board without assistance. Warm, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions, as are visibility, views and the route chosen. Although the weather is typically quite nice and flight dispatch rate accordingly high at this time of year, flights may be cancelled on short notice if prevailing weather conditions are deemed to be unsafe. The pilot decides the seating arrangements; please note that not all guests are seated next to a window, but all participants enjoys a good view nonetheless. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment. Total flying time is approximately 30 minutes.

Stavanger, the fourth largest city in Norway, has always played an important role in our history. Especially when it comes to the history of navigation, from the time when the Viking Kings fought in the Hafrsfjord, via the times of the white sails and the steamships and up to the present day with the oil- and gas industry as the most important income source.

Old Stavanger

You will explore the city by foot. Your first visit will be "Old Stavanger". This is an area of the town consisting of well-preserved wooden houses surrounded by tiny, colorful gardens, dating back to the 18th and 19th century. It is not a museum area; on the contrary, it is a part of the city very much alive. Narrow lanes with paving stone and old gas lanterns are a charming sight. The houses were mostly built for seafaring people, craftsmen and trading people. This particular area is today considered to be unique and the city's most important rehabilitation project.

Old Canning Museum

Next visit the old Canning Museum and savor samples of the King Oscar Sardines. A short walk takes you to the market square at the head of the harbor bay. It is a pleasant sight during summer with fruit and vegetables as well as colorful flowers and seafood for sale. Just behind stands the cathedral, the best preserved of Norway's Mediaeval churches, built around 1125 by Bishop Reinald of Winchester. You will take a closer look at the cathedral (outside visit only) which was built with the aid of British masons in Anglo-Normannic style and dedicated to St Svithun. Carry on through the adjacent pedestrian street with many tempting shops and a bustling life.

Valberg Tower

At the far end you reach the Valberg tower, situated on a little hill overlooking the central parts of the city and the harbor. In former days it was used as a watchtower in case a fire should start somewhere in one of the many wooden buildings. Nowadays the tourists flock here to enjoy the view over the city and harbor. The tower was built in the years 1850-53 and was in use up to 1922 when the last watchman left his duty. Entrance to the tower is not included, but there are wonderful views from the site.

Øvre Holmegate

Before returning to the ship you will make a stop in the colorful Øvre Holmegates.Your tour ends back at the pier.

Please note: Tour involves extensive amount of walking for 1.5 hours and is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and those guests who utilise a wheelchair. It is recommended to wear flat, comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers. Order of sights may vary. Local currency is required for restroom facilities.