14 Best Things to Do in Stavanger, Norway

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Looking for the best things to do in Stavanger? Whether you love cute cities or outdoor adventure, there’s lots to see in this wonderful Norwegian city.

The fourth-largest city in Norway is one of my favourite cities in the world. It was such a refreshing contrast from the bustling vibes of cities like London or Venice and a very picturesque destination.

Plus, the abundance of outdoor beauty on its doorstep is one of the things I adored about it. It’s the perfect way to combine a city with the great outdoors – which is exactly what this blog is all about!

There’s also a pretty rich history here and a heck of a lot of culture. And, as you might be able to tell from the sunset shot below, there’s also some stunning scenery, All in all, I don’t blame you for wanting to visit Stavanger, and there is no shortage of things to see and do in the Norwegian gem. 

So, whether you’re planning a short fly-by visit while you travel around more of Norway or a longer stay to go hiking through the beautiful nearby mountains, be sure to add these things to your Stavanger itinerary!

14 Amazing Things to Do in Stavanger

So, without further ado, these are my favourite things to do in Stavanger, Norway.

1. Wander Around Gamle Stavanger

Stavanger’s Old Town, also known as “Gamle Stavanger,” is an incredibly charming area in the heart of the city. It really doesn’t look like what you’d expect a city centre to look like.

Instead of towering modern buildings and office blocks, you’ll find picturesque wooden houses and cobbled streets which date back to the 18th and 19th centuries.

Many of the historic buildings have been restored and some of them have been moved here from previous locations. They are then converted into shops, cafes, museums, and homes giving the area a lively and vibrant atmosphere. 

Walking around the Old Town is incredibly peaceful and easily one of the best things to do in Stavanger. It’s not overcrowded like many of the old towns in Europe and is a great way to get a sense of what the city was like hundreds of years ago.

2. Visit the Norwegian Petroleum Museum

The Norwegian Petroleum Museum is a curious museum dedicated to the history, technology, and culture of Norway’s oil and gas industry. The city is the oil capital of Norway and this museum covers the history of oil exploration and how it’s impacted the society, economy, and environment.

Inside, you’ll find a wide range of interactive and engaging exhibits. This includes displays of drilling equipment, models of offshore rigs, and interactive activities that show the different stages of oil and gas production.

Additionally, there’s a large collection of photographs, artefacts, and other materials that provide a comprehensive look into the history of this industry.

3. Explore the Lysefjord

If you’re an outdoor lover, this may well be the reason that you’ve come to the city of Stavanger in the first place. And, I don’t blame you at all! The Lysefjord is an incredible place and one of the absolute must-see attractions when you’re in Stavanger.

Despite what you might think, Lysefjord is a year-round attraction. The different seasons offer their own unique perspectives, from lush greenery during the summer to snow-covered peaks during the winter.

We visited in late May and most of the snow had melted on these trails – although, there was still plenty of snow when we hiked up Kjerag a few days later!

There are actually quite a few ways you can enjoy the natural beauty of the Lysefjord. Boat, ferry, and hiking are the most popular ways to see it.

Lysefjord by boat

If you’re interested in visiting the beautiful fjords on a boat tour, this is one of the best day trips from central Stavanger.

These boat trips or tours usually take between 2 to 5 hours and often include stops at various points along the fjord. This is the only way to see the base of Pulpit Rock.

These tours also offer a chance to explore the local wildlife, as well as some of the nearby islands.

4. Hike Up Preikestolen

If I’m being totally honest, this was the main reason we decided to visit Stavanger. I’d spent a couple of days in Oslo before and fell in love with Norway, but hadn’t had a chance to try one of the many hiking trails. After a quick search, I decided this was one of the best hiking trails in Norway for beginners, and decided to give it a shot.

It was an amazing experience. I actually went with my whole family – this was the first of many places I’ve decided to take them – and everyone managed it. I was a little bit concerned that it might be too difficult for my mother and, while she struggled a little bit, she still made it to the top.

The Pulpit Rock hike is one of Norway’s most iconic trails. This massive flat-topped rock juts out over the fjord, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Lysefjord.

The easy to moderately challenging hike (depending on your fitness levels) will take around 4-6 hours.

We completed it in around 6 hours in the end, including a long lunch stop, several stops for breathers on the way up, and time at the top to take photographs. It’s an 8km round trip and has an elevation of 500 meters.

The start of the trail is mostly hills and steps – some rather steep steps to be honest. After a while, the trail gets a bit more even and is less of a steep incline. But this is well past the halfway point.

Despite the effort to reach the top, the view from up there is well worth the climb.

The natural beauty of the fjord is truly breathtaking, and exploring the area, whether by boat or by foot, is without a doubt one of the best things to do in Stavanger.

4. Visit the Norwegian Canning Museum

Another intriguing museum in the city, the Norwegian Canning Museum tells the story of the Norwegian sardine industry and the history of canning in Norway.

Located in an old canning factory which was operational from 1916 until 1970, it’s the only remaining factory of its kind in Norway.

