stavanger when to travel

Stavanger: Best Things to Do & Travel Tips

Stavanger is one of the largest and most vibrant cities in Norway, located about 250km south of Bergen. Also known as the Oil Capital of Norway , Stavenger is one of the most important centers for the Norwegian economy and industry: most of the energy industries active in the extraction of oil and gas from the North Sea are based here.

This makes Stavanger a cosmopolitan city, with excellent hotels and restaurants , but also with a pleasant atmosphere. Stavanger is one of the cities with the best standard of living in Norway, but also one of the most expensive. Still, it is a real gem: Stavanger Old Town is one of the oldest in Norway, and its traditional wooden houses are a real treat. As well as the surprising surroundings, starting with the nearby Lysefjord , one of the most beautiful fjords in Norway, famous for its amazing rock formations, the Preikestolen (or Pulpit Rock ) and the Kjeragbolten , among the most famous hikes in Norway.

What you will find in this travel guide to Stavanger:

Stavanger: Interesting Facts and Things to Know Before You Go

Things to do and see in stavanger, things to do near stavanger: the lysefjord and preikestolen, best activities and tours in stavanger, best restaurants in stavanger, how to get to stavanger.

Stavanger is the fourth largest city in Norway and is located in the southwestern part of the country, in Rogaland county. Stavanger lies on a peninsula about 250 km south of Bergen and is surrounded by three beautiful fjords: the Hafrsfjord , the Byfjorden and the Gandsfjorden .

The latter is a branch of the larger Boknafjord . The other branch is called Høgsfjord and is 23 km long, which has a further 42 km long branch, the Lysefjord . The Lysefjord is one of the most scenic fjords in Norway, surrounded by the spectacular high steep cliffs of Preikestolen and Kjerag , one of Norway’s most famous natural attractions.

Stavanger is widely referred to as the Oil Capital of Norway and hosts the branches of several European oil and energy companies. Equinor, the Norwegian state-owned multinational energy company, has its headquarters here, but there are also offices of many important energy companies, such as Shell, ConocoPhillips, Schlumberger, Total, Eni and Saipem.

The nearby town of Tananger , located a little further west, also hosts an important port from which ferries depart for Hirtshals (Denmark) and Bergen , as well as supertankers operating between on-shore bases and offshore activities.

Unsurprisingly, Stavanger has a very interesting history of oil extraction: in 1969, exploration led to the discovery of huge oil fields in the North Sea . Stavanger was chosen to be the on-shore center for the oil industry on the Norwegian sector of the North Sea and the city had a huge economic boom, as did the entire Norwegian economy. Today oil is one of Norway’s largest sources of wealth.

This has led Stavanger to become a pleasant modern and cosmopolitan city with a very high standard of living. There are excellent schools and universities, including the University of Stavanger which has over 10,000 students, and the city is a popular destination for business travelers and foreign residents.

The city of Stavanger is quite modern in architecture especially in the suburbs, but the city boasts a centuries-old history and is one of the oldest in Norway. Stavanger is said to have been founded as a coast market town around the 11th century. Stavanger Cathedral is the oldest in Norway and dates back to 1125.

Stavanger’s Old Town is one of the most picturesque in Norway, with its beautifully preserved traditional wooden houses, some dating back to the 18th century.

Stavanger is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in Norway, especially in summer, although it is one of the most expensive. Its delightful old town is definitely worth a visit and in addition to the many interesting things to do, Stavanger is also a popular base for exploring its stunning surroundings: breathtaking fjords and mountains, the famous Lysefjorden and Preikestolen (also known as Pulpit Rock ) and a lot of unforgettable views.

Stavanger is full of interesting attractions, starting with Gamle Stavanger , the wonderful old town dating back to the 18th century. There are also many interesting museums, such as the Petroleum Museum and the Viking Museum and many others dedicated to local history and culture, linked to trade and fishing.

Stavanger is also home to some real gems, such as the 12th-century Stavanger Domkirke (Stavanger Cathedral) , and the Valberg Tower , a mighty watchtower from the mid-19th century, from where you can get a nice view over the city.

Gamle Stavanger

The real heart of Stavanger is its old town, called Gamle Stavanger or Old Stavanger and located west of the port on the Holmen peninsula. It is made up of a maze of cobbled streets and over 200 well-preserved traditional wooden houses .

This is the oldest neighborhood in Stavanger and dates back to the early 18th century. It was built to accommodate sailors, fishermen, merchants and artisans who worked here, mainly in fishing and in the processing of herring and sardines. In fact, before the discovery of oil, the local economy was based exclusively on fishing.

After the end of the Second World War, Gamle Stavanger was supposed to be demolished to make way for a more modern neighborhood but the locals resisted and the houses were saved from demolition. Today you can enjoy a nice stroll through the streets of Gamle Stavanger which are home to shops, restaurants and charming cafes.

In the heart of Gamle Stavanger there are also some of the best hotels in the city , such as the Hotel Victoria , the Thon Hotel Stavanger and the Clarion Collection Hotel Skagen Brygge , which also serves a delicious free evening buffet and free waffles in the afternoon.

Øvre Holmegate

Gamle Stavanger (Stavanger’s Old Town) can be easily explored on foot, and Øvre Holmegate is the prettiest street in town, famous for its traditional, brightly colored houses.

However, the so-called Fargegaten , the street of colors, is nothing more than a modern gimmick, dating back to the early 2000s. Originally Øvre Holmegate was nothing more than a quiet and rather dull street. A local hairdresser and artist had the intuition to color the houses to make the street an attractive tourist attraction: it was a success! Today Fargegaten is Stavanger’s most famous pedestrian street and teems with restaurants, bars and cafes.

Stavanger Cathedral

Close to Gamle Stavanger, nestled in a small park, is the Stavanger Domkirke or Stavanger Cathedral , built in the 12th century. The cathedral is believed to have been built at the behest of Bishop Reinald , who came from Winchester in England. Built in 1100 and dedicated to Saint Swithun , the patron saint of Winchester Cathedral, Stavanger Cathedral quickly became one of the most important churches in Norway.

In 1272 it was severely damaged by a fire and the subsequent restoration gave it its current appearance in Gothic and Romanesque style with elegant Baroque elements inside. Noteworthy is the Baroque-style pulpit sculpted by Scottish craftsman Andrew Lawrenceson Smith in 1658 and the 13th-century baptismal font.

The windows have stained glass windows depicting scenes from the New Testament, while some statues of some former Norwegian kings are visible near the sacristy. The interiors are open to visitors, except during masses, when the church is reserved for worship.

Valberg Tower

In the heart of Stavanger’s Old Town, between Skagen and Valbergjet streets, you can visit the Valberg Tower , a mid-19th century watchtower located on a small hill. The Valberg Tower, surrounded by a terrace, where there is also a battery of nineteenth-century guns , had more a fire-fighting purpose than a defensive one. In fact, some guardians lived here whose job was to warn the population in case of fire. You can visit the tower, which houses a small museum dedicated to its history. From the top you can have a nice view over the city.

Norwegian Petroleum Museum

The Norwegian Petroleum Museum or Norsk Oljemuseum is the most popular museum in Stavanger. It is located near the old town, on the waterfront. Seen from the outside, the museum resembles an oil rig, and this contemporary architectural masterpiece is one of the best museums in the world dedicated to oil extraction.

The museum tells the story of Norway’s oil exploration during the 1970s in the North Sea, showing the various drilling techniques, machinery, equipment and robots of the highest technology.

You will also be able to learn many interesting things about the ships , submarines and equipment used in the exploration and extraction of oil and gas , as well as about fossil fuels and their use. The museum is really very interesting and well designed: the complex world of oil engineering is explained in a very simple way, through interactive and multimedia installations. So you can simulate a drilling, wear a diving suit or learn how an oil rig is made.

You will also be able to see the largest drill bit in the world and learn about the oil and gas production process: from discovery of the field, to drilling, extraction and finally refining and distribution.

A very interesting section of the museum is devoted to the economic impact of oil extraction in Norway and how the oil boom has changed the lives of the locals. There is also a section dedicated to environmental impacts and climate change , as well as the delicate phase of energy transition underway in Norway, a country that is increasingly making use of renewable energy.

The Norwegian Petroleum Museum in Stavanger is open:

• From June to August: every day from 10.00 to 19.00
• From September to May: MON-SAT 10.00 – 16.00 and SUN 10.00 – 18.00

Ticket prices start at NOK 150 (reduced NOK 75). More info here .

Viking House

The Viking House is another popular attraction in Stavanger and is a kind of VR experience that will take you back in time to the Viking era: through the virtual reality headsets you will be able to see how Viking ships were made, participate in a battle and wander around for a Viking city of many centuries ago. The Viking House also offers other interesting information on Viking history and costumes, as well as a well-stocked themed gift shop.

Norwegian Canning Museum

Another interesting museum in Stavanger is the Norwegian Canning Museum , located in an old canning factory. This curious museum is mainly dedicated to sardine cans: it may seem strange, but before the discovery of oil this was Stavanger’s main economy. Most of the local people were fishermen or worked in canning factories – in Stavanger there were over half of all canning factories in Norway.

The museum gives an interesting overview of the production process: from sardine and herring fishing, to filleting, smoking and canning. You will be able to see the machinery and tools that were used, as well as a collection of over 40,000 differently designed cans .

The Norwegian Canning Museum is open TUE to SUN from 11.00am to 3.00pm. The ticket price starts from 100 NOK. More info here .

Other Interesting Stavanger’s Museums

Stavanger is also home to several other interesting museums. Vitenfabrikken , located a few kilometers south of the city center, is a museum dedicated to science and technology , with interactive exhibits on mathematics, natural sciences, chemistry and industrial history. It is also suitable for children and boasts a large number of interactive experiments and exhibits.

Another interesting museum is the Breidablikk Museum , a beautiful chalet-like wooden house with Baroque and Neo-Romanesque details, which belonged to the wealthy merchant and entrepreneur Lars Berentsen . Inside, the décor and furnishings date back to the 19th century, including a fabulous dining room, and a library with period furnishings and books. In the garden there is a shed with carriages and old gardening tools.

In the city center, near the port, is the Maritime Museum , dedicated to the maritime history of the city. Here you can find out many interesting things about the port of Stavanger and its importance over the centuries, first as a commercial and fishing port, then as an important shipbuilding center specializing in ocean liners and mega-tankers.

Near the beautiful Byparken city park, is the Norwegian Children’s Museum or Norsk Barnemuseum , which can be a good place to visit with kids. It is entirely dedicated to the history of toys , with over 6000 objects including trains, dolls and so on. Also nearby is the Museum of Archeology , which exhibits an interesting collection of artifacts from the Viking era. One of the main attractions of the museum is Finn, a well-preserved skeleton of a 12,000-year-old polar bear found near Finnøy.

Just outside the city center, near Mosvatnet Lake, is the Stavanger Art Museum , which boasts an interesting collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by Lars Hertervig , Edvard Munch , Kitty Kielland , Christian Krohg and Harriet Backer .

Iron Age Farm

About 5km from the city center you can visit Jernaldergården , an old farmhouse dating back to the Viking Iron Age. The farm, built between AD 350 and 550, was remodeled around the 1970s and is a very interesting place to find out more about Norway’s Viking past.

Ledaal House

Another popular attraction in Stavanger is the Ledaal House , located near the Breidablikk Museum, an elegant 18th century palace that was the summer residence of the Kielland, a local noble family. Considered to be one of the finest and best preserved examples of 18th century noble architecture , Ledaal House now houses a museum and is one of the official residences of the Norwegian royal family. The Ledaal House is open only in summer, and you will be able to see some of the rooms, elegantly and lavishly decorated.

Swords in Rock

One of the most curious things to see in Stavanger is the Sverd i Fjell (Swords in Rock) , located about 6 km from the city center, overlooking the fjord. It is an imposing monument formed by three huge bronze swords (representing Viking swords) embedded in the rock. This monument is 10 meters high and was built in 1893 by sculptor Fritz Røed in memory of the naval battle of the Hafrsfjord, which took place here in the 9th century, which led to the proclamation of Harald Fairhair as the first king of Norway.

Stavanger Botanical Garden

The Stavanger Botanical Garden is located near the Sørmarka forest, about 4 km from the city center, and is a perfect place for a nice walk, it is open all year round and admission is free.

To get there you have to take one of the buses that lead to the University campus, it is a little out of the way, but it boasts several beautiful paths surrounded by plants, flowers and trees. From here you can also get to Ullandhaugtårnet , a tall telecommunications tower. The building, built in the 1960s in a somewhat brutalist style, is rather ugly, but the view from the observation deck isn’t too bad.

In the surroundings of Stavanger you can explore one of the most beautiful areas of southwestern Norway, the wonderful Lysefjord and the surrounding high cliffs. The Lysefjord is 42km long and less than 2km wide, and offers a breathtaking landscape, with its turquoise waters surrounded by scenic and impressive cliffs up to 1000 meters high.

The Lysefjord offers several hiking trails, with Preikestolen (also called Pulpit Rock ) being the most scenic and famous. To get there you can book a guided day tour from Stavanger . Otherwise, if you have your own car, you can drive to Revsvatnet , a beautiful mountain lake located about 40km northeast of Stavanger, near the town of Jørpeland . The main trails to Preikestolen and Lysefjord start from the lake.

Right next to the Preikestolen trail head is the Preikestolen BaseCamp which offers great, inexpensive accommodation in a perfect location for exploring the surroundings.

The Revsvatnet is easily reached in 45 minutes by driving through the Ryfast , a sub-sea tunnel system which is the longest undersea road tunnel in the world . You could rent a car in Stavanger to freely explore the beautiful surroundings, you can check rates and availability on Rentalcars or Discovercars .

The main attractions of the Lysefjord are:

Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)

Kjeragbolten.

The Preikestolen or Pulpit Rock is the most famous attraction around Stavanger and one of the most beautiful in Norway. The Preikestolen is an impressive 609-meter-high cliff that formed over 10,000 years ago during the last ice age.

The Lysefjord sits right between these towering granite cliffs, so one of the best views is from the calm waters of the fjord. There are day trips from Stavanger that include a boat tour to the most scenic spots on the fjord . The most amazing attraction is the Pulpit Rock , a very high cliff overlooking the fjord: it can be reached with an easy hike, from the top the view is amazing!

Pulpit Rock is one of the most iconic places in Norway, which is why it attracts thousands of tourists a year. To get there, there is a hiking trail that starts from the Revsvatnet lake (GPS: 58.99190, 6.13841 ), located 40 km from Stavanger. There is a road that comes near the lake where there is paid parking (quite expensive, 250 NOK) and the Preikestolen BaseCamp , a good hotel which is a great choice for those who want to explore the area to the fullest. Hotel guests have free parking.

The hiking trail to the Preikestolen is about 4 km long and takes about two hours (one way). It is also suitable for beginners and does not require special skills, especially from April to October. In winter the snow and ice make the hike a little more difficult.

It is probably Norway’s most famous picture . You will surely have seen on social media some photos of people poised on a large stone nestled between two cliffs, in a precarious position on a dizzying overhang. Here, this is the Kjeragbolten! One of the most famous and incredible places in Norway, Kjeragbolten is a boulder nestled in a crevasse on Mount Kjerag 1000 meters high on the Lysefjord fjord.

And yes, in the summer it is full of people who come up there to take the iconic photo on the boulder. It will surely leave your friends breathless, but it’s not for those with a fear of heights.

You may be wondering how that boulder got there. It is said that about 50,000 years ago, when the mountain glaciers melted their waters flooded the fjord and at the same time the rocks, freed from the weight of the glacier, began to rise (geologists call it post-glacial rebound ). The bounce was faster than the rise in the water level, so the boulder got stuck in the position where it still is.

To get there there is a 6 km long hiking trail (one way) of medium difficulty. The terrain and climbs might be a bit challenging, but the effort will pay off with the wonderful views.

As scary as it may sound, be aware that especially in summer there are hundreds of people a day who come here to take a picture. And there have never been any accidents or deaths (with the exception of people doing bungee jumping or other somewhat extreme activities). But if you don’t have the courage to take the last leap, the view is still wonderful.

The best way to get to Kjeragbolten is from the village of Lysebotn , from here you can drive along the winding road which with its 26 hairpin bends will lead you to Øygardstøl where there is paid parking (this too is quite expensive, 300 NOK), located right along the Fv500 road (GPS: 59.04595, 6.65133 ). The trail to the Kjeragbolten starts right next to the parking lot.

From Stavanger you can get to the parking lot from where the trail starts in about 2 hours of driving, it’s about 140 km . Or you could join one of the great day trips with an expert guide , which also include convenient round-trip transportation.

Flørli is another good destination for hikers. It is a tiny village (GPS: 59.01688, 6.43330 ) located in a remote area of the Lysefjord. Here there is just a hydroelectric power plant and little else, but the real attraction is Flørli 4444 : the longest wooden staircase in the world , with 4444 steps.

This breathtaking staircase runs along the penstocks of the power plant until it reaches the top of the mountain. The view is breathtaking! Flørli is not connected to any road and the only way to reach it is via the ferries that cross the fjord. The ferries leave at a dock near the power plant, the staircase is right next to it. The climb is a bit challenging: the staircase is steep and there are really a lot of steps! The hike takes 3 to 4 hours to complete.

Stavanger offers plenty of activities to do. If you want to enjoy a relaxing stay you can opt for one of its excellent spa hotels. Lovers of beautiful views shouldn’t miss a fjord cruise or one of the day trips to the Lysefjord . On the other hand, if you love outdoor activities and sports, the surroundings of Stavanger offer a lot of opportunities: from the wonderful hiking trails of the Lysefjord to kayaking in the fjords.

Lysefjord Cruise

The best way to visit the Lysefjord is with one of the comfortable fjord cruises that depart from Stavanger . The boats take you to the most scenic corners of the fjord, where you can see fabulous waterfalls, such as Hengjane Waterfall , remote villages and the world-famous Preikestolen cliffs.

The fjord cruise can be booked in advance online, in the summer it is quite in demand, and in 3-4 hours allows you to enjoy the best views of the Lysefjord, including Pulpit Rock , the high cliffs of Preikestolen , some mysterious caves (which according to legend were the haunt of fugitives), breathtaking emerald bays, and a plethora of villages, waterfalls and idyllic views.

Lysefjord Kayaking Trip

The Lysefjord is also one of the most popular kayaking destinations in Norway : its calm waters and stunning surrounding landscape attract kayaking enthusiasts from all over the world.

So you could choose to book a nice Lysefjord Kayaking Trip : 4 unforgettable hours of kayaking in the most scenic part of the fjord. These activities are organized by Nordic Paddling , a specialized agency located in Forsand , a village right on the Lysefjord. They will provide you with all the necessary equipment, including kayaking, kayaking clothing and a professional English-speaking (or Norwegian, of course) guide.

Best Spa HOTELS in Stavanger

Stavanger is also famous for its spa hotels , which are among the best in Norway. Many travelers and locals come here to enjoy a relaxing stay, perhaps at the end of a great day of hiking.

Sola Strand Hotel

The Sola Strand Hotel is located right on the famous Sola Beach , the most famous of Stavanger, just 15 minutes drive from the city center. It is one of the historic hotels in Norway, and is located in a quiet setting, away from the hustle and bustle, yet close enough to Stavanger Airport .

Here you can relax on the beautiful sandy beach with an unforgettable view of the ocean, but the hotel also boasts a beautiful terrace and a spa that includes hot and cold water pools, saunas, massages and treatments. The hotel also has a good restaurant, the Montroyal Restaurant , housed in a cigar room of an early 20th century cruise ship.

Scandic Royal Stavanger

The Scandic Royal Stavanger is undoubtedly one of the best hotels in Stavanger and is located right in the heart of the city, close to Gamble Stavanger and the train station . It offers modern, spacious and comfortable accommodation, a good breakfast included in the price and free access to its beautiful spa, which includes a gym, swimming pool, hot tub and sauna.

Hiking Near Stavanger

Among the hiking trails around Stavanger these are the best and most popular:

• Flørli 4444 : you can reach by boat a tiny and remote village built near a hydroelectric power station, from where the longest wooden staircase in the world starts: there are 4444 steps and a couple of kilometers of path to go back to the valley;
• Pulpit Rock or Preikestolen : a 600 meter high cliff overlooking the fjord, considered one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the world. It can be reached by an easy trek from Revsvatnet Lake . There are guided hikes from Stavanger that include round-trip transportation.
• Kjeragbolten : the famous boulder set between two cliffs overlooking the fjord , one of the most iconic pictures of the Norwegian fjords. Accessible with a medium difficulty hike from the mountains near Lysebotn. There are guided hikes from Stavanger that include round-trip transportation.
• Dalsnuten : Another popular hike on a scenic plateau located just 30 minutes’ drive from Stavanger. You will be able to reach the top of a 300 meter high hill from which you can have a nice view of the fjord and the city of Stavanger in the background. There are several hiking trails leading to Dalsnuten, the best being the one from Gramstad . The trail starts near a free car park (GPS: 58.88409, 5.79897 ) and is easy and suitable for everyone. You will also pass by a couple of beautiful lakes, such as Revholstjørn , which is also a good place for fishing.

