Things to do in Stavanger Norway: 10 Essential Places That Fascinated Us

If you want to know things to do in Stavanger Norway, you’ve come to the right place. We spent 5 days in this city at the end of April and, honestly, we were very surprised. We arrived by train from Oslo—nearly an 8-hour trip—without knowing very well what to expect, and we left completely in love with its old town, its fjords, and that quiet yet lively atmosphere the city has. Stavanger is the third largest city in Norway and one of those destinations that is not yet overcrowded, which makes it even more special.

In this post, we tell you everything we did, what we loved, the occasional unforeseen event, and tips so you can make the most of your visit. Let’s get started!

Things to do in Stavanger summary

Where is Stavanger and How to Get There?

Stavanger is located on the southwest coast of Norway, in the Rogaland region, on the shores of the Boknafjord. It is known worldwide as the Norwegian oil capital, although for travelers, its natural beauty and traditional wooden architecture are undoubtedly the most attractive aspects.

We arrived by train from Oslo, a trip that takes about 8 hours and which, by the way, is incredibly scenic. It is well worth doing during the day to see the valleys and snow-capped mountains through the window. You can also arrive by plane—there are direct flights from several European cities—or by ferry from Bergen, a highly recommended option if you want to include both cities in your route through Norway (as we did).

Once in the city, getting around on foot is perfectly possible to see most of the city center attractions. Only for more distant places like the Swords in Rock do you need to take a bus.

Things to do in Stavanger: The 10 Places You Can’t Miss

1. Gamle Stavanger: The Old Town That Left Us Speechless

Without a doubt, Gamle Stavanger is the first place you must visit if you want to understand why this city is so special. This historic neighborhood is composed of more than 170 small white wooden houses dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, perfectly preserved and with flowerpots full of flowers in the windows.

Walking along its cobblestones while the afternoon sun illuminates those white facades is something you won’t forget. There are small art galleries, craft shops, and photographic corners at every turn. We spent more than two hours wandering around there, discovering new little streets each time. A must-see!

A tip: arrive early in the morning or at sunset to avoid groups and have the streets almost to yourself. The light at those hours is also perfect for photos.

2. Fargegaten (Øvre Holmegate): The Most Colorful Street in Stavanger

If Gamle Stavanger is the historic heart, Fargegaten is the bohemian soul of the city. This pedestrian street—whose official name is Øvre Holmegate—was repainted in 2005 with a palette of vibrant colors that turned it into one of the most photographed spots in Norway.

Each building has a different color: turquoise, coral, mustard yellow, emerald green. Along the street, you find independent boutiques, stylish cafes, bars, and small bookstores. We stopped at one of the cafes to have something hot because the weather was chilly, and we ended up chatting with the owner, who told us the whole story of the repainting project. Those are the kind of moments that make a trip special!

3. Stavanger Cathedral (Domkirke)

The Stavanger Cathedral, also known as St. Swithun’s Cathedral, is one of the best-preserved medieval buildings in Norway. It was built in the 12th century in Romanesque style, with some Gothic modifications added later. Its stone facade is imposing and contrasts beautifully with the park that surrounds it.

When we visited in 2023, it was partially under restoration, so we couldn’t see the entire interior, but it was still worth the visit for the exterior and the surroundings. The cathedral is right next to Byparken, the city’s central park, where there is a beautiful lake with swans. A classic Norwegian postcard.

4. Byparken and the Lake with Swans

Byparken is the central urban park of Stavanger and one of those places where locals go to rest, jog, or just sit and watch the water. Inside there is a quiet lake where several swans live that approach visitors without fear.

We spent an entire afternoon there, drinking mate in the April sun (yes, there was sun in Norway in April, it was a miracle!). The park also acts as a link between the cathedral and the waterfront, so it is easy to combine it with other city center visits.

5. Skagenkaien: The Essential Waterfront Promenade

Skagenkaien is the most important pier and waterfront promenade in Stavanger and probably where we will spend the most time. From here you can see the boats entering and leaving the port, the colorful wooden houses in the background, and, on clear days, the snow-capped mountains in the distance. It is a view that combines the urban with the natural in a very Norwegian way.

On the promenade, you find restaurants with terraces, souvenir shops, and, most importantly for lovers of local gastronomy: Fisketorget, the Stavanger fish market. When we went, it was closed for renovations, but it is a highly recommended place to try fresh fish and seafood. Boats for excursions through the Lysefjord also depart from here.

