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 discovering 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 consists of more than 170 historic buildings, many of which have been restored and converted into museums, galleries and stores. This is why, if you decide to book a guided tour of Stavanger, this is usually the meeting point to start the tour.

One of the main attractions in the old town is the Stavanger Museum, which offers a fascinating look at the history and culture of the region. There 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 stores 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 harbor, where you can find a lively area of restaurants and cafes ideal for enjoying Norwegian cuisine while taking in the views of the sea and ships. These places are also an excellent option for 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 gulf located between mountains extends for more than 40 kilometers and has crystal clear waters surrounded by steep rocks and natural landscapes. During the boat tour you will have the opportunity to contemplate the panoramic views of the waterfalls and the surrounding villages.

Within the Lysefjord tour you will have the opportunity to visit the Preikestolen, a rock pulpit that rises 604 meters 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 epicenter of the Viking route through the fjords.

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

Stavanger, despite having been founded as a fishing village, has played an essential role in the industrial development of Norway and that profile you can discover in the Petroleum Museum, which offers visitors an in-depth description of the Scandinavian oil activity and its impact on the Norwegian economy and society.

In this museum, you can also visit the rooms and exhibits that review the history of oil exploration and production in the country, but you will also be amazed by the modern architecture of the building and the interactive exhibits that make this exhibition the perfect place for visitors of all ages.

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

The museum not only focuses on oil production, but also addresses issues of sustainability and the environment. 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 both by public transport and 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 colorful 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 an ideal place to take some of the most picturesque photographs.

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

However, a visit to Ovre Holmegate is not only about shopping; it will also offer you an unmissable opportunity to soak up the local culture. The street often hosts art exhibitions and community street events, and nearby you'll 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, this display will transport you 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. There 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 meters high on Valberg Carnet Hill, offering a unique perspective of the city, harbor and surrounding fjords.

Originally, the tower's purpose was to serve as a guide for ships sailing along the coast, helping sailors to avoid the rocks and the dangers of navigation in that area, which was very complicated 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 features a neoclassical style that reflects the typical design of the period. As you climb the 74 steps to the top, you will enjoy an exhibition on the history of the structure and learn about its role in navigation between the Norwegian fjords over the years.

Also, once you reach the top you will be able to reach a sweeping view that stretches from the city center 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's horizon.

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, this cathedral is the oldest in Norway and its architecture is a testimony to the Romanesque and Gothic styles, with elements that reflect 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. Also, the frame is provided by the altar carved in wood and a series of memorials, which pay tribute to important figures in the history of Stavanger.

Visiting St. Swithun's Cathedral will not only give you the opportunity to admire its architecture and the sacred art it contains, but it is also a way to connect with local traditions.

On the other hand, 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 can find some of the most outstanding hiking trails. Known for its scenery and challenging trails, this site is highlighted by the Kjeragbolten, a rock that is wedged between two cliffs almost 1000 meters above the fjord.

However, while the Kjeragbolten is the prize for reaching the end of the trail, the Kjerag trail is an adventure in itself, with a path of approximately 10 kilometers round trip that can take several hours of effort, always depending on the skill and physical condition 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 well, 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 can 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, then, a perfect opportunity to discover some of the best and most interesting Norwegian scenery.

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 stands out for its natural scenery and for having a population of only a few inhabitants, who live in traditional wooden houses surrounded by the fjords.

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

If, however, 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 and has 4,444 steps.

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

Preikestolen, also known as the Pulpit, is an iconic cliff that towers 604 meters above the Lysefjord and is one of Norway's most photographed and recognized destinations. The view from the top, moreover, encompasses a vast panorama of rugged mountains, with the fjord meandering at its foot and unspoiled nature surrounding the area creating a perfect setting for adventure tours.

Booking an excursion to Preikestolen from Stavanger includes traversing a mix of landscapes ranging from lush forests to rocky mountain stretches. Every point along the way offers expansive views and unbeatable photo opportunities. Also, from the cliff you can count on a full panoramic view of the Lysefjord, whether you hike the Pulpit starting from the base of the fjord or elsewhere.

Note that while the trail is very interesting, what makes Preikestolen truly special is its famous lookout point, 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 preserve your safety and that of the people accompanying you.