After all these days of rural beauty we were destined to go back to rural metropolitan living. Welcome to Stravanger.
Although it was founded in 1100 it was a tiny town until oil was found in Norway in 1969 then the population exploded. Fun fact, until that oil was found there was no interstate road system.There weren’t any bridges connecting islands together. Once the oil was found, construction exploded.
This is the fourth largest city in the country (and it feels / looks like it it should be higher up the list). It’s known as the oil capital of Norway as everyone living here has some tie to energy with a small remaining population finding jobs in education.
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| Great port location right in the old port area |
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| Given all the undeveloped fjord ports it’s kinda welcome to see a tourist trap |
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| Swans just wandering downtown?? |
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| The “old” 1800s church |
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| One of their highly recommended attractions is the lookout tower ($3 to go to the top) |
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| These folks can bake! |
The below church is quite the building. Originally built in 1270s it was a church for a while then a church hospital then held homes in it. In the 1800s when the population grew it was decided it’d be town down and this new one built. The original church survived all those years. Now, keep in mind a few days ago I shared folks in the region are a little, different….
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| This church must have some odd attendees…. |
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| Beautiful wood structure under the brick. However…. |
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| All those black boxes are different pieces of “unique” art |
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| Not sure I’ve seen the birth of Christ ever depicted in such a way |
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| This is their local community center |
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| Little pops of unique art on buildings to help get through the harsh winters |
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| Random pedestrian area art |
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| It’s so impressive. And no one tags over it |
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| As I’m walking back I stumble upon this large pond |
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| I guess this is where all the swans hang out |
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| Momma and her three babies trailing behind |
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| Never seen a fully stretched neck before |
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| The feathers are so stunning |
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| And with that we’re back in the old port. Kinda a throwaway port |
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| 9:30pm and it’s time to leave |
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| The dock the ship had been tied to |
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| As we’re leaving we see this school to teach people how to use the emergency boat found on the rear of large cargo ships. Care to go for a dip? |
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| The idea the sunset happens around 11:30 and doesn’t go lower still is hard to get over |
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| Important sea day tomorrow. Should get some sleep for all the exciting, sea, things… |