Last Updated on October 2, 2025 by Sarah Wilson

Stavanger is a small city on Norway’s southwest coast, and it’s a great place to spend a couple of days. It’s easy to get around on foot, has a delightful mix of old wooden houses, colourful streets, fjord views, and a few surprises, like a big street art scene and even a museum about canning sardines!! 

I recently spent 10 days house sitting in Stavanger, looking after two lovely cats. That’s a bit longer than most people need here, but it gave me time to really explore the city. 

Two to three days is perfect for seeing the main sights at a relaxed pace. If you’re visiting by cruise ship, you can actually cover quite a bit of the city in just a few hours since everything is so close together.

Wander Through Old Stavanger (Gamle Stavanger)

I loved strolling through Europe’s best-preserved wooden house settlement with over 170 white timber homes dating back to the 18th century. Gamle Stavanget is peaceful, picturesque, and only a short walk from the harbour.

But please remember, people do still live here and don’t appreciate people staring into their living rooms. 

Climb to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)

This iconic cliff soars 604 metres above the Lysefjord and is one of Norway’s most famous hikes. It takes around 4–5 hours round trip and is best tackled if you’ve got a full day to spare. If hiking’s not your thing, you can still admire it from below on a fjord cruise (more on that below!).

Cruise the Lysefjord

If you’d rather stay off the hiking trail, hop on a boat instead. A fjord cruise from Stavanger is a relaxing way to see the stunning cliffs, waterfalls, and wildlife of Lysefjord, with a great view of Preikestolen from below.

If you aren’t visiting Stavanger on a cruise, consider doing the fjord cruise on a day when no ships are in port, as fewer people will be on board. 

The cruise takes around 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you could take a two-hour RIB tour. It looked quite fun as they zoomed past, but you know what me and water are like, so I opted for the more leisurely option. 

Visit the Norwegian Petroleum Museum

I wasn’t sure what to expect, and yes, I know it sounds hellishly boring, but this museum turned out to be one of the best rainy-day activities in Stavanger. It tells the story of Norway’s oil industry in an engaging and surprisingly interactive way. I really enjoyed it.

One exhibit at the Norwegian Petroleum Museum about the Kielland disaster even moved me to tears as you listened to the stories from the people who lost their father and husbands that day.  Bring tissues!

Opening Hours

01. September – 31. May

Monday-Saturday 10.00-16.00 

Sunday 10.00-18.00

01. June – 31. August 

Open every day 10.00-19.00

Entrance Fee 

Adults NOK 180.00 (about $18) 

Children NOK 60.00

Families (two adults and up to three children) NOK 420.00

Relax at Øvre Holmegate (The Colour Street)

A rainbow-painted street full of cafés, bars, and quirky shops. It’s a cheerful little spot to sit for coffee or lunch, especially on a sunny day. My favourite coffee shop was the Bøker og Børst.

Pop Into Stavanger Cathedral

Norway’s oldest cathedral is located right by the harbour and is still in use. It’s small but full of charm, with Romanesque and Gothic details and a peaceful atmosphere.

Visit Sverd i Fjell (Swords in Rock)

A 20-minute bus ride or an hour walk from the centre takes you to these three giant bronze swords commemorating the Battle of Hafrsfjord.

Note that you can’t pay with cash on the bus and need a ticket in advance. Some bus stops have ticket machines, but many do not. If you are planning to use public transport, I strongly recommend downloading the Kolombus app. Don’t worry; it has an English option. 

If you have made it to the swords, carry on walking afterwards, it is lovely strolling by the fjord. You may even come across some viking rock paintings!

Eat a Cinnamon Bun by the Harbour

One of my favourite routines was grabbing a kanelsnurr (Norwegian cinnamon bun) and coffee by the water. Try Bøker og Børst or Kanelsnurren café—both serve excellent buns and have cosy vibes.

Visit The Local Museums

If the weather turns which is quite likely in Stavanger, the Iddis, which includes the Norwegian Canning Museum and the Norwegian Printing Museum, is well worth a visit. 

Yes, I know, once again, it doesn’t sound very exciting, but it’s very well done, surprisingly enjoyable, and gives a glimpse into Stavanger’s industrial past. Loads of interactive exhibits!

Opening Hours 

The museum is open daily from 10.00-16.00

Entrance Fee 150 NOK 

Explore Stavanger’s Street Art

One of the things that surprised me most was how much street art there is in Stavanger. Keep your eyes peeled—you’ll find everything from giant murals to tiny hidden pieces scattered throughout the city.

Wander Around The Town Centre

Don’t miss the opportunity to wander around the town’s unique shops, a refreshing change from the generic international brands found in most cities. While you may spot a few, the majority are distinctly Norwegian and offer a unique shopping experience. 

Join The Locals For A Stroll Around Mosvatnet Lake

Just a 20-minute walk from the centre, Mosvatnet is a peaceful lake surrounded by parkland. 

Reaching the park is a lovely stroll through a residential area, passing some beautiful old mansions. 

The walk around the lake is flat and gentle. There is a small café where you can grab a coffee (and another cinnamon bun) and enjoy the view. The Stavanger Art Museum is also located by the lake, although I didn’t get around to visiting it myself.

⸻

Final Thoughts

If you’re visiting on a cruise, you can comfortably see many of Stavanger’s highlights in just a few hours. 

Two to three days is ideal for those staying longer to enjoy a fjord cruise, take a day hike, and slow down enough to enjoy a cinnamon bun or two.

Disclaimer: Some of the links on this website are “affiliate links”, meaning that if you click on the link and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost. This helps me to keep my website running and continue to share my travel knowledge with you. Thank you for using the links on my website.

For More Posts On Scandinavia, Check These Out

 

Easy Day Trip from Copenhagen to Roskilde 

Best Things to do in Dragør

How to find the Six Forgotten Giants around Copenhagen

Winter in Bergen 

Chasing the Northern Lights in Trømso

Sami and Reindeers

Save This Post For Later

Sharing is caring!