The museum is divided into different sections, where you can learn about the history of the sardine industry, the process of canning and packing sardines, and the lives of the people who worked in the factory. It has interactive exhibits, as well as restored factory machinery and equipment.

5. Visit Sverd i Fjell

Sverd i Fjell, which means “Swords in Rock” in English, is the living embodiment of the sword in the stone. It’s effectively a group of three giant swords embedded in the ground next to a beautiful lake.

It’s not just there for decoration though – the sword monument is also symbolic, commemorating the Battle of Hafrsfjord, which took place in 872.

Each sword stands about 8.3 meters tall, weighs about 7 tons, and they are arranged in a triangle shape in the rock. It’s a pretty dramatic and powerful image, representing peace, unity, and freedom.

Aside from its historical importance, it’s a pretty cool monument and well worth a visit. The surrounding areas are also beautiful and you can go for a relaxing walk around the lake after you’ve admired the stones.

6. Wander Around Stavanger waterfront

You’ll find the waterfront, also known as the “Harbour Promenade,” by heading to the city’s picturesque harbour.

This is a lively and vibrant area, contrasting the peaceful vibes in old Stavager and featuring a wide range of restaurants, bars, and shops. This is also where you’ll find the Norwegian Petroleum Museum and the Stavanger Maritime Museum.

It is a perfect place to go for a leisurely stroll, enjoy the scenery, and grab a bite to eat while watching the boats in the harbour.

The waterfront is also the starting point for boat tours to the nearby Lysefjord, so if you decide to join a guided tour of the fjords, you may well begin your adventure here.

Top Tip: The wind here can be pretty brutal though, so I definitely recommend bringing a jacket when you visit this area.

7. Visit Stavanger Cathedral

One of the highlights of the Old Town is the Stavanger Cathedral. This stunning stone church dates back to the 12th century and is the oldest cathedral in Norway. It’s known for its distinctive Romanesque architecture, and rich history, and is a must-see attraction in the city.

Inside, you’ll find beautiful frescoes dating back to the Middle Ages. The church also contains several noteworthy features such as the pulpit, altar, and organ, and a collection of medieval stone sculptures and tombs.

8. Climb up to Valberg Tower

Located on a hill overlooking the city, Valberg Tower is a symbol of the city’s maritime history. Built in the 13th century as part of the city’s defensive fortifications, this stone tower is a great little stop for those who want to learn more about the city’s history.

Today, Valberg Tower offers a glimpse into the past through its well-preserved architecture and captivating exhibits. You can see great views over the city from the top of the hill and there are also several plaques up there where you can read about the history.

9. Find Cool Street Art in Stavanger

I honestly wasn’t expecting Stavanger city centre to have so much beautiful artwork, but we kept seeing murals and beautiful graffiti on the walls of the city.

If you enjoy artwork, you could definitely try to spot more of this art as you explore the city.

Top Tip: There’s a surprisingly large amount of street art in Nordic cities. There’s also some great art on the metro stations in Stockholm, in Reykjavik city centre, and in Hellisandur, a hidden gem in Iceland.

10. Visit Stavanger’s Concert Hall

If you love the musical arts and fancy watching a show while you’re in this part of Norway, head to Stavanger Kuppelhallen. This striking domed building is pretty impressive and serves as a vibrant hub for both established and emerging artists.

With its sleek architecture and versatile exhibition spaces, the Concert Hall is a great place for artists to show off their paintings, sculptures, and multimedia installations. Beyond its role as a gallery, Kuppelhallen also hosts a variety of events, workshops, and collaborations.

While we were there, we didn’t actually go inside. However, the building was impressive enough to view alone.

11. Find Your Inner Child at Stavanger Playground

We had so much fun here and this is definitely one of the most unique things to do in Stavanger. Located just behind the Petroleum Museum, you’ll find the most interesting playground I’ve ever seen. It’s almost like an abandoned workshop or something that’s been turned into a play area.

You’ll find a collection of bright red balls and a trampoline – we spent a very long time bouncing around on these! You’ll also find a series of monkey bars made from old pipes, graffiti-covered ramps, and tunnels that you can crawl through.

If you don’t mind unleashing your inner child, this is a wonderful place to visit in Stavanger.

The Best Things to Do Outside of Central Stavanger

When we visited Stavanger, we hired a car. This meant we were able to spend some more time exploring some of the beautiful natural areas surrounding the city and embark on a few more challenging hiking trails.

If this is the sort of thing you’re interested in, then I highly recommend hiring a car as it will give you much more freedom to explore the city at your leisure.

These are some of the best places to visit a little bit outside the city centre.

12. Hike up to Månafossen 

Månafossen is one of the most powerful and spectacular waterfalls in southern Norway. It’s easily accessible by car and the car park and trailhead are located about an hour from Stavanger. When you arrive, you’ll find the paid parking area and a well-signposted trail that leads to the waterfall.

The hike to the waterfall is short but very steep and rough. There are a few stairs, but you mostly have to use guidechains to pull yourself up. Nonetheless, we saw both children and older people on the hike (and my mother also managed this one). So, it can be suitable for a range of ages depending on your fitness levels.

