stavanger norway walking tour

City walks: Experience Stavanger in one day

“ It's very chill. There are people sitting and eating ice cream in the sun, which is nice. ”

“ Bring it on! The wind is great! ”

Route: Elle and Danny do Stavanger

Length: 10 000 steps

Follow Elly and Danny's path through Stavanger. This sporty English couple in their thirties loves hiking in the wild. Elly is very interested in all aspects of cooking and has even written her own cookbook. As a couple, Elly and Danny have made mini golf their 'thing', and they try to play a round or two in each new place they visit.

Many attractions and sights in Stavanger are densely located, making it easy to see and do a lot in a short amount of time.  Join an art walk and discover everything from massive murals to tiny works of art in doorways and on buses. Fargegaten (the street of colours) is like stepping into a photograph.

Relax with a long, pleasant walk   along one of the white sandy beaches of Jæren outside the city centre, ortake a tour in one of the city's museums and learn about Norway's most important industry — oil. 

Just a five-minute walk from the harbour, you'll find the quaint old white-painted wooden houses of Old Stavanger, the oldest part of the city. A nice viewing point in the city centre is Valbergtårnet (The Valberg Tower). In the mid 1850s the tower was used by the city's watchmen, who were posted to alert townspeople if there was a fire. 

If you want to go on a famous hike , the world famous  Preikestolen (the Pulpit Rock) is about a 40-minute drive from Stavanger. You will need more than 10,000 steps, but after an 8-kilometer-long hike you will be rewarded with one of the most iconic views in Norway.

Or save some steps and go on a high-speed RIB tour in Lysefjorden (it's not cheating! ). The trip starts in the centre of Stavanger.

Route: Best of Stavanger

Length: 2.7 km

On a visit to Stavanger, there are some things you simply cannot miss! Start with a morning stroll from the iconic Stavanger concert hall , one of the city's true architectural gems. Next, stroll through Old Stavanger ,past white picket fences and blooming gardens, before reaching the  IDDIS Museum,  which houses both the Norwegian Printing Museum and the Norwegian Canning Museum. Stavanger harbour is just a stone’s throw away. Admire the many old harbour warehouses , many of which are now home to restaurants and pubs bustling with life and colour, making them a popular Instagram stop. Continue to No 18 kulturkafé where you can have lunch in what is likely the oldest house in Stavanger (over 300 years old!). Make your way to the shopping area and don’t miss quality Scandinavian shopping at Oleana , Fjällräven and Chili Chocolate .

Stroll through iconic  Fargegaten.   Don’t forget to take the mandatory tourist photos! Or sample some of what the colourful street has to offer: visit a barber shop, a hairdresser, dress and design shops, or you can go for drinks and a snack in one of its many cafés and pubs.

Continue to the Norwegian Oil Museum , housed in a harbour-side building shaped like an oil rig. You can't miss it. Right next door to the museum is Geoparken , a special playground made from real scrap metal from the oil industry and a real treat for young skaters and kids. If you're parched from all the walking, head for refreshments and aperitifs at Salon de Nord , in historic Hotel Victoria. The 120-year-old hotel stands proudly on Stavanger's waterfront. Round off the day by dining at the popular seafront restaurant (aptly named The Fish Market) at  Fisketorget , the fish market. Sample the catch of the day or try its famous fish soup! It's mouthwatering!

Route: A half day in Stavanger

Length: 2.2 km

If you're only in Stavanger for a short period of time, you can still catch the essence of the city with this route. We have just the plan for you. Start with lunch and an explosion of modern flavours at the popular plant-based restaurant Bellies in the eastern part of the city. The restaurant is located  in an up-and-coming area that has seen a rise in popularity and new establishments in recent years. When your belly is full, head to the harbour area (on foot or electric city bike) and join a pre-booked RIB tour to see the sights (alright, so this won't count towards your 10,000 steps, but still, it's a great tour).

After enjoying some fresh seawater spray and wind in your hair, join on a Segway tour of the city (this does not count towards your steps, either, but balance is still exercise). ​A typical Segway tour takes you to see some of the city’s street art as well as top attractions like Old Stavanger. And now, for true insight into Norway's Viking heritage, visit the state-of-the-art Viking House visitor centre and watch a lifelike VR film that tells the tale of King Harold the fair-haired, who united Norway into one kingdom. Lastly, catch an early dinner at Fish & Cow for a culinary feast. Eating out in Stavanger will make you want to come back again and again.

Route: Stavanger Street Art tour

Discover more, other cities in 10 000 steps, take advantage of top offers.

See our selection of trusted companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.

Your recently viewed pages

The Hidden North

North European travel guide

Find our guides, road-trips and self-guided walks on our store!

Visit store.

• Our Services
• Advanced Search
• Bergen Walking Tour
• Travel Consultation & Planning
• Northern Lights
• Foods to Try in Northern Europe
• Stave Churches in Norway
• The History of Norway
• Culture & Everyday Life
• Which Month is Best for Visiting Norway?
• Emma’s Northern Lights Diary
• How to Observe the Northern Lights: A Tour Leaders Experience
• Coastal Ferry
• Multi-Day Tours

The Streets of Stavanger Self-Guided Walking Tour

• October 21, 2020
• Southern Norway , Stavanger , Walking Guides

I love Stavanger. It’s one of those places that I didn’t think much of at first, until I really got to walk around. It’s got such a fascinating history, from the Cathedral’s founding to the canning industry and now this oil wealth. When visitors come to Stavanger, they typically go straight to Gamle Stavanger. In my opinion, the city centre is just as charming with its wooden houses, architecture, and history. So, I made a Stavanger self-guided walking tour.

In this article...

Start: torget.

Welcome to Stavanger! Our walk starts at Torget, the main square and centre of Stavanger. Until the 11th century, it was nothing more than a bay in the middle of a sandy beach. It was filled in and extended by the locals, and over the centuries has become an important commerce and meeting place. 

Today Torget has a new fish market building and several restaurants. More houses stood here originally, but over the last century, they were removed. All the old warehouses are now restaurants and bars.

Kongsgård Royal Estate

Kongsgård is a historic royal residence. The property owned all this land you see around you now, including the lake. Until the Reformation, the building was used by the bishop and his staff. The bishop’s manor was looted, and houses were burned down during Pentecost 1539 by about 60 pirates. In 1607, the sheriff received permission to rebuilt, and he did. However, by the late 18th century Kongsgård was broke. 

Kongsgård became the Stavanger Cathedral School in 1824. Kongsgård is mentioned a lot in the writing of Alexander Kielland as he was a student here.

During World War II, the Germans used Kongsgård as a quarter for the Local German Commander. A fire on Easter Sunday 1942 destroyed large parts of the building. Initially, the Germans didn’t want to let the fire brigade put out the fire. As a result, the extend of the fire was greater than it should have been. 34 students lost their lives during the war. 10 lecturers from the school were sent to concentration camps. From 1945, Kongsgård became the school. The main building is from the Middle Ages and includes the bishops chapel and knights hall.

