#Nordics48h Challenge – Our Initial Mission in Stavanger, Norway

For those who have followed us on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter, you may already be aware of our #Nordics48h challenge. For those who are unaware, here’s a brief summary: Scandic hotels extended an invitation for us to engage in a challenge exploring the Nordics over a span of 48 hours.

Our travel itinerary was largely a mystery; we were uncertain about our destination, itinerary, and what to prepare. Fortunately, they provided clarity on packing shortly prior to our departure.

Our awareness of the exact location in Norway emerged just a day before our flight, as we eagerly anticipated the adventure ahead. Consequently, we excitedly proceeded to Heathrow Airport for our journey to… STAVANGER!

Arrival in Norway

Before delving into the specifics, I wish to share that on the Scandic website, an opportunity exists to win your personalized #Nordics48h experience! Participate here by indicating your preferred destinations in the Nordics and the reasons behind your selection. The submission process is straightforward but act swiftly, as the opportunity closes in a few days!

Hotel Stay and First Challenge

Upon our arrival in Stavanger, we quickly transitioned to the Scandic City Hotel Stavanger. As will be elaborated in the subsequent post, the hotel’s location is ideal for exploring Stavanger and its attractions. Without hesitation, I stored my belongings in my room and made a prompt exit, ensuring timely attendance for our inaugural challenge.

The hotel even features a charming play area for children, which is typical across numerous Scandic hotels, providing a welcome reprieve for traveling families.

Cod Fishing Experience

We ventured out onto the water for about an hour before we anchored (in rather turbulent conditions, accounting for some of the skewed photos) to attempt fishing. I must candidly admit, we caught nothing! However, the experience was delightfully engaging, far exceeding our expectations. Notably, a valuable lesson from the captain of our vessel was enlightening: “If after 5-10 minutes there are no bites, you should relocate rather than linger in the same spot.” Before hearing this, I presumed that sea fishing involved extended periods of patient waiting.

With this method, there was no tedious waiting, and we enjoyed a scenic tour of various islands and inlets along the coast…

Ultimately, despite our lack of catch, we thoroughly enjoyed our time fishing. It was a delightful boating experience, allowing us to appreciate a unique aspect of Norway that would potentially have gone unnoticed. Moreover, I gained considerable knowledge about fishing despite the absence of tangible results.

Exploration of Tananger

Following our fishing endeavor, we dedicated time to discover the charming coastal village of Tananger. The historic wooden houses, several centuries old, served as an intriguing reminder of the Norwegian’s skill in maintaining such structures over time, defying common expectations.

As we concluded our time in Tananger, we prepared to navigate back to the hotel, reflecting on the fascinating experiences of the day.