Another must-see in the area is to stop by the bakery Godt Brod or Kanelsnurren to have a coffee with a Kanelboller (Norwegian cinnamon roll). We did it and it was one of the best moments of the trip, without exaggeration.

6. Norwegian Petroleum Museum (Norsk Oljemuseum)

It might sound strange to recommend a petroleum museum on a leisure trip, but the Norsk Oljemuseum is truly different. It is located in the old port and the building itself is a very original architectural work. The museum tells the story of how Norway discovered oil on its continental shelf in 1969 and how that completely transformed the country’s economy and society.

It is interactive, visually impressive, and the information is very well organized. Many travelers recommend it as one of the best thematic museums in Norway. Right next to it is GeoParken, a small park with a very particular and colorful industrial aesthetic that contrasts well with the port landscape.

7. Rosenkildegata and Bakergata Streets: More Historic Wooden Houses

In addition to Gamle Stavanger, there are other streets in the historic center worth exploring: Rosenkildegata and Bakergata. These have the same charm of wooden houses, but with fewer tourists and a more everyday and authentic atmosphere.

In these streets, you will also find decorative trolls on the facades and storefronts—the troll is the quintessential folklore symbol of Norway—and small local shops where you can buy quality souvenirs. Very different from the airport souvenir.

8. Valberg Tower: The Best Views of the City

If you want to see Stavanger from above, the Valberg Tower (Valbergtårnet) is the most accessible panoramic point in the center. It is located at the top of a hill and from there you can see the port, the old town, the fjord in the background, and the colorful rooftops of the city.

The climb is short and does not require special physical condition. Mind you, on cloudy days the view is quite limited, so it is better to save it for a clear day. We were lucky with the weather that day and the view was worth every step of the climb.

9. Street Art Around the City

Stavanger has a surprisingly active urban art scene. The Nuart festival, which is held every year, has turned the city into one of the most important street art destinations in Europe. The murals are scattered throughout different neighborhoods, some right in the center and others in slightly more residential areas.

If you are interested in the subject, there are guided tours specifically to see the street art. We found it organically while we were walking, and it was a very pleasant surprise to run into a huge mural around a corner. It gives the city a very particular energy.

10. Excursion through the Lysefjord and the Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)

This is, without a doubt, the star highlight of any visit to Stavanger. The Lysefjord is one of the most spectacular fjords in Norway, and inside it is the Preikestolen, that rock formation in the shape of a pulpit that you have seen a thousand times in photos and which in reality is even more impressive.

We took the panoramic cruise through the fjord, which departs from Skagenkaien and lasts approximately 3 hours. It was an experience we will never forget: seeing the vertical walls of the fjord from the water, passing by waterfalls, and seeing the Preikestolen from below left us completely fascinated.

The other option is to take the hike to the top of the Preikestolen, which has a moderate-to-high difficulty and takes about 4 hours round trip. We couldn’t do it because the pass was closed due to snow at that time of year, but it is one of the most recommended hikes in Norway. If you have the chance, do it without hesitation!

More information in our detailed post about the Stavanger fjord cruise – Lysefjord, waterfalls, and Preikestolen.

Swords in Rock (Sverd i Fjell): An Epic Monument

A few kilometers from the center, on the shore of the fjord, are the Sverd i Fjell (Swords in Rock), an impressive monument formed by three giant swords stuck in the ground that commemorate the Battle of Hafrsfjord in the year 872, when King Harald Fairhair unified Norway.

You can get there by bus from the center (approximately 20 minutes) and entry is free. We went on a sunny day and it was a perfect plan: the swords with the fjord in the background are an image that stays with you. Also, there is a small beach next to it where locals sit to enjoy the sun. Highly recommended if you have a little extra time.

We leave you more details in our post about Swords in Rock – Sverd i Fjell.

How Many Days Do You Need to See Stavanger?

With 3 days, you have enough to see the essentials: the old town, the waterfront, the cathedral, Fargegaten, and the swords. If you want to add the excursion to the Lysefjord or the hike to the Preikestolen, add at least one more day. We spent 5 days and it was the ideal time to not rush and be able to enjoy every place calmly.

If you only have 1 day in Stavanger, prioritize Gamle Stavanger, Fargegaten, and the walk along Skagenkaien. With that, you already get a very complete and authentic image of the city.

