Stavanger Travel Guide: Explore Norway’s Cultural & Fjord Gateway

Welcome to Stavanger, a charming port city on Norway’s southwestern coast, where colorful wooden houses meet world-class fjord adventures. As a tour guide, I’ve introduced travelers to this dynamic city that blends history, culture, street art, and natural wonders — and every time, it’s a hit.
 

Whether you’re hiking iconic cliffs like Preikestolen, exploring Lysefjord, or wandering through Gamle Stavanger’s cobbled lanes, Stavanger offers an unforgettable mix of urban comfort and outdoor escape.

📍 Where Is Stavanger?

Stavanger is located in Rogaland County, in the southwest of Norway. It's:

Norway’s fourth-largest city

A key hub for oil, culture, and tourism

Easily accessible by air, sea, road, and rail

🧭 Quick Facts About Stavanger

🌟 Top Attractions in Stavanger

1. 🏘️ Gamle Stavanger (Old Stavanger)

One of Europe’s best-preserved wooden house districts.

Over 170 white wooden cottages from the 18th–19th century

Cobblestone streets, flower-filled windows, and a cozy ambiance

A great spot for photos and a peaceful walk

2. 🖼️ Stavanger Art Museum & Street Art

Features works by Lars Hertervig and contemporary artists

The city is also a street art capital thanks to the NuArt Festival — take a street art tour to see murals by global artists

3. 🛢️ Norwegian Petroleum Museum

Uniquely designed to resemble an oil platform

Interactive exhibits on Norway’s oil industry, including diving suits, drill simulators, and an offshore worker’s life

Great for adults and kids alike

4. ⛪ Stavanger Cathedral

Built in the 12th century, it’s Norway’s oldest cathedral in continuous use

Romanesque and Gothic styles

Still an active church and open for visitors

5. 🏞️ Lysefjord & Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)

Just a short trip from Stavanger:

Preikestolen: Hike to one of Norway’s most famous viewpoints (604 meters above Lysefjord)

Lysefjord Cruises: Depart from Stavanger harbor and offer views of waterfalls, seals, and towering cliffs

Great for non-hikers or those visiting in winter

6. 🏖️ Sola Beach

A 2.3 km sandy beach near Stavanger Airport

Popular for surfing, swimming, and sunset walks

Family-friendly, with soft sand and shallow waters

Great for a summer picnic

🥾 Outdoor Activities Around Stavanger

🏨 Where to Stay in Stavanger

🌆 City Center Hotels

Hotel Victoria – Historic waterfront hotel

Thon Hotel Stavanger – Modern and central

Clarion Hotel Stavanger – Excellent views, stylish interior

💰 Budget Options

Stavanger Bed & Breakfast

Hostel St. Svithun – Clean, affordable, near the hospital

🏕️ Nature & Unique

Preikestolen Basecamp – Near hiking trails

Fjord cabins & Airbnb – For a quieter retreat

🍴 Where to Eat in Stavanger

Local Specialties

Seafood: Fresh salmon, cod, and shrimp

Lapskaus: Norwegian stew

Brunost: Brown cheese – a unique treat!

Top Restaurants

RE-NAA – Michelin-star fine dining

Fisketorget – Seafood market and restaurant by the harbor

Egget – Quirky café with cozy vibes

For a Quick Bite

Døgnvill Burger – Gourmet burgers

Broremann Bar – Local drinks and small plates

🛍️ Shopping in Stavanger

Øvre Holmegate (Color Street): Brightly painted houses, boutiques, coffee shops

Norwegian brands: Dale of Norway knitwear, Helly Hansen gear

Sølvberget Library & Culture House: Books, exhibitions, and a modern café

🎭 Events & Festivals in Stavanger

📅 Best Time to Visit Stavanger

👉 June to September is the best time for most outdoor and cultural activities.

🚗 How to Get to Stavanger

✈️ By Air

Stavanger Airport, Sola (SVG) – 15 mins from the city

Direct flights from Oslo, Bergen, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, London

🚄 By Train

From Oslo: ~8 hours via scenic Sørland Line

Train station near the harbor, walking distance to the city center

🚢 By Ferry/Cruise

Fjord Line & Hurtigruten stop here

Daily ferry to Tau for Preikestolen access

🚙 By Car

Drive from Bergen (~5 hours) or Kristiansand (~3 hours)

Scenic coastal routes with ferry crossings

🧭 Sample 2-Day Stavanger Itinerary

Day 1:

Morning: Walk through Gamle Stavanger and visit the Petroleum Museum

Lunch at Fisketorget

Afternoon: Lysefjord cruise or trip to Sola Beach

Dinner and drinks in Øvre Holmegate

Day 2:

Early hike to Preikestolen

Return for late lunch

Explore Stavanger Art Museum

Evening: Relax with local beer at a waterfront bar

📸 Photography Spots in Stavanger

📍 Old Stavanger – Wooden houses and narrow lanes

📍 Øvre Holmegate – The colorful street

📍 Preikestolen Viewpoint – Epic fjord shot

📍 Stavanger Cathedral – Historic architecture

📍 Sola Beach – Sunset and wide-angle landscape

🌍 Sustainable Travel Tips

🧴 Bring reusable water bottles and bags

🚲 Rent a bike or walk — Stavanger is compact and green

🌱 Choose eco-certified tours and hotels

🛥️ Book electric fjord cruises when possible

🤝 Support local shops, artists, and restaurants

🧡 Why You Should Visit Stavanger

Stavanger is the perfect balance of city charm and wild adventure. Where else can you explore centuries-old wooden streets in the morning, cruise majestic fjords in the afternoon, and dine on fresh seafood by sunset?

Whether you’re a nature lover, foodie, culture seeker, or adrenaline junkie — Stavanger offers a rich, well-rounded Norwegian experience.