Stavanger – Travel guide at Wikivoyage

Stavanger – Travel guide at Wikivoyage
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58.963333
5.718889
From Wikivoyage
Europe
Nordic countries
Norway
Western Norway
Rogaland
Stavanger
Stavanger
Contents
Understand
Get in
2.1
By plane
2.2
By train
2.3
By bus
2.4
By car
2.5
By boat
Get around
3.1
By foot
3.2
By public transit
3.3
By bicycle or e-scooter
3.4
By taxi
See
4.1
Museums
4.2
Districts
4.3
Outside the central city
Do
Buy
Eat
7.1
Budget
7.2
Mid-range
7.3
Splurge
Drink
Sleep
9.1
Budget
9.2
Mid-range
9.3
Splurge
10
Stay safe
11
Cope
12
Go next
Stavanger
is
Norway
's fourth largest city, at almost 150,000 residents (2023). It is the largest city in, and the administrative centre of,
Rogaland
county in
West Norway
. Stavanger is the centre of the Norwegian oil industry and has the only petroleum museum in Norway. It also has a preserved
old town
on the west side of a charming waterfront. Stavanger cathedral is largely unchanged since early 12th century and the best preserved cathedral in Norway.
Understand
edit
Stavanger sits on the northern part of the Jæren flatland just south of the wide Boknafjord. Stavanger has a mild, humid Atlantic climate. There is less rain (1180 millimeter annually) but more wind than in Bergen. All months are on average above 0°C, January and February around 0.5°C on average. Snowfall occurs, but snow rarely stays for a long time. There is rarely deep frost.
North Sea offshore oil and gas dominate Stavanger's economy.
Stavanger is the fourth largest city in Norway, and third largest metropolitan area when nearby Sandnes, Randaberg and Sola are included with a total of some 240,000 people. Stavanger is Norway's most densely populated city. Until around 1950 Stavanger was a typical industrial city with ship yards and Norway's canning capital. During the 1960s Stavanger became an economic backwater and one of the poorest cities in Norway. When the large Ekofisk offshore oil field was discovered in 1969 south-west of Stavanger a new era for the city and for the country began. Ekofisk was at that time the world's largest offshore oilfield. The influx of oil workers, engineering firms and the establishment of headquarters for Norway's oil industry changed the city into Norway's richest.
Development of offshore oil production in the North Sea involved many engineering achievements in Stavanger, notably the huge
condeep
platforms (
concrete deep water structure
). These condeep platforms are the biggest objects moved by humans. The Troll A platform is almost 500 m, notably bigger than the Empire State building in New York and taller than the Eiffel tower.
Stavanger is one of Norway's oldest cities and Stavanger or nearby area was a centre of power during the Viking ages. Stavanger became a catholic diocese around 1120 (when the southern part of Western Norway split from Bergen diocese) and the cathedral was founded. The first bishop was probably Reinald, a monk from England.
Get in
edit
The very centre of Stavanger: The harbour (Vågen) and Breiavatnet lake from air
2022 Stavanger City Map
By plane
edit
58.876667
5.637778
Stavanger Airport, Sola
SVG
IATA
a 20 minute drive from Stavanger
).
Stavanger airport is the third largest in Norway, at Sola, some 15 km from central Stavanger. There are frequent domestic services from Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim. Coming from abroad, SAS and KLM serve Stavanger with multiple daily flights from their hubs in Copenhagen and Amsterdam respectively. As of 2026, Stavanger is also served by Lufthansa from Frankfurt, LOT Polish Airlines from Warsaw and Finnair from Helsinki and Stockholm.
updated Dec 2025
Airport Shuttle Buses
(online 179 kr one way, 264 kr return, 127 kr child/student/senior/military personnel, more expensive if purchased from the driver, 25 minutes)
run to downtown Stavanger every 20 minutes (frequencies may be lower during early morning, late night, weekends and holidays, inquire online).
