Seventeen-day In-depth Tour of Norway and Iceland (Stavanger)

June 20, Bergen-Stavanger, When we arrived in Stavanger, it was already past 3 PM. The first place we checked in was the Swords in Rock monument. These three giant swords embedded in the rock are not only a landmark of Stavanger but also embody the indomitable spirit of the Norwegian people. Standing here, one can almost feel the weight and vicissitudes of history. After dropping off our luggage and taking a short rest at the hotel, we went to explore the old town of Stavanger. This small Norwegian town is truly full of surprises, from its spectacular natural scenery to its rich cultural history, every moment is mesmerizing. The streets of the old town are paved with cobblestones. Walking into the old town of Stavanger, you will surely be attracted by the colorful houses. The cobblestone pedestrian streets, reflecting the pure blue sky and white clouds, make you feel as if you are in a fairy tale world. Strolling through the small streets and alleys of the old town feels like traveling back several centuries, giving a sense of blending the ancient with the modern. Many old houses are now used for commercial purposes. If the weather is good, finding a small restaurant or bar to sit outdoors and have a drink would be very pleasant, although the bill in this high-cost country might not be very pretty. There are many museums in the old town. We focused on two: the Petroleum Museum and the Canning Museum. It is said that the Petroleum Museum not only showcases Norway's rich oil resources but also uses multimedia presentations to give an in-depth understanding of the processes of oil extraction, processing, and utilization. The Canning Museum is also a unique museum, displaying the history of Stavanger as the center of Norway's canning industry. The museum is located in a former canning factory and shows the entire process from fishing to canning. Unfortunately, when we arrived, both museums were already closed, so we could only take a few photos at the entrance as a souvenir. Slowly strolling to the harbor, private yachts and sailboats filled the emerald harbor, and various colorful cruise ships took people to visit the Lysefjord. The brightly colored triangular wooden houses surrounding the coast look like dream homes from a Nordic fairy tale. There are also many craft shops and galleries in the old town, selling works by local artists and traditional handicrafts. Those looking to buy some unique souvenirs can take a stroll. The beautiful buildings and narrow streets of the old town provide many photography opportunities. We arrived just at dusk, the light was very soft, and the shooting effect was excellent. We took many good photos.