Stavanger is the third largest city in Norway, mainly known as the gateway to the Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen). You have probably seen pictures like this one (Google Images) of people standing on Pulpit Rock with the fjord below..yes it looks amazing and I want to go there too.
Unfortunately, our time in port did not allow us to comfortably go on this hike, so we will have to come back one day to check this off the bucket list and to spend more time exploring the numerous hiking trails around Lysefjord.
We got to see a lovely view nevertheless, although on a much smaller scale:
In addition to being the starting point for hikes up to Pulpit Rock and cruise trips through the Lysefjord, Stavanger is also Europe's oil and energy capital and home to the Norwegian Petroleum Museum.
Hiking up to the viewpoint in Tau
Once we explored the pier area and visited the Tourist Office for some advice on where to go, we hopped on a ferry to the nearby village of Tau and went on a short and relaxing hike to a viewpoint where we had a scenic view of all the islands and peninsulas rising from the water below.
After the hike, it was time for a refreshment. Always knowing how to hunt for local bar scene treasures, Bryan found a small micro brewery where we got to try a few craft beers while chatting with the owner/brewmaster.
The ferry took us back to the port of Stavanger where we walk around the town center some more, admiring both the colorful and the elegantly white streets.
"One learns more from listening than speaking. And both the wind and the people who continue to live close to nature still have much to tell us which we cannot hear within university walls."
- Thor Heyerdahl