
Eilert Smith
Stavanger, Norway
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If you’ve never considered the canning industry or oil refinement to be intensely interesting topics, well, you’ve never been to Stavanger. Wait, don’t walk away – beyond its, admittedly niche, yet surprisingly engaging museums, there’s so much more to see in this ancient Norwegian city. Its old town has storybook scenes of cobbled streets and wooden houses, dating back to the 18th century; and talented street artists ensure there’s always something to make you look. Øvre Holmegate is an especially flamboyant street, painted in Miami Vice hues at the suggestion of Scottish artist Craig Flannagan (it’s a long story). Stavanger proves that too many cooks spoil you in the best of ways: sushi, fresh flavourful salads, rugged veggie dishes and more are all on the menu here. Plus, you can find pure, unadulterated nature with trips to Lysefjord and majestic Pulpit Rock.
Stavanger’s most clement weather starts in July, which happily coincides with its famed Gladmat Festival: a celebration of the town’s gourmet prowess.