Stavanger has been somewhere I’ve called home for almost a decade. And it usually gets a pretty bad rap because of how often it rains here… or that people call it a boring town, but that’s probably because they don’t actually know what to do! After living in a few different parts of the city, I’ve got a pretty solid feel for how Stavanger actually works.
It is also home to approximately 240 000 people and is the third largest city in Norway (when combined with Sandnes). You might recognise it from Lykkeland, which tells the story of how Stavanger became Norway’s oil capital. While that’s a big part of its identity, most travellers know it as being the gateway to some of Norway’s most iconic hikes – think Preikestolen or Kjerag.
Throughout the year, Stavanger welcomes a variety of travellers. Cruise liners docking on the harbourside, hikers using it as a base to explore the surrounding nature and others coming for a relaxed city break. Stavanger seems to have a bit of something for everyone. So, whether you have a few hours or a few days to spend, I’ve compiled a list of things to do in this city that’s worth visiting. And you can be assured, these recommendations are by someone who lives there, not someone who has just visited for a day 😉
Disclaimer: Some links earn me a small commission – same price for you, slightly less tragic bank balance for me.
Downtown Stavanger
The city center is compact and easy to explore. You can see most of it in a day, but if you slow down, you should probably give yourself two days to really soak it in.
Gamle Stavanger (Old Town Stavanger)
This is probably the most photographed part of Stavanger. Dating back to 1880s, Gamle Stavanger is made up of narrow alleyways and picturesque front doors. Post WWII, this small area of Stavanger was chosen for conservation purposes and it was spearheaded by the City Architect. Now, it’s considered as one of Norway’s best preserved areas and is one of the largest surviving old wooden settlement in Northern Europe.
Just keep in mind, people still actually live here. Majority are residential homes. It’s easy to get carried away with photos but be respectful. Don’t peek into windows and be mindful of where you point your camera! Also, please don’t block the doorways just to get your photo…
Stavanger Habour/Vågen
I love Vågen when it’s summer and the sun is shining. It’s when the city feels the most alive. Vågen is where cruise ships dock and where most people end up at some point during their visit. Most places to eat and drink are along the eastern side of the harbour. On a sunny day, everything gets packed out quickly, especially alfresco seating. Sure, it’s expensive but that’s Norway for you. If you’re not planning to eat, grab a coffee/drink and just sit for a bit, it’s a great spot for people watching.
Local tip: If you’re visiting in the summer, look out for Gladmat – Norway’s largest food festival. The entire harbour transforms into a street food scene for a couple of days. Easily the best time to be here.
Petroleum Museum
It wouldn’t be a Stavanger guide without mentioning petroleum. Even if you have no interest in oil (or work in it), this place is surprisingly good. Petroleum is considered Stavanger’s main income source and employs a large percentage of its residents. I personally think the museum is very well laid out. It walks you through the discovery of oil, how the industry developed and offer a glimpse to what life offshore looks like.
It’s interactive without being gimmicky… There’s a section where you go through offshore safety procedures – including the helicopter briefing and survival training. I may be biased since I worked in the industry onshore and offshore but it’s genuinely worth a visit.
Fargegaten (Colourful Street)
Fargegaten is possibly one of the most recognisable streets in Stavanger. Nicknamed the “Colourful Street”, it’s easy to see why. Fairy lights are strung up and lit up every night. It’s lined with a mix of cafes and bars, all with their own quirky style. It’s the kind of place you end up staying longer than planned. Coffee during the day and drinks in the evening. Walk into any of the many places serving up a drink, I don’t think you can go wrong.
Local recommendation: My personal favourites are Bøker og Børst – where you can play some boardgames. Or Efendi Tea & Coffee House, which is just so cozy.
Storhaug/Tou Scene
Just outside the center is Storhaug, a suburb that feels a bit more local. It’s known for its wooden houses, small independent shops and has more of a creative vibe compared to the city center.
At its heart is Tou Scene. Previously a brewery, it’s now home to the creative and independent arts. Throughout the year, it hosts performances, events and exhibitions. If you have some extra time, it’s worth heading this way to experience a different side to the city.
Lervig Local
Tou Brewery used to brewed locally across the fjord. But after they were bought by Calsberg, Stavanger was left without a proper beer scene. That’s where Lervig Local filled in the gaps. If you’re a fan of craft beers, this is worth a stop. There’s a microbrewery on-site where you can do a brew tasting (sample 5 types of their beers) and learn a bit about the brewing process.
Floating Sauna
View this post on Instagram
Floating saunas have taken Norway by storm over the last decade. It mainly started over east in Oslo but made its way to Stavanger just before the pandemic… and we love it. It’s such a fun social activity to do with friends. It is exactly what it sounds like – a sauna, floating right on the water. Perfect if you think about it.
Hot sauna. Cold plunge. Repeat. Simple but it works and if you’re in Norway, you might as well embrace it!
There are a couple of companies that do it now. The two main ones are: Book Sauna and Damp Sauna – they have several locations all over Stavanger, even a couple in Storhaug. They are super easy to book and when you book a sauna, it’s yours to use, privately!
Sverd i Fjell aka The 3 Swords
Sverd i Fjell is located just outside of the city, overlooking Hafrsfjord. It’s three giant Viking swords stuck into a rock by the water. Very on brand for Norway but there is a significance to it. It marks where the country was unified after the Battle of Hafrsfjord, with the tallest sword representing the winning king and the smaller ones the defeated chiefs.
It’s a quick stop but along the fjord is a beautiful walking path you can take along the coast. If you’re nearby and looking to spend some time out in nature, it’s a great spot. On a beautiful summers day, you can take a swim right in front of the monument!
