Things To Do in Stavanger

Types of Solos – Active, History, Nature Solos

Norway is a beautiful country. Having visited Bergen, and Tromso, and Oslo. I have yet to explore Stavanger due to my flight being cancelled. So, with the help of our solo female community I have put together a guide of all of their recommendations of things to do in Stavanger Norway to help if you are planning to visit this region.

About The Stavanger Region

Stay for – 2 nights.

Is it worth a stop? Stavanger is a really nice place to visit with a welcoming atmosphere and kind, friendly people.

Situated in Southwest Norway is the Stavanger region, a beautiful area with deep fjords, mountains and valleys. Popular with tourists and cruise ships, this region is an ideal base to explore the Lysefjord, Sandnes, and Pulpit Rock, one of Norway’s must-sees.

This region attracts those seeking adventure, surfers come to ride the waves of the Jæren beaches, kayakers come to explore its waters and adrenalin seekers come to paraglide over its stunning views. Whatever adventure sport you are into you can find it here. You can even go on a salmon safari and fish for the local catch.

Stavanger is the largest city and is known for its world-class cuisine, holding the largest food festival in the Nordics each year as well as other cultural events, a reason why both Stavanger and Sandnes were awarded European Capital of Culture in 2008.

You’ll find museums here, cobblestone streets and a beautiful harbour to stroll around. Old Stavanger is gorgeous with its white 18th century timber- clad cottages. It is the oldest surviving settlement of wooden houses in Northern Europe. To see these alone is worth coming here.

Local’s Tip – “If you visit on a Monday most things are closed.”

Solo’s Tip – “This region is lovely and is a quiet area to visit with museums, culture and nature.”

Pulpit Rock, Preikestolen

Get a great view at:

Pulpit Rock otherwise known as Preikestolen is one of the most beautiful lookouts in the world with sheer drops and dramatic views. Catch a ferry (if you don’t have a car) then hike the two hours to the clifftop for a picture perfect view of Lysefjorden.

At night – Stroll along the harbour at night for magical views.

Hike at:

There are a few different hikes you can do in the region. Ulvaskog (a famous place where the opposition hid during the war) will take you approximately 4 hours to walk amongst its sheltered forest. Walk past remains of a mountain farm in Refsvatnet, surrounded by reef water. Or opt for a shorter route at Vatnerindane, a 2 hour round trip past idyllic ponds.

Find 1 hour hikes and pick up free maps and information at the Stavanger Tourist Information Office at Strandkaien 61, next to the harbour.

Lose yourself:

On a fjord cruise along Lysefjord, the most well-known in the region.

Escape the crowds:

Lonavannet lake and Øksnevadtjern nature reserve.

Get active:

On horseback at Tryggivi Icelandic Horsefarm where you can ride Icelandic horses. Or learn to surf at one of the sandy beaches between May and October.

Learn at:

The Norwegian Petroleum Museum – This museum may sound a bit boring and is a controversial topic but it does document how oil has changed Norway and gives an interactive insight into the oil and gas sector with a 3D cinema and Catastrophe room.

Or find out more about when Stavanger was the world’s herring capital at the Canning Museum.

Eat at: Deja Vu Delikatesser – Located at the harbour you’ll find all types of European and International dishes here but its speciality is tapas. The prices are average for lunch with lunch specials, and at night it changes into Kita, a night-time restaurant. Deja Vu also serves seafood and is vegetarian friendly. Find at Verksgata 2.

Drink at: Hanekam – This bar/cafe not only has great decor and music to match but it has a really welcoming atmosphere where solos can go and relax with a drink in a chilled, quirky environment. It also serves food and has gluten-free options. Find at Oevre Holmegate 26.

Stay at – Stavanger Pop Up Hostel

Situated in a former office in the centre of Stavanger, this hostel is 15 minutes to the city centre. There’s a common area where you can meet other travellers and some of the rooms have a view of the mountain or the sea. Bear in mind that this is a cheap property with open spaces and if you like your own privacy it may be better to stay in a guest house or hotel. Choose from a female-only dorm, mixed dorm, or a private room.

Prices from £30 for a dorm bed per night.
Check dates, prices and availability: Stavanger Pop Up Hostel

Stavanger Tours

Get Your Guide helps you to find top-rated activities and day tours in worldwide destinations including Stavanger. Choose from a 2 hour fjord cruise and guided Preikestolen hike, or a guided hike and canoe trip. There are several hikes to choose from and it’s really simple to use. Just check the reviews, price and availability then book online.

* Check all tours, prices and availability for Stavanger

From Stavanger Airport

An airport shuttle departs every 20 minutes to Stavanger city centre and takes 30 minutes.

Getting Around

The city centre is quite small so you can see most of the attractions just by walking. It is close to Lysefjorden and Preikesolen. Ferries run from Stavanger to Tau, which is where you can take a bus to Preikestolen. Find out more. A company called Kolumbus has various routes around the Stavanger and Sandnes area.

Travelling Onwards

Stavanger is also connected by bus to Oslo, Bergen and Kristiansand. To get to Oslo takes 10 hours. Bergen is 5 hours away. There is also the option of taking a boat to Rrfylke and islands nearby. Find out more

Girl about the Globe

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Things To Do in Stavanger