Kipper Snacks- The Pride of Norway

During my visit to Stavanger, I stopped in at the Norwegian Canning Museum. The museum was closed when we got there at 4:30, but the (very kind) curator turned the lights back on and allowed us in for free! The museum is in a preserved canning factory, and a self-guided tour allows visitors to retrace the steps of the industry from years past. 

Stavanger is known as a booming port, and historically most industry has been connected with fishing. Both World Wars struck Stavanger's hard economically, and the increased post-war international competition and advancement of machine technology left Stavanger in the dust when it came to canning. Stavanger's economy has had a huge boost from the oil industry since the 1970s.

Now, most of the Norwegian canning companies harvest their catch in Norwegian waters, freeze the catch during transport to Poland, can the fish in Poland (with Norwegian-made machines), then ship them back to Norway for distribution. Norwegian canned fish are exported to every continent! 

This cabinet displayed kipper snacks from years past... many years past. One package has even been to the moon and back! The curator assured us that they were all fine to eat, even the ones from the '50s. I don't think I would take my chances, but I think I know one sardine fan that might risk it... What do you think, Dad?

Stavanger and Preikestolen

On Wednesday, I took a whirlwind, one-day trip to Stavanger.  Two friends accompanied me, and our plan was to hike to Preikestolen ("Pulpit Rock" in English), a cliff that overlooks Lysefjorden, then to spend the rest of the day exploring the vibrant city of Stavanger. We started from Oslo on Tuesday night, boarding the night train from the central station. The train ran the perimeter of the southern coast of Norway, and we were able to be on the other side of the country (widthwise) in about 8 hours!

When we arrived in Stavanger, it was raining. We bundled up, put the rain gear and pack covers on, and headed to the ferry that would take us to Tau.

We had the chance to eat some breakfast and dry our jackets from the brief walk across town.

Next was a bus ride to Jørpeland. Our driver was kind enough to take us (for a few extra kroner) right to the trail head after dropping the other passengers in town. Now that's what I call service!

When we got to the trailhead, it was raining. Spirits were still high, so we started our trek! Talk about some beautiful country- Spectacular vistas, and the autumn colors intensified everything.

Me and Ewelina at the start of our hike

The hike was only four kilometers, and the changing terrain and incredible scenery made it fly by.

Sorry for the water spot, but it reflects the weather well

When we got to the top of the cliff, the wind was whipping and the rain was coming down hard. We stayed long enough to get some pictures and peer over the edge. Although no accidents have ever happened at Preikestolen, it's a long way down (604 meters), and there are no guardrails or safety barriers. I'm not a person that usually gets nervous at heights, but my stomach flip-flopped when I gazed to the water below. 

View down to Lysefjorden

On top of Preikestolen!

We escaped to a less windy area, ate some food, threw on more layers, and headed down. We were soaked, but the thrill of the scenery kept us positive. After an interesting taxi ride back to town, we hopped on the ferry for Stavanger.

Marcin and Ewelina, my waterlogged comrades 

When we got back to Stavanger, it was still raining. The third largest city in Norway, Stavanger is most famous for its herring and petroleum. The city was named the "European Capital of Culture" in 2008. We visited the Canning Museum, then wandered around the cozy town. We ate at a restaurant near the water and saw the sights of the soggy city.

Domkirke of Stavanger, oldest cathedral in Norway

Drenched and exhausted, we boarded the night train for the journey back to Oslo. Overall, the day was a great one, despite the weather, and I'm thrilled that I could go with some fellow adventurers who didn't let a little downpour wreck the day! I'm learning quickly that to have a good time in Norway, one must embrace the weather!