The "capital" of Norway's off-shore oil industry, Stavanger has grown into a distinctly modern city. Located on the coast south of Bergen, it has several interesting sights, including restored 18th-century streets and houses; the Canning Museum (http://www.stavanger.museum.no), a replica of a 19th-century sardine-packing plant; Domkirke, a Romanesque church, and the city museum. But the most entertaining museum in town is the Norwegian Petroleum Museum (http://www.norskolje.museum.no). Built over the water to resemble an oil-drilling platform, it's filled with buttons to push, displays to climb on, even a simulated helicopter ride. There are a number of fine lookout points near the town, as well as interesting Klosteroy Island, home to Utstein, a 13th-century abbey. 190 mi/305 km southwest of Oslo.