A slower but cheaper option is to use
bus line 42
from the airport with destination Sandnes, departing every 15 minutes (less often on Sundays and during holidays), then transfer to a bus towards Stavanger city centre (49 kr, see
Stavanger#By public transit
for information on how to purchase a ticket). The best option is to transfer to
line 5
or
line 3
at Koppholen. A second alternative is to transfer to
line
at Sande terasse. A 3rd alternative is boarding a bus with destination Tananger from the airport and transfer to
line
at Tjora. Upcoming bus stops are shown on a display on board the bus. These lines are served by low floor city buses with no dedicated space for luggage.
Haugesund Airport, Karmøy
HAU
IATA
) (occasionally referred to as Helganes by Haugesund locals) is served by some charter flights and seasonal Norwegian flights from a couple of international destinations, as well as domestic flights from Oslo and Bergen.
Travelling from Haugesund Airport to Stavanger should take around two hours (private car). There is a ferry crossing on the way, charging 172 kr if you bring a private vehicle up to 6
m.
By train
edit
There are 7 daily round trips by long distance train from
Oslo
(8 hours) via
Kristiansand
(3-3.5 hours) including a night service, in addition to a daily roundtrip from Kristiansand. A full price ticket in second class bought on board the train will cost around 1400 kr from Oslo and 700 kr from Kristiansand. As elsewhere in Europe, booking online in advance will be considerably cheaper, with prices starting at 299 kr. Bookings can be made online with the train operator,
Go Ahead Nordic
or with the national ticketing company,
Entur
58.966944
5.731944
Stavanger Main station
next to the bus terminal
).
updated Dec 2025
By bus
edit
Stavanger Bus Terminal is next to Stavanger Main Station.
The following companies operate long distance express buses to Stavanger from
Bergen
(4.5-5-5 hours) and from
Oslo
(8-9 hours) via
Kristiansand
(3.5-4 hours):
Nor-Way Bussekspress
Vy Buss
FlixBus
Vy Buss has one daily departure from Ørsta via Volda,
Stryn
Førde
and Bergen, providing connections to most of western Norway.
From Bergen, express bus is the primary mode of public transport. Nor-Way Bussekspress offers the highest frequency, with up to 14 departures daily. Departures branded "Strake veien" have a travel time of 4 hours 20 minutes, as they make limited stops en route, only serve stops close to the highway, and skip
Haugesund
altogether. Regular services have longer overall travel time, but serve the city centres of Haugesund and
Leirvik.
Ferries on the route are included in the bus ticket where applicable. Passengers will sit on the bus for boarding and deboarding, but are usually required to leave the bus and stay on passenger decks during ferry crossings.
From Kristiansand and Oslo, express buses serve as a potentially cheaper alternative to the train, but can also be the most efficient connection when travelling from the coastal cities and towns in between, as the train mostly travels through the sparsely populated inland.
By car
edit
Road 13 connects Stavanger to Ryfylke through the Ryfylketunnelen, at 14 km this is the world's longest subsea road tunnel.
E39
is the primary north-south route in western Norway, and the fastest route from
Kristiansand
or
Bergen
Rv. 13 from
Sogndal
Voss
and
Hardanger
via Ryfylke. This is the slower but more scenic route from the north.
The primary route from Oslo is along the coast on
E18
to Kristiansand, then onwards to Stavanger on E39. It is also possible to drive
E134
and fv. 45 for a more scenic route, which may even be faster if coming from northern or western areas of
East Norway
. Generally not suitable for heavy vehicles. This route involves the mountain pass fv. 450 Brokke-Suleskard, which is
closed
for 6-9 months of the year during winter. See
Driving in Norway#Winter closure
By boat
edit
Fjord Line
operates a daily overnight cruise ferry from
Hirtshals
in
Denmark
to Stavanger, and onwards to
Bergen
. Tickets are sold from both Hirtshals and Bergen, and are cheaper with advance bookings. Prices tend to up during the summer, especially when travelling with a car.
