Top 10 Things To Do In Stavanger | Unforgettable Adventures

Stavanger is a charming coastal city, nestled between the fjords and the mountains on the western side of Norway. It’s coveted as the gateway to stunning landscapes, including one of its prettiest fjords, the Lysefjord, and the incredible views from the hikes of iconic Pulpit Rock, Kjerag, and Florli 4444. It’s also rich in cultural history. This area not only dates back to the Viking Age, it’s known as the Energy Capital of Norway, due to its significant role in the oil and gas industry since the discovery of oil near here in the late 1960s. This hidden gem is about a 4-5-hour drive south of Bergen. But being smaller, and less touristic, it’s much more charming. It also has milder weather. This post covers the top 10 things to do in, and around, Stavanger.

Top 10 Things To Do In Stavanger

Cruise the Lysefjord

Cruising the Lysefjord is one of the most popular things to do in Stavanger. After first passing through the Hogsfjorden, you enter the Lysefjord. Here, you start to see the majestic beauty of this fjord with its high, rocky, cliffs jutting out of the sea.

You also cruise past Pulpit Rock (one of the most popular hikes in Norway) and several waterfalls, like the Hengjanefossen above, as well as an up-close visit to Fantahålå, or Vagrant Cave, where you’ll learn its legend.

I recommend this 3 hour cruise, which leaves from Stavanger Harbor. You can also chose a cruise combined with a hike up Pulpit Rock (which is what I did). With this, you exit the Lysefjord cruise at Forsand Harbor, near Pulpit Rock, where a bus takes you up to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock). You hike there on your own and catch one of the hourly buses back to Stavanger. See my post on Hiking Pulpit Rock for all the details.

Lysefjord RIB Safari

You can also do a Lysefjord Safari in an RIB (rigid inflatable boat). It goes past the same sites as above, but in a much smaller, much faster, boat. It’s more of an adventurous ride than a peaceful cruise. Since you are much closer to the water, you are given marine wet suits and dry bags to stay warm and dry.

Hike Pulpit Rock

Pulpit Rock or a Preikestolen, is one of the most popular hikes in Norway, and one of its most iconic natural landscapes. It’s located about a 45-minute drive east of Stavanger, which is why many people choose to stay here.

The summit of Pulpit Rock, which was sheared off by centuries-old glaciers, towers over 1,900’ (600 m) over the Lysefjord. The incredible view is well worth the effort to get to the summit.

Pulpit Rock is a moderately challenging hike. It’s 5 (8 km) miles round trip with 1,640’ (500 m) of elevation gain. The trail leads up granite steps through the forest, across marshes via wooden bridges, and past lakes to its incredible viewpoint above the fjord.

This trail is so popular, there are multiple buses offerings to get here from Stavanger, as well as a combination cruise/hike. See my post on Hiking Pulpit Rock for more details on what to expect and how to get here.

Hike Kjeragbolten

Kjerag, short for Kjeragbolten, is another popular hike in this area. You’ve probably seen images from it with people stand on a small rock suspended between two giant boulders. It also offers amazing views of the Lysefjord.

This hike is considered challenging as it is steeper, requiring the use of chains in some sections. It’s a little over 6 miles (10 km) round trip, with 2,624’ (800 m) of elevation.

The full hike takes about 6-7 hours. The boulder that is so famous in Instagram photos, however, is about half way up the trail, so you can just opt to hike to the boulder for a photo and return. This takes less time, about 4-5 hours, depending on how long you stop for a photo.

Kjerag is about a 2-3 hour drive east of both Stavanger or Pulpit Rock. Some people do both Pulpit Rock and Kjerag in one day, but it would be a very long day.

Florli 4444 Stairs

Florli 4444 is a third well-known hike here. It’s located between Pulpit Rock and Kjerag. This, hike however, is a series of stairs, 4,444 stairs to be exact. It’s noted to be the longest wooden stairway in the world. So long, they say that getting to the top is the equivalent of climbing the Eiffel Tower more than 2.5 times!