Until the 1960s, this was part of the Kongsgård property. The part closest to the cathedral used to be a cemetery. It’s believed there was a lavish garden and ponds as far back as 1299.

Stavanger Cathedral

Most importantly, we are at the town’s most famous landmark: the Stavanger Cathedral. This is the oldest cathedral in Norway; older than Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim . I know we’ve had a lot of history so far on this walk, but it’s all coming together!

Stavanger was founded as a city in 1125, around the same time the Cathedral was built. The royals in Norway needed to have some control over the pagans in the south. They introduced Christianity with force and built the Cathedral. Yet, it’s a bit of a chicken and egg situation. What came first – the town or the cathedral? I can’t imagine them building a cathedral in the middle of nowhere, but the town likely didn’t exist until the cathedral was built. Anyway.

Subsequently, a fire in 1272 destroyed the cathedral. Above all, it was rebuilt between 1276 and 1303, this time in stone, and it took on the Gothic feel we see today. 

The Ruins of St. Mary's Church

Yes, there’s no church here today. Most importantly, St. Mary’s Church stood here from the 12th century until the 19th century, when it was torn down. The church has a sad and complicated history. 

It is uncertain why St. Mary’s Church stood so close to Stavanger Cathedral. One theory is that is a replacement cathedral from the great fire of 1272. Above all, it took a long time to rebuild the cathedral, so it was necessary to have a temporary house of worship. Another theory is that it was a separate independent church. The church may be from the 12th century. Around that time churches called St. Mary’s went up in Nidaros, Bergen , Oslo and Tønsberg.

However, the church fell into disrepair after the Reformation in 1537. It became a hangout for the towns drunkards. In 1565, the town’s bourgeoisie took over the church and converted into a town hall and parliament. The city’s gallows stood outside. A prison was built in the church and developed a bad reputation for great suffering. 

Moreover, in 1865, the church became a fire station. Less than 20 years later, the fire brigade and prison moved out. A city engineer proposed that the building is antique and thus should be torn down. The city demolished the church in 1883.

Donkirkeplassen

Certainly, this is the name of the square next to the ruins of St. Mary’s Church. This is the site of the old Bishops Estate. It was the residence of the bishops of Stavanger and bordered the old St. Mary’s Church. For instance, the name of our next point of interest, Laugmannsgata, comes from two lawyers who lived in Bispegården. The building was demolished in 1957. The Norges Bank building is where the NOKAS robbery took place.

This is one of the city’s oldest streets, linking Domkirkeplassen to Arneageren. The name comes from two lawyers who lived at Bispegården in the 18th century. 

Arneageren is a public square. It is home to the culture house, which was built in 1987. The culture house has various galleries, cafes, kiosks, a cinema and an art school for kids.

The Film Theatre building is next to the culture house and a little older. Dating back to 1924, the building is neoclassical. It is regarded as one of the most important representatives of this style in Rogaland county. The Film Theatre was rebuilt in connection with the culture house in 1988. The square is well-known in Stavanger. Throughout the week, political and religious organisations distribute brochures. There is regular music from groups and street musicians.

Søregata runs along the border of the old Arnegård farm. While the street itself is old, the exact age is unknown. In the 19th century, this street was known for its eateries and bars. Many workers and sailors lived along this street and there was a liquor distillery at the end. The cafes would display the dish of the day in the window. It’s not like the Asian restaurants (if you’ve been to countries like Japan) that have plastic displays. No, these cafes used real food. By the end of the day, the food had attracted many flies. 

Mauritzengården

Mauritzengården is a house from 1905. It was commissioned by soap factory owner Svan Mauritzen.  The building is considered one of the city’s finest Art Nouveau brick buildings. It is built in red brick with a corner tower and a spire. 

Kirkegata is the first ever pedestrian street in Norway – announced in 1960. The name means ‘Church Street’, so the street leads to Stavanger Cathedral. If you turn left you’ll be at Stavanger Cathedral in two blocks. 

It’s believed that Kirkegata was a street from before the year 1100. It’s had different names throughout history, including Urgata and Holmengata. Urgata refers to a natural clock. One theory is that building materials for Stavanger Cathedral were stored here, and that a wrecked stone was tipped down and turned into a clock. Holmen refers to the flat edge near the water – today it’s the name fo the northern part of Stavanger inner city. After the fire of 1860, the street got the name Kirkegata.

Steinkargata

This is an old street that linked the two main streets Østervåg with Kirkegata. It previously had the name “The Street to Østervåg”, indicating its purpose. Today’s name refers to a stone vessel used to moor boats. A wharf called “Laksebrygga” (Salmon Wharf) used to be here. Until the 1850s, fishermen docked here. The 1860 fire destroyed both sides of the street, so everything was rebuilt after that. 

Sølvberggata

Sølvberggata is from around the 17th century. The name comes from a large rock that used to stand where Arneageren is today; it was blasted away just after World War II. Sølvberg means ‘Silver mountain’ and refers to a large rock that used to stand where Arneageren is today. 

We’ve made it to Østervåg! This is the city’s main street. The name roughly means ‘East Bay’ and refers to the stretch of sea nearby. Østervåg was the natural harbour for scheduled shipping traffic and the fishing fleet. The bay area used to have shipyards. 

Østervåg is one of the most important streets from the Middle Ages. The property Arnegård was here, and Østevåg ran through it. The street linked the bishop’s pier (Bispebrygga) to the Stavanger Cathedral. Østervåg is first mentioned in 1297 in relation to this pier. It’s believed that this was the medieval town centre. 

The area we are on is very narrow, but it gradually becomes wider. This marks where the 1860 fire spread. The narrower part of the street was untouched, whereas the wider part of the street had burned down and was regulated and levelled after the fire. The fire started at the corner of Østervåg and Breigata. 

Geoparken (built 2008) is a playground built with items used in the oil industry. The layout is designed to replicate the formation of the Troll Field in the North Sea. 

Norwegian Oil Museum

The Norwegian Oil Museum is an excellent place to learn about the Norwegian oil industry. The museum covers the entirety of Norway’s oil journey. It stars from early exploration to discovery, foreign help and current environmental concerns. The museum has a lot of information boards, photographs, footage, and objects used to help develop the oil platforms. Main Article: The Oil Museum

The Colour Street

Welcome to Norway’s most colourful street!

The concept of having a colourful street starts in 2005. Hairdresser Tom Kjørsvik wanted to create a vibrant atmosphere to draw more visitors to the area. Scottish artist Craig Flannagan designed the colours to have a Miami Vice theme. It’s not only the colours that make the street work. The houses have deliberate colour combinations. Each house as a series of colours for its facade, doors and window frames. Each colour scheme harmonises the house.

View their Facebook page for current events

Valberget Viewpoint is the site of the city’s old fortress. The date of the fortress is unknown. The land was likely given to Stavanger during the Nordic Seven Years’ War in 1567. The city likely needed defence for the sea after the Swedes were trying to take Bergen from the sea in 1564.