Re-naa is undoubtedly one of the best restaurants in Stavanger. This great gourmet restaurant, run by chef Sven Erik Renaa , is an elegant place serving a tasting menu based on the best local ingredients. It is located in the heart of Stavanger, near the port, and the menu changes daily based on the best products available. The creativity of the chef and the high level of service make a dinner at Re-naa a true sensory experience. The restaurant has been awarded 2 Michelin stars , and the tasting menu starts at NOK 2,900 (drinks not included). The restaurant also boasts a good selection of wines. Reservation is required.

There are also two more modest branches of Re-naa, serving quality local specialties, in a simpler way and at more affordable prices. The Re-naa Matbaren is a bistro located in the heart of the city near the Sølvberget and the Odeon Cinema , serving good local meat and fish specialties.

Renaa Xpress Sølvberget is located right in the same building as Sølvberget , Stavanger’s library and culture house, and is more of a café than a restaurant, serving pizza, pastries and some local specialties.

NB Sørensen

NB Sørensen is another good restaurant in Stavanger, located in a traditional house with a pleasant modern interior, in the heart of the city, on the Skagen seafront. It serves good international and local specialties, such as burgers, grilled meats, salads and soups.

Bølgen & Moi Stavanger

The modern Bølgen & Moi Stavanger is one of Stavanger’s trendiest restaurants, located near the Norwegian Petroleum Museum. It has a beautiful outdoor terrace that overlooks the sea and serves good seafood or meat specialties. Try the excellent skrei (arctic cod) or the venison carpaccio.

Getting to Stavanger by Plane

Stavanger Airport is located 15 km from the city center and has direct connections to major cities in Norway, such as Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim. From the airport there are some buses to the city center (30 minutes) operated by Flybussen. Tickets can be purchased from the driver or online. Buying them online you get a better price. You can check timetables and buy tickets on the Flybussen website.

Get to Stavanger by Bus or Train

Stavanger Bus Station is located just 400 meters from the city center, near the Byparken lake and the Railway Station . There are numerous buses to and from the main cities in the surrounding area, as well as some trains to Oslo and Kristiansand.

How to go from Bergen to Stavanger

• Going from Bergen to Stavanger by Plane : It might seem that Bergen and Stavanger are close enough, but that’s not the case. The approximately 210 kilometers (on the shortest route) between the two cities takes over 5 hours to travel, so many opt for the plane, which is the fastest way to get from Bergen to Stavanger and vice versa. But it is also the most expensive. The flight from Bergen to Stavanger takes approximately 40 minutes and is operated by Norwegian, Widerøe and SAS.
• Going from Bergen to Stavanger by Bus: There are up to 5 buses per day in winter and 8 in summer from Bergen to Stavanger and vice versa (5.5 hours) operated by Kystbussen and Nor-way.
• Going from Bergen to Stavanger by Ferry: Another good option to travel between Bergen and Stavanger are the ferries operated by Fjordline. There are two departures a day and the car ferries run a nice coastal route from Bergen to Stavanger and from there to Hirtshals (Denmark). Stavanger is also a popular port for those arriving by ferry from Denmark, Fjordline’s car ferries depart daily from the port of Hirtshals on the north end of Denmark. Prices and timetables can be checked on the Fjordline website.
• Going from Bergen to Stavanger by Car: The most classic way to travel between Bergen and Stavanger is by car. It takes about 5 hours, but you will travel along scenic roads and encounter many viewpoints and small villages, so you certainly won’t be bored.

How to go from Oslo to Stavanger

The fastest way to get to Stavanger from Oslo is by plane (about 1 hour), otherwise there are 5 trains a day (8 hours) connecting the capital with Stavanger. There are also 5 buses a day (about 9 hours) operated by the Nor-way and Vaernesekpressen companies.

How to go from Stavanger to Odda – Hardangerfjorden

From Stavanger to Odda , on the Hardangerfjorden, it is about 200 km. One of the most popular ways of getting between the two cities is by car (around 40 hours). Bus connections require several changes: you can take Nor-way Bus NW400 (5 buses per day) to Aksdal where you will have to change to Bus N. 260 to Ølen and then finally change to Bus N. 801 to Odda. In total it takes about 6 hours.

Alternatively, you could take the Kolumbus company ferry 522 from the port of Stavanger to Sandeid. From there you could take Bus N.150 to Ølen and finally Bus N. 801 to Odda. In total it takes about 5.5 hours.

How to go from Kristansand to Stavanger

From Kristiansand to Stavanger and vice versa there are 5 trains per day (3 – 3.5 hours). The trains are the same ones that also go to Oslo. Otherwise there are buses operated by Nor-way and Vaernesekpressen (approximately 4 hours).

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23 Things to Do in Stavanger, Norway – From a Local!

January 4, 2023 by Silvia Leave a Comment

To be perfectly honest I only recently realized what a wonderful city Stavanger is to visit. I had driven through Stavanger several times and never thought much of it, but I also had never spent the time to properly explore the city. But then my friend Vanessa moved to Stavanger and really opened my eyes to it, and now I even occasionally find myself suggesting that people visit Stavanger instead of Bergen !

I’ve visited Vanessa in Stavanger four times now (in January, July, and twice in December), but if you’ve read any of my other Norway travel guides you’ll know that I only like to write about places I know incredibly well, as I want to give you the most in depth and helpful information possible. So I enlisted Vanessa’s help to compile this Stavanger travel guide so that you can experience the best Stavanger has to offer, according to a local. Thanks, Vanessa! Here she shares some of the best things to do in Stavanger and best day trips from Stavanger, Norway. 

And if you want my most in depth travel advice, you can buy my Norway travel ebooks here . 

Table of Contents

Things To Do in Stavanger

Stavanger walking tour.

One of my favorite ways to get to know a new city is simply to wander around downtown. I especially enjoyed doing this with Vanessa because she could share lots of local history as we walked – it helps that she used to work as a tour guide! If you want that same local experience, I highly recommend booking a guided walking tour for your first morning in Stavanger. This private Stavanger walking tour is fully customizable, so you can tell your guide what you’re interested in seeing and learning about. 

Translating to “the color street”, Øvre Holmegate or simply “ Fargegaten ” as the locals call it, is located just up the hill from the downtown harbor area and attracts visitors and locals alike who’re looking to grab a coffee or drink. There are a dozen bars to choose from, some also functioning as cafes during the day. So whether you’re looking to simply enjoy a coffee, a cold beer, a fancy cocktail or some Turkish tea, chances are you’ll find what you’re looking for.  

The street actually used to be quite boring back in the day, until local entrepreneurs sat down to think how they could attract more people to their part of town. Their simple but brilliant idea was to paint each of the plain white buildings on the street a unique color, resulting in a beautiful rainbow of buildings. And the street really lives up to its new nickname – it’s super colorful!

Make sure to read on for where to grab a drink in Fargegaten.

Stavanger has the discovery of large quantities of oil in the North Sea to thank for its current reputation as a vibrant and international city. It used to be a sleepy fishing and farming town, but by the 1980s, the city was suddenly filled with Texans working in the oil industry and American schools and neighborhoods started popping up. The city remains very international and has quite a large expat population, while still also maintaing its charm from the old days as a Norwegian fishery town.  

Exactly how the city developed and how Norway became one of the wealthiest countries in the world is something you can learn all about in the Norwegian Petroleum Museum downtown. Rather than just glorifying the past, the museum does a really good job of presenting both the positive and negative aspects of the industry and its impact not only on Stavanger and Norway, but on the world in general. The museum even has a separate exhibition on climate change and carbon footprints.  

You don’t need to be particularly fussed or even interested in the oil industry itself to enjoy a few hours at this very interactive and exciting museum!

Gamle Stavanger & IDDIS

If the modern multicultural side of Norway doesn’t really appeal to you and you’d rather experience a more traditional side of the country, the old town of Stavanger (also known as Gamle Stavanger) is the place to be.

With its 173 old wooden buildings from the 18 th and 19 th centuries, the old town really is the most charming neighborhood in the city. Go for a stroll in the little alleyways, greet the cats that live there, visit one of the many arts and handicrafts shops around, or head to IDDIS – the Norwegian Printing and Canning Museum.  

Wonder what printing and canning might possibly have in common? Back in the day when Stavanger still used to be a fishery town and heavily dependent on herring, said fish would be canned and sold all over the world. To market the canned herring, the most colorful and original labels would be used, and you can still find 35,000 can labels at the museum today! 

Pro tip: Head here on a Tuesday or Thursday in summer when you can try smoked sprats fresh out the oven!

Sverd i fjell

About a 10 minute ride outside of the city center you’ll find Sverd i fjell. This is a monument consisting of three swords in a rock, symbolizing the unification of Norway into one kingdom by the famous Viking Harald Fairhair. The monument was erected in the 1980s and is made of bronze and situated right by Harfsfjord, where the famous battle of Harfsfjord that lead to Harald becoming the first king of a united Norway supposedly took place.  

Pro tip: If you visit in June, you might be able to experience the local Viking festival Harfsfjordkaupangen that takes place in the bay by the swords each year!

Lysefjord cruise

I’m putting this in the middle of the list of things to do in Stavanger for a reason! While many people only pass through Stavanger or just stay a day here to see Lysefjord and hike Pulpit Rock, the city actually has a lot more to offer than this. But it’s true that Lysefjord really is a majestic fjord to experience, no matter the weather. So while I do think you should stay in Stavanger long enough to see a bit of the city, you certainly don’t want to visit without seeing the famous Lysefjord as well. 

If you really want to feel the grandeur of this fjord, I recommend taking a RIB safari cruise from Stavanger. These boat rides are so fun (and fast!) and being so low on the water is a much more special experience than sitting inside a ferry. This RIB cruise departs from Stavanger and takes you through Lysefjord, with the opportunity of spotting seals, eagles, caves, and waterfalls along the way. 

But if you want something a bit more comfortable, this Lysefjord boat cruise also looks wonderful, and includes majestic views of Norway’s famous Pulpit Rock and an opportunity to drink water straight from Hengjane Waterfall. 

Kayaking through Lysefjord

If you’re even more adventurous, this guided kayaking trip along Lysefjord looks so special, and I particularly love that the guide will take photos of you! 

Pulpit Rock

The top of Pulpit Rock is one of Norway’s most iconic views – in fact Pulpit Rock ( Preikestolen in Norwegian) might actually be the most famous hike in all of Norway. So you know it’s well worth visiting. However, be aware that as Norway’s most famous hike, Pulpit Rock is incredibly popular and you’ll likely have to share the hike with hundreds of other tourists, especially if you’re visiting in July. 

If you’re up for the hike, be sure to wear sturdy hiking boots as the trail can be super slippery when wet, try to start early (before 8 am) if you want to beat the crowds, and last but certainly not least, don’t underestimate it! The hike is about 8 km long in total and it takes on average two hours to get up and two hours to get down again. There’s a total elevation gain of 500 meters, so you will feel your legs and feet at the end of it.

Make sure to go on a clear day – there are often low-hanging clouds and/or fog in the fjord, and you can quickly risk not seeing anything at all on the top if you go on a rainy day! This is another good reason to spend several days in Stavanger. If you keep your schedule flexible, you can choose to hike Pulpit Rock on the day with the best weather. 

You can either drive to the start of the Pulpit Rock, which takes about 45 minutes from Stavanger, or take a boat. 

If you would prefer to go with a guide, this guided Pulpit Rock hike starts with a ferry ride from Stavanger. While you can certainly do this hike in the summer without a guide, I would recommend a guide if you want to hike Pulpit Rock during the rest of the year, as conditions can make the hike more tricky, and you have to be very careful of daylight when the sun sets early.  This snowshoe hike to Pulpit Rock is perfect for the winter and early spring. 

Another nice hike and an easy alternative for those who aren’t up for Pulpit Rock is the hike to Dalsnuten in Stavanger’s neighboring town Sandnes. The hike only takes 1 ½ hours in total with an elevation gain of only about 200 meters and a total length of about 4 km. This is one of those low effort, high reward hikes, as you’ll be rewarded with a view of Stavanger and the surrounding area from above!  

Kjeragbolten hike

If you’re looking for something even more adventurous than Pulpit Rock, the Kjeragbolten hike might be for you! You’ve probably seen photos of Kjerag’s iconic boulder suspended between the highest peaks in Ryfylke. This is a demanding hike and certainly not for anyone with a strong fear of heights, which is why I’ve never done it.

The hike takes about 10 hours round trip, with an ascent of 800 meters. You can only attempt this hike between May and October, and if you want added safety I would recommend going with a guide. This guided Kjeragbolten hike starts with a ferry ride from Stavanger. 

Flor & Fjære

One thing besides Pulpit Rock that you can’t find anywhere else in Norway but Stavanger is the exotic palm island paradise at Flor & Fjære. Situated just 20 minutes from Stavanger by boat on the island of Sør-Hidle, this very colorful and exotic botanical garden originally started as a hobby for a local gardener with a holiday house on the island.

As the island is sheltered from the wind it has a micro-climate where even in winter it’s usually 5 degrees warmer here than in Stavanger. This milder climate helped the garden to grow and grow, and the owner got more and more experimental with it.  

Today, you can find 50,000 flowers here that are planted from scratch every spring, with a restaurant located in a greenhouse that serves delicious local and seasonal produce. The season runs from May to September, and you can’t get here by public transport. Instead you have to buy an entry ticket to the garden, which includes a boat shuttle from the city center in Stavanger. The ticket also includes a guided tour of the garden and, most importantly, a three-course meal in the restaurant.

A visit here truly is such a special experience and one that you can’t get anywhere else in Norway, so don’t miss out!

Tungenes fyr

Can’t get enough of the ocean? Head out to the neighbouring small town of Randaberg and take a walk around the lighthouse Tungenes fyr. One of many at the North Sea coast, and especially the Jæren coast surrounding Stavanger, Tungenes was fully functioning up until the 1980s and today serves as a museum. The inside is left as it was back when the last lighthouse keeper was still living there in the 1930s. There’s also a café inside which is open every day during the summer and every Sunday during off-season.

Pro-tip: Take a walk along the coast from Tungenes lighthouse to the beach Sandestranden.  

The sandy beaches of the Jæren coast

Stavanger is near two of Norway’s famous Scenic Routes , one of which is Jæren. You might feel like you’re actually in Denmark when you stand in the rolling sand dunes of Jæren looking out on the turquoise blue water, but yes, this is in fact still Norway.

If you’re dependent on public transport, you can easily take the bus to the airport and then walk to Sola beach from there. Otherwise, there are plenty of beaches to visit by car. The longest and least crowded one of them is Orrestranden. But beware: since the beach isn’t the most crowded one, it’s gotten popular amongst nudists and people wanting to have a good old romantic time in the sand dunes – much to the dismay of the locals. So, you might want to watch out – or rather, look away?

Drive along the Ryfylke Scenic Route

While Vanessa loves the Jæren Scenic Route, I’m actually not much of a beach person, so I find the long, flat drive kind of boring. I much prefer the mountainous Ryfylke Scenic Route .

If you’re also more of a mountain than beach person, you’ll definitely want to take the time to drive at least part of this route, which starts 45 minutes outside of Stavanger in Oanes. The landscape is rocky and jagged in places, but it also has plenty of soft rolling hills dotted with the cutest little Norwegian farms. 

If you want to know more about renting a car and driving in Norway, read my complete guide to planning a Norwegian road trip here . 

And if you do take this route, I can highly recommend spending a night at Hoiland Gård , which is about 1 hour 45 minutes from Stavanger, along the Ryfylke Scenic Route.

I spent a night in their glamping tent and it was one of the highlights of my most recent trip to Stavanger. The views here are incredible, and while here you can also check out the Fairytale Forest, or Eventyrskogen in Norwegian, which is just a short walk from the farm.  Check current rates and availability at Hoiland Gård here. 

Where to eat and drink in Stavanger

Pedersgata  .

A visit to Pedersgata is a must, not just to grab a bite to eat, but also to get more acquainted with Stavanger in general. Back in the day, Pedersgata used to be the shady side of town. It was here where the harbor and fishery workers lived – oftentimes in tight quarters and quite poor environments.

In recent times, however, the street has made a massive development and went from the side of town you’d rather avoid to the side of town where you can now find some of the best and hippest restaurants. Whether you’re up for Pakistani, Mexican, Vietnamese or Italian – Pedersgata truly offers something for everyone.  

Make sure to try Korean bao buns at YIPS , sourdough pizza at Panzanella , square pizza at Mano , authentic Pakistani food at Zouq , authentic Mexican tacos at Casa Salsitas , or head to Sabi Sushi for some of the best sushi in town.

For dessert, try Siddis Gelato for ice-cream, Sandi for heavenly cakes, or Bønnespiren for vegan treats. And last, but not least, for drinks head to Matros for a pint in a super cosy maritime atmosphere, or Lapin for some wine tasting.  

Lervig Local

Stavanger’s local micro-brewery and hippest hang-out, Lervig Local just up the hill from the city center is certainly the place to be. Come here for a pint in the garden on a sunny day, quiz night on Wednesdays, a bite to eat for lunch, or simply just a coffee. The highlight of Lervig Local, however, is the selection of locally produced beers on tap. Make sure to try some of the less obvious ones – you might be in for a treat!

Fargegaten  

THE place to head for a drink! Try Pjolter & Punsj for delicious cocktails, Efendi for Turkish tea and cocktails, Frøken Pil for a drink and board games with friends in a super cosy atmosphere, Bøker & Borst for a slice of cake and some coffee in what appears to be a book shop but is, in fact, a lot more than that, and last but not least Bacchus for some afternoon snacks in a side alley off the hustle and bustle of town.  

Noodle Noodle  

Try the chicken katzu curry in this Asian fusion restaurant right at the edge of Fargegaten. The portion size is massive, so maybe ask for a doggy bag. I can also recommend the Thai red curry! Or maybe ramen instead?  

If you fancy some Italian and want to dine out on a sunny day, Olivia is where you should head. Their pizza selection is divine and with their location right by the harbor of Stavanger, it’s the perfect place for people watching too. Just beware of the seagulls who might try to get their share!

Fisketorget

You might want to try some Norwegian cuisine while you’re here and what better way to do so than to try some traditional fish soup? Fisketorget at the harbor is by far the most popular place in Stavanger for this – they even have a counter running of how many liters of fish soup they’ve served that day and month! 

Kanelsnurren

Norway does produce some delicious pastry! Definitely head to Kanelsnurren to try one of their cinnamon rolls – the café is named after them, so you can only expect them to be yummy. They also serve delicious sunshine rolls ( solskinnboller ), and with their location on the market square, you can easily spend an hour here just watching the world go by.  

Sirkus Renaa

From the owners of one of Stavanger’s three Michelin star restaurants, Sirkus Renaa is a more affordable place to grab a bite that still doesn’t compromise on the quality of the food. They have two cafés in the city and both locations tend to be jam-packed by locals, which is always a good sign!

Their sourdough pizza is equally as delicious as their croissants, and they serve organic drinks alongside their food. They also have amazing gelato, so make sure to leave some space for that as well!

This is for all the vegans out there! Bellies is a 100% vegan restaurant in Stavanger’s hip East where you’ll be served a full 7 course menu completely based on seasonal, local and plant-based ingredients – all the wine served is vegan too. A full course lasts around 2,5 hours, but you can also head here for lunch if you fancy something simpler.  

How to get to Stavanger

Stavanger has direct routes to/from Oslo, Bergen and Kristiansand (SAS, Norwegian and Widerøe respectively), as well as Trondheim (SAS). And with Stavanger being the oil capital of Norway, there’s also a decent selection of direct flight routes from abroad, including:

– Amsterdam (KLM) – Copenhagen (SAS, Norwegian) – London (Norwegian, SAS, Wizz Air) – Frankfurt (Lufthansa) – Barcelona (Norwegian) – Stockholm (SAS)

A cheaper way of getting to Stavanger is taking the ferry – either from Bergen if you’re on a mission to explore all of Western Norway, or from Hirtshals if you’re driving up from Denmark/mainland Europe. The ferry between Bergen and Stavanger takes approximately 5 hours and tickets can be found starting at 250 NOK (excluding a car), while the ride across the North Sea from Denmark takes 11 ½ hours.  

