Things to Do in Stavanger
Activities in Stavanger
Stroll through Gamle Stavanger, Appreciate the street art in Stavanger, Trace the city's maritime history by visiting Stavanger Maritime Museum, Seek blessings at Stavanger Cathedral and many more.There are endless things to do in Stavanger that would make for a befitting end to your trip in the city. Culture, natural beauty, history, and delectable cuisine come together to provide a soulful experience in Stavanger. You can weave through Stavanger's roads to understand how the city has purposefully worked towards garnering a spot on the global cultural map.
You can explore Stavanger Art Museum that prides itself on showcasing the region's art and fostering the artistic spirit in everyone. If you're a spiritual soul, you can visit Stavanger Cathedral, renowned for its Gothic architecture and breathtaking design.
You can also trace the city's maritime history by visiting Stavanger Maritime Museum and watch a romantic show with your partner at Stavanger Concert Hall. For added fun and adventure, you can enjoy a hiking excursion to Preikestolen or defy gravity at Kjeragbolten.
If you're confused about Stavanger things to do with your partner, you can enjoy a dinner date with your partner at Sabi Omakase restaurant or enjoy a round of drinks at Bar Bache. If you're a night owl, you can Walk the Downtown Streets that are dotted with window-shops and gaming areas. So get ready for memorable exploration and rediscovery by enjoying these must-try activities.
You can either sit at the edge, or take a look below to see the azure waters of Lysefjord, which was formed in the Ice Age. The place is also great for indulging in nature photography. In order to reach the top of Pulpit Rock, you will have to take a ferry ride and a ride in the bus, followed by a four-hour round-trip hike. However, once at the top, the views are nothing short of magical.
Location: Rogaland County, Norway
Upon your visit here, you can see numerous exhibitions that showcase how the offshore petroleum operations have given birth to the most important industry in Norway. You can also see how oil and gas are formed, in addition to learning about how the resources are found below the seabed, how the drilling and production of petroleum is conducted and much more. Children can also visit this museum, and watch different films, in addition to indulging in various fun-filled activities.
Location: Kjeringholmen 1a, 4006 Stavanger, Norway
Timing: 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.
Entry fee: INR 640 to INR 1300 approximately
One of the major attractions here is a single machine that was manufactured in Germany in the 1930s. This machine was known to pack the sardine cans in greaseproof paper, attach a key as well as put a label on it. For children, the museum offers them a chance to dress up as cannery workers and indulge in the Norwegian waffles at the in-house café.
Location: Øvre Strandgate 88, 4005 Stavanger, Norway
Timing: 10:00 a.m. to 04:00 p.m.
Entry fee: INR 800 approximately
The interiors of the church boast of a magnificent Baroque pulpit, in addition to a stone front from the Gothic period. Furthermore, the church also has stained glass in its eastern windows, which depict scenes from the New Testament. You can also find the former Bishop’s Palace behind the cathedral, which overlooks the northern shore of the small Breiavatnet lake. The cathedral is also one of the best-preserved cathedrals in all of Norway.
Location: Haakon VIIs gate 2, Domkirkeplassen, 4005 Stavanger, Norway
The tower also served as the home of a watchman who used to alert everyone in the city in case there was a fire. As of today, the Valberg Tower is a structure that offers stunning views of the city as well as the harbour. There is also a Watchman’s Museum located on the first floor of the tower, which you can pay a visit to. For small events and get-together, you can also rent the tower and enjoy pristine views of the city.
Location: Valbergjet, 4006 Stavanger, Norway
Entry fee: INR 600 to INR 800 approximately
The museum is also home to numerous collections donated by the generations of the seamen and missionaries of Stavanger. These collections consist of photographs, art and cultural treasures of exotic places. You can also find many art, furnishings, costumes and other excerpts of the rich cultural heritage of the city.
Location: Muségt. 16, N-4010 Stavanger, Norway
Timing: 11:00 a.m. to 03:00 p.m.
