Stavanger

Stavanger is a charming town and undoubtedly a true delight to explore, boasting Norway’s oldest cathedral, a unique white-coloured historic centre, and omnipresent street art. However, this city also serves as a gateway to the country’s most iconic hikes and the magnificent Lysefjord, offering visitors a wealth of exciting adventures. This guide explores the 9 best things to do in Stavanger, Norway.

Explore Gamle Stavanger

Fargegaten, an eye-catching pedestrian promenade, is the only colourful street in Stavanger’s historic centre.

Old Stavanger, or Gamle Stavanger, is the city’s charming, historic neighbourhood, also celebrated as Northern Europe’s largest surviving wooden house settlement. Originally a hub for local tradesmen and sailors, Stavanger’s historic centre nowadays features 173 beautifully preserved, 18th-century white wooden buildings, having transformed from a less desirable area into a highly sought-after location.

The unexpected highlight amidst this sea of white urban architecture is Øvre Holmegate, also known as Fargegaten — the “colourful street.” Painted in vibrant colours — especially pink, orange, and green — this promenade is lined with popular bars, cosy cafés, and chic boutiques, drawing both visitors and locals alike.

Several fascinating local museums attract numerous visitors, offering insights into the city’s rich past at the Norwegian Canning Museum and the Stavanger Maritime Museum. Undoubtedly, taking a stroll through this enchanting historic district is one of the best things to do in Stavanger, Norway.

Admire the city’s impressive street art

Stavanger is widely regarded as Norway’s capital of street art, largely thanks to the internationally acclaimed Nuart Festival. And travellers wondering what to do in Stavanger can explore the city’s charming streets and admire its remarkable street art.

A prime way for travellers to experience this phenomenon is by visiting the Nuart Festival — the driving force behind Stavanger’s street art scene — which typically takes place in September. During this event, visitors can witness artists at work, explore a range of exhibitions, and enjoy a variety of film screenings and workshops, immersing themselves in the world of street art. A visit to the Tou Scene, a former brewery that serves as the festival’s main indoor exhibition space, is undoubtedly a highlight of any trip to Stavanger.

However, travellers unable to visit Stavanger in September can undertake a self-guided street art walk through the city or join a guided tour for a deeper understanding of this unique movement. During such a stroll, visitors can admire remarkable street art pieces by world-renowned artists, including ‘Chant,’ a striking mural of a Viking woman by Faith47; ‘Deer’ by Bordalo II; ‘Love Interruption’ by Ben Eine; and ‘UNART’ by Niels Shoe Meulman. Other prominent artists whose works can be witnessed on Stavanger’s streets include Norway’s Martin Whatson and Pøbel, Canada’s Sandra Chevrier, and John Fekner from the United States.

Overall, the city’s outstanding and almost omnipresent street art is undoubtedly among the best things to see in Stavanger.

Embrace iconic hiking adventures

Traveller standing on the boulder of Kjeragbolten.

Stavanger is not just a fascinating town to explore; it also serves as a popular base for travelling to Norway’s two most iconic hikes — Preikestolen and Kjeragbolten. Although both trails offer breathtaking views of the stunning Lysefjord, they cater to different levels of hikers.

Preikestolen (or the Pulpit Rock), a massive flat-topped cliff that juts out horizontally above the Lysefjord, is one of the country’s most easily recognisable landmarks, famously featured in a Mission Impossible movie with Tom Cruise. Boasting an elevation gain of approximately 500 metres and a round-trip distance of 8 kilometres, the trail to Preikestolen is quite moderate, making it achievable on a day trip from Stavanger for travellers with a reasonable level of fitness. And the reward is truly inspiring — sweeping panoramic views of the Lysefjord and a memorable photograph on the cliff’s edge.

Adventurers seeking what to do around Stavanger can embark on a far more challenging, yet no less iconic, hike — Kjeragbolten. A truly surreal natural phenomenon, Kjeragbolten represents a massive, rounded boulder wedged precariously in a mountain crevasse, suspended approximately 1,000 metres above the Lysefjord, promising thrill-seekers truly breathtaking photographs.

However, the trail to Kjeragbolten is much more strenuous. Starting at Øygardstøl, this hike includes three very steep uphill sections, covering about 10-12 kilometres round trip and gaining 600 metres in elevation. Unlike the Preikestolen trail, this tough route usually takes 6 to 8 hours for a round trip.