By train/bus

If you’re already travelling around Norway and want to make Stavanger one stop on your journey, you could also take the train/bus from Oslo or Kristiansand, or the bus from Bergen. While the ferry from Bergen is a cheaper and more comfortable way of travelling, you might want to see more of the coastline of the country, in which case the Kystbussen bus could be a good alternative. It also has the advantage of taking you right to the city center of Stavanger, while the ferry only stops in neighbouring Tananger and you have to take an additional 30 minute bus ride from there into town.  

Coming from Eastern/Southern Norway, you can take the train from Oslo or Kristiansand. The journey from Kristiansand takes a mere 3 hours while the journey from Oslo takes 8 hours. Train tickets are most affordable when bought about 3 months in advance.  

There’s also a bus service running from Oslo/Kristiansand to Stavanger, but journey times and prices are roughly the same, so I’d opt for the train, as it’s more comfortable.

Where to stay in Stavanger

You’re going to want to plan your accommodation well in advance when visiting Stavanger, as it’s not uncommon for the city’s hotels to all fully book out. Don’t worry, I’m including tips for where to look if the city center is fully booked, but if you want your first choice of hotels definitely book your Stavanger hotels early. Like right now! 

Hotel Victoria

Fancy a stay at a hotel that first opened its doors in 1900? Hotel Victoria has been completely refurbished since that time, but the charm of the old days remains. With its location right by the harbor of Stavanger and an exquisite afternoon tea that oftentimes is booked out months in advance, you can be sure that a stay at this hotel is money well spent.   Check current rates and availability here.

Clarion Collection Hotel Skagen Brygge

A slightly more affordable option just down the road, so equally central, is Hotel Skagen Brygge. Located in traditional fisherman buildings and with a stunning view of the harbor, a room here comes with breakfast, afternoon tea and even a simple dinner!  Check current rates and availability here.

Radisson Blu Atlantic Hotel

Stavanger’s fanciest modern hotel is worth the splurge. Situated just down the road of the train station, the hotel comes with a sauna, a barbecue restaurant, a fantastic view over the small lake Breiavatnet, and an excellent selection of cocktails at the hotel bar.   Check current rates and availability here.

Scandic Stavanger City

If you’re looking for something slightly more affordable but with an amazing breakfast buffet and a location in the center of the city, Scandic Stavanger City is a great choice. Pro tip: You can rent their bikes for free, and that way explore even more of the city.  Check current rates and availability here. 

Clarion Hotel Energy

Situated a 10-minute bus journey from the city center but within walking distance to the Swords in Rock monument, Clarion Hotel Energy usually has availability when all the hotels in the city center have been long booked out, and the hotel comes with decent sized rooms and a great breakfast buffet for an affordable rate. Check current rates and availability here. 

Smarthotel Forus

If you don’t mind staying in Stavanger’s neighbouring city Sandnes and want to save money, Smarthotel Forus is a good option. With a 30-minute bus journey to Stavanger, you do have to travel a fair bit to see it all, but at least you can save quite a bit of money for more Norway adventures. More advantages of staying here: Smarthotel Forus is Norway’s first and only street art hotel with street art that can be found both, on the outside and inside of the hotel, and parking here is free! Check current rates and availability here. 

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Once a full-time nomad, I'm now trying to find a balance between continuing to explore off the beaten path places around the world while also building a home in Norway. Want to know more? Head to my About page !

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Best Things To Do in Stavanger Norway (These 8 Are a Must!)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: March 11, 2023

If you are traveling to Stavanger, Norway, for the first time, you are probably wondering what are the must-see attractions in town and what are the best things to do nearby. We spent three unforgettable days here and in this post I am sharing some of the best things to do in Stavanger and best day trips from Stavanger that you really shouldn’t miss. 

This is not a complete list of Stavanger attractions. This beautiful region has so much more to offer than that, but if you want to see the main highlights, then look no further. These are the top places to see and things to do in Stavanger.

This list starts with the best things to do in Stavanger town . Further down, you can find the best excursions and day trips from Stavanger . Whether you are visiting Stavanger for a day when cruising Norway or are here for a few days, this article is all you need for your first visit. Find out!

TIP: At the bottom of the post I also included some itinerary ideas on how to spend one, two, three, or four days in Stavanger. You can also find some practical tips and recommendations on the best hotels in Stavanger.

Stavanger was the first stop during our Norwegian road trip and we couldn’t have chosen a better place to fall in love with Norway.

Stavanger really has it all – a beautiful old town with lots of history and cozy atmosphere, quirky museums (that prove that museums can be fun for all), and stunning nature with jaw-dropping landscapes within such an easy reach from town…

Without further ado, here are our absolute favorite things to do in Stavanger :

Gamle Stavanger

Gamle Stavanger (Old Stavanger) is a small historic area with beautifully restored wooden buildings dating from the turn of the 18th-19th century. If you only have a couple of hours in Stavanger, then this is one place you really don’t want to miss.

This protected area was originally home to the workers of the sardine canning industry. More than 170 houses have been beautifully restored and a visit to this historic quarter with its white wooden houses, colorful flowers, and well-kept little gardens is a real treat for the eye.

Strolling through the narrow cobbled streets with the old-fashioned street lanterns and empty benches feels like stepping back in time and you’d almost forget that people live here today… If you want to have an authentic feel of old Norway, then Gamle Stavanger is probably one of the best places to experience this.

Practical information: Gamle Stavanger is located to the West of the old harbor Vagen, just a few minutes walking distance from the Strandkaien cruise ship terminal (see the map ).

The Norwegian Canning Museum

If you visit just one museum in Stavanger, make it The Norwegian Canning Museum . You’ll never look at a can of fish with the same eyes again!

All kidding aside, visiting this historic museum located in an old canning factory in the earlier mentioned Gamle Stavanger area is the best hour you can spend in Stavanger.

Not only do you get to know the importance of the canning industry, learn how a factory worked, or see thousands of incredibly creative labels that even the best marketing gurus can learn from. On top of that, this museum is really hands-on with lots of fun activities that you can try for yourself. You can thread sardines, lay them in cans, and on certain days you can even taste some smoked sardines… Fun for kids and adults alike!

I really feel that you’d be missing a big deal if you don’t pay a visit to this unique museum when visiting Stavanger. Even if you have just half an hour to spare, take a look inside. You won’t be disappointed.

Practical information: You can find all the practical information on the Norwegian Canning Museum website .

LEARN MORE: What to Expect at the Norwegian Canning Museum

Norwegian Petroleum Museum

You can’t really miss the Norwegian Petroleum Museum in Stavanger. Built as a replica of an oil platform, its very special architectural design will catch your eye immediately. But there is so much more to this museum than its impressive exterior!

There is a lot to see and do in this museum, often chosen as the best museum of Stavanger by guidebooks and travelers alike.

Not only can you learn everything about oil, you will also get a better understanding about the importance of the petroleum industry in Norway. It turned the country that was once on the brink of poverty into one of the most wealthy countries in the world.

There are models of oil platforms and ships, rigs with emergency slides, and even an escape room where you can experience what it would be like to try to evacuate from a burning rig. Children will love this museum as well. There is a question-and-answer trail to follow, lots of hands-on experiences, and a themed playground where the kids can put on a helmet and a uniform and build their own oil platform.

Practical information:   You can find more information and opening times on the official website of the Norwegian Petroleum Museum . Count at least an hour or even two for a visit.

Which museum to visit in Stavanger? Stavanger is not such a big town, but it has so many museums that you could easily spend a week doing nothing else, but visiting them. 

If you have just an hour or two in Stavanger, I recommend visiting Gamle Stavanger and the Norwegian Canning Museum. If you have 2-4 hours in Stavanger, visit the Norwegian Petroleum museum as well.

These two museums couldn’t be more different, but I feel that you need to see both to get a better understanding of Norway as a country. If you have more time in Stavanger and want to visit even more museums, you can find the complete selection online.

Stavanger Town Center, Domkirke, and Breiavatnet

Stavanger town center is not very big, so I suggest that you go for a short walk and see some of the main highlights in town.

One of the landmarks you shouldn’t miss in Stavanger is its medieval cathedral – Domkirke . It has been recently restored and is one of the best-kept old churches of Norway. It’s also the only cathedral in Norway that has been continuously used since the 1300s.

Breiavatnet is a small lake with a fountain located in the middle of Byparken park in the center of Stavanger. It’s just a stone’s throw away from the old town and the cathedral and is a nice place for a relaxing stroll.

Lysefjord Cruise

Lysefjord is one of the most beautiful fjords of Norway and one of the main highlights that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors to Stavanger every year.

Sail deep into the fjord and admire the sheer walls around you, with the most famous of them – The Pulpit Rock – rising over 600 m above the fjord. You’ll pass some tiny islands, caves, and waterfalls. It’s a sight to behold…

There are several ways to experience the Lysefjord. Probably the easiest and the most popular is by taking a boat tour . There are regular ferries connecting various little towns along the fjord, but it’s much easier (and not more expensive) to just take a Lysefjord cruise from Stavanger.

We visited Lysefjord twice. Once on a rainy day when we did the Lysefjord cruise in combination with the Pulpit Rock hike , and then on a sunny day when we sailed all the way to Florli and climbed the world’s longest wooden staircase – Florli 4444 . Needless to say, you’ll have much nicer views if you visit the Lysefjord on a sunny day, but it’s still an impressive trip even if it rains.

Practical information:  Lysefjord cruise can be done the whole year. It starts in Strandkaien in Stavanger city center and takes about 3 hours. You can find more information about the fjord cruise here .

TIP: Lysefjord cruise is the most popular trip in Stavanger, so book early, especially when cruise ships are in town.

The Pulpit Rock Hike

Preikestolen , or The Pulpit Rock , is one of the most popular hikes in Norway. Many people come to Stavanger just to hike to Pulpit Rock. Even Tom Cruise was at Pulpit Rock. You can see him hanging by a thread on the Preikestolen in Mission Impossible: Fallout movie.

The purpose of this post is to show you that there is so much more to see and do in Stavanger than just the Lysefjord and the Pulpit Rock hike. At the same time, you really don’t want to miss these two main highlights that Stavanger is famous for!

So if you are fit enough for a moderate 4-hour hike, don’t miss Pulpit Rock! It’s an unforgettable experience and will definitely be one of the highlights of your trip to Norway.

Practical information: Below, you can find a link to an article about our experience hiking to Pulpit Rock (we did this hike with 3 young kids).  In that article, you can find all the practical information for the hike as well. Count at least 6-7 hours for the hike including transportation to and from Stavanger.

LEARN MORE: Preikestolen Hike

TIP: If you find the logistics too complicated or rather not go on your own, there are local guides that can guide you to Pulpit Rock as well . One of the biggest advantages of going with a guide is that you can start the hike much earlier before the crowds arrive and/or don’t have to worry about the logistics. This is the most popular guided Pulpit Rock hike tour from Stavanger .

Flørli 4444

If you like outdoor activities and are looking for a more unique experience in Stavanger, then I can highly recommend climbing the world’s longest staircase – Florli 4444 .

A beautiful boat trip deep into the Lysefjord is followed by a strenuous steep climb with some of the most spectacular views you can imagine. Florli 4444 can be done as a day trip from Stavanger, yet you’ll find very few tourists here.

It’s a true hidden gem, but don’t wait till the rest of the world finds out! Visiting Florli and climbing this staircase was the most unique and memorable experience from our trip to Norway.

Practical information:  Via the link below, you can read about our experience hiking Florli 4444. In this post, you can also find all the practical information and logistics. You’ll need a whole day to visit Florli from Stavanger and do the Florli 4444 hike. Unless you have a car, by far the best way to do this hike is with a guided tour that includes transfers from Stavanger .

LEARN MORE: Hiking Florli 4444 Stairs

Kjeragbolten Hike

Despite the fact that it’s quite far from town and not the easiest place to get to,  Kjerag is a really popular day trip from Stavanger. With its 1084m, it’s the highest mountain in the area that not many people hiked to in the past.

It’s very probable that you’ve seen a picture of a round rock stuck in a mountain crevice, often with a person standing on top of the rock. Being able to take an epic picture like that is the reason why Kjerag has become more and more popular in recent years. It seems that the Instagram-factor of the Kjeragbolten is too big to resist and so more and more tourists come to Stavanger in order to hike to the Kjeragbolten.

Kjeragbolten is a strenuous hike of almost 10 km that takes about 6 hours to complete. It’s the most challenging of the three most popular hikes near Stavanger mentioned in this post and can only be done in summer. Actually, it can be done off-season as well, but you shouldn’t attempt that without an experienced local guide.

Practical information: You can find all the practical information for hiking to Kjerag here . If you don’t have a car and find it too complicated to attempt to get to Kjerag by public transport, you can best book this guided hike from Stavanger (we did the Florli4444 hike with this guide and he’s really good).

The biggest advantage of going with a guide is that you can beat the crowds by going very early in the morning and you don’t have to worry about renting a car, parking, or researching where exactly to hike.

Best Things to Do in Stavanger – Suggested Itinerary for 1 to 4 Days

• If you have just one day in Stavanger , I suggest taking the Lysefjord cruise and then visit the town and the two museums mentioned above.
• If you have two days in Stavanger , you could do Lysefjord cruise and the Pulpit Rock hike one day and then visit the town and the museums on the other day.
• If you have three days in Stavanger , follow the same 2-day itinerary as above and then add either Florli 4444 or Kjerag hike, ideally not hiking two consecutive days.
• You can do all of the things described in this post if you have four days in Stavanger . However, please consider that each of the hikes (Pulpit Rock, Kjeragbolten, and Florli 4444) are quite hard. You can do the Pulpit Rock hike one day and one of the other hikes the following day, but I wouldn’t suggest hiking three days in a row. In that case, you probably best start with either Kjerag or Florli, then take a quiet day and spend it in town, then do another long hike on day 3, and leave Pulpit Rock for the last day, because it’s the least challenging hike of the three.

TIP:  If you want to discover Stavanger like a local and see the main highlights in the town itself, I recommend this highly-rated private walking tour with a local guide .

Where to Stay – Best Hotels in Stavanger for Sightseeing

Stavanger is a big town with plenty of accommodation options. It’s also one of the most affordable places to stay in Norway, so good news if you are planning to spend a few days here.

The best places to stay in Stavanger for sightseeing are close to the old town, where you can easily walk to all the main attractions, the bus station, and also to the ferries for your day trips.

Here are some of the best hotels in Stavanger  based on the location and customer reviews:

• $$$$$ Hotel Victoria – beautiful historic building and waterfront views.
• $$$$ Clarion Collection Hotel Skagen Brygge  – 4* – probably the best location in town for those who want to be by the harbor.
• $$$$ Scandic Stavanger City – best price/quality, especially for big families. We stayed at this hotel and it was perfect.
• $$$ Radisson Blu Atlantic Hotel  – the most popular hotel in town . Excellent reviews and a beautiful location next to Breiavatnet lake.
• $$$ Scandic Royal – just a little bit further from the rest (still very central) and has excellent reviews and an indoor swimming pool .

For more information and accommodation options for all budgets, please check our complete guide to Stavanger hotels .

TIP: Using the map below, you can also compare hotels, apartments, and short-term rental accommodations in Stavanger . Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see what’s available for your stay. Check it out!

So, this is our guide to the best places to see and things to do in Stavanger. I hope it will help you plan your trip and make the best of your time in this beautiful area in Southwestern Norway.

If you have any questions, feel free to leave a reply below and I’ll do my best to help. Have you been to Stavanger? Let us know your favorite things to do in town. 

More tips for your trip to Stavanger:

• Hotels:  Where to Stay in Stavanger (Hotels, Apartments, Hostels, Airbnb)
• Best hikes:  Pulpit Rock  and  Florli 4444
• Must-do:   Lysefjord Cruise & Pulpit Rock
• Itinerary:  Norway Itinerary  (Stavanger, Bergen, Flam, Geirangerfjord, and more)
• Packing:  What to Wear in Norway in Summer  and  What to Wear in Norway in Winter
• Budget:   How Expensive is Norway
• Norway:  For more travel tips and destinations all over the country, please check our  Norway travel guide . Also for Lofoten Islands , Northern Norway , and even Svalbard .

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Thursday 15th of June 2023

Love this guide, very informative!

Saturday 17th of June 2023

Glad to help. Have a great time in Stavanger!

Tuesday 6th of September 2022

Really useful guide to Stavanger, excellent

Thursday 8th of September 2022

Glad to help, Steve, and thanks for your kind feedback. Enjoy your trip!

Wednesday 13th of July 2022

Your post is extremely helpful. Beautifully written Nd covered everything. Thank you! God bless you!

Friday 15th of July 2022

Glad to help, Noureen, and thank you for the kind feedback. Have a great time in Stavanger!

Paul Henderson

Sunday 29th of March 2020

I visited Norway in the mid 90’s, and very much enjoyed my time in Stavanger.

As I recall, we visited the town hall which housed the city government. The tour was great as were the photos of the many past mayors and the stories of the hauntings by past ghosts. I believe that the building then used for city government was once the home of a wealthy merchant.

I would be interested in learning how old that building is.

Someday I will revisit Norway and its very friendly people.

Thank you, Paul Henderson

Monday 30th of March 2020

Hi Paul, we haven't been to the town hall of Stavanger and I can't find much useful information about it online. So I'm not sure if it's open for visits or how old the building is. From what I see, the current municipality building is quite modern, so it's probably not the one you are talking about. You'll just have to go back and see how it is ;). Sorry I can't help you more.

Thursday 21st of November 2019

We are looking to visit Stavanger next year. My great uncle died in the Second World War and is buried in the churchyard at Sola so we want to visit his grave. Your blog has been very helpful in us deciding if we need a hire car or not. Thanks

Monday 25th of November 2019

Glad to help, Corinne. Enjoy your trip. It will be a special experience for you for sure.

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There's a reason this coastal town has been twinned with Houston and Aberdeen: it's sometimes known as Norway's 'Oil City' for its importance in oil exploration in the North Sea since the 1970s (Norway's largest oil company, Statoil, is based here). But while much of the outskirts are modern, you won't find too many skyscrapers – Stavanger's old centre has some of the most beautiful and best-preserved wooden buildings anywhere in Norway, many dating back to the 18th century. It's all very pretty, and in summer the waterfront comes alive in the best port-town style.

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Home » Travel Guides » Norway » 15 Best Things to Do in Stavanger (Norway)

15 Best Things to Do in Stavanger (Norway)

The undisputed oil and energy king of Europe, Stavanger’s fortunes were transformed when Norway discovered the Ekofisk oil field 200 miles off the coast in 1969. True to its title of Oljebyen (The Oil Capital) Stavanger has a world-class museum about the Norwegian petroleum industry, opened in 1999 and looking like a small oil platform in the harbour.

Stavanger is a convenient entry point for the Lysefjord and its towering cliffs and the fantasy-like natural lookout, Pulpit Rock, more than 600 metres over the water.

Back in the city you can see what Stavanger looked like before the oil days at the Gamle Stavanger district where shipping offices and a fish-canning factory have been turned into museums.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Stavanger :

1. Gamle Stavanger (Old Stavanger)

After the Second World War the centre of Stavanger was due to be razed and rebuilt in concrete, a plan opposed by the city architect Einar Hedén.

So you can thank him for the preservation of Old Stavanger, a neighbourhood of more than 200 wooden buildings on little cobblestone lanes on the west side of the Vågen bay.

Most are sweet whitewashed weatherboard cottages, and many have restaurants and boutiques on their ground floors.

The area chosen for preservation used to be run down and a little sketchy but is now a desirable, upmarket neighbourhood and a joy to explore on foot.

2. Lysefjord

Stavanger is the most convenient city if you want to experience the wonders of Lysefjord, lying an hour to the east.

Words don’t really do justice to the epic landscapes at Lysefjord, but on a boat trip you’ll have a front row view of majestic walls of rock, waterfalls and idyllic little islands.

The Stavanger-based Rødne Fjord Cruise company schedules tours all year round, and a typical trip will take between three hours and half a day.

One sight that will make an indelible impression is the Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), a cliff-top 604 metres over the water.

It’s easier to climb than it looks and involves a bus ride and then a flight of stairs.

Needless to say the views from up here mind-blowing.

3. Stavanger Cathedral

In the Storhaug borough not far from the harbour is the oldest and best preserved cathedral in Norway.

It was first raised in the Romanesque style in thefirst half of the 12th century and then given an ornate Gothic chancel in the 13th century after a fire in 1272. Even now, it’s not hard to tell the understated nave apart from the theatrical choir.

Something you can’t help but notice inside is the lavish Baroque pulpit, which was carved by the Scottish craftsman Andrew Lawrenceson Smith in 1658. In the choir keep your eyes peeled for the soapstone baptismal font, carved with foliate patterns and multifoil arches at the end of the 13th century.

In the nave there’s also a group of original Romanesque capitals sculpted with animal motifs.

4. Stavanger Petroleum Museum

Approaching from the North Sea you could mistake the Petroleum Museum and its shiny metallic cylinders for an oil platform.

