Discover 9 things to do in Stavanger Norway – A Travel Guide

Explore picturesque Stavanger Norway, a must-visit destination on the country’s southwestern coast. This culturally vibrant city boasts a rich heritage with a stunning natural backdrop of iconic landmarks and sandy white beaches.

Stavanger is the oil and gas centre of Europe and is the fourth largest city in Norway. Known as a fun, bustling party city it attracts a younger crowd and is popular with the university students. A favoured cruise ship port stop, the boat docks right in the harbour so passengers can walk off and start exploring easily. The city also has five Michelin restaurants, making it a foodie destination.

Stavanger and surrounding area has festivals for all occasions centered on a variety of themes such as, music, food and sports. On the day we visited, Norway’s largest food festival was taking place.

After checking into the Radisson Blu Hotel, we walked a few blocks down to the Vågen marina, passing numerous restaurants and shops.

We chose to eat at Olivia Torget, an Italian restaurant boasting the flavours and atmosphere of Portofino. The cozy restaurant has two levels and a large open patio. We had a wonderful pasta dinner with stunning views of the harbour square and pier. Afterwards we took a stroll to soak up the party vibe along the waterfront and the narrow cobblestone streets.

Watch for more stories about the rich cultural heritage of Norway coming soon.

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A P & O cruise ship in port at Stavanger Norway. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Top things to do in Stavanger Norway

1. Vågen marina

The Vågen marina is a hive of activity, especially at night. Lined with colourful wooden buildings, this spirited area is party central.

Walking along the marina, you’ll find a fish market (Fisketorget), food and drink offerings from restaurants and food stalls, seating areas, sightseeing tours and shops. At night, the promenade is lit with blue lights.

Stavanger waterfront with Valbergtårnet – a former lookout tower. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

The Vågen marina is a hive of activity, especially at night. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

The Vågen marina is a hive of activity, especially in the evening. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Finklasmauet street art in Stavanger Norway. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

2. Old Stavanger

A visit to Old Stavanger is magical. There are 173 wooden buildings to see dating mostly to the 18th century (1820-1870). Most are painted white and some buildings were moved here. Did you know that during this time, it was common to move your house from one place to another?

Gamle Stavanger began as early as the 17th century. This area provided homes and terraced gardens to wealthy merchants who built up the Vågen waterfront with storage facilities along the wharves.  The smaller cottages belonged to the sailors and tradespeople.

This beautifully preserved area was almost torn down after the Second World War. Luckily the architectural heritage was saved from destruction by the conservation efforts of city council and the Gamle Stavanger Society.

Wander down cobblestone streets of this residential area to find galleries, small cafes and shops. There are a few museums to explore;  the Stavanger Maritime Museum, the IDDIS Norwegian Printing Museum and The Norwegian Canning Museum.

Walking along the cobblestone streets of Old Stavanger is one of the top things to do in Stavanger. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

One of the top things to do in Stavanger is to walk through beautiful Old Stavanger Norway. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

3. Historic Stavanger Cathedral

Stop by Stavanger Cathedral, Norway’s only surviving cathedral from the Middle Ages with original architecture. Built just after the Viking Age around 1125, it has been used continuously since about the 1300s.

When we visited, the church was closed for restorations and is expected to open to the public again in 2024.

4. Norwegian Petroleum Museum

Visit the Norwegian Petroleum Museum to learn about the history of the oil and gas industry in Norway and how it evolved and changed the country. Discover the challenges and innovations within the industry to address climate change, sustainability and explore emission-reducing technologies.

Many of my Norwegian family members of all genders work in many aspects of this industry; from equipment engineers, dive specialist, underwater drone pilots, offshore platform specialists, environmentalists and more.

Outside the Norwegian Petroleum Museum in Stavanger. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

5. Swords in Rock or Sverd i fjell

Swords in Rock is a large stone monument honouring Viking King Harald Fairhair’s Battle of Hafrsfjord. This battle is significant as it is attributed to unifying Norway into one united kingdom between 872-900 AD. At night, the swords are illuminated.

Swords in Rock Monument sits long the fjord in Stavanger.

6. Sola Beach

This stunning powder white sand beach area near Stavanger is a surfer’s delight. Sola Beach was named one of the most beautiful beaches by a major British newspaper recently and I can certainly see why.

