Valandstarnet (Valand Tower), Stavanger

Valandstarnet (Valand Tower), Stavanger

Valand Tower stands 84 meters above sea level. Originally, this site had a military watchtower built during the Napoleonic War from 1807 to 1814. The tower was known as Vålandspibå, a name still associated with the current tower. Over time, the original structure deteriorated, and in 1863, Jens Zetlitz Kielland replaced it with a round cairn, which included a viewpoint for the public.

In 1895, a new tower was constructed under the supervision of city engineer Halvard Lange, with master mason Severin Mortensen handling the building work. The tower was designed with space for a fire watch and a restaurant. The site also became popular as a hiking area, leading to the development of surrounding park facilities.

However, in 1914, the health council condemned the building due to water seepage issues. By 1917, renovations included moving the apartment from the lower to the main floor and modifying the roof to better protect visitors from the weather. The tower was further altered during the late 1930s and World War II when it was occupied by German forces. The first floor served as housing until 1970.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Stavanger. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Valandstarnet (Valand Tower) on Map

Sight Name: Valandstarnet (Valand Tower)
Sight Location: Stavanger, Norway (See walking tours in Stavanger)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark

Walking Tours in Stavanger, Norway

Create Your Own Walk in Stavanger

Create Your Own Walk in Stavanger

Creating your own self-guided walk in Stavanger is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Stavanger Introduction Walking Tour

Stavanger Introduction Walking Tour

Situated on the southwestern coast of Norway and only a five-hour drive south of the beautiful city of Bergen, bustling Stavanger is the country's third-largest city. It's also one of the oldest communities in Norway, tracing its roots as far back as the 12th century. Well sheltered by offshore islands, it's been a commercial center for centuries and is a popular cruise port today....  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles