stavanger walking tour

Things to Do in Stavanger Norway: An Amazing Walking Tour of Stavanger

Posted on Published: September 20, 2019  - Last updated: January 31, 2021

Categories Blog , City Guides , Cruise , Europe , Nieuw Statendam 2019 , Norway , Travel Guides

Stavanger is a city that truly has it all. It’s a beautiful town surrounded by stunning fjords and mountains. There’s a lively atmosphere, an intriguing arts and culture scene, and well preserved architecture and historical areas. Needless to say, there are lots of amazing things to do in Stavanger, even if you only have a day in the city.

When Justin and I visited Stavanger on a cruise aboard the Nieuw Statendam by Holland America Line, we decided to set out and explore by foot. Right from the Stavanger cruise port, there are enough attractions and sightseeing activities to fill an entire day in port.

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Our Norway cruise consisted of four ports: Oslo, Kristiansand , Stavanger and Flåm. While each city and town had their own unique offerings, I quickly fell in love with the vibrant city of Stavanger. I loved the random bursts of color in its street art, the rows of white wooden houses in Old Stavanger, and the serene lake in the middle of town.

Though it’s the third largest city in Norway (when combined with neighboring Sandnes), Stavanger exudes small town vibes in its city center. Here’s our list of what to see in Stavanger along with a self-guided walking tour map at the bottom of this blog post to assist your journey.

Table of Contents

Wander the Streets of Gamle Stavanger (Old Stavanger)

Start your day by walking from the port of Stavanger up the hill to Gamle Stavanger, or Old Stavanger. You’ll see picturesque cobblestone streets lined with rows of wooden white houses. The owners of each property beautifully maintain their homes. Nearly every white house has a brightly painted and colorful front door.

You’ll see manicured gardens and planters bursting with rainbows of flowers to match. In total, there are 173 wooden homes dating back to the 18th century, making it Europe’s best preserved settlement of wooden houses. A trip to this charming old town tops my itinerary of things to do in Stavanger.

Browse the Unique Boutique Shops

As you wander around Old Stavanger, be sure to pop into some little shops and galleries on your way. The neighborhood has lots of handicraft boutiques where you’re sure to find some unique gifts. Our favorite shop was a little place called Cokott’ , which features handmade origami paper jewelry.

Coffee Break at Kafe Go Nok

If you had an early morning start, you might be craving a cup of coffee by now. There’s a sweet little coffee shop right in Gamle Stavanger called Kafe Go Nok . Stop by the cafe for an espresso beverage. Make yourself right at home in their cozy coffee shop or order your coffee as take away if you wish to keep wandering.

Visit Norway’s Oldest Cathedral, Stavanger Domkirke

As a truly stunning work of architecture in Stavanger, you must visit the Stavanger Cathedral (Stavanger Domkirke). It’s the oldest cathedral in Norway, built in the year 1125. Therefore, it’s one of the must see Stavanger attractions.

Continuously used since the 1300s and retaining most of its original architecture, there were only minor additions throughout the years (partial reconstructions in 1272 after fire damage, a pulpit dating to 1650, and new stained glass in 1957).

We didn’t have the chance to check out the interior of Stavanger Domkirke because it wasn’t open until later in the day. If you have a chance to take a peek inside, please let us know what you think!

Even if you only get to see the outside of the cathedral, it’s one of the best things to do in Stavanger. There’s a good chance you’ll walk past this beautiful building, so you may as well stop to admire it. The Stavanger Cathedral is very close to the Stavanger port and harbor, right on your way to Breiavatnet.

Things to Do in Stavanger: Stroll Around Breiavatnet

I’m always seeking the natural areas and peaceful parks within cities. In Stavanger, that particular place is Breiavatnet and its surrounding area. Breiavatnet is a small, shallow lake in the middle of Stavanger’s city center, and it’s one of the best things to see in Stavanger.

The water from Breiavatnet comes from the Kannikbekken stream, which runs through the city from Lake Mosvatnet. This stream was transferred to underground pipes and culverts in the late 1800s, so you won’t see any trace of it.

There’s a walking path that circles Breiavatnet, lined with benches overlooking the lake. We noticed several wonderful statues surrounding the lake, and there’s a large fountain in the middle of it. There’s an abundance of swans, ducks, and other bird life at Breiavatnet. While I adored walking the city streets, a trip to Breiavatnet is one of the best things to do in Stavanger for a peaceful stroll. Plus, it’s so lovely to watch all of the swans meander around the lake.

