If you’re planning your first trip to Stavanger, Norway, it’s a great idea to get familiar with the must-see attractions in and around the town. While we’ve put together a list of fantastic things to do in Stavanger, remember that this picturesque region has so much more to offer. To ensure you don’t miss out on the main highlights and make the most of your visit, keep reading!
Lysefjord is one of the most stunning fjords in Norway, known for its spectacular panoramic views and tranquil scenery. It’s a top highlight that draws countless visitors each year. The best and most common way to experience Lysefjord is by taking a boat tour. Regular ferries connect various small towns along the fjord, but it’s often simpler, nicer, and just as affordable to take the Lysefjord cruise departing from Stavanger. This cruise takes you deep into the mesmerizing fjord, letting you admire the sheer cliffs, including the famous Pulpit Rock, which towers over 600 meters above the water. Along the way, you’ll pass by tiny islands, waterfalls, and caves. It’s truly a marvel to see!
Another iconic sight is Kjeragbolten, a boulder wedged between two cliffs nearly a kilometer above the fjord. This rock was deposited during the last glacial period around 50,000 B.C. When the Norwegian Glacier melted, the rock formations changed as the ice receded, and Kjeragbolten ended up securely wedged in its current position. Many people visit Kjerag to snap an epic photo on this boulder. The experience of standing on it is both dizzying and exhilarating!
One of the most popular hikes in Norway is the trek to Pulpit Rock. Many travelers come to Stavanger specifically for this hike. It’s a challenging yet unforgettable experience, and it will undoubtedly be a highlight of your Norwegian adventure. Even Tom Cruise featured Pulpit Rock in his film Mission Impossible: Fallout, hanging from it by a thread!
While in Stavanger, you should also explore Gamle Stavanger, the old part of town. This small historic area is filled with beautifully restored wooden buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries. Originally home to workers from the sardine canning industry, about 170 houses in this protected area have been wonderfully preserved. Strolling through this historic quarter with its white wooden houses, narrow streets, well-maintained gardens, empty benches, and colorful flowers feels like stepping back in time. It’s a fantastic way to experience authentic old Norway.
Don’t miss a visit to the Norwegian Petroleum Museum. Its unique architecture, designed to resemble an oil platform, makes it hard to overlook. However, there’s much more to this museum than its striking exterior. Inside, there’s plenty to see and do, which is why guidebooks and previous visitors often name it the best museum in Stavanger. You’ll learn all about oil and gain valuable insights into the significance of the petroleum industry in Norway. From near-poverty, this industry transformed Norway into one of the wealthiest countries in the world. The museum features models of oil ships and platforms, rigs with emergency slides, and even an escape room where you can experience the challenge of evacuating from a burning rig.