This is no accident, as the museum chronicles more than 50 years of Norwegian drilling in the North Sea.

Up-to-date and smartly designed, the exhibition has drilling equipment, submersibles, robots, a scale replica of an oil platform, and interactive displays to give a sense of life on board.

You can also find out about the technological leaps since the 1960s, and get to know the sophisticated underwater systems and state-of-the-art ships that will sustain the industry into the future.

5. Sverd i fjell (Swords in Rock)

On a peninsula poking into the Hafrsfjord in the Madla neighbourhood is a solemn monument recording a great naval battle.

After the Battle of Hafrsfjord, fought some time at the end of the 9th century the Viking chief Harald Fairhair was able to proclaim himself the first King of Norway, uniting a number of petty kingdoms under one ruler for the first time.

At 10 metres high, the monument is three bronze swords plunged into the rock and was designed by the sculptor Fritz Røed and unveiled by King Olav V in 1983. The largest of the swords represents Harald Fairhair, while the two smaller ones symbolise the vanquished pretenders.

The monument also represents peace as the swords are stuck in the rock and can’t be removed.

6. Norwegian Canning Museum

At Øvre Strandgate 88 in Old Stavanger, the Canning Museum is in a canning factory that was in business from the 1916 to the 1950s.

With architecture dating back to 1841, the factory was abandoned until 1975 when the museum opened.

What’s exciting is that all of the machinery is still in situ and the enthusiastic guide will explain and show you how freshly caught fish (sprats) were smoked and packaged, as well as working conditions on the factory floor.

The equipment is in working order, and on Tuesdays and Thursdays in summer you’ll be able to try classic Norwegian smoked brisling right out of the oven.

7. Stavanger Art Museum

Under the auspices of the multi-location “Museum Stavanger”, this institution is on the west shore of the Mosvatnet lake, southeast of the city centre.

The collection centres on the 19th-century Stavanger landscape artist Lars Hertervig, who was a member of the Düsseldorf School but moved back to Stavanger after a mental breakdown and only achieved renown posthumously.

His works are joined by a strong assortment of art by Edvard Munch, Kitty Kielland and Christian Krohg.

A permanent modern installation here is the Broken Column by the British sculptor Antony Gormley.

The museum also has a special workshop for children to express themselves creatively, and stages up to four temporary exhibitions at one time.

In early 2018 the highlight was a show on the textile artist Frida Hansen.

8. Øvre Holmegate

Up to 2005 this street on the east side of the Vågen was rather nondescript.

But as part of the “Kul Kultur” project Øvre Holmegate was totally revitalised after the local hairdresser Tom Kjørsvik proposed a way to transform it.

First it was closed off to road traffic, and then, using a colour scheme devised by the artist Craig Flanagan, the houses were painted in eye-popping colours.

They are shades of green, turquoise and pink, and on the back of the revival exciting businesses like trendy bars, cafes and boutiques have moved in.

9. Stavanger Maritime Museum

Also in one of the whitewashed wooden houses in Old Stavanger is a museum all about the history of shipping, fishing and shipbuilding in southwestern Norway.

You can enter a general store as it would have looked in 1910, stocked with anything from milk to paint and seafaring equipment.

There’s also an office interior that once belonged to the Monsen Shipping Company, in business in Stavanger for 165 years.

And on the top floor is a reconstruction of a sail-making workshop, with work benches and tools.

You can also see how an affluent merchant’s family would have lived at an apartment interior from the early 1900s, complete with study, kitchen, parlour and dining room.

The museum preserves two seaworthy sailboats: A traditional Hardangerjakt sloop launched in 1848, with a mast 19 metres high, and the Wyvern yacht designed by Norwegian naval architect Colin Archer and christened in 1897.

10. Breidablikk Museum

Also managed by the Stavanger Museum AS is an elegant villa built in the Eiganes neighbourhood in the early 1880s.

It was commissioned by the rich merchant and ship owner Lars Berentsen, and prominent architect Henrik Nissen made the plans.

Breidablikk is designed like a Swiss chalet with exaggerated eaves, and has neo-Romanesque and Gothic influences.

A team of artists like painter and decorated Louis Anton Jacobsen worked on the interiors, which have a superlative standard of workmanship and illustrates the lofty lifestyle of Stavanger’s bourgeois in this period.

Nearly all of the decoration and furnishings are from the 1800s, while the layout of the surrounding English garden hasn’t changed.

Next to the house is a barn from 1852, containing agricultural tools and horse-drawn carriages from the period.

11. Skagenkaien

When summer arrives the street lining the east side of the Vågen is cleared of road traffic and becomes a lively pedestrian street with lots of outdoor seating and stalls for festivals.

Skagenkaien could well be the most vibrant nightlife street in the city, home to restaurants and bars in handsome wooden houses, mostly from the 19th century and punctuated by hotels.

One of the finest can be found at no.

16 and dates to 1770, with the Skjøna Skagen restaurant on its ground floor.

At the innermost part of the street you can check out the classy boats in the marina, while further up are the quays where ferries depart for the Lysefjord.

12. Vitenfabrikken (Science Factory)

Down in Sandnes, a train or car ride south of Stavanger is a terrific science museum that opened in 2008. The Science Factory explores the fields of technology, physics, chemistry, astronomy and mathematics, and has some inspiring installations like a Foucault Pendulum 11 metres high, a Tesla coil and the inventions of Leonardo da Vinci.

In winter, don’t miss the fourth floor, which is an observation terrace set up with telescopes.

The groundbreaking 19th-century mathematician Niels Henrik Abel was born in this part of Norway, and “Abel’s Sketchbook” is a special interactive exhibition investigating the common ground between art, science and technology.

13. Jernaldergården

At Stavanger’s Ullandhaug suburb is a reconstructed Iron Age farm, revived in the 1970s after lying abandoned for 1,500 years.

The farm was first settled in the Migration Period in the 4th century, but was burned down and deserted about 200 years later.

The feted archaeologist Bjørn Myhre investigated the site in the late 1960s, when it was recognised as one of almost 200 Iron Age farms in the low-lying Jæren region.

On a hillside dotted with sheep, you can take an English language tour to learn about ancient folklore, watch ancient crafts in action, light a fire with firesteels and spin wool.

An interesting thing about the huts is that they were designed with small doorways, not to keep the warmth in but to make potential home invaders vulnerable to an attack by residents.

14. Sola Beach

Stavanger can get temperatures above 20°C in July and August, and on clear, sunny days you could pack off for the beach at Sola.

Found 15 kilometres from the southeast of the city, this 2.3-kilometre arc of fine sand is also just a kilometre or two from the airport.

And while sunshine might not be guaranteed, one thing you can bank on is wind and so Sola Beach is a hit with kitesurfers and windsurfers.

On a walk you’ll stumble upon a German Second World War bunker at the southern end of the beach.

And also just in from the dunes on the south side is the Solastranden Golfklubb, an 18-hole links-style course, posing a challenge for its unpredictable breezes.

For more wide open skies and cinematic beaches, carry on south down the coast to Klepp, under half an hour by road from Stavanger.

The protected natural landscape in the Jæren region has the longest strip of flat sandy coast in all of Norway, adding up to 11 kilometres and fringed by dunes sustaining a rare diversity of wildlife.

In contrast to the rest of Norway’s coastline there are no fjords and the topography is low-lying.

At the Orre Friluftshuset (recreation centre) you can find out about local hiking and cross country ski routes and check out exhibitions, all within a quick jaunt from Orrestreanda beach.

15 Best Things to Do in Stavanger (Norway):

• Gamle Stavanger (Old Stavanger)
• Stavanger Cathedral
• Stavanger Petroleum Museum
• Sverd i fjell (Swords in Rock)
• Norwegian Canning Museum
• Stavanger Art Museum
• Øvre Holmegate
• Stavanger Maritime Museum
• Breidablikk Museum
• Skagenkaien
• Vitenfabrikken (Science Factory)
• Jernaldergården

The Perfect 1, 2 or 3 Days in Stavanger Itinerary

Published on July 3, 2023

by Emily Marty

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If you’re currently putting a Stavanger itinerary together, then you might be wondering whether 1, 2, or 3 days in Stavanger would be sufficient for you to get the most out of your trip. So, in this article, we’ll be delving into everything there is to check out while you’re in Stavanger, so that you can have a fantastic holiday no matter how long or short it ends up being. 

While perhaps not as popular of a destination as Bergen or Oslo , Stavanger has an incredible amount to offer visitors in its own right. Found in Norway’s dramatic Rogaland County, Stavanger is home to rich history, quaint architecture, and plenty to do and see. 

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Stavanger?

Stavanger may be one of Norway’s largest cities, but, by international standards, that’s frankly not saying much! With a population of just over 130,000, Stavanger is fairly compact, making getting around and seeing the sights pretty straightforward and often quick. 

Accordingly, if you’re wondering how many days to spend in Stavanger, then it depends largely on how much you’d like to get out of your trip.

If, for instance, you’re planning primarily on checking out the main tourist attractions and spending most of your time in the downtown area taking in Old Stavanger and the charming wooden houses, then one day in Stavanger will likely be sufficient – provided that it’s a full day, of course. 

With that being said, a longer trip will, of course, give you more freedom in terms of how you structure your days, as well as allowing you to see far more of the city that you would be unlikely to discover spending a single day there.

For instance, if you end up having 2 days in Stavanger, then you’ll be able to really sink your teeth into what is one of western Norway’s most fascinating destinations. 

And, with 3 days in Stavenger, you’ll be able not only to really capture the essence of the city when you plan your trip, but you’ll easily have enough time to explore some of the incredible natural beauty that can be found within the area.

A day trip to nearby Preikestolen would be the most obvious option here, but you can also take a fjord cruise or go hiking for the day or even take in the area’s largest waterfall if you so choose. 

Getting To & Around Stavanger 

The city of Stavanger and the surrounding region are both served by Stavanger Airport, which is located just outside the resort town of Sola. From there, the easiest way to reach Stavanger itself is via the dedicated airport bus transfer service (Flybussen), with the journey taking just shy of 30 minutes and regular departures. 

Note that the Flybuss only operates between the hours of 7:25am and 9:05pm; if you’ll be landing at Stavanger Airport in the early morning or late at night, you’ll likely need to take a taxi into the city or organise a transfer.

Stavanger itself is a very compact, walkable city. Local public transport is fairly reliable and comprehensive, making getting from point A to point B a generally straightforward affair.

For navigating Stavanger itself and the wider Sandnes area, you can make use of the Kolumbus bus network; tickets can be purchased via the Kolumbus Billett app, from ticket booths, or aboard the buses themselves. Do be aware that it costs extra to purchase tickets aboard the bus. 

In terms of options for overland transport to reach Stavanger from Norway’s other major cities, it is possible to travel to Stavanger via both train and bus. A direct bus operates from Bergen to Stavanger, taking around 5 hours one way. You can view bus schedules here.

It is also possible to travel to Oslo from Stavanger via bus or train, but this is generally a fairly lengthy journey requiring at least one transfer. 

All in all, Stavanger is small enough that renting a car when visiting the city simply isn’t necessary. The only time you may want to consider doing that would be if you’re planning on using Stavanger as a hub to explore the surrounding countryside, or are road-tripping through Norway once you leave the city. You can browse car rental options here.

1, 2 or 3-Day Stavanger Itinerary 

Day 1 – sverd i fjell, flor og fjære & old stavanger.

Have you only got time to spend one day in Stavanger? No problem! That’s enough to cover the city’s most visited and best-known tourist attractions, which you’ll find outlined below. 

Sverd i fjell

It’s probably fair to say that Sverd i fjell is Stavanger’s most famous landmark. And, frankly, it’s not hard to see why; the three towering swords outlined against the North Sea make for an incredibly dramatic sight and inspire plenty of passion amongst both locals and visitors alike. 

While it was unveiled in 1983, the monument actually has far greater historical significance than you might have thought.

Indeed, it was constructed to commemorate the Battle of Hafrsfjord, which played out in the very same spot all the way back in 872. This battle is perhaps one of the most important moments in Norwegian history, as it saw King Harald Fairhair defeat two rival kings and unite Norway as a single country for the first time. 

Sverd i fjell is fairly easy to access via public transit from downtown Stavanger, but, if you prefer, you can turn the trip into a bit of a day trip by walking there and back from the city centre. It’s about a four-hour loop and, while not especially technically demanding, is a fair way. 

Flor og fjære

You probably don’t associate tropical plants with Stavanger (or anywhere else in Norway, for that matter), and I don’t blame you; however, Flor og fjære, which consists of a range of tropical gardens on an island off the coast of Stavanger, might just change that forever! 

Home to a restaurant and extensive grounds, Flor og fjære is located on the island of Sør-Hidle and can be reached via ferry. Tours are offered a few times per day, after which guests can sample the restaurant’s buffet, which prepares a rotating selection of dishes and delicacies. 

While it’s not the most classically Norwegian attraction, Flor og fjære is certainly memorable and definitely worth checking out if you’re a fan of gardens or great food! It’s definitely one of the best things to do in Stavanger.

Gamle Stavanger 

Stavanger’s historic old town, Gamle Stavanger, is the place to be if you have an interest in checking out older architectural styles.

It’s essentially a perfectly preserved example of the style of building typical to Western Norway in particular from around the 18th and 19th centuries; what’s more, it’s also something of a cultural hotspot for the city of Stavanger and is home to plenty of smaller boutiques and art galleries, too. 

With its quaint, cobbled streets, wooden houses and laidback atmosphere, Gamle Stavanger is the perfect place for a relaxing afternoon stroll after you arrive in the city. You can also organise a walking tour to learn more from a guide.

The Norwegian Petroleum Museum 

Given its status as one of the epicentres of gas and oil production in Europe, it’s not surprising that Stavanger’s biggest and most popular museum is the Norwegian Petroleum Museum, which focuses on educating visitors on offshore petroleum in particular.

Here, you can learn all about one of Norway’s biggest industries, as well as taking in the unique design of the building itself, which certainly adds to the overall immersion of the experience. 

It’s worth noting here that, compared to other tourist attractions, the Norwegian Petroleum Museum could be described as being on the drier side, though it’s clearly been designed to cater to visitors of all ages.

Stavanger Cathedral 

Stavanger’s charming, moody cathedral is the oldest in Norway and, being located in the city centre, is definitely worth paying a visit to for its unique atmosphere and eye-catching gothic design.

Reportedly built in the 1100s, the cathedral is allegedly the only one in Norway to have been in constant use since the Middle Ages, as well as retaining its original appearance from when it was first constructed. 

Day 2 – Canning Museum, Lysefjord Cruise & Breiavatnet

We suggest that you spend the second day of your Stavanger itinerary making the most of both Stavanger’s cultural highlights, as well as using it to sample some of the incredible natural beauty that can be found just outside the city limits. 

The Norwegian Canning Museum

Look, hear us out. You might not find the idea of a museum dedicated to canning especially enthralling; we get that. However, the Canning Museum in Stavanger is genuinely really interesting and definitely worth checking out, especially if you’ll be making a longer trip to the city. 

For one thing, canned fish has historically been a pretty significant part of the Norwegian economy, with much of the industry being historically based in Stavanger.

And, the museum is remarkably well-run and immersive; not only will you find out more about canning practices in the city, but you can even have a go at canning sardines yourself!

Ultimately, the Canning Museum is quite small, so you can probably expect to spend 2-3 hours here, max. 

Lysefjord Cruise & Nature Experience 

The stunning Lysefjord is found not far from Stavanger, and plenty of travel operators in the city offer guests the opportunity to get up close and personal with this natural marvel through fjord cruises, kayaking expeditions, or similar. 

Most of these excursions such as this half-day tour last between 4-6 hours and are a fantastic, relaxed way for you to immerse yourself in what many would consider to be one of the most beautiful places on Earth. You can also go on an inflatable boat or take a kayaking tour.

So, unless you’re very prone to seasickness, going on one of these outings is highly recommended! 

Breiavatnet

Located in Stavanger’s Byparken, Breivatnet is a remarkably peaceful, tranquil lake. Locals love it for its ducks and swans, and it offers charming views of the surrounding buildings.

If weather permits while you’re in Stavanger, the banks of Breiavatnent make for a lovely place for a picnic with an urban twist. 

Day 3 – Preikestolen or Kjeragbolten Day Trip

Spending more than 2 days in Stavanger? In that case, we suggest that, for the third day of your trip, you head out into the surrounding countryside to explore some of the incredible hiking that the county of Rogaland has on offer. 

Day Trip to Preikestolen (Hike)

As one of, if not the most famous hike in Norway, Preikestolen truly has to be seen to be believed. What’s more, it’s just a stone’s throw away from Stavanger; in fact, many tourists to the city go more or less exclusively to use it as a hub for making the trip to the region’s famous Pulpit Rock. 

Indeed, this mighty cliff towers high above some of the area’s fjords, offering spectacular views of some of Norway’s most striking and eye-catching landscapes. It’s worth noting, though, that the hike takes between 4-5 hours for most people and does require a decent level of physical fitness to be able to tackle it safely. 

If you’ve decided on renting a car for your trip to Stavanger, then making a day trip to hike out to Preikestolen will be a very simple affair. It takes just over 30 minutes to drive from Stavanger Sentrum to Preikestolen fjellstue, where the hike begins.

There is also a bus that you can take from Stavanger for those travelling via public transport or you can join a guided hike.

Day Trip to Kjeragbolten (Hike) 

While not quite as famous as Preikestolen, plenty of people have actually seen pictures of the end of the hike to Kjeragbolten, even if they don’t recognize it by name (often remembering it instead as ‘that scary boulder people stand on in Norway’). 

Yes, Kjeragbolten is a very famous boulder wedged between two cliffs on top of Mount Kjerag. The hike itself is somewhat longer than Preikestolen and demands a decent level of physical fitness; however, it also offers incredible views of the surrounding fjords and mountain ranges, so it’s well worth the challenge. 

The drive from Stavanger to Kjerag is incredibly scenic, too, and takes a little over 2 hours one way. There are also guided hikes to join.

You’ll also find an express bus operating from Stavanger to Kjerag throughout the summer if you’re travelling by public transport; note that this service will generally give you between 5-6 hours to complete the hike, so you won’t have much time to waste! 

Where to Stay in Stavanger

Thon Hotel – This hotel located in the centre of Stavanger is an excellent base in this lovely Norwegian city. They have several cool and modern rooms to choose from along with a range of great amenities for guests to enjoy.

Hotel Victoria – Located within easy reach of all Stavanger has to offer, this sophisticated hotel is an excellent base in this Norwegian city. They have an array of beautiful rooms to choose from, breakfast on offer each morning and an on-site restaurant/bar.

Sea Story by Frogner House – Those looking for a self-catering option in Stavanger will love these cool apartments. Fully furnished with everything you may need during your stay along with a great location for exploring the city.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Stavanger hotels!

While Stavanger may be on the smaller side, it’s absolutely worth visiting if you’re in Western Norway, especially if you have an interest in nature or the history of Norway. What the city lacks in size it easily makes up for in charm and character and you’re sure to have a great time here! 

Are you planning to visit Stavanger? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

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The Ultimate List of Things to do in Stavanger (+ Stavanger Restaurants and MAP)

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If you are planning to visit Stavanger, you’ll know that this Norwegian city has lots to offer, including day trips, cute streets, shopping, and other popular attractions. There are many things to do in Stavanger, and during my trips there I have been lucky enough to cross most of them off my list.

In this post, I aim to outline some of the best things to do in Stavanger for anyone heading that way, and I hope you’ll find it helpful! With so many fun Stavanger attractions to chose from, you’re bound to find something for you in this list.

For those who are wondering, Stavanger is a city in South-West Norway. There is some debate as to whether it is more South or more West, but that isn’t really relevant to this post ( personally, I’d say it’s in South Norway, as I’m from the West myself, but my friend from Kristiansand in South Norway is adamant that Stavanger is in the West, haha ). The city is Norway’s fourth largest, and a popular tourist destination, mainly due to its proximity to the Lysefjord (and thus several available Stavanger tours to the fjord), and the many things to see in Stavanger.

As you know, I am a sucker for these huge posts on what do to in Norway (you may have read my guide to Oslo if you’re planning a trip to the capital), and this one will be no exception. In this post , I will cover all the things you have to see in Stavanger, including how to get there!

Scroll to the bottom of the post for a map of all the activities/locations in Stavanger I have mentioned!

Table of Contents

Things to do in Stavanger

If you are wondering what to do in Stavanger, look no further! This post covers everything you need to add to your list for your trip and includes most Stavanger attractions for you to consider. I absolutely love Stavanger, especially in the summer, and know you’ll enjoy the city too.

#1 Visit Fargegata – The colorful street in Stavanger

Number one on the list is one of the top things to add to your Stavanger sightseeing list. Fargegata literally means ‘the colour street’, and it’s one of the most popular places to visit in Stavanger.

