Throughout 2025, the city of Stavanger on Norway’s south-western coast will celebrate its 900th anniversary.
About Stavanger
Stavanger is Norway’s fourth largest city. It is known being the centre of Norway’s oil and gas industries. It is also a popular tourist destination as it is close to the Lysefjord and the famous Pulpit rock. Stavanger has a charming and picturesque old town comprising traditional wooden buildings, many painted white, flanking cobbled streets near to the harbour.

Construction of the cathedral (Stavanger domkirke) started around the year 1000, under the guidance of Bishop Reinald, who may have come from Winchester in England. The style of the cathedral is Anglo-Norman. It is considered that work completed in 1125; this is when the cathedral city was born – now 900 years ago! - although there is certainly evidence of settlement before this date. The cathedral is largely unchanged and very well preserved. Like York Minster, it has sadly been damaged by fire in the course of its history. The cathedral is dedicated to St Svithun; it is claimed that the cathedral had his arm as one of the original relics!

About some of the celebrations
The year-long celebrations will include a variety of events which are designed to explore Stavanger’s rich history, vibrant present, and forward-looking future.
Events started on 18th January with the Gløg lysfestival (light festival) which will run until 2nd February and sees various audiovisual artworks installed around the city. One installation, gathered by the Faculty of Arts and Education at the University of Stavanger, involved 900 children and young people and explores identity, community and the joy of drawing.

In July there will be a re-enactment of the departure of the emigrant sloop Restauration on a replica ship made in Finnøy in Ryfylke. The replica launched in 2010 and is used for education. On July 4th in 1825, 52 people set sail from Stavanger to New York – meaning this is the 200th anniversary of this event. The journey took 3 months and is considered to be the first organised emigration from Norway to the United States. Many of the passengers were Norwegian Quakers. On 4th July 2025 the replica will set sail from Stavanger and is expected to arrive in New York Harbour on 8th October.
Will you attend any of the events in Stavanger this year?
YASS members would love to see your pictures and hear about your experience – tag us on social media:
BlueSky: @yorkangloscan.bsky.social
Facebook: @yorkangloscan
Instagram: @yorkangloscandinavian
X: @York_AngloScan
Blog & Photos by Dr Beck Sinar
YASS Vice Chair (2024-2025)