Above all, fires have destroyed the fortress many times. There’s not much of the original fortress remaining. Its current appearance is from the 19th century. They had 12 12-pound cannons circling the tower. In 1840, they discarded the cannons when four men went on trial for refusing to shoot with them. They were acquired because the cannons were proven to be life threatening. Today the cannons are decorations on the viewpoint.

The tower is not original – it was built in 1850 and is a lookout tower. 

Skagen is a street that runs parallel along the bay, Vågen, linking Torget to Holmen. It is one of the city’s liveliest streets with many shops and nightclubs. But it is also home to some of Stavanger’s oldest buildings. 

That is to say, the name Skagen is common all throughout Scandinavia and refers to a headland. It’s believed the street was here in the Middle Ages and is largely unchanged from the 13th century. Archaeological finds show that there were buildings here in the Middle Ages. 

We are in the upper part of Skagen, making our way down to the lower and older part.

The Clarion Hotel is where a cannery used to be. The cannery ran for three generations before being demolished in 1964 and replaced with the hotel. For example, Chr. Bjelland & Co, is one of Stavanger’s most famous canneries (see the history section). 

Certainly, as we walk along Skagen, you’ll notice many references to shipbuilding, merchants, and steamships (dampskip). It indicates what exactly this street was used for. 

Most importantly, Skagen 18 is one of the city’s oldest and most famous buildings. It is from after the 1684 fire, though a building stood here before then. The oldest known inhabitants are Sidsel Olsdatter Cruys and Albert Albertsen Libert. They aren’t famous Norwegians; just residents who have been remembered in history thanks to their house being the longest lasting. They lived here between 1687 and 1700. Moreover, inside the building are rosemaling decorations from before 1710. Merchant and shipowner Ole Smith Plow is the next owner; establishing his business in 1768. In 1787, the building got its Rococo facade.

Today it is a bakery.

M/S Rogaland

Rogaland was built by the local shipyard in 1929. She sailed in the Coastal Express Service between Oslo and Stavanger during the day. At night, she did the Night Service between Stavanger and Bergen.

In Bergen in April 1944, during the occupation, there was a large explosion on the harbour. That explosion killed one crew member of the Rogaland, injured five and seriously damaged the ship. The ship sank to the bottom of the bay. Declared a write-off, compensation went to the owner and the Stavangerske Company bought the wreckage. It was sealed in a shipyard in Bergen and then towed to a shipyard in Stavanger for repairs. Repairs finished in 1947. The ship resumed regular service at a limited passenger capacity. 

After sending service in 1965, a group of enthusiasts purchased the ship in the 1980s. After lots of restoration, it is operational and can carry up to 100 passengers. The ship features in the 2016 film Dunkirk as a painted white hospital ship. The ship may or may not be in the harbour. If you walk onto the other side of the bay, you’ll see an information board for the ship. 

We’ve made it back to Torget and are now at the end of our walk.

I hope you enjoyed this Stavanger self-guided walking tour.

2 Comments on The Streets of Stavanger Self-Guided Walking Tour

Hi, do you do a printed version of the stavanger self guided city walk and also the Haugesund one too? Thanks Ashleigh

Hey! I’ve been putting the finishing touches on a Stavanger self-guided walk, and it’ll be available on our online store within the next couple weeks. I’m still developing a Haugesund walk.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Things to Do in Stavanger Norway: An Amazing Walking Tour of Stavanger

Posted on Published: September 20, 2019  - Last updated: January 31, 2021

Categories Blog , City Guides , Cruise , Europe , Nieuw Statendam 2019 , Norway , Travel Guides

Stavanger is a city that truly has it all. It’s a beautiful town surrounded by stunning fjords and mountains. There’s a lively atmosphere, an intriguing arts and culture scene, and well preserved architecture and historical areas. Needless to say, there are lots of amazing things to do in Stavanger, even if you only have a day in the city.

When Justin and I visited Stavanger on a cruise aboard the Nieuw Statendam by Holland America Line, we decided to set out and explore by foot. Right from the Stavanger cruise port, there are enough attractions and sightseeing activities to fill an entire day in port.

Posts may be sponsored. Post contains affiliate links. I may be compensated if you make a purchase using my link.

Our Norway cruise consisted of four ports: Oslo, Kristiansand , Stavanger and Flåm. While each city and town had their own unique offerings, I quickly fell in love with the vibrant city of Stavanger. I loved the random bursts of color in its street art, the rows of white wooden houses in Old Stavanger, and the serene lake in the middle of town.

Though it’s the third largest city in Norway (when combined with neighboring Sandnes), Stavanger exudes small town vibes in its city center. Here’s our list of what to see in Stavanger along with a self-guided walking tour map at the bottom of this blog post to assist your journey.

Table of Contents

Wander the Streets of Gamle Stavanger (Old Stavanger)

Start your day by walking from the port of Stavanger up the hill to Gamle Stavanger, or Old Stavanger. You’ll see picturesque cobblestone streets lined with rows of wooden white houses. The owners of each property beautifully maintain their homes. Nearly every white house has a brightly painted and colorful front door.

You’ll see manicured gardens and planters bursting with rainbows of flowers to match. In total, there are 173 wooden homes dating back to the 18th century, making it Europe’s best preserved settlement of wooden houses. A trip to this charming old town tops my itinerary of things to do in Stavanger.

Browse the Unique Boutique Shops

As you wander around Old Stavanger, be sure to pop into some little shops and galleries on your way. The neighborhood has lots of handicraft boutiques where you’re sure to find some unique gifts. Our favorite shop was a little place called Cokott’ , which features handmade origami paper jewelry.

Coffee Break at Kafe Go Nok

If you had an early morning start, you might be craving a cup of coffee by now. There’s a sweet little coffee shop right in Gamle Stavanger called Kafe Go Nok . Stop by the cafe for an espresso beverage. Make yourself right at home in their cozy coffee shop or order your coffee as take away if you wish to keep wandering.

Visit Norway’s Oldest Cathedral, Stavanger Domkirke

As a truly stunning work of architecture in Stavanger, you must visit the Stavanger Cathedral (Stavanger Domkirke). It’s the oldest cathedral in Norway, built in the year 1125. Therefore, it’s one of the must see Stavanger attractions.

Continuously used since the 1300s and retaining most of its original architecture, there were only minor additions throughout the years (partial reconstructions in 1272 after fire damage, a pulpit dating to 1650, and new stained glass in 1957).

We didn’t have the chance to check out the interior of Stavanger Domkirke because it wasn’t open until later in the day. If you have a chance to take a peek inside, please let us know what you think!

Even if you only get to see the outside of the cathedral, it’s one of the best things to do in Stavanger. There’s a good chance you’ll walk past this beautiful building, so you may as well stop to admire it. The Stavanger Cathedral is very close to the Stavanger port and harbor, right on your way to Breiavatnet.

