From hikes, bike rides and fjord cruises in beautiful scenery over intriguing history and culture – and to fun and action in amusement parks, sandy beaches and exploratoriums. And best of all: The city is only a night’s sail from Denmark!
Top-3 things to do in Stavanger
To kick off this introduction to Stavanger, here are our Top-3 of things not to be missed on your holiday adventure in Stavanger and the surrounding region:
- Hike to the top of Preikestolen
- Stroll through the atmospheric streets of Old Stavanger
- Picnic at the foot of the Sverd I Fjell monument
Foto: Richard Larssen / visitnorway.com
Sail with us to Stavanger from Denmark
If you’re planning on visiting Stavanger, the easiest and most direct way is to sail with us from Hirtshals in North Denmark. If you are driving in a car/motorhome, you can reach Hirtshals by freeway from most of Europe – and if you travel on foot, you can reach our port of departure by train and bus, as the town is only an hour’s bus ride from Aalborg, which is connected to the European rail network.
Find the best prices on boat trips right here.
Top 5 outings from Stavanger
Stavanger in itself of course has a lot to offer as a holiday destination – but now that you’re visiting this south Norway gem, we recommend at least one day trip or maybe even an overnight stay where you can experience the incredible fjord scenery of the surrounding region.
Foto: Outdoor Life
- Preikestolen – the world-famous cliff formation that offers an unforgettable panoramic view of the Lysefjord.
- Lysefjorden – enjoy the incredibly beautiful fjord scenery from an electric tour boat.
- Kjeragbolten – next to Preikestolen, the region’s most famous hiking destination.
- Bike around the Lysefjord – if you go the entire route, it’s a 250-km ride, but you can choose shorter and family-friendly stages if you wish.
- Magma UNESCO Global Geopark – a unique lunar landscape shaped by the ice age and showing the real power of nature.
Bonus tip: Close to Stavanger, you can visit the Solastrand Beach which has been on The Sunday Times’ list of the world’s most beautiful beaches!
Foto: www.fjordnorway.com / Fjord Norway
Stavanger – impressive history and culture
Stavanger’s main attractions are all associated with the city’s impressive history – from Viking Age legends to current industrial history. In recent years, Stavanger has also become a vibrant cultural scene that offers everything from sculpture treasure hunts to world-class museums. Among the highlights are:
- Sverd i Fjell, an impressive bronze monument consisting of three ten-metres-tall bronze swords embedded in the bank of the Hafrsfjord.
- Old Stavanger, a district consisting of 173 wooden houses built around the year 1800.
- The Norwegian Oil Museum where you can experience the history of oil from its creation millions of years ago to the climate–friendly solutions of the future.
- Broken Column, a world-renowned sculpture project that consists of 23 cast-iron sculptures places around the city.
- Stavanger Museum of Fine Arts, a unique collection of distinguished Norwegian art from the 1800s to contemporary art.
Explore interactive models of offshore platforms at the Norwegian Petroleum Museum in Stavanger, offering an engaging look into Norway's oil and gas history.
Things to do with children in Stavanger
Stavanger also offers a wealth of exciting experiences for children – here’s our Top-3 of fun and intriguing attractions for the entire family:
- Kongeparken – a true kingdom of experiences with more than 60 activities that offer visitors of all ages a day filled with fun and excitement.
- The Science Factory – a technology museum where you can explore four floors of interactive exhibitions and experiments.
- Guided rides on Icelandic horses– a fun and exciting way to explore the beautiful nature near Stavanger.
Restaurants in Stavanger
Stavanger is renowned for its excellent cuisine that is primarily based on local produce – from cattle that runs free on the flatlands of the Jæren region to the fruits of the North Sea in the form of world-class seafood dishes.
Our top-3 tips for incredible culinary experiences in the area are:
- Sabi Omakase – the first sushi restaurant in Norway to receive Michelin status
- RE-NAA – a two-Michelin-star restaurant in the city centre that focuses on seasonal ingredients and regional flavours
- Fisketorget – a combined restaurant and fishmonger that offers dishes based on the day’s catch from the North Sea
You can of course also explore the multitude of cafés and local eateries that all take great pride in offering delicious traditional dishes based on local and seasonal produce.
Where to stay in Stavanger
When choosing your accommodation on your trip to Stavanger, all options are open to you. The city and surrounding region offer everything from campsites and holiday houses to hotels of all sizes and standards.
When you travel to Stavanger with Fjord Line, you can take advantage of our package deals and book excellent accommodation a little ways outside the city (and perfect if you’re planning a Preikestolen hike), the Lilland Brewery Hotel.
Your guide to an unforgettable holiday in Stavanger
Family vacation, hiking adventures or exploring new cultural experiences? – No matter the headline for your next vacation to Norway, you can find it in Stavanger! The city and surrounding region offer a perfect mix of nature, history and culture, with an added dose of learning made fun – and of course family fun in the Kongeparken amusement park!
Read more about what to do and where to stay in Stavanger below – and find inspiration for your Stavanger adventure in our travel articles about the area.