See Øvre Holmegate (Fargegaten, the Color Street)

Øvre Holmegate is a street that’s just east of the Stavanger harbor, and it’s a feast for the senses. Known to the locals as Fargegaten, or the Color Street, every home is painted a vibrant and brilliant shade. This is the most bustling and busy area of town, alive with tourists and visitors. There are many shops, restaurants, and patios to enjoy a meal or a drink. I noticed lots of wonderful street art on some of the buildings themselves or tucked away down a side street.

This street is Stavanger’s “Notting Hill” as it’s quite possibly one of the most colorful streets in Norway. Painted back in 2005, this rainbow street is a relatively new city attraction. It started when local hairdresser, Tom Kjørsvik, dreamed of drawing more attention to his business and the street.

Scottish artist, Craig Flannagan, recommended that the houses follow a regimented color scheme. He was inspired by “Miami Vice” hues when deciding on the color themes and patterns. Each detail was decided to coordinate with every home down the street, from the color of the building itself to the window trim and smaller details.

And Tom Kjørsvik’s idea worked. There are always lots of people wandering up and down Øvre Holmegate with its colorful homes. When it comes to Stavanger sightseeing, Ovre Holmegate, or Fargegaten, is a total must. If you’re looking for things to do in Stavanger in a day, don’t leave this one off your itinerary.

Visit Stavanger: Admire the Street Art

If you’re a fan of street art, Stavanger is the place to be. The Nuart Festival happens each year in Stavanger, which guarantees that more street art will be added to the growing body of works in the city. Discovering all of the street art is one of my top recommendations for things to do in Stavanger. When checking out Stavanger in a day, you could spend all day trying to find every work of art around the city.

The beauty of street art and public art is that it’s always evolving and changing. Some of the art that we see might be new to those who visited Stavanger last year. New murals in Stavanger will continue to pop up every year. The hunt for street art is part of the fun. Who knows what you’ll discover on a random wall or down a narrow alley! Check out our guide to the street art in Stavanger for more details.

Geopark, One of the Most Unique Playgrounds

Justin and I stumbled upon this quite randomly on our search for street art. The Geopark in Stavanger combines street art with a playground by turning a formerly industrial site into something functional. It’s the most interesting playground I’ve ever seen. It’s raw, there are pipes and tubes all over the place, and graffiti is everywhere.

As Stavanger is the main base for the oil industry in Norway, this particular area was an abandoned oil platform. As the space wasn’t being used, it was redesigned and transformed into a unique playground while retaining its history. All of the structures of the playground are made of scraps and materials from the oil industry. It’s not just for kids: Justin and I may have had a little too much fun trying to balance and run across the pipes, too.

Stavanger Restaurants: Where to Eat in Stavanger

Looking for a great place to grab some lunch? While there are lots of vegan options on the cruise ship , we thought it would be fun to dine at one of the local Stavanger restaurants for a change. We noticed that Døgnvill Burger Stavanger had a few vegan options on its menu, so we went there for a meal.

Justin and I both ordered The Vegan Viking burger, which was unlike any veggie burger we’d eaten. The Vegan Viking Burger has ingredients like smoked eggplant, paprika, beans, Portobello mushroom and garlic. There are several toppings, including tomato, fried green chilies, parsley root-chips and spinach.

As for condiments, it has an interesting combination of peanut butter, spinach and chipotle sauce, and a slice of vegan cheese. The verdict? Delicious! I wouldn’t have thought peanut butter could go well with chipotle sauce and vegan cheese, but it was super yummy.

There’s even a vegan dessert on the menu, a vegan chocolate pudding. I could have had it without the raspberries as I’m not a huge fan of combining berries and chocolate, but I feel like the rest of the world would find it to be pretty tasty. As there weren’t too many vegan desserts on our cruise ship, this was a really delightful treat. For vegan Stavanger meals and restaurants, head straight to Dognvill Burger for a mouthwatering meal. Justin and I left feeling very full and happy!

Views of Stavanger from Nieuw Statendam

Out of all the things to do in Stavanger on our list, most of them are totally free or inexpensive (aside from the Stavanger restaurants). If you visit Stavanger from a cruise ship, you can’t help but admire the spectacular scenery from the ship itself (another free activity!).

There’s really nowhere else in town to gain this vantage point of the city. Some of the most brilliant views of Stavanger were right from the balcony of our cabin on board. When you’re seeking what to see in Stavanger, part of that journey starts right when you wake up in the morning and look out the window on the cruise ship.