Things to Do in Stavanger: Stroll Around Breiavatnet

I’m always seeking the natural areas and peaceful parks within cities. In Stavanger, that particular place is Breiavatnet and its surrounding area. Breiavatnet is a small, shallow lake in the middle of Stavanger’s city center, and it’s one of the best things to see in Stavanger.

The water from Breiavatnet comes from the Kannikbekken stream, which runs through the city from Lake Mosvatnet. This stream was transferred to underground pipes and culverts in the late 1800s, so you won’t see any trace of it.

There’s a walking path that circles Breiavatnet, lined with benches overlooking the lake. We noticed several wonderful statues surrounding the lake, and there’s a large fountain in the middle of it. There’s an abundance of swans, ducks, and other bird life at Breiavatnet. While I adored walking the city streets, a trip to Breiavatnet is one of the best things to do in Stavanger for a peaceful stroll. Plus, it’s so lovely to watch all of the swans meander around the lake.

See Øvre Holmegate (Fargegaten, the Color Street)

Øvre Holmegate is a street that’s just east of the Stavanger harbor, and it’s a feast for the senses. Known to the locals as Fargegaten, or the Color Street, every home is painted a vibrant and brilliant shade. This is the most bustling and busy area of town, alive with tourists and visitors. There are many shops, restaurants, and patios to enjoy a meal or a drink. I noticed lots of wonderful street art on some of the buildings themselves or tucked away down a side street.

This street is Stavanger’s “Notting Hill” as it’s quite possibly one of the most colorful streets in Norway. Painted back in 2005, this rainbow street is a relatively new city attraction. It started when local hairdresser, Tom Kjørsvik, dreamed of drawing more attention to his business and the street.

Scottish artist, Craig Flannagan, recommended that the houses follow a regimented color scheme. He was inspired by “Miami Vice” hues when deciding on the color themes and patterns. Each detail was decided to coordinate with every home down the street, from the color of the building itself to the window trim and smaller details.

And Tom Kjørsvik’s idea worked. There are always lots of people wandering up and down Øvre Holmegate with its colorful homes. When it comes to Stavanger sightseeing, Ovre Holmegate, or Fargegaten, is a total must. If you’re looking for things to do in Stavanger in a day, don’t leave this one off your itinerary.

Visit Stavanger: Admire the Street Art

If you’re a fan of street art, Stavanger is the place to be. The Nuart Festival happens each year in Stavanger, which guarantees that more street art will be added to the growing body of works in the city. Discovering all of the street art is one of my top recommendations for things to do in Stavanger. When checking out Stavanger in a day, you could spend all day trying to find every work of art around the city.

The beauty of street art and public art is that it’s always evolving and changing. Some of the art that we see might be new to those who visited Stavanger last year. New murals in Stavanger will continue to pop up every year. The hunt for street art is part of the fun. Who knows what you’ll discover on a random wall or down a narrow alley! Check out our guide to the street art in Stavanger for more details.

Geopark, One of the Most Unique Playgrounds

Justin and I stumbled upon this quite randomly on our search for street art. The Geopark in Stavanger combines street art with a playground by turning a formerly industrial site into something functional. It’s the most interesting playground I’ve ever seen. It’s raw, there are pipes and tubes all over the place, and graffiti is everywhere.

As Stavanger is the main base for the oil industry in Norway, this particular area was an abandoned oil platform. As the space wasn’t being used, it was redesigned and transformed into a unique playground while retaining its history. All of the structures of the playground are made of scraps and materials from the oil industry. It’s not just for kids: Justin and I may have had a little too much fun trying to balance and run across the pipes, too.

Stavanger Restaurants: Where to Eat in Stavanger

Looking for a great place to grab some lunch? While there are lots of vegan options on the cruise ship , we thought it would be fun to dine at one of the local Stavanger restaurants for a change. We noticed that Døgnvill Burger Stavanger had a few vegan options on its menu, so we went there for a meal.

Justin and I both ordered The Vegan Viking burger, which was unlike any veggie burger we’d eaten. The Vegan Viking Burger has ingredients like smoked eggplant, paprika, beans, Portobello mushroom and garlic. There are several toppings, including tomato, fried green chilies, parsley root-chips and spinach.

As for condiments, it has an interesting combination of peanut butter, spinach and chipotle sauce, and a slice of vegan cheese. The verdict? Delicious! I wouldn’t have thought peanut butter could go well with chipotle sauce and vegan cheese, but it was super yummy.

There’s even a vegan dessert on the menu, a vegan chocolate pudding. I could have had it without the raspberries as I’m not a huge fan of combining berries and chocolate, but I feel like the rest of the world would find it to be pretty tasty. As there weren’t too many vegan desserts on our cruise ship, this was a really delightful treat. For vegan Stavanger meals and restaurants, head straight to Dognvill Burger for a mouthwatering meal. Justin and I left feeling very full and happy!

Views of Stavanger from Nieuw Statendam

Out of all the things to do in Stavanger on our list, most of them are totally free or inexpensive (aside from the Stavanger restaurants). If you visit Stavanger from a cruise ship, you can’t help but admire the spectacular scenery from the ship itself (another free activity!).

There’s really nowhere else in town to gain this vantage point of the city. Some of the most brilliant views of Stavanger were right from the balcony of our cabin on board. When you’re seeking what to see in Stavanger, part of that journey starts right when you wake up in the morning and look out the window on the cruise ship.

Where to Stay in Stavanger

If you aren’t traveling to Stavanger on a cruise ship, there are lots of places to stay right in the city center. I recommend staying close to the middle of town so you can easily walk everywhere and explore.

For a luxury property, book your stay at the Radisson Blu Atlantic Hotel on the edge of Breiavatnet. With fjord and mountain views from the hotel rooms and an ideal location, the Radisson Blu Atlantic is my top pick for Stavanger. Read more reviews from fellow travelers who spent the night at this hotel.

To save money on your trip to Stavanger, spend the night at the highly rated and adorable Stavanger Bed and Breakfast . It’s just a short walk to old town, and it has free parking and complimentary Wi-Fi. Plus, you’ll enjoy a light complimentary breakfast in the morning. Read more reviews from fellow travelers who stayed at the B&B.

Want to see more photos of Stavanger?

We’ve got all of our pictures in one place at our travel photography site! You can also click the “buy” button by any picture for purchasing options.

Map of Stavanger: Self Guided Walking Tour

Here is a Stavanger map so you can take your own self guided walking tour of the city. As for the street art, there are several murals that you simply won’t miss as you make your way around Stavanger. These aren’t labeled on the map itself. You can find the most up to date street art maps on the Nuart Festival website. Here are all of the best things to do in Stavanger on one handy map.

Even if you only get to visit Stavanger in one day, there are so many brilliant scenes, attractions, and cultural experiences to engage and explore. With so many things to do in Stavanger right in the city center, you really need to get out there and wander on foot.