This street boasts classic wooden houses painted in various bright colours, and it makes for the perfect Instagram spot. In addition to this, it’s a popular hangout amongst visitors and locals alike, thanks to the many pubs, cafés and restaurants along the street. It’s definitely worth a visit!

The name ‘Fargegata’ is just a nickname, and the actual street address for the colorful street is Øvre Holmegate (Ovre Holmegate in your Google Maps). You’ll find it right in the city center, and I know you’ll love it!

#2 Go on a Lysefjorden fjord cruise

As mentioned, Stavanger is conveniently located close to one of the most popular fjords in Norway; the Lysefjord. This beautiful and small fjord stretches all the way to Lysebotn, and going on a fjord cruise in Lysefjorden is a must if you are visiting Stavanger!

The Lysefjord is one of the best fjords in Norway, find out the rest here !

There are several companies that plan tours from Stavanger to Lysefjorden, and who will ensure you find the right Stavanger ferry for your needs. Most people want to make sure they see the famous Pulpit Rock and Kjerag (Kjeragbolten is that floating rock you see in all the photos) but be aware; if you want to catch a ferry to Pulpit Rock in order to hike it, you shouldn’t catch the Lysefjord ferry . But more on getting to Pulpit Rock from Stavanger below (#10 on the list, to be precise).

If you want to go on a cruise through Lysefjorden, you can either book your own ferry tickets here , and make your way to Lauvvik (the ferry stop closest to Stavanger) yourself. Lauvvik is approximately 1 hour by bus or car from Stavanger. As mentioned, you can also go on a tour starting in Stavanger, connecting you by bus to the ferry on Lysefjorden without having to figure it out yourself. 

#3 Catch the sunset

Of all the things to see in Stavanger, this one isn’t technically Stavanger specific. I mean, there are sunsets all over the world, right? Stavanger sunsets are absolutely stunning, and I have seen some of the best sunsets in Norway during trips to Stavanger. 

There are several Stavanger restaurants and cafés where you can catch sunset while enjoying your meal, and I highly recommend doing this during your visit to Stavanger. Further down in this post you’ll find an overview of some great Stavanger restaurants to choose from!

#4 Catch the Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

Did you even know they had one of these in Stavanger? They sure do, and you can play the tourist by getting a proper tour of the city and all its sights in a short amount of time. 

I actually really enjoy going on one of these tours when I am visiting a city for the first time, as I find that they are a great way to get an overview of were things are, as well as a sense of direction. I often go on one of these Hop-on Hop-Off tours on my first days in a new destination. That way, I can make a mental note of any places of interested I wasn’t aware of and want to revisit.

Please note that the Hop-on Hop-off bus in Stavanger only runs in the high season (June-August). Find more information and book your tickets here!

#5 Visit the Stavanger Cathedral

The Stavanger Cathedral is the oldest standing Cathedral in Norway, which alone makes it worth a visit. It was built in the first half of the 12th Century, and is the only Cathedral in Norway that has been in use continuously since the 14th Century.

The Stavanger Cathedral is open daily, albeit on Sundays only in coordination with the service. On their Facebook Page , you can check for updated news and opening hours, as they update it regularly. 

Surrounding the Cathedral is a park called Byparken, which deserves its own number on this list.

#6 Go on a stroll through Byparken

The park surrounding Stavanger Cathedral is called Byparken, which literally translates to ‘The City Park’. As the city seems to be built around the Cathedral, Byparken is located in the center of Stavanger, close to everything you might need.

You’ll find old, wooden houses and cobbled streets along one side of the park, giving you the impression of being transported back in time. Just a stone’s throw away you’ll also find Fargegaten, the area that’s considered the centre of Stavanger, as well as Vågen, Stavanger’s charming bay and dock area. Along one side of the park you’ll also find Stavanger bus terminal and train station, so if you are looking for either of these modes of transport in Stavanger, look no further than Byparken!

Byparken is not a huge park, but it’s worth spending a little time walking around the pond (Breiavatnet) while hugging a hot coffee to go. As you may know, this is one of my top budget tips for Norway; enjoying the scenery without spending a dime (if you don’t count the coffee)!

Fun fact : Seen from a bird’s perspective, the pond in the park (Breiavatnet) takes the shape of a heart!

#7 Hang out along Vågen

Vågen is Stavanger’s dock area, and a popular spot to hang out for both tourists and locals. Along the docks you’ll not only find restaurants and bars, but also the Stavanger Tourist Information and the start of the Old Town (more on that below). What’s extra fascinating is that Vågen actually seems to separate the Old Town (which used to be the center of Stavanger) and the new city centre!

Along Vågen you’ll, in addition to restaurants and hangouts, find several protected buildings that are worth noticing, such as Tollboden and Gamle Tollbod. Both are buildings used to tax ships coming into Stavanger through the years, as Stavanger has always been important for maritime transportation and import.

#8 Go on a fjord safari

Here’s another popular activity on the list of things to do in Stavanger; going on a fjord safari! They offer this activity in several places across Norway, and it is basically a fast rib-boat that will take you out onto the ocean (or fjord, depending on your location).

The fjord safari can take you to the Lysefjord, where you’ll get to see Pulpit Rock and the 4444 steps of Flørli. You can have a look at the different fjord safari tours on offer on this link . It’s also possible to book a private boat for a larger party, and get a customised tour!

#9 Get a guided tour from a local

This is such a great activity if you are planning to visit Stavanger, as it is completely tailored to what you want to see and do in the city! Out of all the things to do in Stavanger, this might just be my favourite. 

Join a Stavanger local on a guided tour through the city, where you can specify your preferred sights and interests. The tour is available in several languages, and can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the length you prefer. How genius is this?

On this Stavanger tour, a local guide will share their best-kept secrets, tips and tricks of the city, and you’ll get to discover Stavanger in a way like no other. 

#10 Hike Pulpit Rock

Out of all the best places to visit and things to do in Stavanger, the most famous one isn’t actually in Stavanger. This famous hike is one of the most well-known hikes in Norway , and on many a traveller’s list. If you are looking for what to do in Stavanger, you’ll find that Pulpit Rock is people’s #1 recommendation. Pulpit Rock is by some called Preacher’s Pulpit, and in Norwegian it’s called Preikestolen.

Fun fact : Pulpit Rock was used in the filming of Mission Impossible: Fallout , and they actually closed down the hiking trail and access to the area for several days. Can you imagine arriving in Norway, all excited about this bucket list hike only to be told that you can’t because Tom Cruise is there?

Pulpit Rock towers 604 metres above the Lysefjord, offering you breathtaking views of the fjord below. Like most of Norway, the mountain was shaped by ice thousands of years ago, and has an impressive flat, squared shape. The hike itself takes 4-5 hours, and you’ll find that you will ascend and descend on two different paths, in order to keep the busy ‘traffic flow’ of the trail going. I would recommend that you are in general good shape to do the hike.

As mentioned above, Pulpit Rock isn’t actually in the city centre, so keep reading if you want to know how to get to Pulpit Rock from Stavanger.

How to get to Pulpit Rock from Stavanger

Pulpit Rock is along the Lysefjord, but you can’t actually get there from the fjord directly (that would be quite a climb). The hike starts from the Preikestolen Mountain Lodge parking area, and if you are travelling to Pulpit Rock by car, please note that there are some parking fees to leave your car there.

Getting from Stavanger to Pulpit Rock by car requires that you catch the car ferry from Stavanger centre to Tau, and from there it is an approximate half hour drive. Alternatively, you can catch the car ferry from Lauvvik to Oanes and drive from there. This route takes a little longer, as Lauvvik is an hour drive from Stavanger. The drive from Oanes to Pulpit Rock takes about 20 minutes.

If you want to get to Pulpit Rock from Stavanger with public transport, there are two websites that will be helpful when booking this. All options will be bus (or private car) and ferry (can’t get around them when visiting the fjords). These are Tide and Pulpit Rock Tours .

Head this way to read my guide to hiking Pulpit Rock!

#11 Visit the Stavanger Maritime Museum

As mentioned, Stavanger is a city with a vast history in the maritime sector. The Maritime Museum is a fun place to visit in Stavanger, and a must if you have some time to spend! The Museum opened in 1926, and has been at its current location since 1985. 

You’ll find interesting exhibitions relating to the Stavanger docks, fishing and shipping in the area through the years. You’ll be able to explore Stavanger’s maritime history ‘from herring to oil’, and visit the offices of an old shipping company. The Museum is well worth a visit, and a great thing to do in Stavanger!

#12 Go on a stroll through Stavanger Old Town

Across Vågen from the current city centre you’ll find Stavanger Old Town. This old city centre is filled with beautiful wooden houses, crooked corners and cobbled streets. This area of the city is actually considered Northern Europe’s most well-kept wooden settlement, which is quite fun!

The Old Town in Stavanger totals 173 wooden houses from the 17- and 18-hundreds. The houses are protected, and the very definition of ‘cosy’, in my opinion! You’ll find homes, shops and galleries amongst the houses, and also the Norwegian Canning Museum (yes, it’s a thing!). 

Fun fact : The Old Town is not only popular amongst tourists visiting Stavanger, it is also a very sought-after place to live in for locals!

#13 Visit the Norwegian Canning Museum

I couldn’t not include this on the list. Stavanger is, after all, named the Canning Capital of Norway. The Museum is a part of the Stavanger Museums (together with the Maritime Museum), and is a great place to visit!

Located in an authentic sardin cannery (which was in operation until 1958!), you’ll learn a thing or two about the history of canned fish and metal cans in general. They have different exhibitions, which include one about the marketing of canned goods through the decades. There are also guided tours through the Canning Museum, and you can find the exact schedules by visiting their website.

#14 Stay in a kick-ass hotel

This might be a silly thing to include on a list of things to do in Stavanger, but personally, I think the accommodation can make a trip. Make sure you stay somewhere amazing by ensuring you get a good deal on a hotel. Norway can be expensive (trust me, I know), and so I’m always looking for the best deals and offers on hotels when I travel! Use the little graph below to see what you can find!

Stavanger Hotel Deals Finder:

Which restaurant in stavanger should you choose.

For some reason, I have gotten so many question about Stavanger restaurants and where people should go to eat in Stavanger. There are many great restaurants in Stavanger, so if you are currently planning a trip there, you can find one on the list below! I’m sure quite a few of you have found this post by Googling ‘restaurant Stavanger’, haha!

I have personally eaten at a several of these, and have friends who have recommended some. Either way, you are bound to find a Stavanger restaurant you love, and I hope you’ll leave a comment below if you have any I should add to the list!

Not all have websites, in which case I have tried to link to their Facebook page or Google Maps page so you can easily find them.

List of great Stavanger restaurants:

• Noodle Noodle (sushi & Asian)
• The Shack (Burgers & American)
• Gådjå (Ethiopian)
• Bølgen og Moi (this Norwegian restaurant has become a staple in several cities, and serve great food!)
• Tango  (International)
• [:vju] (worth a visit for the city views alone, based on the 21st floor of the tallest building in Stavanger)
• Villa 22 (Italian)
• Cucina Italia (Italian)
• Café Bacchus, Det Lille Hjørnet, Bøker og Børst & Hanekam (these are all to be found in Fargegata mentioned first on this list of things to do in Stavanger. All are cafés more than restaurant, but worth a visit if you are in Fargegata for their lovely interior and great coffee!)
• Skagen Restaurant (Scandinavian)
• 26 North (Scandinavian)
• Thai Nong Khai (Thai)
• Bluebird (another coffee house, but worth a mention as they have previously been said to have the best coffee in Stavanger by a national newspaper)
• Big Horn (Steakhouse)
• Fish & Cow (Steakhouse, seafood)
• Amici (Italian)
• Kitchen & Table (International)
• Mogul India (Indian)

How to travel from Oslo to Stavanger (and from Stavanger to Oslo)

Getting to Stavanger may seem a little tricky, but you’ll be surprised at how easy it is! First of all, let me mention that Stavanger has an airport, so you can easily fly from Oslo to Stavanger. Several airlines fly between Norway’s cities, with the main ones being SAS, Norwegian and Widerøe (domestic only). The airport in Stavanger is named Sola.

You can also travel from Stavanger to Oslo or back by train, and you’ll be glad to know that there are direct trains from Oslo to Stavanger that’ll get you where you need to be in about 8 hours. For train schedules and tickets, head this way !

If you want to go from Oslo to Stavanger by bus, you can book it and find the schedules here . You’ll get to spend 9 whole hours relaxing and watching Norway fly by outside the bus. If you want to drive from Oslo to Stavanger yourself it will take you about 7 hours.

How to travel from Bergen to Stavanger (and from Stavanger to Bergen)

As mentioned above, there are several airlines operating at Sola airport, and so you can easily fly from Bergen to Stavanger. It is a short flight, and you’ll be back down on the ground before you know it.

If you are looking for a Bergen to Stavanger bus, you’ll be happy to hear that you can find it by heading this way . They have several departures daily (practically one every hour), and the trip doesn’t take longer than 4-5 hours.

The most exciting way to get between Stavanger and Bergen is by boat. These two cities are both found on the Norwegian coast, and so it is only natural that one of your options is the Bergen to Stavanger ferry! The company operating this ferry is called FjordLine , and they offer daily departures from both Bergen and Stavanger at quite a low price. The journey takes 5,5 hours. Do bear in mind that you need to arrive in time for ‘boarding’ as if you were travelling abroad, so keep a note of the boarding time you are given when booking your ferry ticket.

Things to do in Stavanger MAP

There you have some of the best things to do in Stavanger, and I hope you have found the post helpful! I threw in the Stavanger restaurant list after realising it was something people wanted to know, and hope I wasn’t wrong!

If anything is missing, or you have any Stavanger activities that should be on the list, leave a comment below!

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15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Stavanger

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Dec 24, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Bryan Dearsley has traveled Norway extensively since discovering previously unknown family ties there.

Situated on the southwestern coast of Norway and only a five-hour drive south of the beautiful city of Bergen , bustling Stavanger is the country's third-largest city. It's also one of the oldest communities in Norway, tracing its roots as far back as the 12th century. Well sheltered by offshore islands, it's been a commercial center for centuries and is a popular cruise port today.

The city is also a vibrant cultural hub, with music venues and annual events that include the MaiJazz Festival each May and the International Chamber Music Festival in August.

Add to that the city's museums, which cover everything from Vikings to offshore oil, along with sardines, aircraft, and seafaring in between, and there are plenty of interesting places to visit and fun things to do in Stavanger. The entire region is popular as a recreation area, with several nearby lakes and a mild maritime climate.

For more ideas on planning your Norway travel itinerary, be sure to review our comprehensive list of the top sightseeing experiences and tourist attractions in Stavanger, Norway.

See also: Where to Stay in Stavanger

1. Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen)

2. norwegian petroleum museum, 3. norwegian canning museum, 4. stavanger cathedral, 5. the valberg tower (valbergtårnet), 6. stavanger museum, 7. gamle stavanger (old stavanger), 8. stavanger maritime museum, 9. breidablikk museum, 10. lysefjord, 11. ledaal house, 12. museum of archaeology, 13. flyhistorisk museum sola, 14. stavanger art museum, 15. utstein abbey, klosterøy, where to stay in stavanger for sightseeing, map of tourist attractions in stavanger, best time to visit stavanger.

Highlights: A stunning 609-meter cliff with a fantastic view from the top

Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen) is undoubtedly the best-known tourist attraction in the Stavanger area. This massive flat-topped cliff rises nearly 609 meters above the waters of Lysefjord and is one of the country's must-visit bucket list attractions.

It's also one of Norway's most iconic images and has long been the subject of some of the best photography in Norway .

Although Preikestolen is a bit of a trip to reach, it's well worth the effort. The adventure involves a ferry ride, a bus, and a four-hour round-trip hike. But if you have good walking boots (the path can be steep in places) and a head for heights (it's a sheer drop from the edge), the views from here on a clear day are unforgettable.

Location: Rogaland, Norway

Highlights: Family-friendly interactive displays, educational and fun science center

While the story of oil may not seem a compelling one, this innovative museum makes it relevant, as well as interesting. A lively blend of science, technology, history, environment, and social concerns, the Norwegian Petroleum Museum (Norsk Oljemuseum) sits overlooking the harbor in a building that resembles a series of oil storage drums sitting on an oil rig.

Graphic, audio, and interactive exhibits explore the geology of petroleum and explain why so much lies off the Norwegian Continental Shelf. They explain how these deposits are discovered, how they are recovered, and how they affect the Norwegian economy and society. Even adult visitors will enjoy climbing into a diver's suit, and there are other activities suitable for all ages.

Address: Kjeringholmen 1A, 4006 Stavanger

Highlights: Fun dress-ups for kids and hands-on exhibits in a historic building

Who knew sardines could be so interesting? The Venus Packing Co. was one of about 70 canneries in Stavanger and one of 250 in Norway as a whole, and it has been carefully restored to its appearance at the time of World War I.

It's now home to the Norwegian Canning Museum (Norsk Hermetikkmuseum) and is chock-full of interesting exhibits that show how Norwegian sardines were caught and processed from 1879 until the mid-1950s. During this period, these tiny fish were one of Norway's most important export products.

You can see how the fish were processed and follow the improvements in machinery. One of the most interesting exhibits is a single machine manufactured in Germany in the 1930s that packed the cans in greaseproof paper, attached a key, and put the label in place. The collection of labels displayed on the upper floor is a colorful sampling of the more than 40,000 different designs used.

Kids will like the opportunity to dress up as cannery workers and to sample Norwegian waffles in the café, which is in the authentic 1800s workers' cottage. It's been fully restored and furnished to show how it would have looked in the 1920s (on the lower floor) and about 1960 on the second floor.

Address: Øvre Strandgate 88, 4005 Stavanger

Highlights: Norway's oldest cathedral, close to the historic town square

Located in the city center, Stavanger Cathedral (Stavanger Domkirke) was built in the 12th century by Englishman Reginald of Worcester, later known as Bishop Reinald, as a three-aisle Romanesque basilica. The oldest cathedral in Norway, its choir was rebuilt in Gothic style after a fire in 1272, and the whole church was renovated in the 19th century.

Notable interior features include the richly carved Baroque pulpit (1658) and a stone font of the Gothic period. Also worth checking out is the stained glass in the east window depicting New Testament scenes.

Behind the cathedral sits the former Bishop's Palace, the Kongsgård, overlooking the northern shore of the Breiavatnet — the small lake at the center of the city. The nearby Bispekapellet , or Bishop's Chapel , dates back to the early 1300s and has been carefully restored.

Northwest of Stavanger's cathedral and extending to the harbor inlet (Vågen) is the city's Market Square (Markedsplass). This popular gathering place is a lively spot to spend time shopping at its open-air stalls and soaking up some local culture on nice days.

Address: Domkirkeplassen, 4001 Stavanger

Highlights: Great harbor views from the city's tallest building

Another of Stavanger's well-preserved older buildings, the Valberg Tower (Valbergtårnet) can be found to the north of Market Square between Vågen and Østre Havn (East Harbor). Located in the Holmen peninsula, the oldest part of the town, this former watchtower was built in 1853 on the highest point in the city.

It was the home of the watchman, whose job it was to alert everyone when there was a fire. Today, it is a good place to visit for great views over the harbor and city, as well as the great little Watchman's Museum located on the first floor.

Address: Valberget, 4001 Stavanger

Highlights: Natural history and cultural exhibits, plus a children's museum

The Stavanger Museum is much more than a single museum. The building, in fact, houses exhibitions of natural and cultural history, along with the popular Norwegian Children's Museum (Norsk Barnemuseum).

This fun attraction is a great one-stop shop providing a useful background of the city's cultural roots, its flora, and its fauna. It also tells the fascinating story of how the sea has shaped the community over the centuries, not to mention having somewhere for the kids to learn while having fun.

Much of the museum's collections have been the legacy of generations of Stavanger seamen and missionaries, who traveled to exotic places and brought back art and cultural treasures. These ethnographic collections appear in changing exhibits, as do art, furnishings, costumes, and other pieces of the city's cultural heritage.

Address: Muségt. 16, N-4010 Stavanger

Highlights: Historic quarter with Europe's oldest wooden houses

One of the most picturesque areas of the city is Gamle Stavanger. This historic area consists of a collection of quaint older homes lying along meandering stone-paved streets. This is, in fact, the largest surviving wooden house settlement in northern Europe.

Gamle Stavanger's picturesque streets are well worth exploring, as are its galleries and museums. This area is where you'll find both the Maritime Museum, on Nedre Strandgate, and the Norwegian Fish Canning Museum.

