Gamla Værket
Sandnes, Norway
St Olavs Gate 38, Sandnes, Norway, 4306
Original Property Opened in 1783
Historic Hotels Worldwide member since 2011
Inspired by the silt clay banks of Norway’s Tronesbekken stream, Lauritz Smith Pedersen was granted permission to establish a “Brickworks and Roof-Tile Factory in Sandnes” in 1782. Using the materials, GamlaVærket (The Old Factory) became a prominent tile production factory. For the next 175 years, GamlaVærket continued to expand its production to over seven new branches. All together, these factories successfully produced and sold fired clay products including, but not limited to, bricks, pots, drainage pipes, and ceramic weights for fishing nets. Today, the building is a magnificent holiday destination tucked away within the winding streets of Sandnes. For centuries, Sandnes was an industrial town filled with clay-producing factories. The city is still a leading commercial center in Norway, and hosts thousands of visitors each year. Guests are certain to adore the abundance of cultural attractions, such as the Sverd i fjell, the Science Museum, Dalsnuten, and the Kongeparken.
Discover
- Discover the amazing history of the Gamla Værket. This wonderful historic hotel was once a prosperous brick and roof-tile factory that Lauritz Smith Pedersen founded in 1782. It would produce a variety of products made from clay over the next 175 years.
- Stroll through The Science Factory (Vitenfabrikken) nearby. The Science Factory is a fascinating science museum that features an extensive series of interactive exhibits that are appropriate for all ages to enjoy.
- Admire the historic Norse heritage of the Jernaldergården. Only several minutes up the road, this neighboring historical attraction is a reconstructed farmstead from the Iron Age. Few places in the area are better to learn about Stavanger’s ancient past than the Jernaldergården
Explore
- Explore the Stavanger Cathedral (Stavanger Domkirke). Established during the 10th century, this renowned local landmark is the most historical in the entire nation. It is celebrated for its beautiful Romanesque-style architecture and stained-glass windows.
- Visit the historic Gamle Stavager. Also known as “Old Stavanger,” this rustic neighborhood constitutes the largest collection of wooden houses in all of northern Europe. Visitors today can find several fantastic cultural institutions in the area, including the Norwegian Canning Museum.
- Travel to the Sverd i fjell. This well-known monument commemorates the great Battle of Hafrsfjord, which took place in the waters outside of Stavanger in 872. The Battle of Hafrsfjord was part of the much larger medieval conflict to unite Norway during the 9th century.
Experience
- Experience the Norweigan Petroleum Museum (Norsk Olijemuseum). This remarkable cultural institution features a series of fascinating interactive exhibits that cover the rise of Stavanger’s oil industry.
- Tour the Stavager Maritime Museum. The Stavanger Maritime Museum chronicles the history of the city’s rich heritage as one of Norway’s leading commercial centers for herring fishing and shipbuilding.
- Hike up to the summit of the Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen). Located several miles outside of Stavanger, this famous 604-meter clifftop features unrivaled panoramic views of the surrounding Lysefjorden.
Taste
- Savor Fårikål, which is Norway’s official national dish. Cooked similarily to a casserole, Fårikål is made up of pieces of mutton that has been prepared with bone, cabbage, and whole black pepper.
- Taste another beloved national meal called kjøttkaker. This delicious Norwegian dish consists of richly seasoned minced meat, and is served alongside a variety of ingredients like onions, mashed potatoes, and steamed cabbage.
- Enjoy some pickled herring when out exploring the area. Considered a delicacy in Norway, pickled herring is prepared in a multitude of ways, including with garlic and mustard. This amazing Norwegian treat is typically served with dark rye bread, potatoes, and sour cream.
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Book the Best Available Rate at this property on HistoricHotelsWorldwide.com and receive a complimentary one-year family membership (a $30 value) to the National Trust for Historic Preservation in the United States, a member of the International National Trusts Organisation.