Strap on a pair of comfy vegan shoes , pack a rain jacket , and bring a refillable water bottle . Hopefully, we’ve provided you with lots of ideas for things to do in Stavanger. Wander and see this great city that feels more like a small town. Enjoy experiencing Stavanger in a day, whether you’re visiting the Stavanger cruise port or taking an epic road trip journey of Norway.

Have you visited Stavanger? What should we do on our next trip there that we missed this time?

Lauren is the full-time travel blogger and content creator behind Justin Plus Lauren. She started Justin Plus Lauren in 2013 and has travelled to 50+ countries around the world. Lauren is an expert on vegan travel as one of the very first vegan travel bloggers. She also focuses on outdoor adventure travel, eco and sustainable travel, and creating amazing travel itineraries for cities and small towns.

jane clough

Sunday 22nd of September 2019

Lauren: Thank you for posting this link. Very interesting, can hardly wait to get there next mid-July. I noticed people were wearing long pants and lightweight jackets. What time of year were you there? I love street art, too. Looking forward in finding some. Can you maybe let me know where the big Stavanger art sign is located? Off this topic: I see you are going to the Florida Keys in November. What info can you share on doing a trip to the Keys? Thanks

Monday 23rd of September 2019

Jane, the weather is always iffy that time of year. On that day, I was wearing pants and long sleeves. However, the next day, I was wearing shorts and a tank top! It's really a country where you need to pack a little bit of everything (including a rain jacket!).

The Stavanger mural is right near the cruise port! Once you get off the cruise ship, walk around the harbor to the other side. You'll see it on the side of a building near a parking lot. You can see a cruise ship in the photo to the left of the mural, and people paying for parking in the photo. :) Happy street art hunting!

And yes, the Keys is still something that I'm currently planning! Stay tuned!

Saturday 21st of September 2019

The composition and quality of your Travel-site pictures is matchless!

Thank you so much!!

Hurtigruten Expeditions is now HX!

• Norway Attractions

Walking tour in the old town of Stavanger

Price from $77

Difficulty level

Level 2: Moderate - some mobility needed

Booking code

E-SVG8, HRS-SVG2

2 hours 30 minutes

Read practical information below

See Old Stavanger’s sights up close on a leisurely walking tour 

Visit the city’s main attractions, including Valberg Tower and Fargegaten   

Admire Northern Europe’s best-preserved collection of wooden houses 

Discover the best of Stavanger with a walking tour of its old town in the company of a local guide. Located on the west side of the harbor, the area is made up of 173 wooden buildings from the turn of the 18th century – the best-preserved collection in Northern Europe. As we stroll among the cobbled streets, our guide will tell us more about Stavanger’s industrial history.  

Moving towards the market square, we’ll pause to admire the 27-metre-high Valberg Tower, a late 19th-century construction that served as permanent lodging for the watchmen of Stavanger. Next, we’ll explore Fargegaten (colorful street), a pedestrianized stretch of pastel-hued shops, restaurants, and local businesses that make up one of Stavanger’s most photographed spots. 

We’ll finish with a stop at a local cafe to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, and a traditional Norwegian snack – hjertevafler (heart-shaped waffle). 

Practical information 

Languages: English and German 

Included: Coffee/tea and a traditional Norwegian waffle 

Wheelchair accessible? No 

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Heart My Backpack uses affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission.

23 Things to Do in Stavanger, Norway – From a Local!

January 4, 2023 by Silvia Leave a Comment

To be perfectly honest I only recently realized what a wonderful city Stavanger is to visit. I had driven through Stavanger several times and never thought much of it, but I also had never spent the time to properly explore the city. But then my friend Vanessa moved to Stavanger and really opened my eyes to it, and now I even occasionally find myself suggesting that people visit Stavanger instead of Bergen !

I’ve visited Vanessa in Stavanger four times now (in January, July, and twice in December), but if you’ve read any of my other Norway travel guides you’ll know that I only like to write about places I know incredibly well, as I want to give you the most in depth and helpful information possible. So I enlisted Vanessa’s help to compile this Stavanger travel guide so that you can experience the best Stavanger has to offer, according to a local. Thanks, Vanessa! Here she shares some of the best things to do in Stavanger and best day trips from Stavanger, Norway. 

And if you want my most in depth travel advice, you can buy my Norway travel ebooks here . 

Table of Contents

Things To Do in Stavanger

Stavanger walking tour.

One of my favorite ways to get to know a new city is simply to wander around downtown. I especially enjoyed doing this with Vanessa because she could share lots of local history as we walked – it helps that she used to work as a tour guide! If you want that same local experience, I highly recommend booking a guided walking tour for your first morning in Stavanger. This private Stavanger walking tour is fully customizable, so you can tell your guide what you’re interested in seeing and learning about. 

Translating to “the color street”, Øvre Holmegate or simply “ Fargegaten ” as the locals call it, is located just up the hill from the downtown harbor area and attracts visitors and locals alike who’re looking to grab a coffee or drink. There are a dozen bars to choose from, some also functioning as cafes during the day. So whether you’re looking to simply enjoy a coffee, a cold beer, a fancy cocktail or some Turkish tea, chances are you’ll find what you’re looking for.  

The street actually used to be quite boring back in the day, until local entrepreneurs sat down to think how they could attract more people to their part of town. Their simple but brilliant idea was to paint each of the plain white buildings on the street a unique color, resulting in a beautiful rainbow of buildings. And the street really lives up to its new nickname – it’s super colorful!

Make sure to read on for where to grab a drink in Fargegaten.

Stavanger has the discovery of large quantities of oil in the North Sea to thank for its current reputation as a vibrant and international city. It used to be a sleepy fishing and farming town, but by the 1980s, the city was suddenly filled with Texans working in the oil industry and American schools and neighborhoods started popping up. The city remains very international and has quite a large expat population, while still also maintaing its charm from the old days as a Norwegian fishery town.  

Exactly how the city developed and how Norway became one of the wealthiest countries in the world is something you can learn all about in the Norwegian Petroleum Museum downtown. Rather than just glorifying the past, the museum does a really good job of presenting both the positive and negative aspects of the industry and its impact not only on Stavanger and Norway, but on the world in general. The museum even has a separate exhibition on climate change and carbon footprints.  

You don’t need to be particularly fussed or even interested in the oil industry itself to enjoy a few hours at this very interactive and exciting museum!

Gamle Stavanger & IDDIS

If the modern multicultural side of Norway doesn’t really appeal to you and you’d rather experience a more traditional side of the country, the old town of Stavanger (also known as Gamle Stavanger) is the place to be.

With its 173 old wooden buildings from the 18 th and 19 th centuries, the old town really is the most charming neighborhood in the city. Go for a stroll in the little alleyways, greet the cats that live there, visit one of the many arts and handicrafts shops around, or head to IDDIS – the Norwegian Printing and Canning Museum.  

Wonder what printing and canning might possibly have in common? Back in the day when Stavanger still used to be a fishery town and heavily dependent on herring, said fish would be canned and sold all over the world. To market the canned herring, the most colorful and original labels would be used, and you can still find 35,000 can labels at the museum today! 

