Included Excursion: On The Viking Trail
Our first stop is the ground-breaking Viking House, a Virtual Reality experience that recreates the exciting world of the Vikings and explores their connection with Stavanger. Through a short VR film, you’ll learn more about King Harold and the seminal Battle of Hafrsfjord – one of the most dramatic and significant events in Norway’s history, and one that resulted in the country’s unification.
From here, we’ll make our way back to reality and visit the Swords in Rock monument, which commemorates the epic battle. Unveiled in 1983, the three 33-foot-high (10-meter-high) bronze swords symbolize peace, unity, and freedom.
Our final stop will be the mysterious Domsteinene, an ancient stone circle that has baffled archaeologists, historians, and locals for more than 250 years. Theories abound as to its origin – was it a sacrificial site used by the Vikings? Or does it tell a story of directions in the sky? Perhaps you will make a breakthrough discovery during your visit.
Port Info
Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Stavanger flourished in the 19th century as a fishing port. While other towns in Norway have suffered with the decline of this industry, Stavanger has kept its economy booming by diversifying, first into shipbuilding and now into oil. These two contrasting industries have created a city of two halves – a modern area of high-rise buildings and a historic centre with cobbled streets and old wooden houses. The city centre was the birthplace of Alexander Kielland, one of the great 19th-century Norwegian novelists. Stavanger Cathedral, dating from 1125, is an impressive building and the only medieval cathedral in Norway that has not been substantially altered since it was first built. From Stavanger you can explore the attractive blue waters of Lysefjord, surrounded by cliffs and striking rock formations, and also visit Hafrsfjord where the Viking King Harald won an important battle that started the Unification of Norway. Those preferring to explore on their own may wish to visit the interesting Petroleum Museum.
Start Time
Feb 14 11:00AM CET
to
End Time
Feb 14 4:00PM CET