Where to Eat in Stavanger: Local Gastronomy Worth Trying

Stavanger has a very interesting gastronomic offer, although it is not cheap (nothing in Norway is). What you can do is look for the places where locals eat to stretch your budget a bit.

• Kanelboller (Norwegian cinnamon rolls): Try it at Godt Brod or Kanelsnurren, near the waterfront. They are incredible with a coffee.
• Fresh fish and seafood: The Fisketorget (fish market) is the place to be when it is open. There are also several restaurants in the port with very good quality.
• Norwegian waffle: With cream and berry jam, it’s the typical snack you’ll find in cafes and markets.

For those traveling on a tighter budget: Kiwi or Rema 1000 supermarkets are good options for buying sandwiches, fruit, and snacks at reasonable prices.

The Weather in Stavanger: What to Expect Depending on the Season

Stavanger has an oceanic climate, which means it can rain at any time of the year. The months of June to August are the warmest and sunniest, with temperatures that can reach 20°C. It is the high season, with more tourism but also more activities and excursions available.

We were there at the end of April and had mixed days: some incredible sunny ones and others with rain and cold. The city in early spring has something special: the cherry blossoms beginning to bloom, very few people, and that very particular Norwegian light. If you can, that time is a very good option.

For the hike to the Preikestolen, the ideal period is from May to October. In winter the path can be snowy and closed, as happened to us.

Having Mate in the Sun on the Stavanger Waterfront (unforgettable)

Frequently Asked Questions About Things to do in Stavanger Norway

Things to do in Stavanger in 1 day?

If you only have one day, the ideal tour includes Gamle Stavanger (the old town of white houses), Fargegaten (the colorful street), the walk along Skagenkaien (the pier), and a quick visit to the Cathedral and Byparken. With a good pace, you can do it all walking in a full day.

How many days are needed to visit Stavanger?

We recommend between 3 and 5 days. With 3 days you see the essentials of the city. If you want to add the excursion to the Lysefjord or the hike to the Preikestolen, you need at least 4-5 days.

How to get to Stavanger from Oslo?

There are two main options: by train (approximately 8 hours, highly recommended for the scenery) or by plane (approximately 1 hour). There is also the ferry option from Bergen if you do a route along the coast.

Is it worth visiting the Preikestolen from Stavanger?

Totally. The Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) is one of the most spectacular natural viewpoints in the world. You can do it as a boat excursion through the Lysefjord (easier, without hiking) or as a hike to the top (moderate-high difficulty, about 4 hours round trip). Both are very much worth it.

What is Fargegaten in Stavanger?

Fargegaten, whose official name is Øvre Holmegate, is the most colorful street in Stavanger. It was repainted in 2005 with vibrant colors and today it is one of the most photogenic spots in Norway. It has boutique shops, cafes, and a very bohemian atmosphere.

Is it expensive to travel to Stavanger?

Stavanger, like all of Norway, is an expensive destination. Restaurants and activities can cost significantly more than in Central Europe. To optimize the budget, we recommend buying food in supermarkets, choosing accommodation outside the strict center, and taking advantage of the many free attractions (Gamle Stavanger, Fargegaten, Skagenkaien, Swords in Rock).

Things to do in Stavanger and surroundings?

In addition to the city, the main attractions in the surroundings are the Lysefjord with the Preikestolen, the Swords in Rock (Sverd i Fjell) and, if you have more time, the possibility of taking a ferry route towards Bergen crossing the fjord coast.

Conclusion: Stavanger, a City That Stole Our Heart

We arrived in Stavanger without high expectations after several days in Oslo, and we left wanting to return. Knowing things to do in Stavanger Norway is just the starting point, because what really captivates you is the city’s atmosphere: that balance between the historical and the modern, the urban and the natural, the intimate and the grandiose.

The white houses of Gamle Stavanger, the color palette of Fargegaten, the silence of the Lysefjord seen from the boat, the smell of cinnamon from the port bakeries… all that together makes Stavanger one of the destinations that was most recommended to us and that we will recommend the most. Don’t miss it if you travel to Norway. You won’t regret it!

If you are planning your trip to Norway, don’t miss our complete Norway guide, our posts on things to do in Bergen and Bryggen in Bergen, and all our travel tips that we prepared with years of experience.

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