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Stavanger, Norge - Things to Do in Stavanger

Things to Do in Stavanger

Stavanger, Norge - Complete Travel Guide

Stavanger, Norway's oil capital, is a vibrant coastal city that perfectly balances modern prosperity with rich maritime heritage. Known as the gateway to the stunning Lysefjord and iconic Pulpit Rock, this charming city features one of Northern Europe's best-preserved wooden house settlements in Gamle Stavanger (Old Stavanger), where cobblestone streets wind between pristine 18th and 19th-century white wooden houses. Beyond its postcard-perfect old town, Stavanger pulses with contemporary energy, boasting world-class museums, innovative restaurants, and a thriving cultural scene. The city serves as the perfect base for exploring the dramatic fjords and towering cliffs of the Rogaland region, while offering urban sophistication with its bustling harbor, modern architecture, and reputation as Norway's culinary capital outside of Oslo.

Top Things to Do in Stavanger

Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen) Hike

Embark on Norway's most famous hike to the iconic 604-meter-high cliff plateau overlooking Lysefjord. The 8-kilometer round-trip trail takes 4-6 hours and rewards hikers with breathtaking panoramic views from the flat-topped cliff that has become one of the world's most photographed natural landmarks.

Booking Tip: Book guided tours (400-800 NOK) for safety and local insights, especially for first-time visitors. Best hiked May-September with early morning starts (7-8 AM) to avoid crowds. Choose operators that provide transportation from Stavanger and hiking equipment.

Lysefjord Cruise

Cruise through the dramatic 42-kilometer-long Lysefjord, surrounded by towering cliffs rising up to 1000 meters from the water. The scenic boat journey offers spectacular views of Pulpit Rock from below, cascading waterfalls, and the engineering marvel of the Flørli steps, the world's longest wooden staircase.

Booking Tip: Standard cruises cost 350-600 NOK for 3-4 hour trips. Book morning departures (10 AM) for best lighting and calmer waters. High-speed RIB boat tours (800-1200 NOK) offer more adventure and closer cliff access.

Explore Gamle Stavanger (Old Town)

Wander through Northern Europe's largest collection of preserved wooden buildings, featuring 173 white-painted houses dating from the 18th and 19th centuries. The cobblestone streets of this living museum are lined with art galleries, craft shops, and cozy cafes, offering glimpses into traditional Norwegian coastal life.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration is free, but consider guided walking tours (150-250 NOK) for historical context. Visit Tuesday-Sunday when most galleries and shops are open. Download the free Stavanger Museum app for detailed building histories.

Norwegian Petroleum Museum Visit

Discover Norway's oil industry story at this award-winning museum built to resemble an offshore oil platform. Interactive exhibits, simulators, and engaging displays explain how black gold transformed Norway into one of the world's wealthiest nations, while also addressing environmental concerns and future energy solutions.

Booking Tip: Adult tickets cost 150 NOK, with family packages available. Visit on weekday mornings for fewer crowds. Allow 2-3 hours for the full experience. The museum shop offers unique petroleum-themed souvenirs and Norwegian design items.

Stavanger Food Scene Experience

Indulge in Stavanger's renowned culinary scene, from traditional Norwegian seafood to innovative Nordic cuisine. The city boasts several Michelin-starred restaurants and is famous for its fresh North Sea ingredients, reindeer, and locally foraged items, making it a paradise for food enthusiasts.

Booking Tip: Food tours cost 800-1200 NOK and should be booked 2-3 days ahead. Evening tours (5-8 PM) offer the best restaurant access. Look for tours that include both traditional and modern establishments, plus local markets.

Getting There

Stavanger Airport (SVG) is located 14 kilometers from the city center and offers direct flights from major European cities, with connecting flights from international destinations via Oslo or Copenhagen. The Flybussen airport shuttle runs every 20 minutes to the city center (120 NOK, 30 minutes). By train, the scenic 8-hour journey from Oslo costs 400-800 NOK depending on booking time. Driving from Oslo takes about 7 hours via E39, while ferry connections link Stavanger to Denmark (Hirtshals) and operates year-round.

Getting Around

Stavanger's compact city center is easily walkable, with most attractions within 1-2 kilometers of each other. The efficient Kolumbus bus system covers the greater Stavanger area with day passes costing 90 NOK. Taxis are expensive (200-300 NOK for short trips) but convenient for late nights. Rent bikes from city bike-share stations (50 NOK/day) or bring comfortable walking shoes as the city is very pedestrian-friendly. For fjord excursions, tour buses and boats depart from the central harbor area.

Where to Stay

Stavanger City Center
Gamle Stavanger (Old Town)
Eiganes & Våland
Hillevåg
Madla
Hafrsfjord

Food & Dining

Stavanger's culinary scene punches well above its weight, earning recognition as one of Scandinavia's top food destinations. The city center buzzes with everything from Michelin-starred establishments like RE-NAA to cozy traditional restaurants serving fresh North Sea seafood, reindeer, and foraged ingredients. Don't miss the famous fish market at the harbor for the freshest catch, while Øvre Holmegate (the colorful street) offers trendy cafes and international cuisine. Local specialties include king crab, Arctic char, and cloudberries, best paired with Norwegian craft beer or aquavit.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Norway

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Mamma Pizza

4.6 /5
(6196 reviews) 2
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Riviera Restaurant & Bar

4.5 /5
(1544 reviews) 2
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Girotondo

4.6 /5
(1076 reviews) 2

Ruffino

4.7 /5
(844 reviews) 3

Mamma Pizza Vika Osteria di Mare

4.5 /5
(838 reviews) 2
bar meal_delivery meal_takeaway

Basso Social - Oslo

4.5 /5
(670 reviews)
bar
all dining options →

When to Visit

The best time to visit Stavanger is from May to September when temperatures range from 15-20°C and daylight extends up to 19 hours in midsummer. July and August offer the warmest weather and best hiking conditions for Pulpit Rock, though this is also peak tourist season with higher prices and crowds. May-June and September provide excellent weather with fewer tourists and better accommodation deals. Winter visits (November-March) offer Northern Lights possibilities and cozy indoor attractions, but many outdoor activities and some fjord cruises are limited due to weather conditions.

Insider Tips

Buy the Stavanger City Card (24-72 hours, 200-400 NOK) for free museum entries, bus transport, and restaurant discounts
Book Pulpit Rock hikes well in advance during summer and always check weather conditions - the trail closes in dangerous weather
Visit the colorful Øvre Holmegate street for Instagram-worthy photos and the city's trendiest cafes and boutiques

Explore Activities in Stavanger