Latest news with #fjord
Khaleej Times
3 hours ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Chess, nature, food: Why Stavanger is Norway's most surprising city
It's just past five on an unusually crisp yet sunny May evening in Stavanger where the glass-panelled atrium of Finansparken, the iconic headquarters of SR Bank — one of Norway's biggest — is unusually abuzz. Small groups huddle in silence, eyes flitting between the oversized chess boards on display and the digital screens above them. Just a few metres away, legends of the game — some truly established, some in the making — Magnus Carlsen, Fabiano Caruana, Hikaru Nakamura, D Gukesh — sit in intense silence, locked in high-stakes battles that feel both timeless and immediate. The air hums with quiet tension; it's cerebral, yet electric. This is Stavanger in its finest hour and this is Norway Chess – widely dubbed the 'Wimbledon of chess' after Garry Kasparov, one of the global game's definitive superheroes, first likened it to the elite tennis tournament in 2014, highlighting its growing prestige in the world of 64 squares. And this is the story of how it has made this coastal gem where Nordic charm meets dramatic fjords, rich history and world-class culture — a surprising yet deserved pilgrimage spot for lovers of the game. It may be a city often overshadowed by its flashier siblings like Bergen or Tromsø. But once here, Stavanger charms instantly – with its cobbled lanes, old wooden houses in Gamle Stavanger (Old Stavanger), lively harbourside cafés, and panoramic fjord views that feel like living postcards — especially the one from Preikestolen or The Pulpit Rock made famous by a certain Tom Cruise in Mission: Impossible — Fallout. You'll find yourself strolling artfully muralled streets that could've well inspired U2 to sing Where the Streets Have No Name. 'This is the best time to visit,' says Gunhild Vevik, director of communications at Region Stavanger Visitors & Convention Bureau, as she guides us through a special three course tasting menu by celebrity chef Runa Kvendseth, a rising star in Norway's culinary scene, known for her innovative approach to traditional Norwegian cuisine. 'The weather is kind, the fjords are open, and with Norway Chess and Norway Summit on the sidelines, there's a unique global energy that blends beautifully with the quiet charm of our city.' Summer in Stavanger…this time, every year And it is this time of the year when the city of roughly 150,000, transforms into a global chess hub, drawing hundreds of players from across the world. Fans and enthusiasts join in too, travelling from as far and wide as India, the US, and China, not only to witness elite matchups but to experience the quiet allure of a Scandinavian city fast becoming the spiritual home of chess and much more. Then there are players like Rouda Al Serkal, the 15-year-old Emirati who earlier this year became the UAE's first Woman Grandmaster (WGM), making bold statements in this beautiful city. 'She's breaking barriers that we didn't even know existed,' says Kjell Madland, the founder and tournament director of Norway Chess, referring to the Abu Dhabi-based student who made her open category debut this year. 'Stavanger is no longer just a scenic city—it's a global meeting point for intellectual sport. For a young Emirati woman to compete here is inspirational. And so, more broadly, Stavanger is now on the map for a lot more people following her in the UAE and the rest of the region. It's chess that's bringing the world here.' And the world should come. Vevik says this as we continue our lunch at one of Stavanger's finest dining spots: Fisketorget Stavanger. Located right on the city's bustling harbour, Fisketorget isn't just a restaurant — it's a local institution. Here, the sea comes straight to your plate, and under the direction of chef Kvendseth, the menu elevates traditional seafood into elegant artistry. Our eclectic three-course lunch starts with a velvety fish soup made of halibut, shrimp, leek and the Ling, a firm, flaky white fish from the cold Nordic waters, prized in Norwegian cuisine for its delicate flavour and versatility in both traditional and modern dishes. This is followed by a spectacularly pan-seared ling, resting on cauliflower purée and bathed in mussel sauce, with parsnips and potatoes on the side. The dessert? Mousse layered with - you guessed it — fresh Norwegian strawberries whose sweetness could rival the beautiful views of the harbour that's home to the Norwegian Petroleum Museum, charming old pubs, buzzing bars, and a front-row view of the city's maritime soul. A city shaped by contrasts Often known as Norway's oil capital, Stavanger is a city of contrasts, balancing its industrial roots with stunning natural beauty. It is also home to one of Norway's most iconic monuments – Sverd i fjell, or the Swords in Rock. Located by the Hafrsfjord, the three towering bronze swords stand planted into solid rock, commemorating the Viking battle that unified Norway under the crown of King Harald Fairhair. It's a spot that evokes silence and reflection – much like a chess endgame between grandmasters — and provides one of the city's best