Where to Stay in Stavanger

If you aren’t traveling to Stavanger on a cruise ship, there are lots of places to stay right in the city center. I recommend staying close to the middle of town so you can easily walk everywhere and explore.

For a luxury property, book your stay at the Radisson Blu Atlantic Hotel on the edge of Breiavatnet. With fjord and mountain views from the hotel rooms and an ideal location, the Radisson Blu Atlantic is my top pick for Stavanger. Read more reviews from fellow travelers who spent the night at this hotel.

To save money on your trip to Stavanger, spend the night at the highly rated and adorable Stavanger Bed and Breakfast . It’s just a short walk to old town, and it has free parking and complimentary Wi-Fi. Plus, you’ll enjoy a light complimentary breakfast in the morning. Read more reviews from fellow travelers who stayed at the B&B.

Want to see more photos of Stavanger?

We’ve got all of our pictures in one place at our travel photography site! You can also click the “buy” button by any picture for purchasing options.

Map of Stavanger: Self Guided Walking Tour

Here is a Stavanger map so you can take your own self guided walking tour of the city. As for the street art, there are several murals that you simply won’t miss as you make your way around Stavanger. These aren’t labeled on the map itself. You can find the most up to date street art maps on the Nuart Festival website. Here are all of the best things to do in Stavanger on one handy map.

Even if you only get to visit Stavanger in one day, there are so many brilliant scenes, attractions, and cultural experiences to engage and explore. With so many things to do in Stavanger right in the city center, you really need to get out there and wander on foot.

Strap on a pair of comfy vegan shoes , pack a rain jacket , and bring a refillable water bottle . Hopefully, we’ve provided you with lots of ideas for things to do in Stavanger. Wander and see this great city that feels more like a small town. Enjoy experiencing Stavanger in a day, whether you’re visiting the Stavanger cruise port or taking an epic road trip journey of Norway.

Have you visited Stavanger? What should we do on our next trip there that we missed this time?

Lauren is the full-time travel blogger and content creator behind Justin Plus Lauren. She started Justin Plus Lauren in 2013 and has travelled to 50+ countries around the world. Lauren is an expert on vegan travel as one of the very first vegan travel bloggers. She also focuses on outdoor adventure travel, eco and sustainable travel, and creating amazing travel itineraries for cities and small towns.

jane clough

Sunday 22nd of September 2019

Lauren: Thank you for posting this link. Very interesting, can hardly wait to get there next mid-July. I noticed people were wearing long pants and lightweight jackets. What time of year were you there? I love street art, too. Looking forward in finding some. Can you maybe let me know where the big Stavanger art sign is located? Off this topic: I see you are going to the Florida Keys in November. What info can you share on doing a trip to the Keys? Thanks

Monday 23rd of September 2019

Jane, the weather is always iffy that time of year. On that day, I was wearing pants and long sleeves. However, the next day, I was wearing shorts and a tank top! It's really a country where you need to pack a little bit of everything (including a rain jacket!).

The Stavanger mural is right near the cruise port! Once you get off the cruise ship, walk around the harbor to the other side. You'll see it on the side of a building near a parking lot. You can see a cruise ship in the photo to the left of the mural, and people paying for parking in the photo. :) Happy street art hunting!

And yes, the Keys is still something that I'm currently planning! Stay tuned!

Saturday 21st of September 2019

The composition and quality of your Travel-site pictures is matchless!

Thank you so much!!

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The Streets of Stavanger Self-Guided Walking Tour

• October 21, 2020
• Southern Norway , Stavanger , Walking Guides

I love Stavanger. It’s one of those places that I didn’t think much of at first, until I really got to walk around. It’s got such a fascinating history, from the Cathedral’s founding to the canning industry and now this oil wealth. When visitors come to Stavanger, they typically go straight to Gamle Stavanger. In my opinion, the city centre is just as charming with its wooden houses, architecture, and history. So, I made a Stavanger self-guided walking tour.

In this article...

Start: torget.

Welcome to Stavanger! Our walk starts at Torget, the main square and centre of Stavanger. Until the 11th century, it was nothing more than a bay in the middle of a sandy beach. It was filled in and extended by the locals, and over the centuries has become an important commerce and meeting place. 

Today Torget has a new fish market building and several restaurants. More houses stood here originally, but over the last century, they were removed. All the old warehouses are now restaurants and bars.

