Text: Sophia Auer, Francisca Dias and Markus Fagerholt
Photography: Robbert van der Gaag and Jasmijn Commeren
Hei hei Rovers! Welcome to Roverposten, the official newspaper for Roverway 2024. We will be with you on the way to Roverway, and of course during the 10 days of camp! Today, we are coming to you with our very first article! To spike your curiosity, we want to tell you about Stavanger, why it’s the perfect location for Roverway and what it has to offer.
Why Stavanger?
The campsite in Hundvåg, close to Stavanger has been chosen with a lot of careful consideration.
There are obviously a lot of practical reasons for choosing the campsite, especially for an event the size of Roverway. For the biggest European Rover event, we need a place with enough space that is fairly close to an airport and train station for easy access from all over the world. The facilities on site have to match the needs of both participants and staff.
Another big factor impacting the choice was the relationship to local citizens to ensure a safe and coordinated event. We have made sure to be in constant contact with the neighbourhood in which the campsite is located. We have good collaboration and they are happy to welcome us in their area!
Apart from the already mentioned practical reasons, there is much more that makes Stavanger a good choice. The city and the area around it truly showcase a little bit of everything that makes Norway so special. As Guides and Scouts, it is a given that we long to be in constant contact with nature. Therefore, the countless breathtaking landscapes around Stavanger were a major factor in the choice for the location of Roverway. The campsite, being located on an island, surrounded by mountains and fjords, is truly a unique Norwegian gem that will for sure make for a lasting memory of Roverway. All the islands help create such a beautiful and yet mysterious environment. They are commonly called Byøyene, which literally translates to city islands!
Additionally, following the terrorist attack in Norway on 22 July 2011, the artist Nico Widerberg offered a monument to all municipalities that had lost one or more citizens. The monument for Stavanger’s citizens is located near the main camp at Hundvåg and stands as a poignant reminder of the tragic event. It also reminds us of how important an event like Roverway is to build friendships and tolerance, and unite for peace.
The City of Stavanger
While in Stavanger, there is much to explore. The most notable place in the Stavanger area, which you will certainly get the chance to visit during the camp, is the famous Preikestolen (The Pulpit Rock) that rises 604 metres above the Lysefjorden. From this magnificent cliff, one has an unbelievable view over the fjord and a visit is certainly a one-of-a-kind.
Stavanger is actually also a great historical reserve! It contains important pieces of Viking history! There is a possibility to visit the historic site of Hafrsfjord and the Sverd i fjell (Sword in Rock) monument, marking the location where Harald Hårfagre, the Viking king, united Norway into one kingdom in 872.
Talking about the city’s history: Stavanger also has Norway’s oldest cathedral, dating back to the 12th century. For a further glimpse of the past, a visit to Gamle Stavanger (Old Town) is essential. It consists of Norway’s finest collections of preserved wooden buildings from the 18th century, which are lovely for a little stroll on a sunny day. It also hosts the Norwegian Printing and Canning Museums, telling the histories of Stavanger’s historically biggest industries: canning fish that was caught around Stavanger, and the graphic design of the colourful cans.
Clearly, Stavanger has modern things to offer as well! All over the city, you can find beautiful street art – if you only look closely enough. It was created during Stavanger’s yearly NuArt festival and adds a colourful and lively vibe to the city. Stavanger is also home to many small shops, cafés and bakeries. Our personal tip: find time to try kanelboller and kardemommeboller, the famous cinnamon or cardamom buns!
Stavanger and Roverway are waiting for you!