Highlights: Fun for families, costumes and model ships

Stavanger has been a city of seafarers from its earliest days, and the maritime industry has shaped it in many ways, from its early fishing fleets to its modern role as a center for offshore petroleum. You'll learn a great deal about the city's history in the exhibits at the Stavanger Maritime Museum (Stavanger Maritim Museum), which traces the city's business and industry from the herring fisheries and ship-building of the 1800s to today's role as Norway's oil capital.

Beautifully crafted models of working boats and transatlantic liners, actual interiors, and artifacts tell part of the story, while a general store has been re-created from the interiors and merchandise of several dismantled Stavanger shops that served seafarers, fishermen, and other townspeople. A complete and authentic sail loft that operated here until the 1980s has been moved to the museum, complete with all the equipment used by sail-makers.

"Working at the Docks" is an interactive exhibition for children representing a harborside marketplace. Here, they can dress up and play on a fjord boat and at market stalls and harbor businesses.

Address: Strandkaien 22, 4005 Stavanger

Highlights: Elegant historic home with beautiful gardens

The Berentsen family villa, Breidablikk, remains much as it was when the family lived here in the 1880s. Highlights of the Breidablikk Museum today include having the chance to see the original Victorian-era furniture, fabrics, chandeliers, ceramic stoves, knick-knacks, and even flower arrangements, along with a collection of works by foremost Norwegian artists.

Some areas of the house show furnishings of different eras when the house was inhabited: the 1950s library and dining room, even a bomb shelter installed by the family in 1939. Servants' quarters, the laundry room, and the barn with farm tools and carriages are open to view, as are the beautifully landscaped gardens. From here, you can follow the trail to other historic gardens of Ledaal, Holmeegenes, and Munkehagen.

Address: Eiganesveien 40 A, Stavanger 4009

Highlights: Spectacular cliff-lined fjord with incredible scenery

To the east of Stavanger lies Lysefjord, a dramatic cleft in the mountains that's 42 kilometers long and up to 1.75 kilometers wide, revealing stunning bright-green water. Topping it all are the sheer walls of rock rising 1,005 meters above the fjord.

This breathtaking landscape is one of the best sightseeing trips in the area. Fortunately, it's easy to get to, and a number of very pleasant trips by boat can easily be arranged from Stavanger.

One of the most exciting ways to explore this beautiful area is aboard a Lysefjord sightseeing trip from Stavanger with RIB-Safari . You'll be whisked to Lysefjord aboard a speedy RIB tour boat, where you'll have plenty of opportunities to get some great photos from the middle of this impressive body of water. Lifejackets, gloves, and floating suits are provided.

Highlights: Beautiful historic royal home and museum

Built as a summer residence for the Kielland family in 1799, Ledaal House is a perfectly preserved example of how Norway's elite lived in the early 19th century. The richly furnished mansion still functions as a royal residence and is the King's official residence in Stavanger, as well as a museum .

The entire property is owned by the state in trust. Its historic gardens are well worth seeing and are connected to three others via a historic garden trail.

Address: Eiganesveien 45, 4009 Stavanger

Highlights: Viking history and replica ships

While you're in Norway, you'll certainly want to know more about the Vikings, and the place to do it is at Stavanger's Museum of Archaeology (Arkeologisk museum i Stavanger). The collections include replicas of Viking ships and boats, costumes, historic weapons, tools, and artifacts.

Perhaps the most popular exhibit here, though, has nothing to do with Vikings. The famous Finn, the Finnøy Polar Bear, is a 12,400-year-old skeleton recovered from the village of Judaberg on Finnøy. It is the most complete Ice Age polar bear from its time, and you can learn the fascinating story of Finn's discovery and how he compares to modern-day polar bears.

Address: Peder Klows Gate 30 A, 4010 Stavanger

Highlights: Norwegian air force museum with historic planes

With its focus on aircraft used at the Sola military base and Stavanger Airport, the Flyhistorisk Museum Sola collection includes a variety of completely restored aircraft, as well as aircraft parts from WW2 to the modern day. Its collection of more than 30 historic aircraft includes civilian as well as military planes, plus uniforms, models of aircraft, and historic photographs.

You can actually board some of the planes, a rare experience in an aviation museum, and the signage is in English as well as Norwegian. The museum is at the seaplane port, near Stavanger airport.

Address: Sola Prestegårdsveg 170, 4050 Sola

Highlights: Important art collections in a park-like setting

Stavanger Art Museum (Stavanger kunstmuseum), located in a beautiful park surrounding Lake Mosvannet just 3.2 kilometers from the city center, is home to one of the country's finest collections of Norwegian and international art.

Of particular interest is the unique collection of paintings by Lars Hertervig (1830-1902), whose romantic and highly personal landscapes continue to resonate with visitors.

Address: Henrik Ibsensgate 55, 4021 Stavanger

Highlights: Chain of small islands off the coast of Stavanger with historic monastery

To the north of Stavanger are numerous islands and islets, one of the most popular being tiny Klosterøy. Linked to the larger island of Mosterøy by bridge, Klosterøy is famous for its Augustinian abbey, Utstein .

First mentioned in the 13th century, this well-preserved monastic house can be reached from Stavanger by boat.

Address: Mosterøyveien 80, 4156 Mosterøy

If you're visiting Stavanger for the first time, the best place to stay is in the city center. Many of the top attractions are within walking distance of each other here, including Stavanger Cathedral, the old town, and several museums. Here are some highly rated Stavanger hotels in this convenient location:

Luxury Hotels:

• True luxury hotels are rare in Stavanger, but the pet-friendly Clarion Hotel Stavanger , a short stroll from the cathedral and old town, offers comfortable, contemporary rooms, as well as a top-floor Jacuzzi and sauna with city views.
• Located nearby, the Scandic Royale Hotel Stavanger has plush rooms with pillow menus, a spa, a fitness center, and the city's only child-friendly hotel pool.
• A stone's throw from Stavanger train station and handy to the cathedral, the pet-friendly Scandic Stavanger Park , with a fitness center and summer activities for children, is known for its spacious rooms with sitting areas. Breakfast is included in all these hotels.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• In a fabulous location, a five-minute walk from the old town and cathedral, the hip and funky Comfort Hotel Square features bold, in-your-face art, cozy lounge areas, a gym, and a panoramic rooftop terrace.
• Located in a lovely lakeside setting, Thon Hotel Maritim offers sleek, dark-hued rooms and free breakfast, all a two-minute walk from Stavanger Cathedral and the city center.
• A few blocks away, the Frogner House Nygata 24 , set in a red-brick 19th-century building, offers a touch of elegance, with chandeliers and sumptuous fabrics in some of the rooms.

Budget Hotels:

• Budget hotels are also in short supply in Stavanger, but you can walk to town in about 10 minutes from the Stavanger lille Hotel . The hotel's basic rooms have TVs, mini-fridges, and shared or private bathrooms.

The best time to visit Stavanger is in July and August. Near-perfect weather with plenty of sunshine can be expected in the summer months, with cooler yet still pleasant evening temperatures being easily managed with the wearing of a light jacket or sweater.

Spring can also be a nice time to visit. However, it's worth noting that Stavanger's northerly location near the Arctic Circle means spring typically arrives later than other European destinations. It's also shorter, starting in late May or even early June. Although the weather's cooler than you'll experience in the summer, the days are generally long with plenty of sunshine.

Visiting Stavanger in the autumn and winter should be avoided if you're planning on sightseeing. September, October, November, and December are the area's rainiest months, with rainfall expected well over half of each month.

Winter can be a fun time to visit for those who enjoy snow sports. Snow conditions generally last from January into February and March, and although daylight hours are somewhat reduced, you can expect some sunshine to offset the cold temperatures.

More on Norway

11 Awesome Things to do in Stavanger and Beyond!

Stavanger is Norway’s gateway to the most iconic hikes and fjords but its charming town full of traditional wooden houses are not to be missed. Here are the best things to do in Stavanger and beyond!

The first day I’m balancing on a rock suspended in 984-metres in the air. The following morning, I’m chasing street art murals around Old Stavanger town. At sunset I watch the boats pass through the harbour lined with colourful buildings. The next day, I’m standing 604 metres above a fjord full of glistening water. There are so many wonderful things to do in Stavanger. And I’m about to share them all with you.

Looking for something in particular in this guide to Stavanger? Use the links below to jump around.

Table of Contents

Introduction to stavanger, map of stavanger itinerary.

• Kjeragbolten
• Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)
• Gamle Stavanger (Old Town)
• Street Art all over the Stavanger

Øvre Holmegate

• Stavanger Harbour
• Stavanger Cathedral
• Museum of Archaeology
• Stavanger Art Museum
• Stavanger Museum
• Breiavatnet
• Luxury accommodation
• Mid-range accommodation
• Budget accommodation

Stavanger is not only the gateway to some of the best hikes in all of Norway, but this coastal town also boasts some of the most beautiful and best-preserved wooden buildings anywhere in Norway, many of them dating back to the 18th century.

The town waterfront comes alive in summer in the best port-town style. As a former European Capital of Culture, Stavanger also boasts an impressive assortment of museums and cultural events.

The Stavanger region has many scenic attractions, making it the perfect launchpad for adventure seekers. Located here is Lysefjord, home to two of Norway’s most famous and picturesque hikes, Kjeragbolten and Preikestolen (“the Pulpit Rock”). These suspended viewpoints are no less than 600 metres high. The journey to reach the top is both challenging and rewarding. It’s no wonder then Lonely Planet named Preikestolen the number one most breathtaking viewing platform in the world.

This was my second trip to Norway. The first time, was in winter so I after I spent a few days in Oslo , I headed north to Tromsø where I did a lot of whale watching and Northern Light’s chasing . I couldn’t get enough, so five months later, I went back to experience this amazing country in the summer.

I spent five days exploring the stunning Stavanger region of Rogaland and found there was so much to see and do within this one space! This is where Norway became united into one kingdom in the famous Viking battle that took place in Hafrsfjord in 872 AD.

Norway has left such an impression on me that I could easily see myself living there. When you go there you’ll know what I mean.

Here is a list of 11 things to do in Stavanger and the jaw-dropping Rogaland county.

Want to know where you’ll be going? Take a look at the detailed map below.

Tip: For a larger view of the map, click on the icon in the top right corner. 

Click on this interactive map and see where this itinerary will take you. I’ve created this map using Google Maps which you can save and use as you travel around.

11 Awesome Things to do in Stavanger

1. defy gravity at kjeragbolten.

If you’re a Pinterest user, then you’re sure to have seen the iconic photo of a boulder wedged between a cliff hovering almost one kilometre above a fjord. This is Kjeragbolten. Neither for the fainthearted nor to be missed.

So, how did the boulder get there? Well, it was deposited during the last glacial period around 50,000 B.C. As the Norwegian Glacier melted, it was accompanied by a rebound in rock formations as the ice was removed. In Kjeragbolten’s case, the rebound was actually faster than the rising sea level, which wedged the rock into its current position.

Just getting to Kjeragbolten is an adventure on its own. Winding through the snow-capped mountains on a narrow single lane two-way road is awe-inspiring. I was so distracted by its beauty that I found it difficult to concentrate on driving!

I’ll be posting a blow-by-blow guide on hiking Kjeragbolten in the future, but for now, here are some facts.

From Stavanger, allow for a 13.5-hour return trip. During off-season you’ll need to hire a car here to reach the trail but from mid-June to mid-September you can take a coach from Stavanger city centre. Depending on your fitness level, the hike itself will take roughly 5-6 hours return. Dress warm and bring a packed lunch and snacks.

Unfortunately, the day I went there cloud cover was crazy and very dizzying as you stand on the boulder. This is what it looks like on a clear day.

Alternatively, you can save yourself the hassle and join a tour which will organise everything for you. Here are a few of the best tours from Stavanger to book:

• Guided hike to Kjerag and Kjeragbolten
• Kjerag Summer Hike – Beat the Crowds
• Summit Hike to Kjerag in Lysefjorden
• Summit Hike to Pulpit Rock in Lysefjorden

2. Get 180-degree views atop Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)

On top of Pulpit Rock

One of the most striking tourist attractions near Stavanger is Preikestolen, meaning “Pulpit Rock” or “Preacher’s Pulpit”. This flat-topped cliff shares the same fjord as Kjeragbolten and rises some 604 metres (1,982 ft) above Lysefjorden. In comparison, Preikestolen is much easier to hike than Trolltunga and Kjeragbolten

While it’s a sheer drop, the flat top spans approximately 25 by 25 metres (82 ft × 82 ft), so you’ll have plenty of space to admire the spectacular from afar.

Preikestolen can be reached from Stavanger by road and ferry with a total travel time of roughly one hour. Allow four hours to hike its well-marked trail.

• Preikestolen Cruise & Hike in Style
• Snowshoe Excursion to Pulpit Rock in Lysefjorden
• Preikestolen off the beaten track hike
• Preikestolen Guided Hike – Low-Season
• Preikestolen Sunset Hike & Fjord Cruise

3. Stroll Through Europe’s Best Preserved Wooden House Settlement in Gamle Stavanger (Old Town)

The city centre of Stavanger is quite compact, which makes it easy to reach most attractions on foot. My favourite part of exploring Stavanger was by walking through what the local’s call Gamle Stavanger… literally, “Old Stavanger”.

This picturesque and historic area consists of 170 white wooden homes nestled along meandering cobblestone streets, boasting the largest surviving wooden house settlement in northern Europe.

Its streets are well worth exploring, as are its galleries and museums. Two of the best are the Maritime Museum on Nedre Strandgate with its unique glimpse into the town’s seafaring past, and the Norwegian Fish Canning Museum, offering a fascinating look at the history of the country’s still important fishing industry.

4. See 15 Years of Impressive Street Art all over Stavanger

  A post shared by Michele • The Intrepid Guide✈️ (@intrepidguide) on Apr 14, 2017 at 10:29am PDT

Stavanger’s street art is a photographers dream, not to mention what it will do to your Instagram account like!

When visiting Stavanger for the first time, one might be struck by the high amount of street art present in and around the city centre.

For a small town dominated by old-fashioned wooden architecture, Stavanger contains an unexpected amount of incredible street art. From murals to stencils, and paste-ups Stavanger is full of awesome street art all thanks to the annual street art festival Nuart.

Each August/September the festival invites an international team of street artists to come to the city for a two-week production period. During these two weeks, the artists work outside on walls donated by the city’s population.

I visited almost all (approximately 30) pieces with a map I had plotted all the sights on. If you’re not as organised as me, then opt for the walking tour running from September to October.   Visit the official website for updated maps on the current year’s works.

Below are some highlights from the 2015 festival.

5. Have Lunch in Stavanger’s most Colourful Street in Øvre Holmegate

To say I’m colour obsessed is an understatement so naturally, I had to visit Stavanger’s most colourful street, Øvre Holmegate.

Located in the centre, Øvre Holmegate is Stavanger’s answer to London’s Notting Hill. The area experienced a renaissance in 2005 when hairdresser Tom Kjørsvik envisaged doing something totally unique with the area. All the houses along the street were painted in different hues, in accordance with a colour scheme suggested by the artist Craig Flannagan. As you wander along Øvre Holmegate, you will find several niche shops as well as charming cafes and pubs.

Going to Norway? Get my free Norwegian travel phrase guide here

6. Sunset and Chill Along Stavanger’s Harbour

Spend a lazy afternoon with a little glass of something-something in hand while overlooking Stavanger’s harbour. Hugging the elongated harbour, are numerous lively bars and restaurants serving both local to international cuisine.

7. Visit Stavanger’s 12th-Century Cathedral

After a fire in 1272, the choir was rebuilt in the Gothic style. It wasn’t until the 19th Century that the church was fully renovated.

In the crypt below the church are four postholes from a building that is believed to have been there before the cathedral was built. Some people believe it to be the remains of a wooden church built by Erling Skjalgsson around 1015.

8. Learn about the Vikings at the Museum of Archaeology

No visit to Norway would be complete without learning about the Vikings. Stavanger’s Museum of Archaeology in Stavanger is a great place to get your Viking fix. The museum displays replica vessels and costumes, as well as historic weapons and artefacts.

If you’re a fan of Vikings, then don’t miss my Viking road trip along Ireland’s stunning east coast.

9. See the works of local artists at Stavanger Art Museum

Situated in a lush green park surrounding Lake Mosvannet is one of Norway’s finest collections of local and international talent. Stavanger Art Museum is only three kilometres (two miles) from the town centre and well worth the visit.

Of particular interest is the unique collection of paintings by local artist Lars Hertervig (1830-1902) whose romantic, powerful and highly personal landscapes still resonate with art lovers.

10. Get Three for the Price of One at Stavanger Museum

Stavanger Museum not only houses exhibitions of natural and cultural history, there is also a Children’s Museum. Learn about city’s cultural roots, flora and fauna, as well as the fascinating story of how the sea has shaped the community over the centuries.

11. Stroll Around Breiavatnet

You’ll find several good restaurants lining the lake and a memorial to Norwegian emigrants who helped build America. In winter, the lake freezes over and locals take to the ice to skate.

Got more time? Join a tour!

• Sea kayaking excursions in Stavanger
• City Sightseeing Stavanger Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
• Stavanger Viking Tour
• Stavanger Food Walk
• Guided hike to Florli Staircase
• Stavanger City Walk
• Lysefjord Boat Safari
• Stavanger City Island, Guided cruise tour

Where to Stay in Stavanger

If you’re visiting Stavanger for the first time, I recommend staying in the city centre. This will make visiting the top attractions easy as they are all within walking distance of each other here. Here are some highly-rated hotels in this convenient location:

Luxury Accommodation

True luxury hotels are rare in Stavanger, but the pet-friendly Clarion Hotel Stavanger , a short walk from the cathedral and old town, offers comfortable, contemporary rooms, as well as a top-floor Jacuzzi and sauna with city views. Nearby, the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel has plush rooms with pillow menus, a spa, fitness centre, and the city’s only child-friendly hotel pool. A stone’s throw from Stavanger train station is the pet-friendly Scandic Stavanger Park , with a fitness centre and summer activities for children. This hotel is known for its spacious rooms with sitting areas. Breakfast is included in all these hotels.

Mid-Range Accommodation

A five-minute walk from the old town and cathedral, the hip and funky Comfort Hotel Square features bold, in-your-face art, cosy lounge areas, a gym, and a panoramic roof-top terrace. In a lovely lakeside setting, Thon Hotel Maritim , offers sleek, dark-hued rooms and free breakfast and only a two-minute walk from Stavanger Cathedral and the city centre. A few blocks away is the Myhregaarden Hotel , a red-brick 19th-century building that offers a touch of elegance, with chandeliers and sumptuous fabrics in some of the rooms. Alternatively, I stayed in one of the very central   City Housing apartments , which caters for most budgets and are located all over Stavanger.

Budget Accommodation

Budget hotels are also short in number in Stavanger, but you can walk to town in about 10 minutes from the Stavanger lille Hotel , and the basic rooms have TVs, mini-fridges, and shared or private bathrooms. A short drive from the city’s top attractions, the Hotel Alstor and Park Inn by Radisson Stavanger Hotel compensate for their location outside the city centre with more affordable rates. 

For the bests deals, compare the best car rental prices here .

Impress the locals! Get my free Norwegian travel phrase guide here

Visiting Norway? Check out my other Norway posts

• 49 Underrated Things to Do in Oslo, Norway That Are Totally Worth Doing
• 22 Absolutely Free things to do in Oslo You Shouldn’t Miss
• Emanuel Vigeland Museum: Oslo’s Best-Kept Secret
• How to Hike Trolltunga like a Pro: The Ultimate Guide
• 23 Travel Tips You Should Know Before Visiting the Lofoten Islands, Norway
• How to get to Lofoten: 6 Easy Ways to Get to the Lofoten Islands, Norway
• 28 Unique Things to Do in Lofoten Before You Die [A Comprehensive Guide]
• The Ultimate Sámi Culture Experience in Tromsø
• 7 Reasons Why You Should Take an Arctic Fjords Road Trip in Tromsø
• The Best Place to See the Northern Lights You Probably Haven’t Heard of
• How to Choose the Best Whale Watching Tour in Norway and Iceland

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Over to you!

Have you visited Norway? What did you think? What other things would you recommend doing in Stavanger? Let me know using the comments section below or join me on social media to start a conversation.

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Michele creates language learning guides and courses for travel. What separates her from other instructors is her ability to explain complex grammar in a no-nonsense, straightforward manner using her unique 80/20 method. Get her free guide 9 reasons you’re not fluent…YET & how to fix it! Planning a trip? Learn the local language with her 80/20 method for less than the cost of eating at a tourist trap restaurant Start learning today!

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Hi Michelle! Just came across your helpful post via Pinterest! I’m planning on going in mid June! Was there snow when you hiked Kjeragbolten? Also planning on hiking Trolltunga around 6/20 – how as the snow cover there in mid June your year? Thanks!