Nevertheless, undertaking one of these routes is definitely one of the best things to do near Stavanger — travellers only need to pick the trail based on their abilities.

Travel to the fjords

Lysefjord is a major attraction near Stavanger and is easily accessible on a fjord cruise straight from Stavanger’s harbour.

Located in Southwestern Norway, this city is an ideal destination for memorable fjord trips, and embarking on one is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Stavanger. For travellers journeying north to Bergen, a relaxing 4-hour cruise with Hurtigruten or Havila Coastal Express offers a remarkable voyage along the coast, combining convenient logistics with a scenic journey.

However, another major attraction lies immediately near Stavanger — the breathtaking Lysefjord, which is arguably the best fjord to visit in Southern Norway (according to our guide to Norway’s best fjords). Reaching Lysefjord from Stavanger is easy and hassle-free, even by public transport, and the variety of exhilarating activities in the area will delight every visitor.

The remarkable hiking trails to Preikestolen and Kjeragbolten are particular highlights of any trip to Lysefjord. Travellers can also experience its grandeur on a memorable cruise — most of the ships depart directly from Strandkaien quay in Stavanger’s city centre. Such a journey offers visitors the opportunity to marvel from a boat at the region’s must-see sights, including Preikestolen, Hengjanefossen waterfall, and a genuine architectural wonder — the Lysefjord Bridge.

Travellers seeking more active experiences can join a guided kayaking tour or even rent a kayak and paddle in the Lysefjord independently. For an adrenaline rush, adventurous visitors can attempt rock climbing and via ferrata routes. Finally, the local charming villages of Lysebotn and Flørli are absolutely worth a visit and promise an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life in Stavanger.

Overall, taking a cruise along the picturesque Lysefjord and enjoying these exciting activities is undoubtedly among the quintessential things to do near Stavanger.

Visit the city’s immersive museums

The Norwegian Petroleum Museum tells the dramatic story of Norway’s oil and gas exploration in the North Sea, from its discovery to its profound impact on Norwegian society, economy, and welfare.

While Stavanger may not boast internationally acclaimed museums like Oslo and Bergen, this coastal town is home to several remarkable institutions that perfectly reflect its history, industry, and culture.

Travellers wondering what to see in Stavanger should certainly visit the town’s most famous museum — the Norwegian Petroleum Museum. Housed in a truly striking building that resembles an actual oil platform, this museum bristles with impressive interactive exhibits, featuring oil rig models, a simulated rescue chute, and even a “catastrophe room” that re-enacts offshore incidents.

IDDIS, a unique dual museum housed in a former sardine cannery, is another fascinating place to visit, offering insights into Stavanger’s proud industrial past. Its Norwegian Canning Museum extensively focuses on exploring the town’s past as the “sardine capital,” while the Norwegian Printing Museum highlights the role of the local printing industry.

At the Museum of Archaeology, visitors can delve into the ancient history of Rogaland County — one of Norway’s most archaeologically significant regions — and witness artefacts from as early as 11,000 years ago. Its permanent exhibitions showcase a multitude of objects from the Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age, and most notably — the Viking Age, featuring weapons, jewellery, and burial goods.

Visitors can gain fascinating insight into the town’s deep connection to the sea at the Stavanger Maritime Museum, while the Stavanger Art Museum exhibits a significant collection of Norwegian art from the 18th century to the present and is a must-visit for art lovers. Finally, travellers can explore the immersive Iron Age Farm, a unique living history museum, and experience life in the Iron Age firsthand.

Altogether, Stavanger truly abounds with remarkable and immersive places, catering to travellers with different passions, and museum-hopping is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Stavanger.

See the enormous sculpture of Swords in Rock

Located just outside Stavanger, the Sverd i Fjell installation represents three enormous bronze swords that stand 10 metres tall, appearing as if they have been plunged into the solid rock. The monument holds deep symbolic meaning, commemorating the Battle of Hafrsfjord, which, according to the sagas, took place in the year 872 AD and resulted in the unification of Norway. The largest sword in the monument represents King Harald Fairhair, the victor in the battle, while the smaller two swords symbolise the defeated petty kings.

This remarkable sculpture is the work of Norwegian sculptor Fritz Røed and was unveiled in 1983. Although located slightly outside the city, travellers can easily reach the Swords in Rock monument by car (via a 10-15 minute drive), by taking bus No. 16, or even by a leisurely hour-long stroll from the city centre.

