Best Things To Do in Stavanger

Known for its unmissable natural environment and rich maritime history, Stavanger is one of the best places to base yourself and explore some of Norway's most iconic landscapes. From the hills of Preikestolen and Lysefjord to its old town crammed with wooden houses, this destination offers attractions worth discovering.

Some of the best things to do in Stavanger include visiting St Swithun's Cathedral, discovering the Petroleum Museum, strolling through Ovre Holmegate and exploring Florli, a picturesque seaside village surrounded by hiking trails that will allow you to soak up the local nature.

Stavanger's Old Town, with its cobblestone streets and brightly painted wooden houses, is an old fishing quarter that began to be built in the 18th century and is made up of more than 170 historic buildings, many of which have been restored and converted into museums, galleries and shops. This is why, if you decide to book a guided tour of Stavanger, this is usually the place to start your tour.

One of the main attractions in the old town is the Stavanger Museum, which offers a fascinating insight into the history and culture of the region. Here you can explore exhibits on the oil industry, local daily life over the years and the cultural heritage of the area. In addition, Gamle Stavanger is home to art galleries and craft shops where you can buy works by regional artists and souvenirs.

Also, close to the old town, you can find Stavanger Cathedral and the city's harbour, where you can find a lively area of restaurants and cafés ideal for enjoying Norwegian cuisine while taking in the views of the sea and ships. These places are also a great place to take shelter during the colder months of the year.

Booking a Lysefjord boat tour from Stavanger is an unmissable experience that will take you into one of Norway's most famous fjords. This mountainous gulf stretches for more than 40 kilometres and features crystal clear waters surrounded by rugged rocks and natural scenery. During the boat trip you will have the opportunity to take in the panoramic views of the waterfalls and the surrounding villages.

On the Lysefjord tour you will have the opportunity to see the Preikestolen, a rock pulpit that rises 604 metres above sea level. From the water you can appreciate the grandeur of this rock formation that attracts visitors from all over the world.

On the other hand, the perspective from the boat will become your best ally to admire its verticality and take pictures of the epicentre of the Viking route through the fjords.

During the navigation, you can also discover a peculiarity of the Lysefjord and that is that the mountains are covered with vegetation, so that in some parts this fjord becomes a vertical garden dotted with small islands that protect the flora and fauna of the region.

Stavanger, despite being founded as a fishing village, has played an essential role in the industrial development of Norway and this profile can be discovered at the Petroleum Museum, which offers visitors an in-depth description of Scandinavian petroleum activity and its impact on the Norwegian economy and society.

The museum's rooms and exhibits trace the history of oil exploration and production in the country, but you'll also be amazed by the building's modern architecture and interactive exhibits that make it the perfect place for visitors of all ages.

In the museum you will find information about the geological history of oil and the methods of extraction and refining of this organic compound. You'll also have access to a simulator where you can experience what it's like to work in an oil field, from drilling to production.

The museum not only focuses on oil production, but also addresses sustainability and environmental issues. Through interactive exhibits, you can learn about the environmental impact of the industry and initiatives to promote sustainable and lasting energy in this time of energy transition. In addition, its location makes it easily accessible and you can reach it either by public transport or by purchasing your ticket for the Stavanger Sightseeing Bus, as it is one of its stops.

One of the most relaxing experiences you can have in Stavanger is walking along Ovre Holmegate, a colourful pedestrian street known for its wooden houses painted in vibrant pastel shades that has become one of the symbols of the city. Ovre Holmegate is also a perfect street to enjoy the aesthetics of Norwegian architecture and a great place to take some of the most picturesque photographs.

Along Ovre Holmegate, known as Stavanger's Notting Hill, you'll find a variety of independent boutiques, art galleries and local craft shops, making it the most interesting shopping artery in Stavanger for unique and original products, from local designer clothes to artwork by emerging artists.

However, a visit to Ovre Holmegate is not just about shopping; it is also an unmissable opportunity to soak up the local culture. The street often hosts art exhibitions and community events on the street, and nearby you will find other tourist sites, such as the Stavanger Museum and the old town.

While not one of the city's most visited and not among Stavanger's top tourist attractions, the Canning Museum offers visitors an in-depth look at the history of the canning and fishing industry in Norway, so you can learn a lot about the country's commerce, especially in the days before oil and energy exploration solved the Norwegian economic model.

Housed in an old building that was one of the country's first canneries, the museum has been restored to reflect life and work in the industry during the 20th century. Through its exhibits, you will be transported back to a time when the production of canned fish was vital to the national economy in general and to Stavanger's culture in particular.

One of the highlights of the Canning Museum is its collection of historical machinery and tools used in the canning process. Here you can explore the different stages of seafood processing, from catching the fish to canning and distribution to different corners of the world.