Entry fee: INR 600 to INR 850 approximately
The picturesque streets of Gamle are great to explore. With many galleries and museums also lining the meandering streets here, you can also find the Maritime Museum and the Norwegian Canning Museum here. There are over 170 wooden houses here, all of which date back to the 18th century, and are similar in style and structure.
The houses here are made of timber, with an arch on the top of the roof, that can be expanded into the living quarters. The houses also have a flat top, which are placed asymmetrically on the roof and are often called the Stavanger arch. The entire area of Gamle is great for a relaxing stroll.
Location: Øvre Strandgate, 4005 Stavanger, Norway
Timing: Open 24 hours
At the museum, you can find intricately crafted models of transatlantic liners and working boats. You can also see the actual interiors and artefacts of these boats, which have been dismantled, and tell a great deal about the rich history of this land. The museum also has an authentic sail loft which was in operation until the 1980s.
Location: Strandkaien 22, 4005 Stavanger, Norway
Timing: 11:00 a.m. to 03:00 p.m.
Entry fee: INR 600 to INR 800 approximately
There are some areas in the house where you can catch a glimpse of the furnishings from different eras in time. This includes the library and dining room from the 1950s, a bomb shelter that dates back to 1939 and even the servant quarters and laundry room. You can also see the farm tools and carriages from bygone eras in the barn. The museum also has trails to the historic Ledaal, Holmeegenes and Munkehagen gardens.
Location: Eiganesveien 40A, 4005 Stavanger, Norway
Lysefjord, nestled in the southwestern part of Norway, is a gem of Scandinavian beauty that enchants travelers with its awe-inspiring landscapes and serene ambiance. This majestic fjord, carved by ancient glaciers over millions of years, stretches for approximately 42 kilometers (26 miles) from the charming coastal town of Forsand to the quaint village of Lysebotn.
One of the most iconic features of Lysefjord is the towering cliffs that flank its shores, soaring to heights of up to 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) above the crystal-clear waters below. These vertiginous cliffs create a dramatic backdrop that never fails to captivate visitors, offering a sense of awe and wonderment at the sheer power of nature.
The property is currently owned by the state in trust. In addition to visiting its historic gardens, you can also visit numerous other gardens that are connected to the property via a trail. For visitors, the property is a good place to explore the taste and style of the bygone eras. Additionally, this 18th century building also has numerous exhibitions that are spread over three floors that you can enjoy.
Location: Eiganesveien 45, 4009 Stavanger, Norway
Timing: 12:00 p.m. to 05:00 p.m.
One of the most popular exhibits of the museum is the Famous Finn, or the Finnøy Polar Bear, which is a skeleton that is over 12,400 years old. It was recovered from the village of Judaberg on Finnøy, and is the most complete Ice Age polar bear from its time. The museum also has exhibits from the Stone Age and Bronze Age, that can be seen in the many antique structures and objects presented here. The museum is home to objects that date back to almost 11,000 years, making it one of the richest archaeological fields for ancient civilisations in Norway.
Location: Peder Klows gate 30A, 4010 Stavanger, Norway
Timing: 11:00 a.m. to 03:00 p.m.
Entry fee: INR 340 to INR 1,700 approximately
You can also find a collection of over 30 historic aircrafts here, which includes military planes and civilian planes, in addition to pilot and crew uniforms, aircraft models as well as historic photographs. For a personalised and unique experience, you can also board some of the planes present here, which isn’t often found in aviation museums around the world.
Location: Sola Prestegårdsveg 170, 4050 Sola, Norway
Timing: 12:00 p.m. to 04:00 p.m. (Only open on Sundays)
Entry fee: INR 340 to INR 2,000 approximately
One of the best attractions here is the unique collection of paintings by the late 19th century painter Lars Hertervig. Even today, his romantic and highly personal landscapes continue to take visitors’’ breath away. The museum is also home to the stunning Hafsten collection, which is a former private collection of works by painters from the mid-twentieth century.