Kongsgård Royal Estate

Kongsgård is a historic royal residence. The property owned all this land you see around you now, including the lake. Until the Reformation, the building was used by the bishop and his staff. The bishop’s manor was looted, and houses were burned down during Pentecost 1539 by about 60 pirates. In 1607, the sheriff received permission to rebuilt, and he did. However, by the late 18th century Kongsgård was broke. 

Kongsgård became the Stavanger Cathedral School in 1824. Kongsgård is mentioned a lot in the writing of Alexander Kielland as he was a student here.

During World War II, the Germans used Kongsgård as a quarter for the Local German Commander. A fire on Easter Sunday 1942 destroyed large parts of the building. Initially, the Germans didn’t want to let the fire brigade put out the fire. As a result, the extend of the fire was greater than it should have been. 34 students lost their lives during the war. 10 lecturers from the school were sent to concentration camps. From 1945, Kongsgård became the school. The main building is from the Middle Ages and includes the bishops chapel and knights hall.

Until the 1960s, this was part of the Kongsgård property. The part closest to the cathedral used to be a cemetery. It’s believed there was a lavish garden and ponds as far back as 1299.

Stavanger Cathedral

Most importantly, we are at the town’s most famous landmark: the Stavanger Cathedral. This is the oldest cathedral in Norway; older than Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim . I know we’ve had a lot of history so far on this walk, but it’s all coming together!

Stavanger was founded as a city in 1125, around the same time the Cathedral was built. The royals in Norway needed to have some control over the pagans in the south. They introduced Christianity with force and built the Cathedral. Yet, it’s a bit of a chicken and egg situation. What came first – the town or the cathedral? I can’t imagine them building a cathedral in the middle of nowhere, but the town likely didn’t exist until the cathedral was built. Anyway.

Subsequently, a fire in 1272 destroyed the cathedral. Above all, it was rebuilt between 1276 and 1303, this time in stone, and it took on the Gothic feel we see today. 

The Ruins of St. Mary's Church

Yes, there’s no church here today. Most importantly, St. Mary’s Church stood here from the 12th century until the 19th century, when it was torn down. The church has a sad and complicated history. 

It is uncertain why St. Mary’s Church stood so close to Stavanger Cathedral. One theory is that is a replacement cathedral from the great fire of 1272. Above all, it took a long time to rebuild the cathedral, so it was necessary to have a temporary house of worship. Another theory is that it was a separate independent church. The church may be from the 12th century. Around that time churches called St. Mary’s went up in Nidaros, Bergen , Oslo and Tønsberg.

However, the church fell into disrepair after the Reformation in 1537. It became a hangout for the towns drunkards. In 1565, the town’s bourgeoisie took over the church and converted into a town hall and parliament. The city’s gallows stood outside. A prison was built in the church and developed a bad reputation for great suffering. 

Moreover, in 1865, the church became a fire station. Less than 20 years later, the fire brigade and prison moved out. A city engineer proposed that the building is antique and thus should be torn down. The city demolished the church in 1883.

Donkirkeplassen

Certainly, this is the name of the square next to the ruins of St. Mary’s Church. This is the site of the old Bishops Estate. It was the residence of the bishops of Stavanger and bordered the old St. Mary’s Church. For instance, the name of our next point of interest, Laugmannsgata, comes from two lawyers who lived in Bispegården. The building was demolished in 1957. The Norges Bank building is where the NOKAS robbery took place.

This is one of the city’s oldest streets, linking Domkirkeplassen to Arneageren. The name comes from two lawyers who lived at Bispegården in the 18th century. 

Arneageren is a public square. It is home to the culture house, which was built in 1987. The culture house has various galleries, cafes, kiosks, a cinema and an art school for kids.

The Film Theatre building is next to the culture house and a little older. Dating back to 1924, the building is neoclassical. It is regarded as one of the most important representatives of this style in Rogaland county. The Film Theatre was rebuilt in connection with the culture house in 1988. The square is well-known in Stavanger. Throughout the week, political and religious organisations distribute brochures. There is regular music from groups and street musicians.

Søregata runs along the border of the old Arnegård farm. While the street itself is old, the exact age is unknown. In the 19th century, this street was known for its eateries and bars. Many workers and sailors lived along this street and there was a liquor distillery at the end. The cafes would display the dish of the day in the window. It’s not like the Asian restaurants (if you’ve been to countries like Japan) that have plastic displays. No, these cafes used real food. By the end of the day, the food had attracted many flies. 

