Stavanger: The Gateway to Norway's Natural Wonders

• HelloHallo
  [ha-lu]
• GoodbyeHa det
  [ha de]
• YesJa
  [ya]
• NoNei
  [nay]
• Please/You're welcomeVær så god
  [ver so go]
• Thank youTakk
  [tak]
• Excuse me/SorryUnnskyld
  [oon-shuld]
• How are you?Hvordan har du det?
  [vor-dan har du de]
• Fine. And you?Bra. Og du?
  [bra oh du]
• Do you speak English?Snakker du engelsk?
  [sna-kker du engelsk]
• I don't understandJeg forstår ikke
  [yay for-stor ee-neh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJeg vil gjerne se menyen, takk
  [yay vil yer-neh seh me-nyen tak]
• I don't eat meatJeg spiser ikke kjøtt
  [yay spee-ser ee-neh shut]
• Cheers!Skål!
  [skol]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJeg vil gjerne betale, takk
  [yay vil yer-neh be-ta-le tak]

• Help!Hjelp!
  [yelp]
• Go away!Gå vekk!
  [go veck]
• Call the Police!Ring politiet!
  [ring po-lee-tee-et]
• Call a doctor!Ring en lege!
  [ring en le-geh]
• I'm lostJeg er borte
  [yay er bohr-te]
• I'm illJeg er syk
  [yay er sook]

• I'd like to buy...Jeg vil kjøpe...
  [yay vil shur-pe]
• I'm just lookingJeg bare ser
  [yay ba-re ser]
• How much is it?Hvor mye koster det?
  [vor mye kos-ter de]
• That's too expensiveDet er for dyrt
  [de ehr for deert]
• Can you lower the price?Kan du senke prisen?
  [kan du sen-ke pree-sen]

• What time is it?Hva er klokka?
  [va er klok-ka]
• It's one o'clockKlokka er ett
  [klok-ka er et]
• Half past (10)Halv ti
  [halv tee]
• MorningMorgen
  [mor-gen]
• AfternoonEttermiddag
  [et-ter-mee-dag]
• EveningKveld
  [kveld]
• YesterdayI går
  [ee gor]
• TodayI dag
  [ee dag]
• TomorrowI morgen
  [ee mor-gen]
• 1En
  [en]
• 2To
  [toh]
• 3Tre
  [treh]
• 4Fire
  [fee-reh]
• 5Fem
  [fem]
• 6Seks
  [seks]
• 7Sju
  [s-yoo]
• 8Åtte
  [ot-teh]
• 9Ni
  [nee]
• 10Ti
  [tee]

• Where's a/the...?Hvor er en/et...
  [vor er en/et]
• What's the address?Hva er adressen?
  [va er ad-dress-en]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Kan du vise meg (på kartet)?
  [kan du vee-se mey (poh kar-teh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Når går neste (buss)?
  [nar gor nest-eh (booss)]
• A ticket (to ....)En billett (til ...)
  [en bi-let (teel)]

Stavanger's history dates back to the Viking Age. It was an important hub during this period, serving as a base for seafaring warriors. Evidence of this era can still be found in the numerous archaeological sites scattered around the region.

Stavanger was officially founded in 1125 when Stavanger Cathedral was completed. The establishment of the cathedral was crucial for the town's growth and marked the beginning of its recorded history.

In the 13th century, Stavanger became a significant trading post under the influence of the Hanseatic League. The city's strategic location on the southwest coast of Norway made it an essential center for commerce and trade.

The Reformation in the 16th century brought significant changes to Stavanger. The town experienced economic decline as it lost its status as a religious center. However, it slowly began to recover and adapt to the new religious and political landscape.

The 19th century saw Stavanger thrive once more with the herring boom. The abundant fish stocks led to an economic revival, making Stavanger one of Norway's most important fishing ports. This period also saw the establishment of canneries, which became a vital industry for the city.

The discovery of oil in the North Sea in the late 1960s transformed Stavanger into the oil capital of Norway. The city's economy and infrastructure underwent rapid development, attracting international businesses and workers, and significantly boosting its growth.

Stavanger has also made a name for itself as a cultural hotspot. In 2008, it was designated a European Capital of Culture, a title that underscores its vibrant arts scene, rich history, and diverse cultural offerings. The event brought international attention and further solidified its status as a cultural center.

Stavanger is accessible by various means. Stavanger Airport, Sola (SVG) serves both international and domestic flights and is located about 14 kilometers from the city center. From the airport, you can take a taxi, airport bus, or rent a car. For those traveling by train, the Norwegian State Railways (NSB) connects Stavanger to Oslo and other major cities. Additionally, ferries operate from Denmark and the UK directly to Stavanger, offering a scenic journey through the fjords.

Stavanger boasts an efficient public transportation system including buses operated by Kolumbus. Tickets can be purchased via the Kolumbus app, at ticket machines, or directly from the driver (cash only). Taxis are readily available, and ride-hailing services like Uber are also operational. For those preferring to explore on foot, Stavanger's compact city center is very walkable. Bicycle rentals are available for those who wish to explore at a leisurely pace.

The official currency in Norway is the Norwegian Krone (NOK). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most establishments, including shops, restaurants, and hotels. It's advisable to carry some cash for smaller purchases or in places where card payment is not possible. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city for cash withdrawals.

Stavanger is generally a safe city for tourists. However, as in any urban area, it is recommended to stay vigilant. Areas like Vågen and the nightlife district can get crowded, so keep an eye on your belongings. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas. Petty theft such as pickpocketing can occur, especially in tourist-heavy zones.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to the police, fire department, and medical services. Stavanger University Hospital (SUS) provides comprehensive medical care. Pharmacies are accessible throughout the city for minor health concerns. It is advisable to carry travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable clothing suitable for variable weather. Layers are recommended. Don’t wear overly revealing clothing, especially in more traditional settings. Religion: Do respect religious sites by dressing modestly and remaining quiet. Don’t take photographs where prohibited. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a firm handshake and maintain eye contact. Don’t use first names unless invited to do so. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and seafood. Don’t leave a tip, as service charges are typically included.

To experience Stavanger like a local, visit the Old Stavanger (Gamle Stavanger) with its charming wooden houses. Attend local festivals such as the Gladmat food festival. Explore the local markets, especially the fish market, for fresh produce and seafood. For outdoor enthusiasts, hiking to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) offers breathtaking views. Engage with residents, who are usually friendly and willing to share insights about the city’s history and culture.