Departures from Bergen are in the early morning, with a 14:00 return for an evening arrival in Stavanger. Journey time is 5 hr 30 min, plus 30-60 minutes for check-in and boarding. Passenger tickets are often cheaper than express buses.
A seat or cabin reservation is mandatory on trips from Hirtshals, but optional for journeys between Bergen and Stavanger. The currency on board is Danish kroner (DKK), even on the domestic segment. The duty free store will only serve passengers who present a boarding card to/from Hirtshals, but restaurants and bars are open to domestic passengers.
Buses connect the Fjord Line terminal in Hirtshals to Hirtshals station and the
Danish railway network
, as well as to
Aalborg
. In Bergen, the ship calls at the Hurtigrutenterminal in the city centre. This provides an opportunity to connect to the
Hurtigruten
, and continue further north towards
Trøndelag
and
Northern Norway
. Travellers that arrive to Bergen with the ferry from Stavanger on the same day can check in their luggage with Hurtigruten shortly after arrival, then spend the day in Bergen before their evening departure.
The ferry docks at
58.92106
5.5824
Risavika International Ferry Terminal
updated Dec 2025
are a 20 minute drive from the city centre. Foot passengers may use bus line 2, which calls outside the terminal and takes 37 minutes to the centre. (49 kr, see
Stavanger#By public transit
for information on how to purchase a ticket).
Passenger boats from
Ryfylke
call at
58.97196
5.73928
Fiskepirterminalen
updated Dec 2025
, in the northeastern corner of the city centre.
Get around
edit
'"`UNIQ--maplink-0000001E-QINU`"'
Map of Stavanger
By foot
edit
The most scenic and interesting part of Stavanger for visitors is the waterfront area of town surrounding the inner harbor like a big "U", all of which is quite walkable. On the west side of the inner harbor is the old town with two museums. Also the
Tourist Information Office
in Stavanger is located at Strandkaien, next to the harbor between the cruise pier and the historic Old Stavanger. The TI office, open 08:00 - 18:00 in the summer, is a good source of free advice, brochures, maps, and wifi. On the east side is also lots of shops and restaurants, as well as the Petroleum Museum. At the bottom of the "U" is the market plaza and the Stavanger Cathedral. South of the Cathedral is the man-made Lake Breiavatnet, which separates the harbour area from the train and bus stations and more museums. To go much farther afield, some form of transportation might be useful.
By public transit
edit
Public transit in Stavanger consists of bus, railway and passenger boats. Fares and schedules are organised by the transit authority,
Kolumbus
Adult fares for 1 zone, 2026
Type of ticket
Price
Single ticket
49 kr
Daily pass (24 hours)
133 kr
Weekly pass (7 days)
354 kr
Monthly pass (30 days)
903 kr
Reduced tickets for children, students and seniors are approximately half the adult price. On weekends and after 17:00 on weekdays, 2 adults and 3 children may travel on a single adult ticket.
Tickets can be purchased in a variety of ways:
The Kolumbus Billett app
This is the primary way to purchase tickets. Single tickets, as well as daily, weekly and monthly passes are available in the app for any number of zones, with any kind of concession. Virtually all trips within Stavanger,
Sandnes
, Sola and Randaberg are in the Nord-Jæren zone. You can select zone(s) manually, or enter your origin and destination in order for the app to figure out the appropriate zones required. The app can also be used to locate and unlock Kolumbus e-bikes. 15 minutes of use is free with a valid ticket in the app.
The Kolumbus app
This app charges a distance based fare based on geolocation. Press the "Payment" button before boarding. The app will automatically detect where you get off. Journeys with transfer will be charged as a single ticket, but you need to press "Payment" when boarding a new vehicle. The fare is capped at the price of a zone based ticket for the same journey. Buying tickets in this app is cheaper than regular, zone based single tickets for shorter journeys, and should be the same price at max. The primary disadvantages is that tickets bought through this app are not valid for e-bikes, do not allow for return trips on the same ticket, and that the app may refuse to work if hardware access and battery management settings on your phone are not set up correctly.