Pro tip: Head here on a Tuesday or Thursday in summer when you can try smoked sprats fresh out the oven!

Sverd i fjell

About a 10 minute ride outside of the city center you’ll find Sverd i fjell. This is a monument consisting of three swords in a rock, symbolizing the unification of Norway into one kingdom by the famous Viking Harald Fairhair. The monument was erected in the 1980s and is made of bronze and situated right by Harfsfjord, where the famous battle of Harfsfjord that lead to Harald becoming the first king of a united Norway supposedly took place.  

Pro tip: If you visit in June, you might be able to experience the local Viking festival Harfsfjordkaupangen that takes place in the bay by the swords each year!

Lysefjord cruise

I’m putting this in the middle of the list of things to do in Stavanger for a reason! While many people only pass through Stavanger or just stay a day here to see Lysefjord and hike Pulpit Rock, the city actually has a lot more to offer than this. But it’s true that Lysefjord really is a majestic fjord to experience, no matter the weather. So while I do think you should stay in Stavanger long enough to see a bit of the city, you certainly don’t want to visit without seeing the famous Lysefjord as well. 

If you really want to feel the grandeur of this fjord, I recommend taking a RIB safari cruise from Stavanger. These boat rides are so fun (and fast!) and being so low on the water is a much more special experience than sitting inside a ferry. This RIB cruise departs from Stavanger and takes you through Lysefjord, with the opportunity of spotting seals, eagles, caves, and waterfalls along the way. 

But if you want something a bit more comfortable, this Lysefjord boat cruise also looks wonderful, and includes majestic views of Norway’s famous Pulpit Rock and an opportunity to drink water straight from Hengjane Waterfall. 

Kayaking through Lysefjord

If you’re even more adventurous, this guided kayaking trip along Lysefjord looks so special, and I particularly love that the guide will take photos of you! 

Pulpit Rock

The top of Pulpit Rock is one of Norway’s most iconic views – in fact Pulpit Rock ( Preikestolen in Norwegian) might actually be the most famous hike in all of Norway. So you know it’s well worth visiting. However, be aware that as Norway’s most famous hike, Pulpit Rock is incredibly popular and you’ll likely have to share the hike with hundreds of other tourists, especially if you’re visiting in July. 

If you’re up for the hike, be sure to wear sturdy hiking boots as the trail can be super slippery when wet, try to start early (before 8 am) if you want to beat the crowds, and last but certainly not least, don’t underestimate it! The hike is about 8 km long in total and it takes on average two hours to get up and two hours to get down again. There’s a total elevation gain of 500 meters, so you will feel your legs and feet at the end of it.

Make sure to go on a clear day – there are often low-hanging clouds and/or fog in the fjord, and you can quickly risk not seeing anything at all on the top if you go on a rainy day! This is another good reason to spend several days in Stavanger. If you keep your schedule flexible, you can choose to hike Pulpit Rock on the day with the best weather. 

You can either drive to the start of the Pulpit Rock, which takes about 45 minutes from Stavanger, or take a boat. 

If you would prefer to go with a guide, this guided Pulpit Rock hike starts with a ferry ride from Stavanger. While you can certainly do this hike in the summer without a guide, I would recommend a guide if you want to hike Pulpit Rock during the rest of the year, as conditions can make the hike more tricky, and you have to be very careful of daylight when the sun sets early.  This snowshoe hike to Pulpit Rock is perfect for the winter and early spring. 

Another nice hike and an easy alternative for those who aren’t up for Pulpit Rock is the hike to Dalsnuten in Stavanger’s neighboring town Sandnes. The hike only takes 1 ½ hours in total with an elevation gain of only about 200 meters and a total length of about 4 km. This is one of those low effort, high reward hikes, as you’ll be rewarded with a view of Stavanger and the surrounding area from above!  

Kjeragbolten hike

If you’re looking for something even more adventurous than Pulpit Rock, the Kjeragbolten hike might be for you! You’ve probably seen photos of Kjerag’s iconic boulder suspended between the highest peaks in Ryfylke. This is a demanding hike and certainly not for anyone with a strong fear of heights, which is why I’ve never done it.

The hike takes about 10 hours round trip, with an ascent of 800 meters. You can only attempt this hike between May and October, and if you want added safety I would recommend going with a guide. This guided Kjeragbolten hike starts with a ferry ride from Stavanger. 

Flor & Fjære

One thing besides Pulpit Rock that you can’t find anywhere else in Norway but Stavanger is the exotic palm island paradise at Flor & Fjære. Situated just 20 minutes from Stavanger by boat on the island of Sør-Hidle, this very colorful and exotic botanical garden originally started as a hobby for a local gardener with a holiday house on the island.

As the island is sheltered from the wind it has a micro-climate where even in winter it’s usually 5 degrees warmer here than in Stavanger. This milder climate helped the garden to grow and grow, and the owner got more and more experimental with it.  

Today, you can find 50,000 flowers here that are planted from scratch every spring, with a restaurant located in a greenhouse that serves delicious local and seasonal produce. The season runs from May to September, and you can’t get here by public transport. Instead you have to buy an entry ticket to the garden, which includes a boat shuttle from the city center in Stavanger. The ticket also includes a guided tour of the garden and, most importantly, a three-course meal in the restaurant.

A visit here truly is such a special experience and one that you can’t get anywhere else in Norway, so don’t miss out!

Tungenes fyr

Can’t get enough of the ocean? Head out to the neighbouring small town of Randaberg and take a walk around the lighthouse Tungenes fyr. One of many at the North Sea coast, and especially the Jæren coast surrounding Stavanger, Tungenes was fully functioning up until the 1980s and today serves as a museum. The inside is left as it was back when the last lighthouse keeper was still living there in the 1930s. There’s also a café inside which is open every day during the summer and every Sunday during off-season.

Pro-tip: Take a walk along the coast from Tungenes lighthouse to the beach Sandestranden.  

The sandy beaches of the Jæren coast

Stavanger is near two of Norway’s famous Scenic Routes , one of which is Jæren. You might feel like you’re actually in Denmark when you stand in the rolling sand dunes of Jæren looking out on the turquoise blue water, but yes, this is in fact still Norway.

If you’re dependent on public transport, you can easily take the bus to the airport and then walk to Sola beach from there. Otherwise, there are plenty of beaches to visit by car. The longest and least crowded one of them is Orrestranden. But beware: since the beach isn’t the most crowded one, it’s gotten popular amongst nudists and people wanting to have a good old romantic time in the sand dunes – much to the dismay of the locals. So, you might want to watch out – or rather, look away?

Drive along the Ryfylke Scenic Route

While Vanessa loves the Jæren Scenic Route, I’m actually not much of a beach person, so I find the long, flat drive kind of boring. I much prefer the mountainous Ryfylke Scenic Route .

