Best things to do in Stavanger
Find out more about those top places in Stavanger
Stavanger Travel Guide: Oil, Fjords, and the Cutest Cottages You Ever Did See
If Houston and Aberdeen had a Scandinavian cousin with better sweaters and fjords for days, it would be Stavanger, Norway’s self-proclaimed oil capital. But don’t let all the black gold fool you — beneath its glassy corporate towers and offshore energy muscle, Stavanger is a charming little city that knows how to mix business with breathtaking beauty.
Nestled on Norway’s southwestern coast, this formerly sleepy fishing village has managed to keep its soul intact, even while playing host to the headquarters of Norway’s booming oil industry. So yes, you can come for the petrol-powered prosperity — but stay for the pastel houses, cobbled lanes, and the kind of sightseeing that will make your jaw drop (and your phone storage weep).
Things to Do in Stavanger: From Cobblestones to Cliffhangers
1. Gamle Stavanger – Where Time Forgot (and That’s a Good Thing)
One of the absolute top attractions in Stavanger is Gamle Stavanger, or Old Stavanger, a delightfully preserved 19th-century district. Picture narrow cobblestone streets, whitewashed wooden cottages, flower boxes exploding with color, and the odd cat acting like it owns the place. It’s one of the best places to visit in the city and blissfully free from tacky souvenir shops. Bring your camera and your inner Instagrammer.
2. Norwegian Petroleum Museum – Yes, It’s About Oil… But It’s Cool, We Promise
You might not think “oil museum” screams must-see, but trust us — this one is different. The Norwegian Petroleum Museum is interactive, oddly stylish, and explains how Norway turned black goo into national wealth and free university education. It’s a surprisingly fun and informative stop on your Stavanger travel guide checklist.
3. Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) – The Cliff That Launched a Thousand Selfies
Located just outside Stavanger, Preikestolen is one of the most famous sightseeing spots in all of Norway, and for good reason. After a moderately challenging hike (read: you will sweat), you’re rewarded with a vertigo-inducing view over the stunning Lysefjord. This flat-topped rock formation juts out 604 meters above the fjord — the perfect spot to contemplate life, love, and how you’re going to get the perfect photo without dropping your phone.
4. Cruise the Lysefjord – Because Why Just Look at It?
If hiking isn’t your vibe (or your knees simply said "nope"), hop on a Lysefjord cruise instead. Glide between towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and goats that occasionally make cameo appearances. It’s one of the most relaxing things to do in Stavanger, and a brilliant way to see Norway’s raw, untamed nature from a front-row seat.
5. Stavanger Cathedral – 900 Years Young and Still Looking Good
Dating back to 1125, the Stavanger Cathedral is Norway’s oldest and best-preserved medieval cathedral. It’s located smack dab in the city center and still actively used today — an unmissable stop for history lovers, architecture fans, or anyone who just wants to shelter from the rain in style.
Bonus Stop: Color Street (Øvre Holmegate) – Where the Houses Match Your Smoothie
Want your Stavanger sightseeing to come with a side of neon? Øvre Holmegate, nicknamed “Color Street,” is a cheerful, artsy lane where each building is painted a different, totally eye-popping color. It’s filled with cozy cafés, hip boutiques, and hair salons where even your split ends might get a makeover. Definitely one of the most photogenic places to visit in town.
Final Thoughts
Stavanger may be Norway’s oil capital, but it's also a goldmine of culture, history, and coastal charm. Whether you're climbing cliffs, exploring cobbled lanes, or learning about the country's energy empire, this vibrant small city delivers big on experiences. So if you're looking for a travel guide that includes both skyscrapers and centuries-old fishermen's cottages, Stavanger might just be your next favorite stop.
Just remember: the fjords are deep, the coffee is strong, and the locals are very friendly — even if their sweaters are more stylish than yours.
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Preikestolen
The view of the world from above the Preikestolen is a beautiful one. It is one that will remain fresh for a very long time in the memories of those that have paid a visit to this place. Preikestolen itself means "pulpit rock" and it has trails on it where tourists can pass to check out the world from the perspective of the top of the Preikestolen.
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Norwegian Petroleum Museum
A visit to Norway is never complete without treating yourself to a tour of the Norwegian Petroleum Museum. The reason for this is not far-fetched. The Norwegian Petroleum Museum has exhibits that explain how petrol and other kinds of fuels are produced. You will be bombarded with interesting facts and tales about the history of the place.
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Kjeragbolten
The area is popular for its very Rocky formations. Of the most popular rock formations in this area are a rock that looks like a boulder hanging between two giant rocks. The hanging boulder is every strong enough to hold the weight of humans. Many tourists have taken tours to see this natural beauty, and they still never get tired of coming. The moment you take your eyes off the strange rock formation, your eyes will consume the beauty of nature in the place generally.
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Gamle Stavanger
There is hardly a place in all of Norway that has more historical footprints more than the Gamleb Stavanger. As a matter of fact, the name of the place directly translates to "Old Stavanger". Just as you get there, the ancient yet beautiful structures from the ancient times will welcome you warmly to the place. There are also many fun things to do at Gamle Stavanger and delicious delicacies to feast upon.
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Museum of Archaeology
Culture and nature go way back to the ancient times when there were no pens or papers and knowledge was only passed across through words of mouth and surviving artifacts from those times. The Museum of Archeology in Stavanger is one of the places where you will find echoes from the past in the form of archaeological exhibits and fascinating stories from those ancient times.