These steps follow a pipeline built over 100 years ago. This means they are more functional than comfortable. In fact, they are very narrow. So narrow, you are pretty much committed to the entire hike up if there are people behind you (you walk down the hill after the hike up the stairs). The stairs themselves are not very scenic, but the views of the fjord are.

You can only get here by ferry or boat. I recommend Florli 4444 RIB and Hike. This 7-hour trip includes the ride from the Stavanger harbor in a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) past iconic Preikestolen to the Florli 4444 stairs, where you hike up on your own. It also includes the return to Stavanger.

Gamle Stavanger

One of the best things to do in Stavanger itself is to visit Gamle, its old historic center. This area is filled with cute, well-preserved, white wooden houses along cobblestone streets.

There are about 250 houses here, built in the 18th and 19th century. As you walk, you’ll discover, a mix of homes, galleries, shops, and an ice cream shop, all surrounded by beautiful gardens. It’s easy to spend an hour or two just wandering here.

IDDIS

IDDIS, which is located in Gamle Stavanger above, includes both The Norwegian Printing Museum and The Norwegian Canning Museum. It’s housed in a former canning factory, as seafood canning was once a big industry here. It’s small, and unique, but an interesting stop to appreciate the importance of canning in Stavanger. One ticket is good for both museums. A visit takes about a half hour to an hour.

If you’re not interested in the museum, it’s still worth a stop here for coffee or lunch at the IDDIS Cafe & Brasserie. The food is really good. The most popular menu item is the shrimp sandwich, but there is also a crab sandwich (which I had), traditional fish soup, and more.

Petroleum Museum

I did not visit the Petroleum Museum, but mention it as Stavanger is the Energy Capital of Norway, due to its historic importance in oil and gas. Many big-name energy companies were once headquartered here.

It provides an interesting overview of the history of the Norwegian petrol industry, which is why Norway is so wealthy.

Stavanger Cathedral

Stavanger Cathedral is Norway’s oldest cathedral. It was the cathedral of old Gamle. It’s close to the harbor, so if you are staying near the harbor, you will probably see it on your way in. There is a small fee to enter. Inside, you will find its intricately carved pulpit, interesting carved artwork, and stained glass in the altar.

Colorful Street

For fun, visit Colorful Street, or Fargegaten. It’s on the opposite side of the Stavanger Harbor from Gamle. It’s known for its brightly colored buildings, many of which have been turned into trendy bars, cafes, and boutique shops.

This area is definitely worth an afternoon exploring.

Where To Stay In Stavanger

I recommend staying in the harbor area, near, or across from Gamle Stavanger.

• I stayed at Home Hotel Skagen Brygge, in a room overlooking the harbor, and really liked it. The location is perfect, near sites in Stavanger, and it is clean and comfortable. Staff was also very nice. A buffet breakfast, an afternoon snack, and a buffet dinner is included in the price of the room. Ask for a sea view when you check in and they will try to upgrade you for a small fee.
• Hotel Victoria is another option that gets great reviews and offer views of the sea. Breakfast is included with most rooms.
• Radisson Blu Atlantic Hotel, Stavanger is another popular option. It is located closer to town, right next to the bus station. It’s just not very scenic.
• Also check Airbnb as there are some cute rentals in the old Gamle homes. The downside to staying here is that there will be many people exploring the area, possibly making a lot of noise. Also the cruise boats sit on this side of the harbor, blocking most of your view of the sea.

Want To See More Of Norway?

• Things To Do In Lofoten | Norway’s Breathtaking Archipelago
• Pulpit Rock Hike On Spectacular Preikestolen
• Hiking Trolltunga | Conquering Norway’s Iconic Cliff
• The Audacious Beauty of Odda | Glaciers, Waterfalls, & Trails
• Hiking Reinebringen | Spectacular Summit Above The Fjords
• Best of Bergen | Gems, Highlights, & Day Trips
• What To Do Around Flam | Scenic Wonders & Little Known Adventures
• Norway In A Nutshell Review | Is It Worth It?
• What To Do In Oslo | Nature Escapes, Rich Heritage, and Modern Landmarks
• Norway Itinerary | 2 Weeks of Wonders & 3 Epic Hikes
• Norway Travel Guide

Safe Travels!

Julie