Smart card
Costs 50 kr and can be bought onboard the bus (cash only) or at customer service centres. The card can either be preloaded with money that will be deducted for each trip, or it can contain a daily/weekly/monthtly pass. For pay-as-you-go, you can set your standard zone(s), and the approppriate fare will automatically be deducted when you tap in. There is no tapping out. If you need a different fare from your standard, tell the driver before tapping your card.
Ticket machines
A viable alternative at railway stations, but not if starting the journey by bus, as very few bus stops are equipped with ticket machines.
From the bus driver
Costs 20 kr extra, meaning 69 kr for an adult ticket. 10 kr extra for reduced tickets. Cash only, as payment cards such as Visa and MasterCard are not accepted onboard.
The fare system covers the green and white city buses, the green and grey local trains, as well as passenger boat line 800 to Byøyene and
Hommersåk
and the Vassøy ferry. Blue long distance trains cannot be used with Kolumbus tickets. Passenger boats to
Ryfylke
are organised by Kolumbus, but use a separate fare structure.
Buses in the city center stop along
Breiavatnet
and the bus terminal. Buses are modern and most have areas for wheelchairs and baby carriages.
By bicycle or e-scooter
edit
Stavanger boasts one of the most ambitious bicycle super highways in Scandinavia (Norwegian: Sykkelstamvegen), with the final section scheduled to open in 2026. The system is completely fenced off from cars and pedestrians, and have limited access ramps. This enables quick and comfortable journeys between Stavanger, the Forus business district and Sandnes.
Bicycle infrastructure throughout the rest of the city varies from excellent to an afterthought, but is present for trips anywhere. Bicycle routes that are designated as part of the city's official network are
named and signposted
Two companies are licenced to operate rental e-scooters in Stavanger:
Voi
Ryde
Central Stavanger has designated parking areas for rental e-scooters. Use common sense in the rest of the city.
Improper parking will result in a fine of 900 kr.
The public transit authority, Kolumbus, operates a system of rental e-bikes. Trips must start and end at official charging stations, but the bicycles can be locked for intermediate stops anywhere. Charging stations in some areas can be empty at certain times, so keep a backup transport plan. The Kolumbus Billett app is used to locate and unlock e-bikes. The price is 10 kr + 1.50 kr per minute. The first 15 minutes of each rental is free with a valid public transit ticket in the app (including for holders of daily, weekly or monthly passes), then 1.50 kr per minute after the first 15 minutes.
By taxi
edit
Stavanger has different taxi companies, all charging high rates. A typical daytime rate is 35 kr flagfall, 7 kr/started 500 m and 8 kr/started minute, minimum 110 kr total payable. Expect a surcharge of about 25% in evening/night/Saturday and a surcharge of about 45% for Sunday. You can use credit cards to pay through the taxi meters.
During weekends there can be long lines for taxis in downtown area. Try walking out of the city centre and hailing a vacant cab on its way back to downtown.
Norgestaxi
Smart phone app offers address based routing and calculates price according to them.
updated Aug 2020
MiljøTaxi Stavanger
+47 51 58 66 66
post@mtaxi.no
updated Aug 2020
Jip
Smart phone app offers address-based routing and calculates price according to them.
updated Feb 2021
Uber
See
edit
Sverd i Fjell
Stavanger Cathedral, east end
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Stavanger Cathedral
Stavanger domkirke
south of inner harbour
).
Stavanger Cathedral (Romanesque style from about 1125, with later Gothic additions) is the best preserved medieval cathedral in Norway and well worth a visit. The church patron saint is Saint Svithun. The pulpit was made by Andrew Smith in the 1650s and the stained glass by Victor Sparre in 1957.
Gamle Stavanger (Old Town)
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Gamle Stavanger
Old Stavanger
west of inner harbour
).
