Stavanger

Stavanger is known as the crude oil capital of Norway as well as the top coastal city. The Pulpit Rock, which rises to a height of 604 meters, is the most famous place to visit here, and the panoramic view from here will astound you. Nature is what Stavanger excels at, and the magnificent Mnafossen Falls and the iconic Pulpit Rock (a towering hunk of granite overlooking the stunning Lysefjord) are only a short drive away. While most people prefer to climb Pulpit themselves, there is a bus available for those who would rather not strain their legs.

As beautiful as the surrounding landscape is, the city itself has a lot to offer. The quaint city center, arranged around the harbor, is an oasis of traditional stave churches, higgledy-piggledy houses, and some seriously upmarket boutiques. The magnificent 13th century Stavanger Cathedral, whose towering spires are the city's main landmark, dominates the scene.

There are also plenty of museums and galleries. While it may sound dull, the Petroleum Museum is actually quite interesting thanks to a series of interactive displays that get to the heart of what oil is and why it is only found in certain areas. The Canning Museum, which houses an impressive collection of vintage tins, takes you through the history of the city's sardine fishing industry. It's also more interesting than it sounds.

Sardines, of course, are no longer popular, except on toast or slow cooked in butter at one of the city's many excellent restaurants. That doesn't mean you won't see fishermen bringing them in on one of the city's many beautiful golden sand beaches. But that's Stavanger for you: a mix of urban and natural beauty.

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Location: Southwestern Norway, by the Atlantic Ocean