Stavanger

Written by Elsa Holm, Graham Smith, Julien Lambert
05/09/2025
Tourists enjoy the breathtaking view from the famous Preikestolen cliff in Norway.
Tiana, Pexels

Stavanger is a dynamic Norwegian city offering a blend of impressive natural landscapes, serving as a gateway to the Lysefjord and iconic hiking destinations like Pulpit Rock, alongside a charming city center. The city showcases historical wooden architecture, vibrant street art, and engaging cultural museums.

The colorful street of Fargegaten (Øvre Holmegate) provides a lively hub for socializing, featuring a variety of cafes, bars, and nightclubs that attract both visitors and locals. The bustling harbor area also offers waterfront dining and local boutiques. Other notable spots for meeting people include the TOU art center, a creative space with cafes and event venues, and pubs like Martinique, known for its international atmosphere.

Top 7 Things to do in Stavanger

The region provides a mix of outdoor exploration in stunning natural landscapes and immersive cultural experiences within its charming city center.

1. Hike to Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen)

Experience the iconic Pulpit Rock, a flat-topped cliff rising 604 meters above the Lysefjord, offering panoramic views. The hike is a moderate 7.6 km round trip, with an elevation gain of 334-400 meters, typically taking 4 to 5 hours. The trail features varied terrain, including gravel paths, wooden boardwalks over marshland, and steep, uneven rock stairs. Starting early is often recommended to avoid crowds.

Cost: Bus transfer (roundtrip): Approximately NOK 325-550. Guided tours can start from around $163 (approx. NOK 1750). A combined fjord cruise and hike tour is available for approximately NOK 1340 (approx. $125). If driving, expect car rental costs, high fuel prices, tunnel tolls (NOK 140 each way), and parking fees (NOK 250 per day).

Transport: Direct express buses operate from Stavanger city center (e.g., Olav Vs gate) to the Preikestolen trailhead during the hiking season (April-September), taking approximately 50 minutes to 1 hour. Driving takes about 45 minutes via the Ryfylke tunnel.

2. Lysefjord Cruise

Embark on a relaxing boat tour through the majestic 42-kilometer Lysefjord. This experience offers views of towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls like Hengjanefossen, and a unique perspective of Pulpit Rock from below. Some cruises also pass by the intriguing Vagabond's Cave. Modern electric boats often provide a quiet journey, enhancing the natural sounds of the fjord. The tour typically lasts between 2.5 to 3.5 hours.

Cost: Adult tickets range from approximately NOK 580-840. Children's tickets (under 16) are around NOK 320. RIB safaris, offering a faster and more exhilarating experience, start from approximately NOK 1390.

Transport: Cruises depart from Strandkaien in Vågen, located in central Stavanger, which is easily accessible on foot from most city center accommodations.

3. Explore Gamle Stavanger (Old Stavanger)

Wander through Europe's best-preserved wooden house settlement, located on the west side of Stavanger's harbor. This historic district features over 170 charming white wooden houses dating from the 18th and 19th centuries, set along narrow cobblestone streets with vibrant flowers and well-kept gardens. It provides a peaceful atmosphere and a sense of stepping back in time, with small galleries and craft shops to discover.

Cost: Admission is free to wander the streets. Costs apply for purchases from shops and cafes.

Transport: The area is centrally located on the west side of the harbor, within a 5-minute walk from the cruise terminal and easily walkable from Stavanger city center.

4. Wander through Fargegaten (The Colour Street)

Discover Øvre Holmegate, affectionately known as Fargegaten, a pedestrian street recognized for its uniquely painted wooden houses in a spectrum of bright colors. This vibrant street has transformed into a lively hub featuring niche boutiques, art shops, cozy cafes, and bars. It is an ideal place for a leisurely stroll, people-watching, and capturing memorable photographs of its distinctive aesthetic.

Cost: Free to explore. Costs apply for shopping, food, and drinks.

Transport: Fargegaten is situated in the heart of Stavanger city center, making it easily accessible on foot from major attractions and the harbor.

5. Visit the Norwegian Petroleum Museum

Gain insight into Norway's significant offshore oil and gas industry at this interactive museum. It details the entire process from oil formation and discovery to drilling and production. Exhibits include original equipment, detailed models, and engaging films such as 'Oilkid.' The museum also offers interactive activities, including a rescue chute and a play platform, making it suitable for all ages.

Cost: Entrance tickets are approximately $17-18 (NOK 185-195) for adults. Children under 16 cost about $6 (NOK 65).

Transport: The museum is located at Kjeringholmen in central Stavanger, near the Vågen harbor, and is within walking distance of the city center. Public bus stops, such as Breiavatnet, are nearby. From Stavanger Airport (SVG), the Flybussen operates to Klubbgata (approx. 27 minutes, NOK 130-180), followed by a short walk to the museum.

6. Visit IDDIS, The Norwegian Printing Museum and The Norwegian Canning Museum

Discover the dual museums housed in the heart of Old Stavanger. The Norwegian Canning Museum specifically highlights Stavanger's past as a major sardine canning hub. It demonstrates the historical canning process using authentic machinery, offers live demonstrations, and allows visitors to try packing sardines. This provides a unique perspective on a key industry that shaped the region's history.

Cost: Adult tickets are NOK 150. Children under 18 and students (with valid ID) enter for free. One ticket grants access to all open MUST museums on the same day.

Transport: The museum is about a 10-minute walk from Stavanger city center, by following Øvre Strandgate through Gamle Stavanger. Alternatively, take bus no. 12 from Olav Vs gate J to Rudlå, then walk down through Gamle Stavanger.

7. Visit Sverd i Fjell (Swords in Rock)

Witness the impressive Sverd i Fjell monument, comprising three towering bronze swords embedded in a rock face by Hafrsfjord. This monument commemorates the historic Battle of Hafrsfjord in 872, where King Harald Fairhair unified Norway into a single kingdom. It is a striking historical landmark located a short distance from the city center, offering scenic views by the fjord.

Cost: Free to visit.

Transport: From Stavanger city center, take bus line 16 from Olav Vs gate (or Vaktapoteket bus stop) to Madlaleiren bus stop. The journey takes approximately 14 minutes and costs around NOK 45. From the bus stop, it is a 5-minute walk. A taxi from Stavanger city center to Sverd i Fjell takes about 7 minutes and costs approximately NOK 140-180.

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