Lysefjord
Cruise along Lysefjord
This isn’t the most famous fjord in Norway but… it is where you’ll find Preikestolen and Kjerag – some of our most famous hikes in the country! It’s the closest fjord to Stavanger. If you don’t want to hike, a fjord cruise is the easiest way to experience it. Cruises run all year round.
RIB boat along Lysefjord
If you’re looking something a bit more faster and with more adrenaline, RIB boat tours are a fantastic option. It allows you to get closer to some of the waterfalls as you zip through the fjords. Be careful – you might get a little wet on the excursion!
Kayak/SUP board
There are plenty of ways to experience Stavanger and the surrounding area – one of the ways is via kayak! Since it’s a seaside city, why not take to the water and explore it a little? We’ve done a few kayak excursions around the country and it’s one of my favourite ways to spend the afternoon… Another thing you can do is kayak, SUP or boat on Refsvatnet with Preikestolen Basecamp. Perfect after hiking up to Pulpit’s Rock!
Wine & Dining
Siddis Gelato
The owner of Siddis brings authentic Italian gelato to Stavanger. A year ago, I participated in her gelato-making workshop, and everything was beautifully handcrafted and made locally at her workshop. All their ingredients are carefully selected and throughout the year, new flavours come out, inspired by what is available locally.
Seid Restaurant
Probably the best rooftop views overlooking the city? I think yes! Seid Restaurant is a relatively new addition to the Stavanger food scene and it comes with amazing views. You can enjoy a cocktail overlooking the sunset over Stavanger if you fancy or try a meal here during lunch and dinner. Whatever you do, the views are beautiful. And considering we don’t have too many rooftop options in the city, this is a good spot.
Enjoying nature in Stavanger
Personally, most of my hikes in Norway has been done independently (unless a guide is required). However, I understand not everyone has the same level of confidence or experience to take on the Norwegian mountains. So I’ve linked the best reviewed and highest rated guided hikes for you so there’s no excuse to miss out on the beauty that is Norwegian nature!!! Afterall, we are famous for the outdoors.
Kjeragbolten – the boulder between the mountains
I won’t lie, this can be a pretty demanding hike depending on your fitness level. It’s an out and back trail, approximately 10 km long with an elevation gain of ± 750m / 2500 ft over the exposed mountain. At the end of it, you’ll find Kjeragbolten… the famous rock wedged between two cliffs. If you’re feeling brave enough, you can try standing on the rock! The hike itself takes about 6 – 8 hrs to complete.
The FV500 is a beauty country road but it is only seasonally opened from May to September because of the snowfall we get in the mountains. You can check the road status over on the facebook page to confirm if the hike is open.
Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)
I would argue that Preikestolen is the most famous hike in Norway. It’s relatively accessible from Stavanger, taking only 40 mins by car through the “new“Ryfylketunnelen. The hike itself is relatively easy and straight forward. It’s also an out and back trail, approximately 8 km long with an elevation gain of +500 m / 1650 ft. It’ll take about 3 – 4 hrs to complete. Keep in mind, this is a very busy trail!! Although, during the shoulder seasons, it’s quieter and actually enjoyable.
Skiing in Sirdal
Ready to shred on the slopes? Located 2 hours away is Sirdal Skisenter which might not be the most amazing ski resort in the country but it does the job considering how close it is to Stavanger as a day trip. Ski cards need to be purchased in advance as there’s a cap. Day passes go for 570 NOK per person (not including the ski card if you don’t already have one).
There are also some cross country ski options around Sirdal and closer to Stavanger if that’s more your speed. But here’s hoping there is snow… considering we are this far south and by the coast, sometimes we might not be too lucky for the season.
Månafossen
This is the tallest waterfall in the Rogaland county. It’s a short but steep hike with lots of chains but at the top, you get a powerful waterfall without committing to a full day trek! Unfortunately, this is only accessible if you have your own car. It’s a bit trickier getting around with public transport around these parts.
Dalsnuten
A nice and easy hike located in the next town over, Sandnes. It’s only about 3.5 km long and less than 200 m / 700 ft in elevation. It gives you a really nice birds eye view over Stavanger from the other side of Gandsfjorden. Easy hike with a decent reward. From Sandnes Bus Terminal, take Bus 29 (towards Dale) and get off at Gramstad, walk 30 mins uphill to the trailhead.
Mosvatnet
Located near the heart of Stavanger sentrum, you can take a leisurely walk around Mosvatnet. The loop is 4km and easily accessible by walking from sentrum or taking the public bus. During the summer, you’ll see plenty of people out and about. Sometimes, during a cold snap in winter, the lake freezes over and you can actually skate on the wild ice! But be sure to check if it’s thick enough – there will be signs around.
Where to stay in Stavanger?
I’d recommend staying somewhere within sentrum as it’s well connected by public transport and majority of what you’d want to see is actually in that area. Staying out of the sentrum would mean having to take public transport into town, which is completely fine but the price of bus tickets has increased to 49 NOK per trip and 133 NOK for a 24 hr ticket. Yikes. Also, within sentrum, there’s a flybussen to get yourself between town and the airport, which is pretty convenient.
Discover Stavanger the local’s way
Stavanger still gets written off as rainy, quiet or even boring. Honestly, I’m guilty of saying those things myself at times. But after living here for years, I can tell you it’s because we often forget what’s in our backyards… or this is coming from people who never really understood how to experience it. You won’t find endless “must-see” attractions. But what you will find is a place where you can move between city and nature effortlessly. Spend the morning exploring nature and the evenings having a drink or meal by Vågen.
It’s easy and compact. If you approach it the right way, it’s actually one of the most rewarding places to spend time in Norway. So, this is also a reminder to me that Stavanger isn’t boring… You just have to know how to do it properly. And I’ve just shown you how. 😉
Leave a Reply