If you’re also more of a mountain than beach person, you’ll definitely want to take the time to drive at least part of this route, which starts 45 minutes outside of Stavanger in Oanes. The landscape is rocky and jagged in places, but it also has plenty of soft rolling hills dotted with the cutest little Norwegian farms. 

If you want to know more about renting a car and driving in Norway, read my complete guide to planning a Norwegian road trip here . 

And if you do take this route, I can highly recommend spending a night at Hoiland Gård , which is about 1 hour 45 minutes from Stavanger, along the Ryfylke Scenic Route.

I spent a night in their glamping tent and it was one of the highlights of my most recent trip to Stavanger. The views here are incredible, and while here you can also check out the Fairytale Forest, or Eventyrskogen in Norwegian, which is just a short walk from the farm.  Check current rates and availability at Hoiland Gård here. 

Where to eat and drink in Stavanger

Pedersgata  .

A visit to Pedersgata is a must, not just to grab a bite to eat, but also to get more acquainted with Stavanger in general. Back in the day, Pedersgata used to be the shady side of town. It was here where the harbor and fishery workers lived – oftentimes in tight quarters and quite poor environments.

In recent times, however, the street has made a massive development and went from the side of town you’d rather avoid to the side of town where you can now find some of the best and hippest restaurants. Whether you’re up for Pakistani, Mexican, Vietnamese or Italian – Pedersgata truly offers something for everyone.  

Make sure to try Korean bao buns at YIPS , sourdough pizza at Panzanella , square pizza at Mano , authentic Pakistani food at Zouq , authentic Mexican tacos at Casa Salsitas , or head to Sabi Sushi for some of the best sushi in town.

For dessert, try Siddis Gelato for ice-cream, Sandi for heavenly cakes, or Bønnespiren for vegan treats. And last, but not least, for drinks head to Matros for a pint in a super cosy maritime atmosphere, or Lapin for some wine tasting.  

Lervig Local

Stavanger’s local micro-brewery and hippest hang-out, Lervig Local just up the hill from the city center is certainly the place to be. Come here for a pint in the garden on a sunny day, quiz night on Wednesdays, a bite to eat for lunch, or simply just a coffee. The highlight of Lervig Local, however, is the selection of locally produced beers on tap. Make sure to try some of the less obvious ones – you might be in for a treat!

Fargegaten  

THE place to head for a drink! Try Pjolter & Punsj for delicious cocktails, Efendi for Turkish tea and cocktails, Frøken Pil for a drink and board games with friends in a super cosy atmosphere, Bøker & Borst for a slice of cake and some coffee in what appears to be a book shop but is, in fact, a lot more than that, and last but not least Bacchus for some afternoon snacks in a side alley off the hustle and bustle of town.  

Noodle Noodle  

Try the chicken katzu curry in this Asian fusion restaurant right at the edge of Fargegaten. The portion size is massive, so maybe ask for a doggy bag. I can also recommend the Thai red curry! Or maybe ramen instead?  

If you fancy some Italian and want to dine out on a sunny day, Olivia is where you should head. Their pizza selection is divine and with their location right by the harbor of Stavanger, it’s the perfect place for people watching too. Just beware of the seagulls who might try to get their share!

Fisketorget

You might want to try some Norwegian cuisine while you’re here and what better way to do so than to try some traditional fish soup? Fisketorget at the harbor is by far the most popular place in Stavanger for this – they even have a counter running of how many liters of fish soup they’ve served that day and month! 

Kanelsnurren

Norway does produce some delicious pastry! Definitely head to Kanelsnurren to try one of their cinnamon rolls – the café is named after them, so you can only expect them to be yummy. They also serve delicious sunshine rolls ( solskinnboller ), and with their location on the market square, you can easily spend an hour here just watching the world go by.  

Sirkus Renaa

From the owners of one of Stavanger’s three Michelin star restaurants, Sirkus Renaa is a more affordable place to grab a bite that still doesn’t compromise on the quality of the food. They have two cafés in the city and both locations tend to be jam-packed by locals, which is always a good sign!

Their sourdough pizza is equally as delicious as their croissants, and they serve organic drinks alongside their food. They also have amazing gelato, so make sure to leave some space for that as well!

This is for all the vegans out there! Bellies is a 100% vegan restaurant in Stavanger’s hip East where you’ll be served a full 7 course menu completely based on seasonal, local and plant-based ingredients – all the wine served is vegan too. A full course lasts around 2,5 hours, but you can also head here for lunch if you fancy something simpler.  

How to get to Stavanger

Stavanger has direct routes to/from Oslo, Bergen and Kristiansand (SAS, Norwegian and Widerøe respectively), as well as Trondheim (SAS). And with Stavanger being the oil capital of Norway, there’s also a decent selection of direct flight routes from abroad, including:

– Amsterdam (KLM) – Copenhagen (SAS, Norwegian) – London (Norwegian, SAS, Wizz Air) – Frankfurt (Lufthansa) – Barcelona (Norwegian) – Stockholm (SAS)

A cheaper way of getting to Stavanger is taking the ferry – either from Bergen if you’re on a mission to explore all of Western Norway, or from Hirtshals if you’re driving up from Denmark/mainland Europe. The ferry between Bergen and Stavanger takes approximately 5 hours and tickets can be found starting at 250 NOK (excluding a car), while the ride across the North Sea from Denmark takes 11 ½ hours.  

By train/bus

If you’re already travelling around Norway and want to make Stavanger one stop on your journey, you could also take the train/bus from Oslo or Kristiansand, or the bus from Bergen. While the ferry from Bergen is a cheaper and more comfortable way of travelling, you might want to see more of the coastline of the country, in which case the Kystbussen bus could be a good alternative. It also has the advantage of taking you right to the city center of Stavanger, while the ferry only stops in neighbouring Tananger and you have to take an additional 30 minute bus ride from there into town.  

Coming from Eastern/Southern Norway, you can take the train from Oslo or Kristiansand. The journey from Kristiansand takes a mere 3 hours while the journey from Oslo takes 8 hours. Train tickets are most affordable when bought about 3 months in advance.  

There’s also a bus service running from Oslo/Kristiansand to Stavanger, but journey times and prices are roughly the same, so I’d opt for the train, as it’s more comfortable.

Where to stay in Stavanger

You’re going to want to plan your accommodation well in advance when visiting Stavanger, as it’s not uncommon for the city’s hotels to all fully book out. Don’t worry, I’m including tips for where to look if the city center is fully booked, but if you want your first choice of hotels definitely book your Stavanger hotels early. Like right now! 

Hotel Victoria

Fancy a stay at a hotel that first opened its doors in 1900? Hotel Victoria has been completely refurbished since that time, but the charm of the old days remains. With its location right by the harbor of Stavanger and an exquisite afternoon tea that oftentimes is booked out months in advance, you can be sure that a stay at this hotel is money well spent.   Check current rates and availability here.