Location: Henrik Ibsens gate 55, 4021 Stavanger, Norway
Timing: 11:00 a.m. to 03:00 p.m.
Entry fee: INR 800 approximately
Surrounded by verdant greenery, the abbey used to be the erstwhile residence of the Viking King Harald Fairhair. It was turned into a monastery in the middle ages, and ultimately, in the 1700s, the abbey became a farm of the local magistrate. It was in the 1930s that it was turned into a museum. Upon your visit here, you will be welcomed by guides dressed up in medieval costumes. The abbey also has a garden which is home to vibrant roses, herbs and ornamental bushes.
Location: Mosterøyveien 801, 4156 Mosterøy, Norway
You can reach the Flor og Fjære via a scenic boat trip through the local fjord from Skagenkaien in Stavanger. In addition to a guided tour of the garden, you can also gather more knowledge about various plants and flowers and garden maintenance from the professionals here. After the tour, you will be offered a delicious and unique culinary experience from the inhouse chef here, which includes the best of local seafood that the region is famous for.
Location: Sør-Hidle, Strand, Norway
The Swords in Rock are three huge and magnificent bronze swords, made to replicate the ancient Viking swords, that have been plunged into rock. Designed by sculptor Fritz Røed, the monument was unveiled in the year 1983 by King Olav V. The largest of the three swords is said to represent Harald Fairhair, whilst the smaller ones symbolize his defeated rivals.
Location: Møllebukta, 4044 Hafrsfjord, Norway
Craig Flannagan, an artist, was hired to create a colour scheme for painting the houses on the street. And he decided to paint them in vibrant, bright colours of green, pink and turquoise, which revitalised the street and gave it new life. Throughout the years, numerous new cafés, shops, bars and restaurants were established here, making it a famous tourist attraction in Stavanger.
Location: 32, 4006 Stavanger, Norway
There are three houses on the farm, which are partially built underground, and all of which have domestic utensils and equipment from the Iron Age. You can also see a fire burning on the original fireplaces here. Sometimes, you might also be offered food that has been cooked on the fireplace. A visit here will enable you to experience a life almost similar to the one that people had around 1500 years ago.
Location: Ullandhaugveien 165, 4021 Stavanger, Norway
Entry fee: INR 340 to INR 900
With a distinctive style, serene atmosphere and popularity, the hotel is a treasure trove of antiques and old souvenirs. One of the main attractions of the Sola Strand is its original fireplace from 1914, which still smells of smoky wood and offers you a nice, peaceful warmth. You can choose to stay here during your trip to Stavanger, or simply visit the hotel to enjoy jazz brunches, wellness days, winemaker’s dinners and their very own jazz festivals, among other things.
Location: Axel Lunds veg 27, 4055 Sola, Norway
Entry fee: INR 11,000 onwards
More Stavanger Activities
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Stavanger Things To Do FAQs
What are the best things to do in Stavanger?
1. Stroll through Gamle Stavanger: Strolling through the historic area of Gamle Stavanger is considered to be one of the best things to do in Stavanger. Gamle Stavanger is the largest surviving wooden house settlement in northern Europe. It also houses two museums: the Maritime Museum and the Norwegian Canning Museum. The area is considered to be a beautiful upmarket neighborhood with two hundred and fifty houses and shops.
Location: Sentrum, Stavanger, 4005
2. Appreciate the street art in Stavanger: If you're a die-hard art lover, you should attend the annual Nuart street art festival that is organized around August or September in Stavanger. The street artists from all across the world gather here during the festival to showcase their artistic side. They make their impression on the walls with graffiti art, murals, stencil art, and more. You can also take a peek down the narrow alleyway to find hidden works of art that tell a lot about the city.
Location: Municipality in Rogaland, Norway
Timings: August or September
3. Trace the city's maritime history by visiting Stavanger Maritime Museum: One of the best things to do in Stavanger is visiting Stavanger Maritime Museum that offers a collection of distinguished Norwegian art ranging from contemporary art to the nineteenth century. It is situated in the city center and has three departments; the natural history section, the Norwegian Children's Museum, and the cultural history section. The exhibition displays the development of the fishing and shipping industry over the last two hundred years and operates and owns two older sailboats.
