Stavanger is a city and municipality in the county of Rogaland, located on the southwest coast of Norway. With a population of approximately 115,000 people, Stavanger is the fourth largest city and the center of the third largest metropolitan area in the country. The climate is maritime and sometimes rather windy, but snow does not last long when it falls. Summers are pleasant in lowland areas in and around the city. Stavanger has one of the longest (220 days) growing season in Norway. There is a significant foreign influence with a nearby NATO base, as well as foreign oil interests. Stavanger Domkirke, Norway's oldest cathedral, is located in the center of the city. Beautiful lakes and recreation areas are located in and outside of Stavanger. Stavanger's most important industries are shipping, shipbuilding, and canning. In 1969, a new interest ignited when oil was discovered in the North Sea. Since then, Stavanger was chosen to be the onshore center for the oil industry in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea. By 2003, Norway was the world's third largest exporter of crude oil. Tourists to Stavanger are close to two of the best day hikes in Norway--located a few hours out of town on the Lysefjorden. Closer to Stavanger, alpine centers are waiting for skiers and snowboarders throughout the winter season. The Pulpit Rock is a huge rock overhanging a fjord. The trip up and back takes between three and four hours. There is also a rock wedged in the cliff above the fjord. It's a more strenuous four or five hour hike out (and a longer drive), but affords a spectacular view. For the most adventurous, Kjerag is a popular location for base jumping. The coast offers a number of large, sandy beaches; Sola is the closest to Stavanger.