Stavanger

Stavanger, the most important town in the south-west of Norway, stands on the southern side of Bukken Fjord, 100 miles S. of Bergen. It has two harbours, entered annually by about 490 vessels of 180,000 tons burden, and derives its importance from its connection with the fisheries of the adjacent coast. The town dates back to the 9th century at least, but has been frequently destroyed by fire, and is now quite a modern place. The cathedral, a Gothic structure, was founded by an English bishop (Reinald) in the 11th century, but was restored in 1866. Of late years it has become a favourite rendezvous of tourists to Norway, 3500 stopping here in 1890. Pop. (1891) 23,930.