Valberg Tower, Fire observation tower in Stavanger, Norway.
Valberg Tower is a white stone structure rising above Stavanger's city center, accessible from multiple interior levels that reveal views of the city and its harbor. The ground floor contains a small museum displaying objects related to the building's history and purpose.
Built between 1850 and 1853, the tower served as the city's main fire observation station where watchmen monitored for dangers and alerted residents. This role made it an essential structure for urban safety during that era.
The tower inspired writer Torbjørn Egner to create a character in his children's stories set in Kardemommeby, drawn from the real watchman Tobias Sandstøl who worked here. This connection between a real place and beloved literature remains visible to visitors today.
The tower stands in the city center and is easily reached on foot from various directions. Visitors should plan ahead since access is restricted to certain days and hours during the week.
The last guard, Tobias Sandstøl, spent 18 years in this position before leaving in 1922, marking the end of a watchman tradition. His lengthy service made him a locally known figure whose work inspired later storytelling.
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