photo ops. And while you're at it, you might be standing just a short drive from Bryne, the birthplace of football superstar Erling Haaland who plays for the Abu Dhabi-owned Manchester City football club. It's also one more reason why sports fans of all stripes — Arsenal fans like me included — could pay attention to this corner of Norway. Hub for a broader global conversation But then Stavanger isn't just about chess, football and it unheralded beauty — it's also at the centre of a broader conversation. Running in parallel with Norway Chess is the Norway Summit, a high-profile business and innovation conference that draws global leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers, including Viswanathan Anand, India's first chess Grandmaster and a five-time World Champion, revered globally for revolutionising the game in India and inspiring generations. Previous editions have welcomed speakers from global companies like Google, Microsoft, and SpaceX, alongside policymakers, economists and climate scientists. The synergy is intentional — chess as a metaphor for strategy and foresight, and Stavanger as the stage for both boardroom and board game brilliance. 'Norway Summit brings sharp minds together at the same time as Norway Chess. It shows how ideas, strategy, and global thinking all find a home here,' says Madland. 'It's no longer just a chess event; it's a movement.' Getting there Getting to Stavanger is surprisingly easy. From the UAE, flights by Emirates (direct connection) or Etihad to Oslo, followed by a short domestic hop to Stavanger Airport (SVG), get you into the city in less than a day. Alternatively, flights via Amsterdam or Copenhagen offer smooth connections. Once in Stavanger, the airport is just 15–20 minutes from the city centre, making the transition from runway to chessboard seamless. A move worth making Whether you're here to follow chess giants, attend cutting-edge summits, explore Viking history, or simply enjoy fresh fish and fjord air, Stavanger in May and June is unmatched. It's a place where brains, beauty and balance meet. And like a well-played opening, it draws you in — quietly, deliberately, but completely.
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Science
- Daily Mail
The European village visited by thousands of tourists a day and loved by filmmakers - but could one day be destroyed by 'the world's tallest tsunami'
A picturesque village visited by thousands of tourists everyday and favoured as a backdrop by filmmakers could one day cease to exist. Set amid magnificent mountains and a beautiful fjord, it is no surprise that Hellesylt has become a popular destination for cruise ships. It has even featured in the Mission Impossible franchise in an adrenaline packed scene showing Tom Cruise riding a motorbike off a mountaintop and falling through the sky. But if tourists want to get a glimpse of the charming village, it is best to book travel now rather than later. According to National Geographic, Hellesylt is at risk of being flooded by one of the 'tallest tsunamis in history'. The nearby mountain Åkerneset has a 230-foot split down its front making it 'one of the most hazardous rock fractures in the world'. Growing by as much as three and a half inches per year due to erosion, the rock is at risk of collapsing into the fjord below and triggering one of the 'tallest tsunamis in history'. Reaching an estimated 338 feet, the massive wave would swallow schools, hospitals and around 10,000 homes in nearby fjord villages, including Hellesylt. It is not known when the rockslide-induced tsunami will take place but an early warning system is already in place. Lasers pointed at Åkernes will detect even the smallest of movements, notifying up to 10,000 residents in nearby fjord villages including Hellesylt when they should evacuate their homes. A new drainage system that pumps water out of the mountain has also been installed in an attempt to stabilise the cliffside. Scientists believe that climate change will only increase the rate of erosion on Åkernes as the rock cliff fills up with water from rainfall and melting permafrost. For now, Hellesylt is still open to travellers who can marvel at its UNESCO-listed fjord landscape. One TripAdvisor user described it as the 'absolute highlight of my trip to Norway'. Popular activities in and around the quaint village include tours of the fjords by boat or kayak. Many also visit the Hellesyltfossen waterfall - one of the most photographed natural features in the area. The Hellesyltfossen waterfall is one of the most photographed natural features in the area Another visitor took to TripAdvisor said: 'We visited Hellesylt on a cruise, and to be honest I can't really say much about it apart from the fact that it is a stunningly beautiful village, with an impressive waterfall crashing through the centre of it. 'Paths allow you to view it from above and below, and you can also visit the church. 'The views speak for themselves, and I would definitely go again!' For those seeking a more thrilling adventure, Hellesylt's jagged landscape is the perfect playground for extreme sports including e-biking through the mountains and white water kayaking.