Hi Kate! Yes, there was heaps of snow in May when I went to Kjeragbolten. Mid-June there will be less but I still expect there to be some snow on the ground when you reach the top. For Trolltunga, again I went in May and it was all snow, much worse than Kjeragbolten. For June, I would say there will still be snow on the ground, just a bit less. In the car park it was hot but don’t be fooled, you will get cold up there and encounter some snow no doubt. It’s an amazing experience though!

Thank you for this great post. Will definitely check out your recommendations on my next trip to Stavanger. ??

Thank you so much, Basil. Stavanger and Norway in general is an amazing place 🙂

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Stavanger region is close to Lysefjord and the Pulpit rock

Paul Edmundson /www.fjordnorway.com

Kurt Hamann - Visitnorway.com

Martin Håndlykken / Visitnorway.com

CH - visitnorway.com

• Map & transport

Epic landscapes, colourful culture and exquisite culinary experiences await you in the Stavanger region.

Here Norway`s fjord country begins and contains some of the country`s most amazing natural sights such as Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) in Lysefjord.

Stavanger is close to mountains, fjords and the beautiful beaches of Jæren, with the North Sea as its nearest neighbour. Like the rest of the cities and towns close to the Norwegian Fjords , you will find Stavanger close to the mountains, fjords and unique beaches. Stavanger is also neighbour to the North Sea.

When the oil was discovered in 1966, Stavanger became the oil capital of  Norway  and many inhabitants in the

What to see and do in Stavanger

The city has a rich cultural life, and you can also have an amazing culinary experience here. Stavanger is known for fishing, agriculture and industry, and populate by around 120.000. Stavanger offers a lot of cultural experiences from museums, galleries, and music events to festivals. In 2008 Stavanger was elected cultural city of Europe.

Related to the beautiful surroundings Stavanger offers all kinds of adventures, and one of the highlights from here is a tour to the Pulpit Rock , known worldwide. From here you get a fantastic view of the Norway fjords and the wonderful unique nature. It is also very recommended with a sightseeing cruise on the 42 km long Lysefjord and experiences the power of western Norway’s landscape at its best.

Getting there

Find routes to this destination.

Coordinates

• Lattitude: 58.969976
• Longitude: 5.733107

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20 BEST Things To Do in Stavanger & Near Stavanger! Hikes, Cruises, Museums!

Categories Europe , Norway

Stavanger Norway is a fantastic little city and there are lots of things to do in Stavanger and things to do near Stavanger making it a perfect quick city break, a stop on a wider Norway road trip, or a day in Stavanger off a cruise ship!

I have just returned from 3 days in Stavanger . 2 of these days were jam-packed with Stavanger attractions and hikes near Stavanger and we had a great time!

This was my second trip to Norway (last year we went from Bergen to Alesund in a jam-packed 3 days) and a long weekend in Stavanger made me fall in love with Norway even more, especially as we hired a car at Stavanger Airport so we could see more of the mountains and countryside near Stavanger, Norway is too beautiful to even describe!

I found Stavanger city itself relatively small . Many of the best places to visit in Stavanger are out of the city and the attractions in Stavanger city are easy to see in half a day so I’m glad we did head out of the city because the fjords near Stavanger and the hikes near Stavanger really make this city an impressive trip location for a mix of city break, hiking, nature and road trip vibes!

So, based on my fantastic trip, let me help you out with what to do in Stavanger, Stavanger things to do from a cruise ship, day trips from Stavanger and hiking in Stavanger so you can have the best trip in Stavanger, Norway too!

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Things to do in Stavanger Norway

Map of Stavanger Things To Do

I have added all of the best things to do in Stavanger and places to visit in Stavanger and near Stavanger into this map to help you plan your trip.

At the bottom of this list of things to do in Stavanger, I’ve given some tips on accommodation in Stavanger including the hotel we stayed in and loved. Car hire, how to get to Stavanger, and how to save money in Stavanger, so be sure to scroll to the end or use the table of contents above to read all of my Stavanger travel tips!

Things To Do in Stavanger

1. stavanger old town / gamle stavanger.

Easily the top tourist attraction in Stavanger is Gamle Stavanger which is the Old Town of Stavanger . Located along the street Øvre Strandgate you’ll find beautiful old wooden houses.

I read on the Visit Norway site that there are 173 wooden houses from the turn of the 18th Century. It used to be common for people to move their house with them if they moved, hence the use of wooden houses and the range of wooden buildings in the area.

Not only is it an extremely pretty part of the city to see but it’s also a very historic part to see to get an idea of how people used to live here.

If you are visiting Stavanger on a cruise ship . Gamle Stavanger is literally a street up from the cruise ship departure point and a 1-minute walk, so be sure to get off the ship first and get up there first too!

2. Øvre Holmegate

Next on the list of popular places to visit in Stavanger is Øvre Holmegate which is an extremely colourful street on the other side of Stavanger Harbour.

I read that it was a hair salon that decided to paint the street bright colours to help attract tourists to this area of the city and it certainly helped because it’s now one of the top Stavanger attractions.

Ovre Holmegate is mainly full of cafes, restaurants and bars where you can sit inside or out enjoying the bustling vibe.

But don’t just visit this colourful street in Stavanger and leave, be sure to explore the streets nearby which have lots of nice shops . This part of Stavanger is known for being the shopping district.

3. Stavanger Lake

We stayed at the Radisson Blu Atlantic Hotel Stavanger (I highly recommend this hotel by the way) which is right on the lake, so for us, it was easy to walk around the lake but if you are on a day trip in Stavanger don’t miss out on the lake.

It feels a bit strange having a lake in the middle of a city surrounded by water and with the harbour just a few meters away but it’s a nice relaxing place to walk and sit down. It’s also one of the free things to do in Stavanger!

4. Stavanger Harbour Market Stalls

During all the 3 days I was in Stavanger in September there were some market stalls set up on the edge of the harbour . They were selling a range of things like jewellery, jumpers and souvenirs.

I’m not sure how often they are set up but it seems they were popular with the tourists from the cruise ship so I assume that whilst the cruise ships pull into the harbour, the stalls are set up as they make for easy shopping off of the cruise and help support the local businesses which is why I wanted to add them to this list of things to do in Stavanger even if they aren’t always on.

5. RIB Lysefjord Experience

For a thrilling experience and surely one of the most fun things to do in Stavanger , book a RIB Safari experience which leaves Stavanger Harbour and goes into Lysefjord!

Lysefjord is easily one of the top places to visit in Stavanger and the top places to visit in Norway so this RIB experience is a great way to see it!

RIB stands for Rigid Inflatable Boat which goes extremely fast and you are open to the elements so it’s an adrenaline-inducing experience! You will be given a dry bag and extra warm marine suit to keep you protected so don’t worry about that!

Spaces do book up quickly so be sure to book a spot before you arrive on Viator here !

6. Lysefjord Sightseeing Cruise

This is one of the best things to do in Stavanger! Seeing the almighty Lysefjord is a must-see in this part of Norway!

If you are not hiring a car , a sightseeing cruise is going to be the easiest way to see Lysefjord .

When looking for myself, I did notice that some of the Lysefjord cruises from Stavanger include a stop for people to go and hike Pulpit Rock . You might want to do this too and there’s more information on Stavanger to Pulpit Rock below but if you don’t, be sure NOT to book on a cruise that offers the hike as the cruise will cost you double the amount

Look for a general Pulpit Rock cruise from Stavanger like the ones I have found below:

Rodne Fjord Cruises offer a passenger boat cruise from Stavanger, you can stop at some ports along the way before returning to Stavanger and make a full day tour from Stavanger of it ! Note that they only seem to offer this in Summer from May to September.

Fjord Tours has a daily 3 hour cruise which takes you from Stavanger on an electric boat all the way up Lysefjord passing by the impressive Pulpit Rock . For a price of 660 NOK you cannot get off the boat which is perfect if you want a leisurely and fairly quick cruise.

NORLED offers a 2.5 hour cruise which is perfect if you are a bit tight on time. The cruise starts in Stavanger Harbour and takes you up Lysefjord passing by Pulpit Rock. The cruise runs in the summer months only from 15 June to 15 September and for 590 NOK seems to be the best value Lysefjord sightseeing cruise.

7. Cruise, Bus or Tour to Pulpit Rock

Right, let’s get into some hiking in Stavanger and an incredibly impressive place you can visit from Stavanger – Pulpit Rock, also known as Preikestolen .

Pulpit Rock is one of the top famous places in Norway and iconic places . I’d seen photos of Pulpit Rock on Instagram for years and wondered how to get to this incredible viewpoint and the best thing is, from Stavanger it really isn’t that hard at all ! And the hike from the starting point is not overly strenuous either so without a doubt, this has to be top of your list of things to do in Stavanger!

If you are hiring a car in Stavanger it’s easy to drive to the start of the hike to Pulpit Rock but if you do not have a car, you can get a bus from the city, a cruise from the city or book a full-day tour with a guide.

I have a full post on how to do the Pulpit Rock hike here with timings and how to get there, but if you want to get a tour or cruise tour, check out these options which will make it really easy for you to visit:

• Guided hike to Pulpit Rock Preikestolen – great value tour with hotel pick up and drop off in Stavanger .
• Shore Excursion: Hike to Pulpit Rock Preikestolen – aimed at cruise day tourists but available for all. A great value tour .
• From Stavanger: Guided Winter Hike Pulpit Rock Preikestolen – perfect if you are visiting Stavanger in winter as hiking by yourself in the snow could be dangerous but this is with an experienced guide and they provide extra equipment like crampons if needed.
• Rodne Cruise and Bus Trip with Hike – this is without a guide but the cruise and bus are all organised. They offer summer and winter options too!
• GoFjord Cruise and Bus Trip with Hike – this is also unguided except for an audio guide on the boat but all timings are organised for you.

8. Viking House

Located right on Stavanger harbour, Viking House is a world-class visitor centre and for things to do in Stavanger with kids , this needs to be on your list!

Viking House Stavanger used virtual reality technology to see what Stavanger would have been like in Viking History. This is a fully immersive and unique experience!

9. Norwegian Petroleum Museum

There are quite a few museums in Stavanger and the Petroleum Museum is one I fully recommend going into. We weren’t sure at first but the moving dinosaur on the museum roof intrigued us and I’m so glad it did.

Firstly, if you are travelling to Stavanger with kids, this also needs to be on your list of things to do in Stavanger with kids because the museum is home to an array of dinosaurs that all move and kids these days seem to love dinosaurs!

This is an oil museum, yes, but the dinosaurs help tell the story of the region first (and get kids interested!), then, you can move on to learning about how oil was discovered in this area including the incredible technology they used and the effect it had. It’s actually really interesting!

To top it off and why it’s one of the great attractions in Stavanger in my opinion, there is an outside platform which offers an amazing view over the water and a re-created emergency slide that adults and children can slide down back to the lower floor!

10. Stavanger Maritime Museum

If you like Maritime Museums, don’t miss this Stavanger tourist attraction which is located in Stavanger’s best-preserved merchant buildings right on Stavanger Harbour.

The Stavanger Maritime Museum is also one of the good places to visit in Stavanger with kids because the museum offers a fully immersive and interactive experience where they can act out the life of the late 1950s Stavanger!

There is plenty for adults to see too. You can take in the last 200 years of maritime history here in Stavanger in a variety of exhibitions.

If you are looking for what to do in Stavanger from a cruise ship , this is perfect as it’s right by the cruise docking point.

11. Norwegian Canning Museum

The history of canned food might not sound interesting but Norway put a lot of effort into their museums and therefore the Norwegian Canning Museum is one of the best things to do in Stavanger!

I didn’t make it but I do wish I had and if I went back with my stepsons I’d certainly take them as this is another one of the museums in Stavanger great for children !

I love that Full Suitcase wrote this whole blog post on it because she loved it so much, so give it a read to learn why you should go too!

12. Hop on Hop Off Bus

Stavanger is a very walkable city. All of the top tourist attractions in Stavanger are fairly close together in a flat part of the city, but if you have walking difficulties or are tight on time, the Stavanger Hop On Hop Off bus is a great idea.

This Hop on Hop Off Bus will take you to 6 different stops in the city and you can take your time in each place before hopping back on.

Places To Visit Near Stavanger

To get to most of these places near Stavanger you will need a car. We hired our car through Rentalcars from Stavanger Airport, you can check car hire with them here and they search all the top providers .

13. Pulpit Rock

I have to give Pulpit Rock another section in this blog post because it isn’t in Stavanger although it’s possible to get a bus, cruise or tour from Stavanger to see it.

We hired a car and we were really happy with this choice because it meant we could start the rock hike later on meaning we missed a lot of the crowds by the time we got to the top and we hiked down at sunset.

Click here to read my full post on how to do the Pulpit Rock hike because it makes for one of the best Day trips from Stavanger!

14. Sola Beach

If you’re like me, you don’t put Norway and beaches together, you put Norway together with Fjords, Mountains, hiking and even cities, but not white sandy beaches!

However, one of the best places to visit near Stavanger is a white sandy beach called Sola Beach , also called Solastranden .

Sola Beach is next to Stavanger Airport so it’s worth adding a stop here after landing or before returning to the airport, especially if you have hired a car.

Visit Norway say it was once named one of the most beautiful beaches by the Sunday Times and it is a popular spot for kitesurfer and other water sports. This is definitely one of the unique things to do in Norway !

15. Kayaking or Paddleboarding on Frafjord

Ok, THIS was a highlight of my weekend in Stavanger. I was looking for kayaking near Stavanger or Paddleboarding near Stavanger and Frafjord SUP and Kayak came up on my google map search.

You can book and pay on his website but we decided to just turn up and see when we got there and thankfully he still had availability.

We initially hired a double kayak for 1 hour but we ended up out for 2 hours in total and had an amazing time. Kayaking on a Fjord in Norway should be a bucket list item and one to be ticked off in Stavanger!

Frafjord is one of the many breathtaking fjords in the area and it’s amazing to be at the start of the fjord and paddle out into it!

The owner of Frafjord SUP and Kayak is extremely friendly and helpful. He has a toilet, and changing facilities and can give you a dry bag too along with a mandatory life vest. We paid £45 for 2 of us for 2 hours which we thought was good value and definitely good for Norway when you think about how expensive Norway is !

16. Månafossen Waterfall

If you’re looking for Waterfalls near Stavanger , Månafossen is the best one to visit as it’s not too far away and easily accessible.. well after a steep 10-20 minute climb uphill !

We went to Månafossen Waterfall after being at Frafjord as it was just a 12 minute drive down the road so I really recommend doing 2 of these things to do near Stavanger together!

Visit Norway say that this is the 7th biggest waterfall in Norway with a free fall of 92 metres which is pretty impressive! It is just a short hike from the car park up to the top viewpoint where you can see the full waterfall from.

The hike up is steep but there are chains to help pull yourself up and keep you stable. Good footwear is needed, especially in winter or when it’s wet or icy and you’ll need to be extra careful on the way down in winter conditions.

Some articles online say it takes 30 minutes to the top but it took us just 10 minutes up and 10 minutes down in good walking conditions.

Your hike doesn’t have to end at the first viewpoint either, you can keep following the signs to hike further up into the valley which sounds great if you are looking for hiking near Stavanger!

17. Kjeragbolten

As well as the iconic view of Pulpit Rock, you might have seen the iconic view of a rock wedged between 2 sides of a cliff and people standing on said ‘floating rock’ ?

Well, this is Kjeragbolten, also known as Kjerag , and the Kjeragbolten hike to be precise because you can’t get here without doing a pretty demanding hike . But the best thing is that it can most easily be done from Stavanger and makes for one of the top attractions near Stavanger!

Earth Trekkers have a great post here on how to hike Kjeragbolten. We were going to do it but decided to go kayaking in a fjord instead and keep this Stavanger hike for another time!

Because it is such a demanding hike and it is a 2.5 hour drive from Stavanger to the starting point, many people decide to do this Stavanger hike with a guide which will turn it into a full day trip from Stavanger. This guided hike to Kjerag and Kjeragbolten is a great tour to book with good reviews.

It’s so amazing that from Stavanger you can visit 2 such iconic and incredible places in Norway ! – Pulpit Rock / Preikestolen and Kjeragbolten!

18. Start of Lysefjord

As mentioned quite a bit in this blog post of things to do in Stavanger, Lysefjord is an absolutely breathtaking fjord and is always towards the top in lists of the best fjords in Norway like this !

There’s something cool about going to the start of a Fjord and in this case, the start is the village of Lysebotn. It’s particularly cool going to the start of Lysefjord if you have already seen it from above at Pulpit Rock or Kjerag.

If you are doing the Kjeragbolten hike you should head down to the village of Lysebotn afterwards. This little village is a popular tourist attraction , mainly because people who have finished the hike head here or people on a Lysefjord cruise.

Access by car (more on that below) is only open in the summer months and in these months you might see a company offering guided kayak tours or kayak hire.

19. Lysevegen Windy Road

Now, to get to Lysebotn from the mountain roads above there is an incredibly windy road to go down first! The road is made up of 27 hairpin bends! We saw a fair few windy roads on our Bergen to Alesund road trip but this was much crazier!

It’s kind of an attraction on its own . If you love driving and crazy roads you could visit here without evening doing the Kjerag hike because although it’s nearly 3 hours from Stavanger, the drive is so beautiful all the way and it makes for one of the good day trips from Stavanger by car.

20. Kjerag Restaurant

In the car park at the start of the hike to Kjerag and before the windy road starts, you’ll find Kjerag restaurant (Øygardstøl) which is certainly a unique restaurant!

This cafe is located 640 meters above the village of Lysebotn below which is the start of the Lysefjord and it has a panoramic outside terrace and restaurant view.

From the reviews, I don’t think you go here purely for the food but it makes for a great place to get a meal after the Kjerag hike or as part of a road trip near Stavanger or day trip from Stavanger and things to do near Stavanger!

Stavanger Accommodation

I stayed at the Radisson Blu Atlantic Hotel Stavanger which I HIGHLY recommend ! Some Radisson Hotels these days can be quite basic and outdated but this hotel is really lovely with contemporary decor. It’s spotlessly clean with helpful staff and in an amazing location on Stavanger Lake.

Waking up to this view was so amazing so make sure you try to get a lake view room !

I booked the Radisson Blue Atlantic Hotel via Booking.com. Check rates and availability on Booking.com here!

Other well rated hotels in Stavanger are:

Scandic Stavanger City

Clarion Collection Hotel Skagen Brygge

Clarion Hotel Stavanger

Car Hire in Stavanger

From our research, the only place to hire a car from in Stavanger is the airport and there are no city centre hire offices.

We hired our car through Rentalcars , you can check car hire with them here and they search all the top providers!

Unfortunately, because we landed after midnight we couldn’t pick a car up when we landed. We got told the car hire offices close at midnight but I can imagine they might close earlier as it is a small airport.

We did have to get a taxi from the airport to the city and then get the bus back to the airport the next day to pick up a car which wasn’t too much of an issue but the cost of travel between the airport is quite expensive so if you can reduce the number of times you go to the airport it’s best.

How To Get To Stavanger

I found direct flights from Manchester to Stavanger on Skyscanner which worked perfectly.

You can also get a train or bus from Oslo to Stavanger or from Bergen.

Stavanger Airport to Stavanger City

We got a taxi from Stavanger Airport to the city at 00:30 and it cost us a sickening £54! We didn’t have a choice as we couldn’t pick up our hire car that late and we didn’t think to look for a bus. (more on car hire above!)

I think it was more expensive because it was nighttime, but even in the daytime, I highly recommend looking at the Flybussen Bus , you can book tickets in advance here really easily and then you show the QR code ticket when you get on.

This bus will take you directly from Stavanger Airport to outside the Radisson Blu Atlantic Hotel and the Lake.

I hope this list of things to do in Stavanger and things to do near Stavanger has helped you plan your trip!

• For more of my Norway posts see:
• FULL Pulpit Rock Hike Guide! By Cruise, Car & Bus, Plus Tips!
• Easy Hike to Stegastein Viewpoint in 3-4 Hours! Most Scenic Platform in Norway!
• 3- 5 Day Norway Road Trip Itinerary! Bergen to Alesund & Atlantic Ocean Road.
• 18 Places To Stop On A Bergen to Alesund Road Trip.
• Is the Atlantic Ocean Road in Norway Worth the Visit?

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City walks: Experience Stavanger in one day

“ It's very chill. There are people sitting and eating ice cream in the sun, which is nice. ”

“ Bring it on! The wind is great! ”

Route: Elle and Danny do Stavanger

Length: 10 000 steps

Follow Elly and Danny's path through Stavanger. This sporty English couple in their thirties loves hiking in the wild. Elly is very interested in all aspects of cooking and has even written her own cookbook. As a couple, Elly and Danny have made mini golf their 'thing', and they try to play a round or two in each new place they visit.

