Gastronomy and other attractions in Stavanger (Norway)

Did you know Norway Is it a delicious destination?

That's what is told Stavanger. This Norwegian city, hidden in the south of the country, is not only famous for its oil wells; In recent years Stavanger has positioned itself as a gastronomic paradise.

Fame earned hard thanks to the good work of its prestigious Gladmat culinary festival, a classic that has been celebrated since 1999 and that this year repeats from July 22 to 25.

It is no coincidence that it is celebrated in Stavanger. This Norwegian capital boasts not only of having excellent seafood, producing 80 percent of the tomatoes consumed in Norway, or exporting excellent cucumbers and potatoes!, which even have their own festival.

Stavanger It is also the headquarters of Norwegian Gastronomic Institute, an important quarry where great chefs have been trained. The prestigious French chef Paul Bocuse warned years ago: «the kitchen should look to Norway». I think it's worth paying attention to it.

The blame for this gastronomic boom was oil. In the 70s, when the first oil wells that have made the city famous today were opened, many businessmen with medium-high purchasing power arrived, who demanded good cuisine.

Soon new quality restaurants began to open, and little by little the fame of Stavanger as gastronomic destination it grew and grew.

And that outdated image of Stavanger as canning capital, dedicated largely to fishing and preserving herring, an industry that experienced boom years between 1890 and 1960.

The luck of Stavanger It changed when oil prospecting began in 1969.

Those who want to taste Stavanger and see in person the reasons for its good culinary reputation have it easy. Most of the trendy restaurants are concentrated in the surroundings of the port of Vagen, many of them installed in restored old maritime warehouses.

Furthermore, on these dates, when the darkness flees and the light shines for more than twenty hours a day, they take out tables and chairs on the street where people chat, drink and enjoy themselves until three in the morning, when the bars stop opening. serve alcohol, by law (although they close an hour later).

What to see in Stavanger

Ah! And a curiosity. Don't be surprised if you dine while watching one of the largest cruise ships in the world. Stavanger It is a classic stopover on passenger ships that sail the northern seas.

The port is also a good starting point to begin a tour of the beautiful old City, the call Old Stavanger, where you can walk through the largest and best preserved group of wooden houses in northern Europe.

All of them were old fishermen's homes, originating from the 80th and XNUMXth centuries, whose surfaces did not exceed XNUMX square meters.

It looks like a model, both due to its careful appearance and dimensions. All the houses are the same, impeccable, shiny, always looking like they were freshly painted.

What's more, during the walk you will surely find an owner checking the paint on the doors, or fixing the facade so that it looks pristine after the harsh winter. All of them are homes, inhabited by families and the feeling when walking through these streets is one of absolute tranquility.

The white of this area contrasts with the color of the nearby one. Ovre Street Holmegate, on the other side of the port, where each facade has a different color and where there is always life.

In this more commercial area of the city, the houses house alternative clothing stores or charming cafes such as «Boker & Borst» (books and alcohol), quiet establishment where you can read in peace, buy books and enjoy a beer.