This installation is imbued with deep historical significance and is extremely photogenic, drawing numerous visitors eager to pose for a photoshoot. Additionally, the surrounding area is also a popular recreational spot, providing visitors with opportunities for picnicking, swimming, and even sailing and windsurfing. Overall, venturing beyond the city to see this outstanding sculpture is definitely among the top things to do in Stavanger, Norway.

Visit Norway’s oldest cathedral

Located just a short hop from the city’s harbour, the timeless Stavanger Cathedral — which has been in continuous use since the 1300s — stands as one of the most important landmarks in the entire country. Built around 1125 AD in the Anglo-Norman Romanesque style, most likely by English artisans, this remarkable religious edifice was extensively damaged during a 1272 fire and subsequently rebuilt in a blend of Gothic and Romanesque styles.

Today, visitors can pay a small fee to enter this ancient cathedral to admire its richly carved Baroque pulpit, intricate carvings on the column capitals, and modern stained-glass windows — the striking creation of Norwegian artist Victor Sparre. Guests can also explore the crypt beneath the church and witness unique archaeological finds, including postholes from a building that predates the cathedral itself. With its historic significance and remarkable architectural beauty, Stavanger Cathedral is undeniably among the best places to see in Stavanger.

Climb Valberg Tower for panoramic views

Built between 1850 and 1953 on Valberget hill in Stavanger, the Valberg Tower for decades served as an observation tower for the city’s watchmen, who would alert residents about fires and other dangers by ringing a bell or even firing cannons. However, the last watchman who lived and worked in the tower was Tobias Sandstøl, who left in 1922.

Today, this popular landmark attracts visitors with its stunning panoramic views of Stavanger and the surrounding area. Easily accessible via a leisurely stroll from the city centre, the Valberg Tower also houses a small watchman’s museum on the first floor, providing a fascinating insight into the history and daily life of the city’s guards. Overall, taking a walk to this remarkable tower and enjoying spectacular panoramic vistas is undoubtedly among the best things to see and do in Stavanger, Norway.

Take a day trip to visit Månafossen waterfall

Månafossen, a powerful cascade with an impressive free fall of 92 metres, is the largest waterfall in Rogaland County. And travellers wondering what to do around Stavanger can embark on a day trip to witness this spectacular natural wonder, nestled within a vast and relatively isolated Frafjordheiane landscape conservation area.

Visiting this waterfall also requires a short hike, rated as easy to moderate — the trail, though relatively short, is very steep and rough, with sections involving climbing stone steps and using chains bolted into the rock. Along the path, travellers are treated to spectacular vistas from multiple designated viewpoints, ideally suited for photographing the impressive 92-metre waterfall.

While the journey is undoubtedly remarkable, it best fits travellers with rental cars — the trailhead is located at Eikeskog, at the end of Road 281, within an hour’s drive from Stavanger. Accessing the trailhead by public transport is extremely challenging, often involving two bus changes and a notably long stopover of over 35 hours. For visitors with rental cars, however, a trip to Månafossen is definitely among the best things to do in Stavanger.

Getting around

Stavanger boasts a highly walkable historic centre and a well-developed transportation system, making navigation around the city and broader region effortless. Its downtown area is compact and ideally explored on foot, though the centre’s cobblestone streets require visitors to wear comfortable shoes. Travellers can also explore Stavanger on shared e-bikes, offered by Kolumbus Bysykkel at various stations throughout the city.

Stavanger also features a well-developed and efficient bus system, which connects the city centre with residential areas, shopping centres, and attractions outside the immediate downtown area. Travellers can download the app from Kolumbus, the bus operator, for purchasing tickets, checking live schedules, and planning routes.

Ferries and cruise ships link Stavanger to the nearby archipelagos and stunning Lysefjord.

Ferries are a vital part of the local transportation system, providing easy connections from the city centre to the numerous islands in the archipelago. Travellers can also embark on cruises from the central harbour deeper into the Lysefjord. During the summer season, shuttle buses offer convenient connections to the region’s remarkable hikes — Preikestolen and Kjeragbolten.

However, driving provides travellers with the greatest flexibility, and renting a vehicle in Stavanger is straightforward — whether at the airport or in the city centre. Securing a rental car is essential for visitors planning to explore the wider Rogaland region and travel to more remote attractions, such as Månafossen and Gloppedalsura.