Ullandhaugtarnet (Ullandhaug Tower), Stavanger

Ullandhaug Tower is a telecommunications tower and a notable landmark located on Ullandhaug in Stavanger. Built in 1964 by the then Televerket, the tower stands 64 meters tall. Ullandhaug itself is a rocky peak at 138.95 meters above sea level, situated right next to the tower.

With the rock's elevation adding about a meter, the tower’s peak reaches 202 meters above sea level. This made it the highest point in Stavanger, including man-made structures, until the municipal merger of Stavanger, Rennesøy, and Finnøy, when Bandåsen on Ombo surpassed it as the tallest point. The tower is currently operated by Lyse. Visitors can access a viewing platform a few floors up from the ground, accessible by stairs. There’s also a small café on the platform.

Back in 1896, Haraldstårnet was built on the site where Ullandhaugtårnet stands today, commemorating the battle of Hafrsfjord. However, part of Haraldstårnet was destroyed during World War II, and the remaining structure was demolished in 1963. Televerket then constructed Ullandhaugtårnet over the remnants in 1964.

In November 2001, the mayor of Stavanger received a letter from a five-year-old girl suggesting that Christmas lights be placed on the tower. The mayor contacted Telenor, who embraced the idea and made it happen. On December 7 of the same year, the Christmas lights were turned on for the first time, and since then, they have been lit annually on the first Sunday of Advent, remaining illuminated throughout the Christmas season.