Gamle Stavanger is a well preserved slice of Norwegian history. Old winding streets and wooden houses are representative of accommodation from Stavangers days as the canning capital of Norway. Most houses in Old Stavanger are privately owned and well kept.
updated Jul 2017
58.972714
5.733493
Fargegaten
the coloured street
),
Øvre Holmegate
east of inner harbourː walk straight out from the back of the cinema/library for a couple of minutes
).
Street with vibrantly coloured houses, having some of Stavanger's best cafes and shops..
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5.758597
Tou Scene
Tou scene
).
Old beer factory renovated as a cultural centre. They hold art exhibitions, concerts and any other culture event. Check their website for upcoming events.
Sculptures
- In 2000 the mobile installation
Another Place
by British sculptor Anthony Gormley was placed on and off Sola beach. A few years later a new and permanent installation
Broken Column
, by the same artist, was placed at various locations surrounding the centre of Stavanger.
58.97056
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St. Petri Church
Red brick church built in 1866.
updated Jan 2026
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5.73004
MS Rogaland
Coastal steamer built in 1929. One of the two historical ships docked in the city centre.
updated Jan 2026
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MS Sandnes
The other historical ship docked in the city centre. Built in 1950.
updated Jan 2026
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Valbergtårnet
Tower used by the fire watch in the 1800s. Sits on a small hill with a view of the inner harbour.
updated Jan 2026
Museums
edit
58.97246
5.72512
Norwegian Canning Museum
also part of MUST
),
Øvre Strandgate 88
west of inner harbor in Old Stavanger
),
+47 51 84 27 00
post@museumstavanger.no
Summerː open daily 10:00 - 16:00
Housed in an authentic cannery that was in operation from 1916 until 1958, the Canning Museum may not seem like the most interesting place to visit, but it is a surprisingly good little museum with a lot of hands-on exhibits. Next to the museum is the Worker's cottage, an authentic 1800s house built in regency style architecture, with the first floor interior decorated c.1920 and the second floor c.1960. Tickets are valid to all open Museums the same day in MUST, which includes the Stavanger Maritime Museum and the Norwegian Canning Museum in Old Stavanger. Stavanger Museum and the Norwegian Children’s Museum, Stavanger Art Museum next to the lake Mosvatnet, and Stavanger School Museum in Hillevåg.
Adult 90 kr, children 4-18/student 50 kr, pensioners 50 kr
updated Jul 2017
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10
Stavanger Maritime Museum
part of MUST
),
Strandkaien 22
west of inner harbor in south end of Old Stavanger
).
Tu-Su 10:00 - 16:00, M closed
Free audio guide to take you through the entire museum, available upon request at the reception in German, English and Norwegian.
Adult 170 kr, children 4-18/student free
updated Jan 2026
Fargegaten (The Color Street)
Norwegian Oil Museum, view from seaside
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11
Norwegian Oil Museum
Norsk Oljemuseum
),
Kjeringholmen in central Stavanger waterfront
east of inner harborː Follow Skagenkaien and the Blue Promenade along Vågen to Børevigå.
).
Jun-Augː daily 10:00-19:00; Jan-Mayː M-Sa 10:00-16:00, Su 10:00-18:00
The Norwegian Oil Museum is a very interesting building with fascinating information on Norway's oil industry, which got its start on Christmas eve 1969. Displays of submersibles, drilling equipment, a mock oil platform, and audio-visual presentations make for a good few hours. The museum caters to all ages.
Adults 180 kr, children 60 kr, families (two adults and three children) 420 kr, students 90 kr; pensioners 140 kr
updated Jan 2026
58.96354
5.73031
12
Museum of Archeaology
Arkeologisk Museum, University of Stavanger
),
Peder Klowsgate 30 A
from the train station, continue up Muségata and turn right at Stavanger museum onto Peder Klowsgate; you will then see the flag of The Museum of Archaeology on your left
).
