Cheap Flights To 'Stavanger

It's no accident that this town has been twinned with Houston and Aberdeen. The oil industry has played a vital part in its economic growth since the North Sea discovery of the Ekofisk field in 1969. In fact, it's often referred to as Norway's "Oil City". Despite its rapid expansion and growth in prosperity, however, the old centre of Stavanger feels like you've stepped right back in time with a stone cathedral that dates back to the early 12th-century when the city was founded. Recently acknowledged an important hub of Norway's gastronomic scene the town also has cultural attractions to suit all interests. Stavanger is also the gateway to stunning scenery and a wealth of outdoor activities from winter skiing and sledging to summer boat trips on Lysefjorden and hikes to the Pulpit Rock.

Things To Do

Stavanger city centre is compact and easy to explore on foot and is home to the best collection of preserved wooden houses in Europe. The old town is also where you'll find the Norwegian Petroleum Museum and the Norwegian Canning Museum, documenting two very different aspects of the city's industrial heritage.

• The symbol of the town
  An easy hiking route leads you through the forest and brings you out on top of Pulpit Rock, 600m above sea level. This strange rock formation caused by millennia of erosion delivers fantastic views of Lysefjorden below.

• Delving back into the past
  Roots of the Vikings is an interactive museum that transports you right back to the country's roots and beyond. It starts at the end of the last Ice Age and documents how the Vikings became such dynamic explorers and settlers.

• The tropics come to Norway
  Creating the stunning garden of Flor og Fjaier in such a cold climate is a tribute to its creators. Trees were first planted to protect their island home from the wind and the garden grew into the delight it is today with its palm trees, jungle plants, bamboo, bonsai, roses and water features.

Calendar Of Events

With over 30 large festivals and events taking place in Stavanger throughout the year you'll have no difficulty finding something that matches your interests. Food festivals celebrate everything from fish to tomatoes while other attractions are sporting and music events.

• MaiJazz: This has been running for more than 20 years and as the name suggests celebrates jazz in May. It's one of the country's leading jazz festivals and attracts local, national and international musicians and singers.

• Gladmat: Scandinavia's leading food festival is usually held at the end of July. Stavanger is known for showcasing Norway's gastronomic delights and this festival is a way of showing off regional produce and the talents of local chefs.

• NuArt: Starting in September, this is a six-week event devoted to art. It celebrates contemporary street and urban art and features artists from around the world. Its aim is to challenge notions of what art is.