Location: Strandkaien 22, Stavanger, 4005
Price: Rs 4,145
Timings: 11 am- 4 pm
4. Seek blessings at Stavanger Cathedral: If you wish to know more about Christianity and God's commandments, you should definitely visit Stavanger Cathedral. This gothic-styled cathedral is influenced by Anglo-Norman architecture and has verdant lush lawns. It is a piece of paradise for art lovers with stained glass paintings and wooden carvings.
Location: Domkirken, Haakon VIIs, 4600 Stavanger, Norway
Timings: 11 am- 4 pm
5. Stavanger Petroleum Museum: Get ready for a historical journey through the oil exploration process by visiting Stavanger Petroleum Museum, a significant landmark in Stavanger. The museum spans five thousand square meters and focuses on offshore petroleum activity in the North Sea. You can learn here how gas and oil are formed and how production and drilling are conducted.
Location: Kjeringholmen, Stavanger, 4001
Price: Rs 809
Timings: 10 am- 4 pm
7. Take in the breathtaking views from Pulpit Rock: Hiking through the scenic trail network of Pulpit Rock is considered to be one of the best Stavanger things to do for unlimited adventure and fun. Pulpit Rock is a mountain plateau that hangs six hundred and four meters above the Lysefjord in southwestern Norway. This hiking trail has dizzying heights, postcard-perfect fjords and offers an epic view at the end of the trail.
Location: Rogaland, Norway
8. Learn history at Jernaldergården: Learn the folk fares and the city's historical tales by visiting Jernaldergården, a reconstructed Iron Age farm. You can take an English language tour to watch ancient crafts in action, spin wool, and light a fire with fire steels. It is dotted with small huts that are designed with small doorways. You can see here the Norwegian ladies making Viking age costumes using an ancient weaving technique called 'tablet weaving.'
Location: Kartblad 1212IV, Stavanger
9. Chill Along Stavanger's Harbour: One of the best things to do in Stavanger is chilling and enjoying breathtaking delicacies at the lively restaurants and bars along Stavanger's Harbour. You can also spend a lazy afternoon here with a glass of cocktail in hand while appreciating the breathtaking views.
Location: Kontinental Vegan 31 4056 Tananger Norway
What are the things to do in Stavanger at night?
1. Watch a show at Stavanger Concert Hall: One of the best Stavanger things to do at night is watching cultural shows, classical ballet, and dance performances at Stavanger Concert Hall. You can meet here internationally renowned artists and local talents.
2. Enjoy a round of drinks at Bar Bache: Chill out with your squad during the wee hours at Bar Bache that is renowned for its quirky ambiance, great selection of food, and luscious drinks. It also has separate cabins where you can sit back and spend romantic moments with your partner.
3. Walk the Downtown Streets: Take your nightly adventure to the next level by walking around the Downtown Streets dotted with window-shops. You can enjoy games and outdoor music in this metropolitan area.
What are the best places to visit in Stavanger?
1. Norwegian Canning Museum: This is a historical museum housed in a former canning factory that pays tribute to a local industry fueled by sardines. The interactive museum encourages the visitors to learn about the sardine-canning process. Several times a month, this museum fires up the ovens so that visitors can taste smoked fish.
2. Stavanger Art Museum: Situated in a lush green area surrounding Lake Mosvannet, Stavanger Art Museum features an extensive collection of two thousand works by international and Norwegian artists from the 1800s to the present day.
3. Breiavatnet: This is a small lake in Stavanger with shallow water and a decorative fountain in the middle. It is home to many birds such as seagulls, sparrows, ducks, and swans, and you can also feed pigeons here.
4. The Valberg Tower: This is a well-preserved building situated in the Holmen peninsula between Østre Havn and Vågen. It offers splendid views of the harbor and city, and Watchman's Museum is located on its first floor.
