Things To Do
in Stavanger
Stavanger is a compact coastal city in southwestern Norway known for its colorful wooden houses, lively harbour and as a gateway to stunning fjords. It blends a maritime and oil-industry heritage with a growing food and cultural scene, including museums, galleries and festivals. Surrounded by dramatic natural attractions like Lysefjord, Preikestolen and hiking trails, Stavanger is a base for outdoor adventures year-round.
The city is friendly, safe and easy to explore on foot, with strong public services and good transport links to the rest of Norway.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a stroll through the charming streets of Stavanger's historic center, where colorful wooden houses and cobblestone paths transport you back in time. Visit the Norwegian Petroleum Museum, where you can learn about Norway's oil history and its impact on the region. Grab a warm pastry and coffee from a local bakery to fuel your exploration.
Continue your exploration by visiting the Stavanger Cathedral, Norway's oldest cathedral, which dates back to the 12th century. Afterward, head to the lively Vågen harbor area, where you can enjoy lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants offering fresh seafood. Spend some time browsing the local boutiques and artisan shops, discovering unique crafts and souvenirs.
As the sun sets, find a cozy spot at a rooftop bar or café with views over the harbor. Savor a traditional Norwegian dinner, perhaps trying the local specialty, 'klippfisk' (dried and salted cod). End your evening with a leisurely walk along the waterfront, taking in the beautiful reflections of the colorful buildings in the water.
Rise early for a hearty breakfast before embarking on a day trip to the breathtaking Preikestolen, or Pulpit Rock. The hike to the top takes about two hours, so be sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water. As you ascend, enjoy the stunning views of the Lysefjord and lush landscapes that surround you.
Upon reaching the summit, take a moment to absorb the panoramic views that make this hike famous. Enjoy a packed lunch while perched on the edge of the cliff, experiencing the thrill of being 604 meters above the fjord. After your meal, explore the area and capture breathtaking photographs of the dramatic scenery.
Return to Stavanger in the evening and unwind at a local restaurant, perhaps indulging in a hearty meal to replenish your energy. Try some reindeer or salmon dishes paired with local craft beer. Conclude the day with a relaxing stroll through the city, reflecting on the adventure and the beauty of the hike.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $15-20 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $4-6 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (pub) | $8-12 |
| 🚕Taxi start / short ride | $6-15 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $120-220 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Easy access to spectacular fjords and hiking
- High-quality, fresh seafood and growing food scene
- Safe, compact and walkable city centre
- Good public services and transport links to the region
- Relatively expensive compared with many countries
- Weather can be unpredictable and often rainy
- Nightlife and late-night options are limited compared to larger cities
- Some popular attractions are crowded in peak summer
- "Hei" - Hi / Hello
- "Takk" - Thank you
- "Vær så snill" - Please
- "Unnskyld" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Hvor er toalettet?" - Where is the toilet?
- "Kan du hjelpe meg?" - Can you help me?
Places to Visit in Stavanger
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic flat cliff above Lysefjord with epic fjord views—best at sunrise or late evening for softer light (requires moderate hike).
Photos of neat, white wooden cottages and cobbled lanes capture the city’s historic charm—great in golden-hour light.
Dramatic bronze sword monuments rising from the rock at Hafrsfjord—striking against sea and sky.
Colorful buildings, reflections on the water and lively street scenes—ideal for candid urban photography.
Unique photo opportunities of the long stairway beside a hydroelectric system and the rugged Lysefjord coastline.
Food in Stavanger
Stavanger Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Creamy Norwegian fish soup made with local white fish and shellfish—available at fish markets and many restaurants along the harbour.
Must-Try!
Fresh peeled shrimp often eaten on bread with mayo or lemon; sold at the fish market and seasonal stalls in summer.
Brown cheese (brunost) for breakfast and skolebrød (sweet custard buns) from local bakeries—great for a café stop.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Central harbour market offering fresh fish, shrimp, shellfish and casual seafood stalls—perfect for sampling local catches.
Seasonal street-food stands and food festivals (summer) showcase local producers and ready-to-eat seafood, waffles and baked goods.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Norwegians value punctuality—arrive on time for appointments, tours and social invitations.
Keep personal space and avoid loud behaviour in public; dress casually but neatly and be modest in conversation.
Respect the right to roam: you can hike and camp on uncultivated land but follow rules—leave no trace and do not disturb livestock.
Hosts may ask you to remove shoes indoors; a simple handshake and 'hei' or 'takk' are common greetings.
Safety
Tipping in Stavanger
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not obligatory in Norway; service charges are usually included. Rounding up, leaving a small tip in restaurants (5–10%) or for exceptional service is appreciated but not expected.
Cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted and preferred; contactless payments and mobile payment app Vipps are common. Cash is rarely needed but still accepted in some small shops.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Long daylight hours, milder temperatures (12–20°C / ~54–68°F) and the busiest tourist season. Good weather for fjord cruises, hikes and outdoor cafés, though expect occasional rain and busy trails.
Crisp air, fewer tourists and colourful foliage; hiking is still good early in the season but weather is more changeable and daylight shortens.
Cold, wet and occasionally snowy with short daylight hours; city life continues but some outdoor activities and ferry schedules may be reduced—be prepared for icy conditions.
Thawing landscapes, blooming wildflowers and gradually increasing daylight—good time for quieter hiking and lower accommodation prices before peak season.
Stavanger at Night
Hiking in Stavanger
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Most famous hike near Stavanger — 3–4 hours round trip to a flat cliff with sweeping Lysefjord views; well-marked and heavily visited in summer.
More challenging hike leading to dramatic cliffs and the famous Kjeragbolten boulder suspended over Lysefjord—requires good fitness and caution.
Unique trail featuring a long stairway of 4,444 steps beside a hydro plant on Lysefjord; rewarding views and a memorable photo subject.
Shorter, family-friendly hike above Sandnes offering panoramic views over Stavanger, the fjord and surrounding islands—good for half-day trips.
Easy coastal walks near Sola beach—excellent for seaside photography, birdwatching and relaxed strolls year-round.
Airports
How to reach Stavanger by plane.
Primary airport serving Stavanger with domestic flights and seasonal international routes; about 15–20 minutes by car or 20–30 minutes by airport bus (Flybussen) to the city centre.
Major west-coast airport about 2.5–3 hours by road or fast ferry and train connections—useful for regional travel if flying from other hubs.
Norway's main international airport approximately 6–7 hours by car or under an hour by air; many visitors transfer via Oslo for long-haul connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Long-term residents with ties to fishing, maritime trades and more recently the oil industry; family-oriented and community-focused.
A significant international community tied to the petroleum sector brings cultural diversity and multilingual services.
University students and young people contribute to cultural life, cafés and nightlife, and support a modern service sector.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is widely followed locally—Viking FK is Stavanger’s main professional club with a strong local fanbase.
Handball and other indoor sports are popular community activities, with active youth leagues.
Hiking, rock climbing and sea fishing are common recreational pastimes thanks to easy access to fjords and coastline.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Stavanger.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are increasingly common in cafés and restaurants; look for plant-forward dishes and ask staff for recommendations. Supermarkets offer a range of vegetarian products.
Vegan choices are available but more limited than vegetarian; specialty cafés and some restaurants offer dedicated vegan dishes—ask in advance when dining out.
Many restaurants can accommodate gluten-free requests; Norwegian bakeries often offer labeled gluten-free items but always double-check cross-contamination.