Mauritzengården

Mauritzengården is a house from 1905. It was commissioned by soap factory owner Svan Mauritzen.  The building is considered one of the city’s finest Art Nouveau brick buildings. It is built in red brick with a corner tower and a spire. 

Kirkegata is the first ever pedestrian street in Norway – announced in 1960. The name means ‘Church Street’, so the street leads to Stavanger Cathedral. If you turn left you’ll be at Stavanger Cathedral in two blocks. 

It’s believed that Kirkegata was a street from before the year 1100. It’s had different names throughout history, including Urgata and Holmengata. Urgata refers to a natural clock. One theory is that building materials for Stavanger Cathedral were stored here, and that a wrecked stone was tipped down and turned into a clock. Holmen refers to the flat edge near the water – today it’s the name fo the northern part of Stavanger inner city. After the fire of 1860, the street got the name Kirkegata.

Steinkargata

This is an old street that linked the two main streets Østervåg with Kirkegata. It previously had the name “The Street to Østervåg”, indicating its purpose. Today’s name refers to a stone vessel used to moor boats. A wharf called “Laksebrygga” (Salmon Wharf) used to be here. Until the 1850s, fishermen docked here. The 1860 fire destroyed both sides of the street, so everything was rebuilt after that. 

Sølvberggata

Sølvberggata is from around the 17th century. The name comes from a large rock that used to stand where Arneageren is today; it was blasted away just after World War II. Sølvberg means ‘Silver mountain’ and refers to a large rock that used to stand where Arneageren is today. 

We’ve made it to Østervåg! This is the city’s main street. The name roughly means ‘East Bay’ and refers to the stretch of sea nearby. Østervåg was the natural harbour for scheduled shipping traffic and the fishing fleet. The bay area used to have shipyards. 

Østervåg is one of the most important streets from the Middle Ages. The property Arnegård was here, and Østevåg ran through it. The street linked the bishop’s pier (Bispebrygga) to the Stavanger Cathedral. Østervåg is first mentioned in 1297 in relation to this pier. It’s believed that this was the medieval town centre. 

The area we are on is very narrow, but it gradually becomes wider. This marks where the 1860 fire spread. The narrower part of the street was untouched, whereas the wider part of the street had burned down and was regulated and levelled after the fire. The fire started at the corner of Østervåg and Breigata. 

Geoparken (built 2008) is a playground built with items used in the oil industry. The layout is designed to replicate the formation of the Troll Field in the North Sea. 

Norwegian Oil Museum

The Norwegian Oil Museum is an excellent place to learn about the Norwegian oil industry. The museum covers the entirety of Norway’s oil journey. It stars from early exploration to discovery, foreign help and current environmental concerns. The museum has a lot of information boards, photographs, footage, and objects used to help develop the oil platforms. Main Article: The Oil Museum

The Colour Street

Welcome to Norway’s most colourful street!

The concept of having a colourful street starts in 2005. Hairdresser Tom Kjørsvik wanted to create a vibrant atmosphere to draw more visitors to the area. Scottish artist Craig Flannagan designed the colours to have a Miami Vice theme. It’s not only the colours that make the street work. The houses have deliberate colour combinations. Each house as a series of colours for its facade, doors and window frames. Each colour scheme harmonises the house.

View their Facebook page for current events

Valberget Viewpoint is the site of the city’s old fortress. The date of the fortress is unknown. The land was likely given to Stavanger during the Nordic Seven Years’ War in 1567. The city likely needed defence for the sea after the Swedes were trying to take Bergen from the sea in 1564.

Above all, fires have destroyed the fortress many times. There’s not much of the original fortress remaining. Its current appearance is from the 19th century. They had 12 12-pound cannons circling the tower. In 1840, they discarded the cannons when four men went on trial for refusing to shoot with them. They were acquired because the cannons were proven to be life threatening. Today the cannons are decorations on the viewpoint.

The tower is not original – it was built in 1850 and is a lookout tower. 

Skagen is a street that runs parallel along the bay, Vågen, linking Torget to Holmen. It is one of the city’s liveliest streets with many shops and nightclubs. But it is also home to some of Stavanger’s oldest buildings. 

That is to say, the name Skagen is common all throughout Scandinavia and refers to a headland. It’s believed the street was here in the Middle Ages and is largely unchanged from the 13th century. Archaeological finds show that there were buildings here in the Middle Ages. 

We are in the upper part of Skagen, making our way down to the lower and older part.

