Top 9 things to do in Stavanger

Top 9 things to do in Stavanger

1. Old Stavanger

The old part of the city is one of the must-visit places in Stavanger. This area, also known as Straen, consists of 173 wooden houses located close to Stavanger’s harbour. Most of the houses are painted white, small, charming, and slightly crooked. It's a neighbourhood that takes pride in its well-kept gardens and outdoor spaces. From spring through summer, the area bursts into bloom, with flowers filling every pot and windowsill. A stroll along the cobbled, pedestrian-only Øvre Strandgate is a delightful experience.

During the herring heyday in Stavanger, herring fishermen and factory workers lived here with their families. Today, you can visit IDDIS Norwegian Graphic Museum & Norwegian Canning Museum, housed in a former canning factory. Here, exhibitions tell the story of Stavanger’s important canning industry — and the people who helped it thrive.

2. Fargegaten

A street in Stavanger that you've probably already seen pictures of on social media. The street was previously a somewhat forgotten part of the city that had its renaissance after initiators had the idea to paint the houses in vibrant colours. It has since played a main character role amongst the attractions in Stavanger.

3. Norwegian Petroleum Museum

The Norwegian Petroleum Museum is one of the most popular museums in Stavanger. The building itself makes it worth a visit. Hard to miss along the harbour promenade, as it is shaped like an oil platform. The museum itself tells the important story of how oil was found and how it is extracted.

4. Stavanger Cathedral

Stavanger Cathedral is the only Norwegian cathedral from the Middle Ages that has retained its original architecture, and the only one that has been in continuous use since the 14th century. According to tradition, the church was built in 1125, when Sigurd Jorsalfarer made Stavanger the diocese.

5. Swords in rock

At Hafrsfjord, just outside Stavanger, is the monument Swords in rock. The story goes that it was in the nearby area that Harald Hårfagre gathered Norway into a kingdom in 872. The monument is in memory of the battle and consists of three swords set into the ground. The three swords stand for peace, unity, and freedom. The hilts of the Viking swords are taken from swords found in different parts of the country. The monument was made by Fritz Røed (1928-2002) and was unveiled by King Olav in 1983.

6. Shopping in Stavanger

Shopping in Stavanger. Enjoy some quality shopping with a variety of shops and charming shopping streets. The pedestrian streets have cafes and restaurants that offer a breather between shopping and other errands. Top shopping recommendations are Chili Chocolate for anyone with a sweet tooth, Fjällräven, Skogstad and Helly Hansen if you need hiking and outdoor clothing. More shopping in Stavanger can be found here.

7. Fjord cruise

A fjord cruise from Stavanger is possible all year round, whether you choose an electric catamaran from Rødne Fjord Cruise or a fast-paced RIB boat from Fjord Events or Stavanger RIB. You can also experience the fjord and islands in VIP style on board one of the luxury yachts of Private Cruise or Lysetur AS. Norled and Helgøy Skyssbåt also offer fjord cruises in the summer. Ryfylke Adventures offers fjord safaris in both summer and winter, and Ryfylketurer tempts visitors with city cruises on the vintage boat Amica or fjord taxis to Lysefjorden.

In the summer, you should also visit the incredible, tropical garden by boat, Flor & Fjære, an unparalleled paradise you would not think is just outside Stavanger. A visit here could be mistaken for a visit to warmer regions, perhaps on some Mediterranean island. Exotic and colourful! All boat trips and fjord cruises can be found here.

8. Sauna

A floating sauna is a truly unique experience in Stavanger! Choose between an urban setting or beautiful nature with fjord views while enjoying the warmth of the sauna and the fresh seawater. Damp Sauna and Book Sauna offer private saunas that provide a perfect combination of relaxation and spectacular surroundings, ideal for friends, family, or colleagues.

9. Viking House

Viking House is a world-class visitor centre that conveys the history of the Viking Age in the region through VR technology. Embark on the Viking ship and join an adventure. Travel back in time and experience the VR film "The First King". It tells the story of the sagas on Harald Hårfagre and the battle of Hafrsfjord in 872, where Hårfagre united Norway into one kingdom. You get to experience Norway's exciting history and cultural heritage like you have never seen before.

The food city of Stavanger

Can you believe it? Six MICHELIN Stars in Stavanger! Restaurants and ingredients in this part of Norway receive the best reviews from both national food critics as well as from the MICHELIN Guide Nordics, where Stavanger became the first Norwegian city outside the capital to receive a MICHELIN star in 2016. It was the restaurant RE-NAA that could boast this magic star, and the following year another star followed, awarded to the much talked about Sabi Omakase. Both restaurants retained their stars in 2018 and 2019. RE-NAA then reached new heights with the second star in 2020 and has retained them both since. The food adventure doesn't stop there, though - in 2024, Renaa received three stars!

Sabi Omakase has since retained its star. The restaurants K2 and Hermetikken also have one star each. Stavanger now has a total of six stars. Restaurants Tango, Bellies, Söl, and Bravo also have mentions from MICHELIN (the plate/service level is comfortable). Book well in advance if you want to challenge your taste buds at these restaurants. Fortunately, there is also a rich selection of first-class restaurants throughout the region.

The art city of Stavanger

In Stavanger, you will find street art on almost every street corner, and the city has become one of the leading cities in street art. The former Nuart festival has put Stavanger and the region on the street art map. As a visitor, you get a magnificent, visual experience that you will not forget any time soon, with great works (by Fintan Magee, Snik, Milu Correch, AFK, Skurk and Martin Whatson, among others) on outdoor walls, mainly in Stavanger and Sandnes.

For those of you who are interested in art, Stavanger also has its art museum where you can experience the country's largest and most important collection of Lars Hertervig's works of art. Another important part of the permanent collection of the art museum is Frida Hansen's tapestries. Frida Hansen was one of Norway's foremost textile artists with a significant international career.