Clarion Collection Hotel Skagen Brygge

A slightly more affordable option just down the road, so equally central, is Hotel Skagen Brygge. Located in traditional fisherman buildings and with a stunning view of the harbor, a room here comes with breakfast, afternoon tea and even a simple dinner!  Check current rates and availability here.

Radisson Blu Atlantic Hotel

Stavanger’s fanciest modern hotel is worth the splurge. Situated just down the road of the train station, the hotel comes with a sauna, a barbecue restaurant, a fantastic view over the small lake Breiavatnet, and an excellent selection of cocktails at the hotel bar.   Check current rates and availability here.

Scandic Stavanger City

If you’re looking for something slightly more affordable but with an amazing breakfast buffet and a location in the center of the city, Scandic Stavanger City is a great choice. Pro tip: You can rent their bikes for free, and that way explore even more of the city.  Check current rates and availability here. 

Clarion Hotel Energy

Situated a 10-minute bus journey from the city center but within walking distance to the Swords in Rock monument, Clarion Hotel Energy usually has availability when all the hotels in the city center have been long booked out, and the hotel comes with decent sized rooms and a great breakfast buffet for an affordable rate. Check current rates and availability here. 

Smarthotel Forus

If you don’t mind staying in Stavanger’s neighbouring city Sandnes and want to save money, Smarthotel Forus is a good option. With a 30-minute bus journey to Stavanger, you do have to travel a fair bit to see it all, but at least you can save quite a bit of money for more Norway adventures. More advantages of staying here: Smarthotel Forus is Norway’s first and only street art hotel with street art that can be found both, on the outside and inside of the hotel, and parking here is free! Check current rates and availability here. 

Related Posts

Reader Interactions

Get updates.

Subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive updates and stories from my world travels and life in Norway!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Once a full-time nomad, I'm now trying to find a balance between continuing to explore off the beaten path places around the world while also building a home in Norway. Want to know more? Head to my About page !

COME AND GET IT!

Subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive updates and stories from my world travels and life in Norway:

Stavanger: Customized Private Tour with a Local

• Local guide ("Lokafyer"
• Customized private walking tour
• Personal expenses
• Tips and gratuities (optional)
• Optional activity costs
• Food and drinks
• Transportation to/from attractions (It’s a walking tour, car transportation isn’t included)
• Sjøfartsmonumentet, Skagenkaien, 4006 Stavanger, Norway Travelers can request the tour to start from any centrally located hotel. In case your hotel is outside the city center we will select a convenient meeting point in the city center. Tour may end at a different location from the departure point unless requested in advance of the tour.
• Stavanger, Norway Tour may end at a different location from the departure point, unless requested in advance of the tour.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Lokafy tours provide a general overview of the city with practical information from a local’s perspective, not detailed historical facts
• In case travellers would like to include a visit to an attraction, they would need to cover the cost of entrance for themselves and also the Lokafyer (local guide)
• Tours are entirely personalized, please provide the start time, meeting place and information about you so that we can organize the tour
• This is a walking tour. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
• Children below 3 years old are free of charge
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Most travelers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Sjøfartsmonumentet Skagenkaien, 4006 Stavanger, Norway Travelers can request the tour to start from any centrally located hotel. In case your hotel is outside the city center we will select a convenient meeting point in the city center. Tour may end at a different location from the departure point unless requested in advance of the tour. See address & details
• Pass by Sjøfartsmonumentet
• You'll end at Stavanger Stavanger, Norway Tour may end at a different location from the departure point, unless requested in advance of the tour. See address & details

More to explore in Stavanger

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Buy it with

Stavanger: Customized Private Tour with a Local provided by Lokafy

Free Walking Tour Stavanger

Free walking tour Stavanger takes you through the coastal city of Savanger in the south-west of Norway, known for its rich maritime history, stunning natural landscapes and vibrant cultural scene. With its picturesque old town and charming harbor, Stavanger offers a unique blend of history, culture and adventure, making it a popular destination for both tourists and locals alike. Visitors can explore the city’s fascinating museums, sample local seafood and craft beer, or venture into the nearby fjords for breathtaking views and outdoor activities.

General information

Meet your guide at the Stavanger Cathedral.

11:00 am / 5:00 pm

Tip only basis. It is recommended to tip your guide from 10 to 20 euros per person.

This tour requires a booking fee. Tours often sell out and no-shows are costly to our business. Remember that the booking fee of 2.5 USD per person is not the gratuity. The gratuity must be given to the tour guide at the end of the activity.

Free Walking Tour Stavanger – Itinerary

Free walking tour Stavanger take visitors to explore the city’s charming streets and historical landmarks, as well as experience its lively atmosphere and bustling atmosphere.

Some of the must-see stops during a walking tour in Stavanger include the Old Stavanger neighborhood, the Stavanger Cathedral, and the Museum of Archaeology, which is dedicated to the city’s Viking heritage.

Read more...

Additionally, visitors can stroll along the picturesque harbor and take in the stunning views of the nearby fjords, or visit the nearby Maritime Museum to learn about the city’s long history of seafaring.

Whether exploring the city with Free Tour Stavanger or taking in the views from one of the many restaurants or cafes, Stavanger is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Norway.

Book this tour now

An amazing guided private walking tour of Stavanger.

• Professional licensed guide
• All fees and taxes
• Transportation
• Food and drinks
• Entrance tickets
• Entry/Admission - Norwegian Petroleum Museum
• Entry/Admission - Stavanger Cathedral
• Entry/Admission - Ledaal
• Stavanger port authority, Strandkaien 46, 4005 Stavanger, Norway
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.
• Norwegian Petroleum Museum
• Gamle Stavanger
• Stavanger Cathedral
• Ovre Holmegate

Similar experiences

• You'll get picked up See departure details
• 1 Norwegian Petroleum Museum Stop: 30 minutes - Admission excluded See details
• 2 Ovre Holmegate Stop: 30 minutes See details
• 3 Valbergtarnet Stop: 30 minutes See details
• 4 Stavanger Cathedral Stop: 30 minutes - Admission excluded See details
• 5 Gamle Stavanger Stop: 30 minutes See details
• 6 Ledaal Stop: 30 minutes - Admission excluded See details
• You'll return to the starting point

• AlanMichaelWard 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A trip out of central Stavanger to see the “Sverd i fjell” ~ Swords in Rock. This iconic attraction is a commemorative monument to the historic battle of Hafrsfjord in the year 872. The battle resulted with King Harald Fairhair unifying all of Norway under one crown. The three bronze swords stand 10m high on the banks of Hafrsfjord which lies to the west of central Stavanger. Read more Written 12 February 2024
• PCVagabond 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Delightful walking tour Laura met us at the ship port. She was such a friendly knowledgeable fun guide. We saw the highlights around the city, learned history, saw varieties of housing, art and design etc. Stopped for a coffee and a waffle . Thoroughly enjoyed this walking tour and recommend it. Read more Written 25 August 2023

More to explore in Stavanger

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

An amazing guided private walking tour of Stavanger. provided by Uopera tours

Account Options