The Clarion Hotel is where a cannery used to be. The cannery ran for three generations before being demolished in 1964 and replaced with the hotel. For example, Chr. Bjelland & Co, is one of Stavanger’s most famous canneries (see the history section). 

Certainly, as we walk along Skagen, you’ll notice many references to shipbuilding, merchants, and steamships (dampskip). It indicates what exactly this street was used for. 

Most importantly, Skagen 18 is one of the city’s oldest and most famous buildings. It is from after the 1684 fire, though a building stood here before then. The oldest known inhabitants are Sidsel Olsdatter Cruys and Albert Albertsen Libert. They aren’t famous Norwegians; just residents who have been remembered in history thanks to their house being the longest lasting. They lived here between 1687 and 1700. Moreover, inside the building are rosemaling decorations from before 1710. Merchant and shipowner Ole Smith Plow is the next owner; establishing his business in 1768. In 1787, the building got its Rococo facade.

Today it is a bakery.

M/S Rogaland

Rogaland was built by the local shipyard in 1929. She sailed in the Coastal Express Service between Oslo and Stavanger during the day. At night, she did the Night Service between Stavanger and Bergen.

In Bergen in April 1944, during the occupation, there was a large explosion on the harbour. That explosion killed one crew member of the Rogaland, injured five and seriously damaged the ship. The ship sank to the bottom of the bay. Declared a write-off, compensation went to the owner and the Stavangerske Company bought the wreckage. It was sealed in a shipyard in Bergen and then towed to a shipyard in Stavanger for repairs. Repairs finished in 1947. The ship resumed regular service at a limited passenger capacity. 

After sending service in 1965, a group of enthusiasts purchased the ship in the 1980s. After lots of restoration, it is operational and can carry up to 100 passengers. The ship features in the 2016 film Dunkirk as a painted white hospital ship. The ship may or may not be in the harbour. If you walk onto the other side of the bay, you’ll see an information board for the ship. 

We’ve made it back to Torget and are now at the end of our walk.

I hope you enjoyed this Stavanger self-guided walking tour.

2 Comments on The Streets of Stavanger Self-Guided Walking Tour

Hi, do you do a printed version of the stavanger self guided city walk and also the Haugesund one too? Thanks Ashleigh

Hey! I’ve been putting the finishing touches on a Stavanger self-guided walk, and it’ll be available on our online store within the next couple weeks. I’m still developing a Haugesund walk.

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Stavanger Guided City Walk

GuideCompaniet, Strandkaien 61, STAVANGER, Stavanger

[email protected]

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A guided city walk is an excellent way to explore Stavanger's many hidden treasures. In the company of the city's connoisseurs, we will prick up our ears and let ourselves be surprised by the stories that lurk in the city's streets.

Discover Old Stavanger consisting of 173 wooden houses from the late 18th and early 19th centuries. This is Europe's largest collection of wooden houses and Stavanger has received several awards for the preservation of Old Stavanger. This residential area bears the stamp of residents who are proud of their houses and gardens - here most houses are decorated in summer with lovely seas of flowers and trimmed gardens - most houses are small and painted white. We pass modern Upper Holmegate - the street where all the houses are painted in bright colours. Here you will find special niche shops, cafes and art stores. Further, we pass Valbergtårnet - a former lookout tower for the city's watchmen that was built in the years 1850-1853, and Stavanger Cathedral - the only Norwegian cathedral from the Middle Ages that has retained its original architecture, and the only one that has been in continuous use since 1300 -the number. Close by stands the famous statue of Alexander Kielland - one of the great writers in Norwegian literature.

We hear useful and unhelpful anecdotes about Stavanger's stagnation and progress. From the formation of the city, through the industrial eras with herring and canning, up to today's modern oil city - this is the tour that shows the breadth of past and present.

Last updated: 01/29/2024

Source: Region Stavanger

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Free Walking Tour Stavanger

Free walking tour Stavanger takes you through the coastal city of Savanger in the south-west of Norway, known for its rich maritime history, stunning natural landscapes and vibrant cultural scene. With its picturesque old town and charming harbor, Stavanger offers a unique blend of history, culture and adventure, making it a popular destination for both tourists and locals alike. Visitors can explore the city’s fascinating museums, sample local seafood and craft beer, or venture into the nearby fjords for breathtaking views and outdoor activities.

General information

Meet your guide at the Stavanger Cathedral

From Monday to Friday: 17:00 hrs

Saturday & Sunday: 11:00 hrs

Tip only basis. It is recommended to tip your guide from 10 to 20 euros per person.