5. Lysefjord: It is a beautiful fjord situated in the Ryfylke area that has the world's longest wooden staircase that takes you around seven hundred and forty meters above sea level in less than 2 hours.
6 Ledaal House: If you wish to know how Norway's elite families lived in the early nineteenth century, you should definitely visit Ledaal House. It has neoclassical interiors, and it exhibits a combination of Rococo and Baroque stylistic elements. The beautifully furnished mansion serves as a royal residence as well as a museum.
7. Pulpit Rock: This is the most popular viewpoint and hiking trail in Stavanger, with majestic landscapes and picturesque surroundings. It hangs six hundred and four meters above the Lysefjord and has been ranked as Norway's most nature-based destination.
What is Stavanger known for?
1. Pulpit Rock: It is the most popular viewpoint in Norway.
2. Stavanger Cathedral: This is the oldest cathedral in Norway, rebuilt in Gothic style.
3. The Valberg Tower: This is a well-preserved building situated in the Holmen peninsula.
4. Stavanger Museum: This fascinating museum houses exhibitions of cultural and natural history.
5. Gamle Stavanger: This is a historic area that consists of quaint older homes, museums, and shops.
6. Lysefjord: It is a distinctive fjord located in Rogaland county.
7. Brunost: This is the typical morning starter made with Brunost cheese.
8. Museum of Archaeology: Know about the Vikings at this fascinating museum.
What are the adventure activities to do in Stavanger?
1. Defy gravity at Kjeragbolten: Getting to Kjeragbolten winding through a narrow single lane road and snow-capped mountains is an adventure on its own. As you stand on the boulder, you'll feel like being on the verge of rolling down the hill. There is also a small pagoda at the top of the rock covered with gold leaves, which you must see.
2. Sea kayaking excursion: Weave your way through the crystal clear waters between islets and islands, and explore the areas around Tønsberg and Sandefjord on your own. The North Sea is also considered to be an excellent site for sea kayaking in Stavanger.
3. Hiking excursion to Preikestolen: One of the best Stavanger things to do is hiking through the well-marked trails of Preikestolen. The entire trail is wrapped with lush greenery, and you'll enjoy breathtaking views as you reach the top of the summit.
Is Stavanger worth visiting?
Yes, Stavanger is definitely worth visiting as it has nice harbors, historical museums, and an excellent night-life. It hosts the largest food festival in Scandinavia, attracting around two lakh fifty thousand visitors every summer. The urban art scene, scenic waterfront, and beautiful architecture of this town make it a must-visit destination.
How to reach Stavanger from India?
Most flights from India to Norway are routed through Europe, and a few of them go through the Middle East. Turkish Airlines, Air France, KLM, Qatar Airways, Aeroflot, Finnair, and Swiss Air are some of the airlines operating flights between India and Norway. Once you reach Norway Airport, you can take a bus or taxi to reach Stavanger.
How to reach Stavanger?
- By Air: The Stavanger Airport is the main airport in the city that receives flights from major cities in Norway. Once you reach the airport, you can take a shuttle to reach the city's desired area.
- By Bus: Regular buses ply to and from Oslo to Stavanger with various stops at Arendal, Kristiansand, and Sandefjord.
- By Boat: You can take a boat from Haugesund to Stavanger. The journey will take you one and half hours.
What is the best time to visit Stavanger?
June to September is considered the best time to visit Stavanger as the weather remains delightful with very little chance of rain. It is not the crowded time of the year, so you can explore the popular attractions without any hustle and bustle.
How many days should I spend in Stavanger?
Two days are enough to explore the prime attractions of Stavanger.
On the first day, you can visit Pulpit Rock, The Valberg Tower, Stavanger Museum, and Gamle Stavanger.
On the second day, you can watch a show at Stavanger Concert Hall, visit Stavanger Petroleum Museum and chill Along Stavanger's Harbour.