New York Times
28-05-2025
- General
- New York Times
Greenland Says Visit. But Step Lightly and Speak Softly.
Standing at sunset on the boardwalk that rims the jagged western edge of Nuuk, the Greenlandic capital, I felt simultaneously dwarfed and expanded. The glassy water of the fjord, the veins of granite that made the snow-capped mountains look like crinkle cookies, the clarity of the northern light: All these combined in their immensity to make me feel paltry, while their beauty sent my spirits soaring. But what struck me most was the profound silence that hung, weighty and dense, as if the universe had slipped a pair of noise-canceling headphones over my ears.
The Independent
23-05-2025
- The Independent
Norwegian man sleeps through massive container ship ploughing into his garden
A Norwegian man woke up to discover a massive container ship had run aground just metres from his bedroom. The 135-metre container ship ran aground around 5am local time on Thursday in Byneset, west of Trondheim. But Johan Helberg had no idea how close his house had come to disaster until he was woken by a neighbour. 'I didn't hear anything. I was sleeping seven meters from the bow,' he told Norwegian media NRK. 'It was lucky that it went ashore there. Five metres further south, and it would have entered the bedroom. And that wouldn't have been particularly pleasant.' Mr Helberg's neighbour Jostein Jorgensen said he woke up to the sound of a ship on the fjord. 'I looked out the window and saw a boat heading straight for shore,' he told NRK. 'I went out and cawed and shouted and whistled without anything happening.' Mr Jorgensen said he then rushed over to Mr Helberg's house to try to wake him up. 'We woke up to the neighbour loudly ringing the doorbell. He said, 'haven't you seen the ship?'' Mr Helberg said. 'I went to the window and was quite astonished to see a big ship,' he told the Guardian. 'I had to bend my neck to see the top of it. It was so unreal.' The cargo ship had 16 people on board when it ran aground, NRK reports, and no injuries were reported. Local police have started an investigation into the incident, and they told the news outlet there was one suspect. Police have conducted initial interviews with the ship's crew, and on Friday two Norwegian media outlets are reporting the possible reason for the crash was that a person fell asleep. Police had previously ruled out drugs or alcohol as factors in the crash. While the investigation continues, so too does work to move the ship. An attempt on Thursday morning to refloat the ship was unsuccessful, and a second attempt was planned for Thursday evening at the next high tide. Bente Hetland, CEO of the shipping company North Sea Container Line, told NRK that the ship had been in incidents before, but it has been sailing the Norwegian coast for 15 years. Ms Hetland said there had been no previous major incidents that had harmed the crew or the environment. Mr Helberg said he believed it would take some time for the ship to be refloated. 'I am very excited to see how they are going to get this ship off, it will probably require a lot of effort,' he said. "It's a very bulky new neighbour but it will soon go away," he added, the BBC reports.