This tour requires a booking fee. Tours often sell out and no-shows are costly to our business. Remember that the booking fee of 2.5 USD per person is not the gratuity. The gratuity must be given to the tour guide at the end of the activity.

Free Walking Tour Stavanger – Itinerary

Free walking tour Stavanger take visitors to explore the city’s charming streets and historical landmarks, as well as experience its lively atmosphere and bustling atmosphere.

Some of the must-see stops during a walking tour in Stavanger include the Old Stavanger neighborhood, the Stavanger Cathedral, and the Museum of Archaeology, which is dedicated to the city’s Viking heritage.

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Additionally, visitors can stroll along the picturesque harbor and take in the stunning views of the nearby fjords, or visit the nearby Maritime Museum to learn about the city’s long history of seafaring.

Whether exploring the city with Free Tour Stavanger or taking in the views from one of the many restaurants or cafes, Stavanger is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Norway.

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THE 5 BEST Stavanger Walking Tours

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1. Stavanger: Customized Private Tour with a Local

2. An amazing guided private walking tour of Stavanger.

3. Swords in Rock monument and Stavanger highlights private tour

4. Experience the magnificent Lysefjord, Pulpit Rock. Join-in tour from Stavanger

5. Sensational Stavanger Self-Guided Audio Tour

6. e-Scavenger hunt Stavanger: Explore the city at your own pace

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• Stavanger: Customized Private Tour with a Local
• e-Scavenger hunt Stavanger: Explore the city at your own pace
• Sensational Stavanger Self-Guided Audio Tour
• Experience the magnificent Lysefjord, Pulpit Rock. Join-in tour from Stavanger
• Swords in Rock monument and Stavanger highlights private tour
• Lysefjorden Adventure
• Citywalkz Ltd t/a Citywalks World
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Stavanger: Customized Private Tour with a Local

• Local guide ("Lokafyer"
• Customized private walking tour
• Personal expenses
• Tips and gratuities (optional)
• Optional activity costs
• Food and drinks
• Transportation to/from attractions (It’s a walking tour, car transportation isn’t included)
• Sjøfartsmonumentet, Skagenkaien, 4006 Stavanger, Norway Travelers can request the tour to start from any centrally located hotel. In case your hotel is outside the city center we will select a convenient meeting point in the city center. Tour may end at a different location from the departure point unless requested in advance of the tour.
• Stavanger, Norway Tour may end at a different location from the departure point, unless requested in advance of the tour.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Lokafy tours provide a general overview of the city with practical information from a local’s perspective, not detailed historical facts
• In case travellers would like to include a visit to an attraction, they would need to cover the cost of entrance for themselves and also the Lokafyer (local guide)
• Tours are entirely personalized, please provide the start time, meeting place and information about you so that we can organize the tour
• This is a walking tour. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
• Children below 3 years old are free of charge
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Most travelers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Sjøfartsmonumentet Skagenkaien, 4006 Stavanger, Norway Travelers can request the tour to start from any centrally located hotel. In case your hotel is outside the city center we will select a convenient meeting point in the city center. Tour may end at a different location from the departure point unless requested in advance of the tour. See address & details
• Pass by Sjøfartsmonumentet
• You'll end at Stavanger Stavanger, Norway Tour may end at a different location from the departure point, unless requested in advance of the tour. See address & details

More to explore in Stavanger

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Stavanger: Customized Private Tour with a Local provided by Lokafy

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Stavanger Walking Tour

Table of Contents

Stavanger – Norwegian south-west wonders

Thanks to the best local guides, here we have put together information for shore excursions in Stavanger on your Stavanger walking tour and Stavanger self-guided walking tour. But first, let’s learn about the Norwegian city.

The fourth-largest city in Norway is closely linked to the country’s history. By winning the Battle of Hafrsfjord in 872, the Viking King Harald Fairhair succeeded in uniting the various Viking tribes into one kingdom. The cityscape today combines tradition with modern business life. 

The old town center, the colorful market, and the cathedral church, which was begun in Romanesque style and later completed with a Gothic choir extension, are worth seeing. 

The city first received economic importance through 70 fish canning factories and efficient shipyards. And last by the North Sea oil. 

Nowadays, every summer, many cruise lines come here as part of Norway cruises.

  Stavanger Walking   Tour

The center of Stavanger is grouped around the Vågen harbor basin. So if you want to stay in the city, all sights can be easily reached on foot.