Sep-Apr: Tu-F 10:00-15:00, M closed; May-Aug: daily 10:00-16:00
Collection of archaeological and natural history objects from the county of Rogaland. Gives an introduction to Rogaland’s prehistory from the Stone, Bronze and Viking Ages, and up to the end of the Middle Ages. Café and museum shop.
Adults 100 kr, seniors 40 kr
updated Jan 2026
Stavanger Kunstmuseum
(art museum, part of MUST) is on Mosvatnet Lake, only 2 km from the city center. The museum has a permanent exhibition of Norwegian art, and a rotating exhibition that is sometimes quite spectacular. Be sure to see the Lars Hertervig paintings; you'll see the landscape of the islands just north of Stavanger reflected in his work.
58.96472
5.73309
13
Stavanger museum
Muségt. 16
This location covers 3 distinct topics: the history of Stavanger, the museum of natural history and the Norwegian Children's museum.
updated Jan 2026
Districts
edit
Stavanger boasts the largest collection of wooden houses in Europe (Norwegian: trehusbyen, the wooden city). Gamle Stavanger is the oldest district that has been preserved, but much of the designated wooden city that exists today consist of housing built between the mid 1800s and the mid 1900s. Common styles of the period are Swiss, Art Nouveau, and the unique local blend,
Swiss Noveau
(Norwegian: sveitserjugend). Below are some quintessential districts close to the city centre.
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14
Storhaug
This district immediately east of the city centre used to be the home of the working class. These days, it is a dense, gentrified neigbourhood, popular with artists and creative professionals. Pedersgata, extending east from St. Petri Church, is renowned for its variety of international cuisine.
updated Jan 2026
58.96614
5.72137
15
Eiganes
Traditionally where factory owners, ship owners, and other members of the upper class lived. This district is dominated by stately homes with large, well-kept gardens, particularly along Eiganesveien. Some of the larger estates are publicly owned, such as Breidablikk, and Ledaal, the royal residence of Stavanger.
updated Jan 2026
58.961
5.73036
16
Våland
updated Jan 2026
Outside the central city
edit
58.9413
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17
Three Swords
(Sverd i fjell, literally
Sword in Mountain
) A monument outside the centre of Stavanger, beside the Hafrsfjord. The swords themselves are massive and in the background is the fjord. The monument commemorates the battle of Hafrsfjord in the late 800s where Harald Hårfagre beat his eastern opposition and became the first King of Norway.
Stavanger Botanic Garden
dead link
, a botanic garden and parkland.
Do
edit
Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)
Kjerag
The seasons control what to do in Stavanger. Stavanger has a maritime climate, with cool summers and mild winters. Summers features periods of warm and nice weather, although they sometimes can be rainy. Winters usually mean more rain than snow in Stavanger, although going into the mountains will ensure snow.
Hiking
and
climbing
around Stavanger is the best way to see the fantastic landscape. Many of the trails have been marked out by the Turistforetning with rocks bearing a red "T".
Turistforening hyttes
(cabins) provide simple accommodation in the mountains. Also mountain bikes can be hired and taken on the trails.
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5.730966
Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)
The Preikestolen Plateau (the Pulpit Rock) is one of the most famous attractions in Norway. To get to it, there is a 4-km (one-way) out and back trail that has very steep grades, and an elevation gain of 600 m (approx 1800 feet). The hike is not to be attempted without layered clothing, and proper footwear. Every year, people have to be rescued after getting themselves into bad situations, and there have even been fatalities.
During the tourist season, one can simply follow the crowd ahead of you. The trail is also marked (on boulders using spray paint) but these are sometimes hard to see, particularly in poor weather conditions / lighting.
There are a few bus services starting from Stavanger, that offer drop off and pick up from the start of the trail - but check timings carefully. Once the last bus leaves, the only options may be a very expensive taxi ride back to Stavanger.
58.966954
5.733503
Bus to Kjerag
Wedged in a mountain crevice sits the Kjerag Boulder, suspended nearly 1,000m above sea level
Hundvåg near the city centre.
