Stavanger

Stavanger, Norway's oil capital, is a compact and charming city that serves as the gateway to some of the country's most dramatic hiking trails. Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) - a flat-topped cliff 604m above Lysefjorden - is one of the world's most iconic viewpoints, and it's accessible as a day hike from Stavanger.

The city itself rewards exploration with its well-preserved old town (Gamle Stavanger) of 173 white wooden houses, an excellent street art scene (NuArt Festival), the Norwegian Petroleum Museum, and a waterfront packed with restaurants. Stavanger's position on the southwestern coast gives it a milder climate than most of Norway.

May to September is best for hiking (12-18°C). Preikestolen is only safely accessible April to October. Summer brings long days (up to 19 hours of daylight in June). Mild winters by Norwegian standards.