Top Things to do in Rogaland
What to do and see in Rogaland, Western Norway: The Best Things to do
The southernmost of the Western Fjord counties, Rogaland is also home to many beautiful beaches and islands. Of the area’s fjords, Lysefjord is the most famous, its 25 magnificent miles marked by narrow passages along steep vertical drops. Preikestolen, Rogaland’s most visited attraction, is a breathtaking cliff nearly 2,000 feet above the water. Kjeragbolten, a huge boulder wedged in a mountain crevasse, is another Lysefjord highlight. Cruises begin at Stavenger, the area’s biggest town.
Restaurants in Rogaland
1. Pulpit Rock
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,994 reviews
Reviewed By NOVAVol02 - Gainesville, United States
Wife, 21yr old daughter and I hiked Preikestolen (Norwegian name for Pulpit Rock) today and it was fantastic, but not just due to the amazing geography of the area. The overlook from up top is as amazing as all the picture show, but the hike itself was far more challenging and interesting than I was expecting. I’m an experienced backpacker, so day hikes aren’t generally much of a challenge but for a relatively short hike (only 4+km in each direction or about 2.5 miles) it had a good variety of terrain and several sections of steep climbs followed by equally steep downhill. The trail is generally pretty rocky but there is no “hand over hand” climbing required. Trekking poles are handy for those (like me) with occasional knee pain, but they’re not absolutely necessary. Heavy tennis shoes are doable but I used my low-cut Teva hikers. Trail Advice: GET AN EARLY START!!! We stayed at the Fjellstue so we hit the trail just before 0630 and basically had the trail to ourselves on the way up. As we approached the top we passed several couples coming down who we believe camped upon the mountain (we saw several tents in a high meadow/glen 1-2km before the top). Once up on top we shared the plateau with maybe 8 other hikers and spent about 45 minutes having our trail snack and soaking up the amazing views. By the time we headed down the number up top was approaching 20. On the way down we encountered the tour bus crowds and by the time we were almost down the trail was almost full with all types of day hikers and tourists - many with small children or on the older side who we assessed had about 5% chance of making it up to the top. Problem is if you’re “stuck” behind 100s of tourists and slow movers you’re experience is not going to be as enjoyable. Do yourself a favor and stay at the Fjellstue or somewhere on the Tau side of the fjord in order to get an early start. Overall we LOVED the hike and the views. Highly recommend it!
2. Flor og Fjaere
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 746 reviews
Reviewed By surangawick
We have heared about Flor og Fjær many time through friends bit never had time or opportunity to visit this beautiful garden. It is unnelieveable! The gardner took us through the garden expaining various aspects of the garden. He let us enjoy the garden as children and completely letting us enjoy it. The whole garden enjoyment topped with a superb meal introduced by chef Andre! Superb presentation! Thank you. We got the opportunity to enjoy the dessert and coffee wherwever we felt like sitting down and enjoying the pure beauty of the Eden! Endre the gardner’s son i would politely call him :) made is believe that everyone can create something magical. Thank you so much for the presentation!!! We certainly come back soon!
3. Norwegian Petroleum Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,331 reviews
A Dynamic Museum for a Dynamic IndustryNorwegian Petroleum Museum is a museum for everyone. Its exhibits explain how oil and gas are created, disovered and produced, and what they are used for. The museum also provides informastion about technological advances and the way petroleum influences Norwegian society. Original objects, models, films and interactive exhibits illustrate everything from everyday life offshore to technology and dramatic incidents. The curious cat Petro serves as a guide through the museum's science centre.The museum was designed by architects Lunde & Løvseth, and is an attraction in itself. Its architecture is a scenographic interpretation of the Norwegian bedrock, the open coastal landscape and the offshore oil installations. Architechtural reviews have said that there is hardly a building in Norway which signals its function as obviously as the Norwegian Petroleum Museum. The museum was opened in 1999.
Reviewed By pederthess - Landstuhl, Germany
An absolut worthy venue to spend some hours if you are in Stavanger. A historical journey through the oil exploration in Norway and Scandinavia, which shows the troubled road from the very first endeavours to today modern platforms. Amazing setup, with show rooms and videos, even things you can try on your own, so live and near that you almost feel being there for real.
4. Lysefjord
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,555 reviews
Reviewed By drm1958 - Exeter, United Kingdom
A great cruise out from Stavanger along the Lysefjord to view the Pulpit Rock. A lovely modern boat, purpose designed to make the most of this experience, lots of viewing deck space accompanied by warm enclosed cabins if the weather is inclement. The Pulpit Rock has its own story and is magnificent to see from below, I might just climb up there one day! Our cruise included a stop for waffles, sour cream and jam at one of the most inaccessible places on the fjord, great fun! The scenery is simply stunning, totally off the scale in any language. If you only have a short day in Stavanger and want to see the fjords then take this trip. Everything is weather dependent everywhere so be prepared for that, otherwise, just enjoy.
5. Old Stavanger
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,344 reviews
Reviewed By 611JaneS - Loughborough, United Kingdom
Beautifully preserved and renovated white wood houses, cobbled streets, white picket fences and gardens/hanging baskets full of colourful bedding plants
6. Norwegian Canning Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 336 reviews
This place is temporarily closed We much regret that, owing to major construction work, the museum will be closed from closing time Sunday 18th. August until c. October 2020. We will respond to emails and other Communications.
Reviewed By TartuMindy
A canning museum would not normally be our family's first choice for fun things to do on a vacation; however, this place had excellent reviews and almost everyone said the same thing: surprisingly enjoyable. And it was!!! My husband and I enjoyed learning the history of the canning factory, but our kids LOVED this place! They loved seeing all the machines and learning how they worked, they loved the arts and crafts station upstairs, but they especially loved practicing canning with the rubber fish! And they decided to spend their own money to buy rubber fish and cans to bring home as souvenirs. We visited almost a year ago, and the canning museum is still remembered as a highlight of our trip (and the souvenirs are still played with regularly, too!) Thank you! :)
7. Ovre Holmegate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 294 reviews
A colourful street in the centre of Stavanger where all buildings have been painted in fresh colours.
Reviewed By Greedyfox01 - Farnborough, United Kingdom
Beautiful shops , you can visit old part of this town. With beautiful flowers , shops and no litter . Most people in shops speak english but its nice to say thank you in nordic
8. Dalsnuten
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 206 reviews
Reviewed By charlottekatie2019
Quite a quick and easier hike with stunning views across the Stavanger area and surrounding mountains.
9. Swords in Rock
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,006 reviews
At Hafrsfjord we find the monument Swords in Rock. It was here Harald Harfagre fought a battle that united Norway into one kingdom in 872 AD. The monument represents peace, unity and freedom. The Viking swords' hilts are modelled on swords found in various parts of the country. The monument was made by Friz Roed (1928-2002) and unveiled by King Olav in 1983. The monument can be reached by bus nr. 29 from the centre of Stavanger.
Reviewed By 761eirikh
This beautiful art installation of three large viking swords embedded in the rock is set there to commemorate a large viking battle that took place in 872, which Harald Harfagre won and thereby united Norway into one kingdom.