Visiting the Valberg Tower in Stavanger is an experience that combines history, culture and panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. This iconic watchtower built in the 19th century stands 24 metres high on the Valberg Carnet hill, offering a unique perspective of the city, the harbour and the surrounding fjords.

Originally, the purpose of the tower was to serve as a guide for ships sailing along the coast, helping sailors to avoid the rocks and the dangers of sailing in the area, which was very difficult due to its shallow depths and bad weather conditions. Today, Valberg is a symbol of the city and a popular destination for visitors.

However, the tower is not only famous for its observation deck, but also for its historic architecture. Built of stone and brick, Valberg is in a neoclassical style that reflects the typical design of the period. As you climb the 74 steps to the top, you can enjoy an exhibition on the history of the structure and learn about its role in navigation between the Norwegian fjords over the years.

Once you reach the top, you'll also be able to take in a sweeping view that stretches from the city centre to the waters of the Lysefjord. The experience of viewing the landscape from this elevated vantage point is unforgettable, especially on clear days when it is also possible to see the nearby islands and the fjord skyline.

St Swithun's Cathedral is one of Stavanger's most iconic buildings and a place of great historical and cultural importance to the local community. Built in the 12th century, the cathedral is the oldest in Norway and its architecture is a testimony to the Romanesque and Gothic styles, with elements reflecting the religious past of the region.

Inside the cathedral you will find stone walls, high arches and stained glass windows that create an atmosphere of contemplation. The wooden carved altar and a series of memorials, which pay homage to important figures in Stavanger's history, also provide the setting.

A visit to St. Swithun's Cathedral is not only an opportunity to admire the architecture and the sacred art it contains, but also a way to connect with local traditions.

Moreover, due to its strategic location near the old town, you can reach the cathedral on foot, by public transport or by purchasing tickets for the Stavanger Sightseeing Bus, which offers a stop in a nearby area.

One of the typical activities in and around Stavanger is hiking, and in Kjerag you'll find some of the most outstanding hiking trails. Known for its scenery and challenging trails, Kjeragbolten, a rocky outcrop wedged between two cliffs almost 1000 metres above the fjord, is the highlight .

However, while Kjeragbolten is the prize for reaching the end of the trail, the Kjerag trail is an adventure in itself, with an approximately 10 kilometre round trip that can take several hours of effort, depending on the skill and fitness of the hikers. Along the way, hikers will encounter incredible views of the Lysefjord and both steep and rocky sections.

Kjerag is also popular for other activities, as the area is known as a paragliding destination, where you can launch yourself from the mountains and fly over the fjord while enjoying a completely different perspective of the landscape than you would on foot.

The combination of both activities makes Kjerag an attractive place for both adrenaline seekers and those who prefer a deeper, more relaxed connection with nature through hiking. Booking a hiking tour to Kjerag from Stavanger is therefore a perfect opportunity to discover some of Norway's best and most interesting landscapes.

While Stavanger itself is worth seeing, one of the best things about Stavanger is its proximity to some of Norway's most beautiful natural attractions and villages. Among the latter is Florli, a fishing settlement accessible by boat that is notable for its natural scenery and a population of just a few inhabitants, who live in traditional wooden houses surrounded by the fjords.

Booking a trip to Florli from Stavanger will allow you to see its cable car, which was originally built to transport goods and materials to local hydroelectric facilities and now offers a comfortable and fun alternative to climbing the mountains to enjoy panoramic views of the Lysefjord. You can also find hiking trails and mountain activities at the top.

If you prefer a more traditional alternative, you can choose to climb up to the viewpoint on your own on the wooden staircase, which is the largest of its kind in the world with 4,444 steps.

In addition to its natural beauty, Florli is also known for its peaceful atmosphere and industrial history. In this village you can find a visitor centre where you can learn about the production of hydroelectric power, with exhibits detailing the impact of the industry on the community and the environment.

Preikestolen, also known as the Pulpit, is an iconic cliff that towers 604 metres above the Lysefjord and is one of Norway's most photographed and recognised destinations. The view from the top, moreover, takes in a vast panorama of rugged mountains, with the fjord meandering below and unspoilt nature surrounding the area creating a perfect backdrop for adventurous excursions.

Booking a trip to Preikestolen from Stavanger involves traversing a mix of landscapes ranging from lush forests to rocky mountain stretches. Every point along the way offers sweeping views and great photo opportunities. Also, from the cliff you can expect a full panorama of the Lysefjord, whether you walk the Pulpit starting from the base of the fjord or elsewhere.

Note that while the path is very interesting, what makes Preikestolen truly special is its famous viewing platform, which extends on a near-vertical plane above the fjord. The experience of standing on the edge of the cliff and looking out into the void is both thrilling and terrifying, so I advise you to always keep in mind to keep yourself and your companions safe.