10 Things to Do in Stavanger

Known for its unmissable natural surroundings and rich maritime history, Stavanger is one of the best places to use as a base for exploring 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 that are well worth discovering.

Among the best activities you can do in Stavanger are visiting St. Swithun's Cathedral, discovering the Petroleum Museum, strolling through Ovre Holmegate, and getting to know Florli, a picturesque coastal village surrounded by hiking trails that will allow you to soak up the local nature.

Stavanger's historic center, with its cobbled streets and brightly painted wooden houses, is an old fishing district 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 shops. That's 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 historic center is the Stavanger Museum, which offers a fascinating insight into the history and culture of the region. There you can explore exhibitions 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 shops where you can buy works by regional artists and souvenirs.

Near the historic center, you will also 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 boats. These places are also an excellent option for taking refuge during the colder months of the year.

Booking a boat trip on Lysefjord from Stavanger is an unmissable experience that will allow you to explore one of Norway's most famous fjords. This gulf, located between mountains, stretches for more than 40 kilometers and has crystal clear waters surrounded by rugged rocks and natural landscapes. During the boat trip, you will have the opportunity to enjoy panoramic views of the waterfalls and surrounding villages.

During the tour of Lysefjord, you will have the opportunity to visit 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 .

The view from the boat will be your best ally for admiring its verticality and taking photographs of the epicenter of the Viking route through the fjords.

During the cruise, you will also discover a unique feature of the Lysefjord: the mountains are covered with vegetation, so in some parts this fjord becomes a vertical garden dotted with small islands that shelter the region's flora and fauna.

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

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

In the museum, you will find information on the geological history of oil and the methods used to extract and refine 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, in tasks ranging 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 era of energy transition. In addition, its location makes it easily accessible, and you can get there by public transport or by purchasing a ticket for the Stavanger tourist 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, which has become one of the symbols of the city. Ovre Holmegate is also a perfect street for enjoying 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 shops, making it the most interesting shopping street 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 just about shopping; it also offers an unmissable opportunity to soak up the local culture. Art exhibitions and community events are often held on this street, and there are other tourist attractions nearby, such as the Stavanger Museum and the old town .

Although it is not one of the most visited museums in the city, nor is it among the main tourist attractions in Stavanger, the Canning Museum offers visitors an in-depth look at the history of the canning and fishing industry in Norway, allowing you to learn a lot about the country's trade, especially in the days before oil and energy exploration solved the Norwegian economic model.

Housed in a former building that was one of the country's first canning factories, 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 to a time when fish canning was vital to the national economy in general and to the culture of Stavanger in particular.

One of the most notable features of the Canning Museum is its collection of historical machinery and tools used in the canning production 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 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, the harbor, and the surrounding fjords.

Originally, the tower was intended to serve as a guide for ships sailing along the coast, helping sailors avoid the rocks and dangers of navigation in this area, which was very difficult due to its shallow depths and poor 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 can enjoy an exhibition on the history of the structure and learn about its role in navigation between the Norwegian fjords over the years.

Once you reach the top, you can enjoy a sweeping view that stretches from the city center to the waters of the Lysefjord. The experience of contemplating the landscape from this elevated vantage point is unforgettable, especially on clear days, when you can also see the nearby islands and the fjord horizon.

St. Swithun's Cathedral is one of Stavanger's most iconic buildings and a place of great historical and cultural significance to the local community. Built in the 12th century, this cathedral is the oldest in Norway, and its architecture is a testament to the Romanesque and Gothic styles, with elements that reflect the region's religious past.

Inside the cathedral, you will find stone walls, high arches, and stained glass windows that create an atmosphere of contemplation. The setting is completed by the carved wooden altar and a series of memorials that pay tribute to important figures in Stavanger's history.

Visiting St. Swithun's Cathedral not only gives you the opportunity to admire its architecture and sacred art, but also allows you to connect with local traditions.

Furthermore, 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 has a stop nearby.

One of the typical activities in Stavanger and its surroundings is hiking, and in Kjerag you can find some of the most outstanding trails for this activity. Known for its landscapes and challenging trails, this site is notable for the Kjeragbolten, a rock wedged between two cliffs almost 1,000 meters above the fjord.

However, while Kjeragbolten is the reward for reaching the end of the trail, the Kjerag trail is an adventure in itself, with a round trip of approximately 10 kilometers that can take several hours of effort, 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 the area is known as a paragliding destination, where you can launch yourself into the void from the mountains and fly over the fjord while enjoying a completely different perspective of the landscape than you can experience 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, therefore, a perfect opportunity to discover some of Norway's best and most interesting landscapes.

While Stavanger itself is well worth visiting, one of the best things about this place is its proximity to some of Norway's most beautiful natural attractions and villages. Among the latter is Florli, a fishing village accessible by boat that stands out for its natural landscapes and its population of just a few inhabitants, who live in traditional wooden houses surrounded by fjords.

Booking an excursion to Florli from Stavanger will allow you to experience 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 climbing the mountains to enjoy the panoramic views of the Lysefjord. At the top, you will also find hiking trails and mountain activities.

If, on the other hand, you prefer a more traditional alternative, you can choose to climb up to the viewpoint on your own via 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 peaceful atmosphere and industrial history. In this village , you will find a visitor center where you can learn about hydroelectric power production, with exhibits detailing the impact of industry on the community and the environment.

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

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 sweeping views and opportunities for unbeatable photographs. Likewise, from the cliff you can enjoy a complete panoramic view of the Lysefjord, whether you walk the Pulpit starting from the base of the fjord or from anywhere else.

Keep in mind that while the trail is very interesting, what makes Preikestolen truly special is its famous viewpoint, which extends almost vertically over the fjord. The experience of standing on the edge of the cliff and looking into the void is both exciting and terrifying, so I advise you to always keep in mind the safety of yourself and those accompanying you.