The powder white sands on Sola Beach near Stavanger Norway. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

7. Explore Lysefjord

Travel by Zodiac on a RIB Safari or take an environmentally friendly Rødne electric-boat tour to explore the striking scenery of Lysefjord. Discover famous rugged rock formations and waterfalls along the way. 

8. Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)

Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), is a granite cliff that rises dramatically 604 metres from the water. Its flat plateau top provides a perfect viewing platform of the fjord for more than 300,000 hikers who make the trek each year. The rough terrain hike is eight kms and takes about four hours roundtrip. Actor Tom Cruise filmed a stunt here for the movie “Mission: Impossible 6 – Fallout”.

Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) with views of Lysefjord near Stavanger, Norway

9. Kjeragbolten (the Kjerag Boulder)

Experienced mountain climbers hike 11 kms to reach the top of Kjerag, the highest peak in the Lysefjord region. The round trip hike takes about six-10 hours, depending on skill level.

Thrill seekers enjoy the risk of having their photo taken on the boulder that is wedged between the two cliffs.

Kjerag is the highest peak in the The world-famous boulder Kjeragbolten with views of Lysefjord is near Stavanger.

Where to stay in Stavanger Norway

The Radisson Blu Atlantic Hotel is one of the most popular hotels for a stay in Stavanger. It is in the perfect location, in the heart of the city, close to Old Stavanger, Vågen harbour and the waterfront. After a day of touring, the Fire Lake Lounge offers a relaxing place to unwind with one of their flawless gin and tonics.

My two wonderful travel companions, Hugo and Solfried Nordvik in Stavanger. My cousin Hugo kindly took me for a weekend visit to Stavanger. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

We selected a panoramic city view room and our stay included an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet in the morning. The wonderful Nordic spread provided something for everyone. The well presented choices were endless. There was cold smoked salmon, lox, pickled herring, cold meats and a selection of cheeses including brown goat cheese, delicious pastries, yogurt, fresh fruit, eggs, meats, and so much more.

The hotel is a 30-minute drive from the airport and if you are arriving by train, its a two-minute walk.

View from the hotel room at the Radisson Blu Atlantic Hotel Stavanger. Photo: wendy Nordvik-Carr©

City view hotel room at the Radisson Blu Atlantic Hotel Stavanger. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Don’t miss these nearby things to do

Discover the rich cultural heritage of Avaldsnes, Norway’s oldest Royal seat, a Viking Farm and St. Olav’s Church.

Our road trip to Avaldsnes was not a planned stop on our weekend trip to Stavanger from Bergen. But, when I found out what an important area it is for Viking history and for Norway, we had to delve in to investigate.

Avaldsnes is a rich treasure trove of significant archaeological finds that keeps on giving and is the centre where powerful kings and chieftains lived for more than 3,000 years, from the Bronze Age into the Viking era. Read more about Avaldsnes.

How to get from Bergen to Stavanger by Ferry

Take the Stavanger Fjord ferry from Fjord Lines.

The trip from Bergen to Stavanger by ferry takes 5.5 hours. Travellers can purchase tickets only or choose from several packages available for lounge access, sleeping cabins and food.
Note: Driving from Bergen to Stavanger takes the same amount of time and the ferry is more economical.

Some of the ship’s passengers continue overnight to Hirtshals, Denmark and arrive at 7 a.m. Taking a shopping trip to Denmark to buy groceries is popular with Norwegian people.

The Fjord Lines’ vessel looks like a cruise ship with several restaurants, shops, bars, coffee shops, live entertainment, play and lounge areas, as well as sleeping cabins.

The scenery along the route is stunning as it navigates the rugged coastline along the fjord, passing through numerous islands.

We relaxed in a private lounge with nonalcoholic beverages included. We chose to eat at the dinner buffet that offers a wonderful Nordic spread. There was black caviar, cold smoked salmon, lox, picketed herring, fish in white sauce, seaweed salad, lamb, selection of cheeses, delicious cakes and so much more. Besides the stunning scenery, the food is another great reason to visit Stavanger.

Learn more about historical sites in Norway.

Explore the medieval ruins of Lyse Abbey Norway, Visit Alvøen, the oldest industrial community in Norway and Discover the largest gingerbread village in the world

Find more stories about Norway.