The hike takes about 30 minutes. Once you reach the top, you’ll see why I’m recommending this waterfall. It’s absolutely stunning. The water rushes out from a narrow gorge in the cliff before plunging almost 100 meters down into the abyss below. It’s utterly spectacular to see.

Whilst many end their hike at the waterfall, it’s also possible to continue to the top of the waterfall and see where the falls start.

And if you continue even further, you’ll reach an iron age farm, Mån, which is a popular fishing spot as well as a dose of history. This adds an extra hour to the hike, but the views are also pretty incredible.

13. Explore magma Geopark and see Trollpikken

Trollpikken is a unique natural rock formation located in Magma Geopark in the municipality of Egersund. It’s a tall and thin rock that stands out from the surrounding landscape and resembles a giant needle or spike, or, as it is named, an upright male genitalia.

The rock formation is approximately 12 meters tall and is believed to have formed during the last ice age. This makes it around 10,000 years old and one of the oldest natural landscapes in Norway.

Furthermore, Trollpiken was made famous in 2017 when it was vandalized and cut off with power tools in the night. However, it was since re-attached with money raised during a crowdfunding campaign.

Trollpiken is a popular spot for hiking, climbing, and a day out in nature. The landscapes are definitely beautiful with wooden bridges, little streams, waterfalls, and amazing rock formations.

It’s not nearly as challenging a hike as the other two on this list either, so it makes a nice day in the middle of the more challenging treks. It’s also a popular spot for birdwatching and nature photography.

Plus, it’s only an hour’s drive from the city, free of charge to visit, and it’s open year-round.

14. hike to Kjeragbolten

From an easy day out in nature to one of the most challenging (and fun) hikes I’ve ever done, another of the top things to do in the Lysefjord is to hike to Kjeragbolten. If you want to attempt this mammoth of a hike, the best place to base yourself is Stavanger, even though it’s still quite a drive from the trailhead.

Kjeragbolten is a large boulder crammed between two cliffs in the Kjerag mountain range in Rogaland. It overlooks the southern side of the Lysefjord and is also the tallest peak at 1,110 meters tall. It is a popular destination for hikers and rock climbers, and it’s also a popular spot for BASE jumping. 

But many attempt the hike to climb onto the precarious boulder. It’s a pretty impressive photograph, but literally, the scariest thing I have ever done.

Do NOT underestimate the boulder.

There are no guard rails or anything to prevent you from falling into the fjords below.

How to attempt this hike

We did this hike in late May. We set off early in the morning and the drive took about 2 and a half hours from our apartment. By the time we got high into the mountains, the sides of the road were thick with snow. Any earlier in the year and the conditions become too treacherous to even consider attempting this hike.

To be honest, we were lucky to be able to do it. There was a guy at the trailhead when we arrived who gave us some advice for tackling the hike, and told us what the conditions were like at the top.

It was -6°C. In late May. I was very glad that I’d decided to bring my thermals!

The hike to the boulder is considered moderate to difficult. There are three very steep climbs where you have to use chains. All in all, it takes around 6-10 hours depending on your level of fitness. It’s important to be well prepared, with proper hiking gear and enough water and food.

Nonetheless, despite the challenge, Kjeragbolten is so worth it. It offers one of the most dramatic and breathtaking views in Norway.

Walking out on the boulder and looking down at the 1,000-meter drop is an experience unlike any other. It’s certainly a popular destination for adrenaline-seekers!

Despite it being terrifying in parts, I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Is Stavanger Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! The city is beautiful with white wooden buildings, stunning views, unique street art, pretty flowers, and a vibrant cultural heritage.

It is also a popular starting point for exploring the nearby fjords, including the infamous Pulpit Rock, and is the best place to base yourself if you want to hike the much more challenging Kjeragbolten (which is arguably the most famous hike in Norway). 

Of course, this depends on your interests as it’s hardly a beach destination, but is ideal for those who love the great outdoors!

I personally think it’s a wonderful place to visit in Norway and a bit of a European hidden gem.

How Long Do You Need in Stavanger?

We spent 5 days in Stavanger and could easily have stayed longer. But, this was mainly because we were driving to all of the different hiking trails in the area.

If you’re only interested in the city itself, you could probably see everything in 1-2 days. This will give you enough time to visit downtown Stavanger and the Norwegian Petroleum Museum and take a day trip to nearby Lysefjord.

If you are an outdoor enthusiast and interested in nature and challenging hiking trails, then you should consider adding more days to your trip. You could probably spend a week here enjoying all of the beautiful scenery around the city. I know I certainly could!

Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Stavanger, Norway

Stavanger is a fantastic city in Norway. From the charming and well-preserved historic Old Town to the picturesque waterfront, and the stunning mountains, there’s a lot to see in the city and surrounding area.

It’s the perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts. The Lysefjord is a must-see, with its spectacular scenery and the famous Pulpit Rock and Kjerbolten hikes. All in all, we had the best time here and I wouldn’t hesitate to go back.

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a small commission if you make a purchase. But, I only recommend products and companies that I use and love.