Many attractions and sights in Stavanger are densely located, making it easy to see and do a lot in a short amount of time.  Join an art walk and discover everything from massive murals to tiny works of art in doorways and on buses. Fargegaten (the street of colours) is like stepping into a photograph.

Relax with a long, pleasant walk   along one of the white sandy beaches of Jæren outside the city centre, ortake a tour in one of the city's museums and learn about Norway's most important industry — oil. 

Just a five-minute walk from the harbour, you'll find the quaint old white-painted wooden houses of Old Stavanger, the oldest part of the city. A nice viewing point in the city centre is Valbergtårnet (The Valberg Tower). In the mid 1850s the tower was used by the city's watchmen, who were posted to alert townspeople if there was a fire. 

If you want to go on a famous hike , the world famous  Preikestolen (the Pulpit Rock) is about a 40-minute drive from Stavanger. You will need more than 10,000 steps, but after an 8-kilometer-long hike you will be rewarded with one of the most iconic views in Norway.

Or save some steps and go on a high-speed RIB tour in Lysefjorden (it's not cheating! ). The trip starts in the centre of Stavanger.

Route: Best of Stavanger

Length: 2.7 km

On a visit to Stavanger, there are some things you simply cannot miss! Start with a morning stroll from the iconic Stavanger concert hall , one of the city's true architectural gems. Next, stroll through Old Stavanger ,past white picket fences and blooming gardens, before reaching the  IDDIS Museum,  which houses both the Norwegian Printing Museum and the Norwegian Canning Museum. Stavanger harbour is just a stone’s throw away. Admire the many old harbour warehouses , many of which are now home to restaurants and pubs bustling with life and colour, making them a popular Instagram stop. Continue to No 18 kulturkafé where you can have lunch in what is likely the oldest house in Stavanger (over 300 years old!). Make your way to the shopping area and don’t miss quality Scandinavian shopping at Oleana , Fjällräven and Chili Chocolate .

Stroll through iconic  Fargegaten.   Don’t forget to take the mandatory tourist photos! Or sample some of what the colourful street has to offer: visit a barber shop, a hairdresser, dress and design shops, or you can go for drinks and a snack in one of its many cafés and pubs.

Continue to the Norwegian Oil Museum , housed in a harbour-side building shaped like an oil rig. You can't miss it. Right next door to the museum is Geoparken , a special playground made from real scrap metal from the oil industry and a real treat for young skaters and kids. If you're parched from all the walking, head for refreshments and aperitifs at Salon de Nord , in historic Hotel Victoria. The 120-year-old hotel stands proudly on Stavanger's waterfront. Round off the day by dining at the popular seafront restaurant (aptly named The Fish Market) at  Fisketorget , the fish market. Sample the catch of the day or try its famous fish soup! It's mouthwatering!

Route: A half day in Stavanger

Length: 2.2 km

If you're only in Stavanger for a short period of time, you can still catch the essence of the city with this route. We have just the plan for you. Start with lunch and an explosion of modern flavours at the popular plant-based restaurant Bellies in the eastern part of the city. The restaurant is located  in an up-and-coming area that has seen a rise in popularity and new establishments in recent years. When your belly is full, head to the harbour area (on foot or electric city bike) and join a pre-booked RIB tour to see the sights (alright, so this won't count towards your 10,000 steps, but still, it's a great tour).

After enjoying some fresh seawater spray and wind in your hair, join on a Segway tour of the city (this does not count towards your steps, either, but balance is still exercise). ​A typical Segway tour takes you to see some of the city’s street art as well as top attractions like Old Stavanger. And now, for true insight into Norway's Viking heritage, visit the state-of-the-art Viking House visitor centre and watch a lifelike VR film that tells the tale of King Harold the fair-haired, who united Norway into one kingdom. Lastly, catch an early dinner at Fish & Cow for a culinary feast. Eating out in Stavanger will make you want to come back again and again.

Route: Stavanger Street Art tour

Discover more, other cities in 10 000 steps, take advantage of top offers.

See our selection of trusted companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.

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What to do in Stavanger, Norway: 2-Day Travel Guide

Stavanger, Norway is one of Northern Europe’s most beautiful and underrated cities. It’s the fourth largest city in the country behind Oslo , Bergen and Trondheim. The stunning fjords of Southwest Norway also surround Stavanger . If you’re wondering what to do in Stavanger, Norway, you will not be disappointed by the sightseeing and activities for all to enjoy.

Stavanger has Viking heritage, but the earliest evidence of inhabitants traces back to 3000 B.C. It was established as a city in 1125 A.D. and has the most extensive collection of wooden houses, which could be found in its beautiful Old Town. Stavanger is also the oil capital of Norway and you could learn more about it during your visit.

I visited Stavanger, Norway for two days during the summer of 2023 with Caitlin of My Darling Passport . In this travel guide, discover a list of what to do in Stavanger during your first visit.

**Please note that this blog post uses affiliate links meaning that if you make a purchase via my affiliate link, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only promote and talk about products and services that I have used and like. During my time in Stavanger, Radisson Blu Atlantic Hotel Stavanger hosted me for two nights.

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Traveling to Stavanger, Norway:

You must include Stavanger in your Norway itinerary. What’s great about traveling to Stavanger is that it’s easily accessible from every major city in Norway via flight or public transportation like trains, ferries and buses.

The best place to fly into when you visit Stavanger is Stavanger Airport . If you’re traveling from other cities worldwide, you’ll most likely have to stop in Oslo before making your way to Stavanger. You can find affordable flights through Skyscanner .

Caitlin and I were in Bergen before spending 2 days in Stavanger . We took the bus from Bergen busstasjon to Stavanger bussterminal (Main Bus Terminal), conveniently located steps from our hotel. You can purchase bus tickets through Omio .

During the bus journey, you will be on two ferries. Depending on which ferry you’re on, you may have to get off the bus. (The driver will lock it, so your belongings will be safe.) On the ferry, you can enjoy breathtaking views, use the restrooms and purchase a snack. (I recommend trying the vanilla soft serve ice cream topped with cocoa powder; you’ll thank me later!)

You do not need to rent a car to do all the best things around the Stavanger area . If you plan to road trip through Norway and want to see beyond the major cities and landmarks that public transportation goes to, you will need a rental car . (You don’t need an international driver’s license to rent a car in Norway.)

Stavanger is situated in Rogaland County and there is a bus system operated by Kolumbus that goes to different areas of the city, residential neighborhoods, shopping centers and popular sightseeing spots.

As of July 1, 2023, public transportation services are free in Stavanger, Norway. If you’re in the city center, you could easily get around by walking.

Where to Stay When You Visit Stavanger, Norway:

The best hotel in the heart of Stavanger, Norway is the Radisson Blu Atlantic Hotel . It’s a modern luxury hotel that is a short walk from Stavanger Central Station, the Old Town of Stavanger and many incredible restaurants and museums in the city.

The hotel is also situated across from Byparken, where you can find Norway’s oldest Gothic cathedral – Stavanger Domkirke and the Breiavatnet, a small lake. Radisson Blu Atlantic Hotel Stavanger features custom-made furniture throughout the building, providing guests with a comforting stay. Many hotel rooms at Radisson Blu Stavanger also have beautiful views of the nearby fjord and mountains.

One of the main reasons why the Radisson Blu Atlantic Hotel is a great place to stay in Stavanger is because it boasts 365 rooms for business and leisure travelers. Each room is spacious, cozy and offers luxury and modern amenities with free WiFi, in-room coffee and tea, as well as a large ensuite bathroom.

During my stay at Radisson Blu Atlantic Hotel Stavanger , I stayed in the Superior Room – Lake View. It offers breathtaking views of Byparken, the mountains, Old Town Stavanger and the fjord. One of my favorite things about staying at Radisson Blu Hotels is that their beds are always comfortable.

In addition to the room I stayed in, you could also choose from the Individual Room, Standard Room, Premium Room – Panoramic City View, Junior Suite, standard Suite, Panorama Suite, Atlantic Suite and Family Room.

The best part of staying at Radisson Blu Atlantic Hotel Stavanger is its sauna that offers scenic views of the city and nearby mountains and fjords. If you’re wondering what to do in Stavanger on a rainy or cold day, spending time in the sauna is a great way to relax and unwind. There is also a fitness center next to it.

Radisson Blu Atlantic Hotel Stavanger also has a large meeting and event space, an onsite restaurant and a convenient bus stop in front of the hotel for Pulpit Rock Tours .

Located at Radisson Blu Atlantic Hotel Stavanger is Firelake Grill House & Cocktail Bar , which features North American cuisine with a Nordic influence. Every morning, this spot held an incredible buffet and a la carte breakfast where you could savor smoked salmon, freshly baked goods, avocado toast and more. Alexander Pub is also located at the hotel for a laid-back vibe.

What to do in Stavanger City Centre: Best Things to do in Stavanger in 2 Days

There are many memorable things to do in Stavanger, Norway . From doing a guided tour of Old Stavanger to taking a fjord cruise, below is what to do in Stavanger during your Norway trip.

Stroll through Gamle Stavanger: The Most Beautiful Area of Stavanger, Norway:

Gamle Stavanger, or the Old Town of Stavanger, is one of the most picturesque parts of this beautiful city. One of the best ways to learn about Gamle Stavanger is to do a walking tour !

Strolling through Old Stavanger was one of my favorite experiences in this Norwegian city. Gamle Stavanger is filled with white wooden houses that are picturesque. If you want to get photos in this area, you must wake up and get there early. Since Stavanger is a cruise ship port, its streets fill up quickly.

Due to its 8,000 timber structures, Stavanger is recognized as one of Europe’s largest wooden cities. Most of these beautiful white wooden buildings were built between the 18 th and 19 th Centuries. You’ll be amazed by how beautiful this area is and wandering through it is one of the top free things to do in Stavanger .

As you stroll through these charming cobbled streets, you can admire beautiful gardens, shop from locals, stop in quaint cafés for a cinnamon bun and visit iconic museums from the Norwegian Canning Museum to must-see attractions like the Viking House .

Another lovely part of Stavanger is Øvre Holmegate. It’s the most colorful street in Stavanger, where you’ll find colorful wooden houses, high-end stores, souvenir shops, art galleries, authentic restaurants, quaint cafés and cocktail bars.

Visit the Best Restaurants in Stavanger:

If you’re a foodie and wondering what to do in Stavanger, you must visit the restaurants below.

The city of Stavanger also holds the Gladmat , which means “Happy Food.” It’s a food and culture festival held at the cruise port from late June through early July every year. You could find everything from Chinese dumplings to Greek street food to homemade waffle stands. At Gladmat , you could also enjoy live music and dances.

Fisketorget : A trip to Norway is incomplete without savoring the best seafood! Fisketorget is in the Stavanger cruise port and offers tasty lunches and dinners. From the catch of the day to the steamed mussels, you won’t be disappointed.

I had a local beer with fish soup during our time at this wonderful seafood restaurant. Unfortunately, it was cold and rainy during our 2 days in Stavanger, so having a comforting soup helped keep me warm.

Sabi Omakase & Sabi Enso : If you’re a sushi lover, you must make reservations to eat at either Sabi Omakase (in Stavanger City Centre) or Sabi Enso (diagonal from Radisson Blu ).

These Japanese restaurants are Stavanger highlights and feature incredible sushi rolls and dishes from Michelin Star Chef Roger Asakil Joya , who is one of the few sushi chefs in Norway accredited by the All Japan Sushi Association .

In addition to experiencing Sabi restaurants’ omakase, you could also enjoy incredible bento boxes, izakaya and craft cocktails. While at Sabi Enso , I got miso soup with a bento box and everything was great!

Bistro Matbaren by Renaa : This award-winning seasonal restaurant is one of Stavanger’s best places to enjoy a locally-sourced menu. Situated steps from the cruise port, you can savor incredible meats, fish, small plates and crafted cocktails at Matbaren .

Casa Gio : A great Italian restaurant in Stavanger City Centre is Casa Gio . Each dish features high-quality products imported from Italy. This restaurant also has a renowned wine list.

Have a Fun Evening at Stavanger Ship Port:

One of the best things to do in Stavanger is to enjoy a fun night out at one of the bars or pubs at the Stavanger cruise port. Located along the water, you’ll find colorful buildings with live music, DJs and a fun time.

Norwegians know how to make an evening memorable; no matter where you spend the night in Stavanger, you will have a blast!

If you prefer sitting at a swanky cocktail bar over being in a rowdy and crowded pub, look no further than Pjolter & Punsj . It’s a quaint cocktail bar and the perfect place for catching up with friends or a romantic date night.

I enjoyed the Nordic Daiquiri, including Lysholm 52, cloudberries, Sea Buckthorn, lime and coffee foam. Caitlin had the Asian Invasion, which featured Lysholm 52, Luxardo Apertivo, yuzu, lemon and ginger.  

Other cool places to enjoy a beer, wine or cocktail with a laid-back vibe are Bøker og børst , Broremann Bar , Hanekam and Cardinal Pub .

Conquer Pulpit Rock: One of Stavanger’s Best Hikes

It’s no secret that one of the best Stavanger Hikes is Preikestolen, otherwise known as Pulpit Rock . If you’re an outdoors lover and wondering what to do in Stavanger to fulfill your adventure needs, you must do Norway’s most famous hike!

Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t in our favor during our time in Stavanger, so we didn’t get to do the Pulpit Rock hike. It gives me a reason to revisit Norway in the future.

Overall, hiking Pulpit Rock offers a fun adventure and one of the best day trips with beautiful views of the Norwegian fjords. It’s a moderate, 5-mile, out-and-back trail that is highly trafficked. The months to do this hike are from April through October.

You could either hike Pulpit Rock on your own and enjoy the natural scenery or go with a local guide. It could also be seen from a fjord cruise!

Its size and shape make Pulpit Rock a popular spot to hike and admire in Norway. It’s a large and unique natural formation with a flat, rectangular plateau. People have said that the rock resembles a preacher’s pulpit, hence the name.

You could get fantastic photos at Pulpit Rock, one of them being where you could sit at the edge and have your feet dangle over if you are fearless. Please be mindful and cautious when you’re at the top of Pulpit Rock, though. You summit the rock formation at your own risk!

Cruise through the Stavanger Fjord: The Beauty of Southern Norway

If you’re not a hiker and wonder what to do to see the beauty of the Stavanger region, it’s best to book a fjord cruise ! It’s one of the best things to do in Stavanger during your first visit.

Overall, the Norwegian fjords are an incredible part of Norway and one of the most popular places to visit. Located in the western part of the county, these fjords are some of the most postcard-worthy in the world! Norway has over a thousand fjords and features rivers, glaciers, towering mountains and incredible wildlife.

The beautiful Lysefjord and Pulpit Rock are two Stavanger must-see spots. On a Norled fjord cruise, you could relax, take in all the beautiful sights, learn about the surrounding nature and enjoy hot and cold snacks and refreshments. It’s a great experience for all to enjoy!

Sip Norwegian Craft Beer at Lervig Brewery :

If you’re a craft beer lover, you must enjoy what Lervig offers! With a brewery and restaurant in Stavanger, you could do a guided tour, learn about the brewing process and enjoy a tasting by getting a flight of the different beers.

Lervig is an independently owned Stavanger brewery that produces various beers, from pilsners and ales to stouts and sours. The brewers’ inspiration behind Lervig is other beers made around the world. Overall, Lervig is constantly creating new beers exported all over Norway and to over 30 countries.

Whether you visit Lervig Brewery or Lervig Local , you are in for a treat! At Lervig Local , you could savor a typical American-style lunch, from wings to burgers. Lervig also has a bar in Bergen called Lucky , where you could enjoy their beers.

Tour a Stavanger Museum:

If you’re trying to find what to do indoors in Stavanger, you must visit one of the many fantastic museums! Below are the top four museums in this Southern Norwegian city.

Norwegian Petroleum Museum ( Norsk Oljemuseum ): Stavanger plays a significant role in Norway’s oil history. After many failed drilling attempts in the North Sea, Norway finally became successful in 1969.

Located near Geoparken, the Norwegian Petroleum Museum is a good place to learn about Norway’s oil industry and dive into everything that goes into deep-sea oil exploration. The museum is excellent for all ages with its interactive exhibits; you can learn how oil and gas are formed, see the tools used, learn about climate change and the industry’s challenges, and discover how the oil rigs function.

The Norwegian Petroleum Museum is open daily from 10 am to 7 pm from June through August. It’s also open 10 am to 4 pm on Mondays through Saturdays and 10 am to 6 pm on Sundays from September through May.

It costs 150 NOK for adults ages 17 and older, 100 NOK for seniors 65 years and older, 75 NOK for students and children ages 4 to 16 and it’s free for young children under four years old.  

Stavanger Maritime Museum : If you’re pondering what to do in Stavanger from a cruise ship , you must visit the Maritime Museum . This remarkable place takes you into maritime history, where you can see numerous collections of vessels and learn about the development of ships.

The Stavanger Maritime Museum is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm. It costs 140 NOK for adults over 18 years old and it’s free for children and teens under that age.

Norwegian Canning Museum : Situated in the heart of Gamle Stavanger, the Canning Museum takes travelers visiting Stavanger into Norway’s canning industry and history. It’s one of the main attractions in the city.

At the Norwegian Canning Museum , you can witness the process of canning fresh local fish and get a glimpse of one of the factories and working conditions.

The Canning Museum is also open every day from 10 am to 4 pm. It costs 140 NOK for adults over 18 years old and it’s free for students and children.

Viking House : If you love virtual reality and are fascinated by all things Viking, you must visit the Viking House in the heart of the city. You could go back to the Viking Age, board a wooden vessel and experience a traditional battle at this unique museum through VR technology.

Visiting the Viking House is recommended for anyone seven years of age and older. It costs 175 NOK per person and the entire experience takes around 30 minutes. Opening hours vary daily.

Experience a Relaxing Summer Day at Sola Beach:

If you’re visiting Stavanger during one of its sunny days in the summer, you must enjoy a relaxing and fun-filled day at Solastranden or Sola Beach. It’s a beautiful place for sunbathing and water sports. You could also see World War II historic buildings from this beach.

At Sola Beach, you could enjoy soft golden sand with beautiful dunes, ride the waves and go kiting. It’s a great place to visit outside the city and it’s not far from the airport.  

See the Sverd i Fjell Monument:

An extraordinary monument to see in Stavanger is Sverd I Fjell . It’s located in the Malda area, outside Stavanger City Centre on a peaceful small mountain off the shores that overlooks Hafrsfjord.

Sverd i Fjell are three swords that commemorate the Battle of Hafrsfjord. Each sword symbolizes peace, unity and freedom. What’s cool about these bronze Viking swords is that they are 33 feet high and look like they have been stabbed into the rock by a giant.

The Battle of Hafrsfjord occurred in 872 A.D. when King Harald Fairhair brought all of Norway together under one crown. This all happened during the Viking Age.

Explore Stavanger’s Street Art:

One of the best things to do in Stavanger, Norway is to explore the city’s street art. Stavanger has been the center of Norwegian street art for many years and has attracted artists worldwide.

From doing a guided tour to attending the Nuart Festival , an urban culture and street art festival, there are a lot of talented works to admire throughout Stavanger.

The city’s street art ranges from comics to post-graffiti and murals to stencil art. You can find most of Stavanger’s street art in Gamle Stavanger, the colorful Øvre Holmegate, in the industrial Geoparken and throughout the city center.

Love Stavanger? You’ll also enjoy these destinations:

Stord, Norway

Piedmont, Italy

Hakone, Japan

I hope you all enjoyed discovering what to do in Stavanger, Norway, in 2 days. If you have any questions, please email me at [email protected].

Basic Facts of Norway:

Currency: Norwegian Krone, Capital: Oslo, Time Zone: Central European Standard Time

*Anything could happen during your travels. Always make sure you are insured in case there are unforeseen circumstances such as lost luggage/theft, natural disasters, personal liabilities and more.  Click here  to get insured for your next trip.

In addition, a great and secure luggage storage to utilize during your summer Europe trip is  Nannybag ! It is easy to use; all you do is download the  Nannybag  app, type in the city that you will be visiting and when you plan to arrive and depart. At a small cost per luggage,  Nannybag  will list the stores, restaurants or hotels where you could drop your bag off at the city you are visiting.

Nannybag  is also insured against theft, loss and breakage. It’s a convenient way to store your bags when you are traveling from one city to the next in Europe.

Shop my Stavanger Look:

Click here  to shop my  Poshmark  closet!

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Stavanger looks like a really fun place to visit. So much to do. Museums, breweries, great restaurants, breathtaking fjords, stunning wooden homes and so much more. Loved all your photos ~ absolutely beautiful! I will add Stavanger Norway to my bucket list. Such a pretty city ~ love you, mom 👩🏻 xoxo ♥️

Stavanger truly is such a great city! I had a wonderful time exploring everything!

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