The Story of Pedersgata
No other street in Stavanger connects the past and present in such an exciting way as Pedersgata. What was once the city’s working-class district is now a leading destination for food lovers.
Pedersgata stretches from Vinkelgata by St. Petri Church at Nytorget all the way to Møllehaugen in Stavanger’s eastern district. The many canning factories that once stood here had tall chimneys, and there was an iron foundry where sparks flew high into the sky. This made the temperature higher here than in the rest of the city, and the area became popularly known as “Varmen” — “the Heat”.
The Avenue of the Proletariat
It was mostly people from poor backgrounds who lived in the small houses. Most worked in the canning factories, but there were also many sailors, merchants, rope makers, tinsmiths, barrel makers, bakers, butchers, goldsmiths, shoemakers and seamstresses.
Shops and workshops were established in almost every house. With its wide range of offerings, Pedersgata remained the main shopping street for people living in the eastern district right up until the 1980s.
Decline and stagnation
With rising oil wealth and the establishment of large shopping centres outside the city, one shop after another closed its doors for good. Many premises were left empty, and the houses fell into disrepair. Industry in “Varmen” fell silent, and factories and workshops were either closed down or moved to Forus, an industrial area outside the city.
With its rough appearance, Pedersgata gained a dubious reputation, and many people were reluctant to walk through the area.
Brought back to life
In just a few years, the old industrial district has been transformed into an extensive residential area, and many of the old wooden houses have been carefully restored. In recent years, many immigrants have established their businesses here, giving Pedersgata a wide selection of international restaurants, cosy cafés and bars, unique shops and various services.
What was once an area best avoided has now become the place you should not miss when visiting Stavanger.
During the Gladmat festival (an annual food festival in Stavanger), Pedersgata becomes especially lively.