Location: Stavanger
Top Things to do in Stavanger
Top Restaurants in Stavanger
What to do and see in Stavanger, Norway: The Best Places and Tips
With about 120,000 people, Stavanger is Norway’s fourth-largest city and a fascinating mix of old and new. Its history stretches back deep into the Middle Ages. Stavanger was once a tranquil coastal market town and then later an important fishing port. But it was the 1969 discovery of oil offshore that forever changed the now bustling city’s fortunes and landscape. Don’t miss the well-preserved old town (Gamle Stavanger), the unique Canning Museum or the 12th-century Stavanger Cathedral.
Restaurants in Stavanger
1. Pulpit Rock
Overall Ratings
5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By Ståle C - Stavanger, Norway
This is a fairly easy hike, and the view when you get to the top is simply breathtaking, and really awarding. This is also one of the locations for the filming of Mission Impossible 6, starring Tom Cruise. Expect an increase in visitors after the film is released. You can get here by own car, or by ferry/bus. PS, even the hike is fairly easy, do remeber good shoes, hiking shoes are ideal. Do not walk this hike on sandals or pumps.....
2. Kjerag
Overall Ratings
5 based on 431 reviews
Reviewed By Pat F - Toronto, Canada
This will give any outdoor enthusiast a challenging way to spend 5-6 hours! Not a hike...it is a mountain climb with some slopes so steep and rugged you need chains to help.
Physically taxing but breathtaking every step of the way. We stopped after 2 of 3 ascents but if you make it all the way you can have your photo taken standing on a boulder wedged into a crevasse! Photo lineups can be long but worth it.
3. Lysefjord
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Kevin H - North Walsham, United Kingdom
Took a small cruise along Lysefjord were our cruise ship could not go, very scenic views along the fjord viewing the pulpit rock from underneath and waterfall, stopping off for waffles and cream, very pleasing trip.
4. Old Stavanger
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By annetteapproved - New York City, New York
So cute to walk around. So relaxing and adorable. Great style. But like better the” realcommercial town with all the shopping
5. Norwegian Petroleum Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 979 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 Paula A - Rio de Janeiro, RJ
I am impressed with this museum! The panels, videos and interactive activities are very nice and well planed. There you can discover and learn about geology, history, environmental and social paradoxes. Hopefully, I will have the chance to visit it again. I strongly recommend visiting this museum!
6. Norwegian Canning Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 258 reviews
The Canning Museum is located in the premises of the former Canning factory in Øvre Strandgate 88, which is a part of the city known as 'Gamle Stavanger' (Old Stavanger). In this authentic factory environment, the production of canned brisling and fish balls can still be seen. From the 1890s to approximately 1960, the Canning industry was Stavanger's most significant trade. The exhibition provides insight into the environment and the working conditions of the Canning factories. The complete process, from the arrival of the fresh fish until the cans leave the factory, can be seen in detail. The machinery is still in good technical condition, and on every first Sunday of the month, as well as Tuesdays and Thursdays during the summer season, the smoking ovens are lit. On these days visitors can taste freshly smoked brisling right from the oven. Free guided tours in English available. Explanatory leaflets available in a variety of other languages.
Reviewed By fmck49 - Glasgow
I thought my partner was joking when she said she wanted to visit this museum but I’m glad she wasn’t. We had a great time. It’s very entertaining and we learned all we needed to know about the herring industry and Canning. It’s a bit of a guddle and not easy to make your way around in any logical manner but we enjoyed it all the more for that. You can even have your photograph taken as Captain Birdseye!
7. Ovre Holmegate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 197 reviews
A colourful street in the centre of Stavanger where all buildings have been painted in fresh colours.
Reviewed By Barbs25 - Staffordshire, United Kingdom
Gorgeous streets with beautifully coloured houses, quirky designs and lots of bars and restaurants to sit at. Definitely worth coming to visit and outdoor Seating at most bars to enjoy the street as it's best
8. Sola Strand
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 171 reviews
Reviewed By Stephan S - Stavanger, Norway
On a warm summers evening, with the sun setting over a clear horizon, Sola baech is a memory to behold. On those days when the weather is normal, the walk is still pleasnat and refreshing. There will be kite and wind surfers skimming across the waves, and, if the need be, Sola Strand Hotel is there for a meal or a drink., in warm pleasant surroundings.
9. Stavanger Maritime Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 135 reviews
Depicts the development of shipping, commerce and shipbuilding over the last 200 years. Sail loft, shipping company office, general store and merchant's apartment. Acitivity exhibition for children. Stavanger Maritime Museum also owns the historical vessels Anna af Sand and Wyvern, operated by volunteer crews.
Reviewed By fmck49 - Glasgow
We enjoyed wandering around inside this museum. It has a lot more than just boats and exhibits about shipping. There are several room interiors showing what life was like for the middle classes, shipbuilders, etc., including what we suspect is a stuffed dog! Not the highlight of the visit! It’s a great place for kids though. Lots of opportunities to dress up and play with the exhibits. Far from the best maritime museum we’ve ever visited but a pleasant enough experience. NB Your ticket for here gets you into the Canning museum also.
10. Swords in Rock
Overall Ratings
4 based on 713 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 ANDREW W - Blyth, United Kingdom
Unless you have a car this is a pain to get to
Get a number 16 bus from City Centre and its a 20 minute ride to the site.
Near the side of a large fjord
Great to take photos at dusk
The ground can be very muddy around the swords
Not a lot to see or do apart from that
Awesome photography site for some great pics
All can be done fairly quickly
You can walk by the fjord if you so wish
Car parking near the swords is limited.
Will be very hard to park in tourist season so getting the bus is advised