If you are coming on your own or are part of a cruise ship, visiting Stavanger will be a unique experience. City sightseeing and Stavanger free walking tour such as the Old Stavanger walking tour are easy, with the best local tour guides in Stavanger .

These tours often are a round trip with several stops to the main tourist locations and point of interest in Stavanger. It is a great way to discover the city at your pace and finally see iconic places. For example the traditional wooden houses, Gamle Stavanger and Stavanger Cathedral. There are also many other stunning sites to see during your guided walk in the city of Stavanger.

You can also take a break during your walking tour and look at the Norwegian Petroleum Museum and the Norwegian Canning Museum. They will give you a real incentive on the city’s history, and you can even do it by yourself and connect to wi-fi to get the needed information during your visits.

Tours in Stavanger

Stavanger -a beautiful city with 150,000 inhabitants – is perfect for exploring on foot. In the surrounding area, the beautiful Lysefjord with the Pulpit Rock, in particular, attracts many shore excursions.

• The fish market: Fisktorget, is located in a small building right at the end of the Vågen harbor basin. It is also the right place for a snack. 
• The modern column at the end of the harbor basin is called the “Shrimp Statue.” It is because of its shape and it reminds sailors who have stayed at sea. The tiny staircase next door was built for ducks and their chicks. 
• Around the corner, the Maritime Museum of Stavanger provides information about seafaring, shipbuilding, and trade in Stavanger.
• Also, stroll through Gamle Stavanger and Øvre Holmegate! A stroll through the narrow streets of the old town “Gamle Stavanger”, lined with white wooden houses, is a great way to pass the time. In total, there are over 170 white wooden houses from the 18th century. The contrast of the white houses with many flowers is beautiful. Several galleries and artisans settled here.
• As a contrast to this is the area around Øvre Holmegate on the other side of Vågen harbor with its colorful houses. There are many shops and cafes here.
• The Stavanger Cathedral is the most venerable architectural monument in the city, whose Romanesque nave was built in the first half of the 12th century. Inside there is a baroque pulpit with rich carvings. 
• Stavanger’s Cathedral is one of the few medieval church buildings in Norway that has not been changed over the centuries. In front of the cathedral is a small market with many souvenir stalls.
• Canned food and petroleum. It sounds unusual, but it is part of the local’s history. An old factory houses a beautiful canning museum. Dozens of fish canning factories used to be the city’s economic base. 
• On the other hand, the North Sea oil is even more important today. It made Stavanger and the whole country rich. The modern Stavanger Oil Museum presents the history of Norwegian oil and gas production.

Explored the area around Stavanger:

• The Lysefjord: Excursion boats to the 40 km long and up to 500 m deep Lysefjord regularly leave from Stavanger harbor. The journey leads past high and, in many areas, vertically sloping steep walls made of granite rock. The fjord owes its name to its light color. 
• On the way, the Preikestolen – one of Norway’s most famous sights – appears north. The Preikestolen (Sermon Chair). The approximately 25 square meter rock platform protrudes a full 604 meters above the fjord from the steep walls.  The view of the fjord landscape from the rock pulpit is breathtaking and is enjoyed by 100,000 visitors every year.
• The Kjerag plateau at the end of the fjord lies up to 1,100 meters high. Experienced hikers can climb it in three to four hours via secured paths. In its western part, a 5-ton rock, the Kjeragbolten, is trapped in a deep crevice. The very brave venture onto the massive rock, which nobody knows how it got into the rock-cut, and pose for a photo.
• Swords in the rock: about 5 kilometers from the harbor on Hafrsfjord are the “Swords in the Rock” (Sverd i Fjell). The work of art is a popular photo opportunity and commemorates the Viking King Harald Hårfagre, who won a decisive battle in 872 and united the country.
• Last but not least, 15 kilometers from Stavanger lies Sola Beach. It is a beautiful and very fine-grained white Sola beach. Also the water is wonderfully clear here—a great place to spend a few hours on the beach on hot days. 

  Start your Stavanger   Walking  Tours

You can find some of these places online and through Stavanger walking tour reviews, but only the best local guides can give you the extra details and fun facts that make the trip unique.  

At Riviera Bar Crawls & Tours, we are listing for you unique  walking tours in Stavanger and around  Europe.

What are you waiting for? Join our community and find the best activities for your next trip to Stavanger!

For further enquires and information, don’t hesitate to get in contact with us via our email: [email protected]

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