Rogaland

Rogaland is a county in Norway, bordering Hordaland, Telemark, Aust-Agder and Vest-Agder.
It is a coastal place with shores and islands, the most important island being Karmøy. Boknafjorden is the largest bay. The inner part of the county is Ryfylke, while the southern part is Jæren.

The third largest urban area of Norway is located in Rogaland. Stavanger, along with Sandnes, Randaberg and Sola, is ranked above Trondheim when it comes to population.

Karmøy has large deposits of copper (some of which was used in the construction of the Statue of Liberty). Rogaland is the most important region for oil and gas exploration in Norway, and is one of the country's most important agricultural districts. In Stavanger the oil and environment conferences are held.

History

In the district are remains from the earliest times, such as the excavations in a cave in Viste at Randaberg. (See Svarthola) These include the find of a skeleton of a boy from the Stone Age. Various archeological findings stem from the following times, the bronze age and the iron age. A lot of crosses in Irish style have been found. Rogaland was called Rygjafylke in the Viking Age. Before Harald Fairhair and the Battle of Hafrsfjord, it was a petty kingdom. See also Rugians, a tribe possibly connected with Rogaland.

Places to visit

Rogaland is home of many natural wonders, like Preikestolen and Kjerag.

The Iron Age Farm at Ullandhaug in Stavanger is reconstructed on the original farm site dating back to 350-500 AD. The Viking Farm is a museum located at Karmøy.

A series of festivals and congresses of international fame and profile are arranged, such as The Chamber Music Festival and The Maijazz Festival in Stavanger. The Concert Hall and Music Complex at Bjergsted and the Stavanger Symphony Orchestra provide important inspiration in the Norwegian musical evironment.

In Stavanger there is an archeological museum with many artifacts from early history in Rogaland.