Rennesøy island north of the centre
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5.767659
Hiking trail from Rosenli Beach to Godalen Beach
The east coastline in Stavanger is a large recreation area. It's a 2.8-km-long trail that is considered perhaps the finest in Stavanger – it passes bays and promontories, sheltered coves with sandy beaches, rock slopes and popular bathing areas.
58.954071
5.756808
Swim at Godalen Beach
Popular bathing area including a beach, barbecue facilities and play area for children. Kiosk open on warm days. It is part of the hiking area near Gandsfjorden. About 40 min walk from the centre, 20 min from Stavanger Øst.
58.961629
5.767758
Swim at Rosenli Beach
Less crowded beach, also with BBQ facilities.
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5.760331
Swim at Lervig's Park
(The area is under development as of 2022).
Island hopping
(Byøyene). You can take a ferry from Fiskepiren to some of the islands around Stavanger. There are marked hiking trails in some of them, and it's popular among locals for swimming and BBQ. Some of the nicest islands are Lindøy, Langøy or Kalvøy.
Sola Beach
is a long sandy beach by the airport. It is very popular in the summer and allows for some small waves for surfing. Along the beach, in the dunes, are the remains of defences from the 1940-45 occupation. Other less populated beaches are all along the coastline although they are sometimes hard to find.
Surf
- The beaches around Stavanger have some of the best surfing conditions in Norway. Relatively warm water and small wave sizes are good reasons to try it for the first time. Especially good beaches are Sola, Hellestø, Bore and Brusand. Check out
the surf school
dead link
Kayak
- It's possible to kayak all around the east side as well as the area where the three swords are.
Rogaland Aktiv
dead link
organizes some trips.
Ice skating on Stokkavannet
- In the depths of winter the government tests the ice on its lakes. Once the official word is given many Norwegians will head for the largest lake, Stokkavannet. The lake itself is located near to Madla about 20 minutes walk/5 minutes bus ride outside of Stavanger. Should the ice not be safe, and you have a compulsion to skate, another option is to visit the Siddishallen, an indoor ice-rink.
Football:
Viking FK
play soccer in Eliteserien, Norway's top tier. Viking Stadion (aka SR-Bank Arena, capacity 15,900) is 6 km south of city centre next to Jåttåvågen railway station; it was built in 2004 and has hosted junior internationals. The football season is April-Nov.
Buy
edit
Pewter serving utensils
at several shops in town that will also sell other tourist things. They are pretty to look at, coming in several different designs, and practical to use. The cheese slicer (ostehovel) is most traditional, and the fish server (fiskespade) is something rarely seen outside of Norway.
There is a "Bunnpris" grocery store, in Nedre Holmegate 11, nearby the Petroleum Museum and Fargegaten ("The coloured street"). It is also open on Sundays.
Eat
edit
Around 1900 the fish canning business boomed and Stavanger had some 60 canning factories.
Stavanger is considered a great place for foodies, with a range of good restaurants and an annual food fair that fills up the harbour area for a week-end each summer. Eating out is generally not cheap, like everywhere in Norway. If you're on a budget you should go for the smaller ethnic restaurants (Chinese, Thai). Several excellent places exist for the traveller on an expense account - or if you want to spoil yourself or a loved one: Try Tango, NB Sørensens (upstairs restaurant) or Renaa.
Budget
edit
58.969522
5.75815
Fortou
Kvitsøygata 25
+47 923 28 862
Take-away "asian fusion" food. You can take the food, sit at Øst and order a hand-brewed beer
100-150 kr
58.97
5.74327
Sabi Sushi
Pedersgata 38
+47 90 40 60 70
M-Sa 11:00-22:00, Su 13:00-22:00
Probably the best sushi in Stavanger. Take-away and restaurant.
No 28 Pizza Pub
Øvre Holmegate 12
+47 51532828
stavanger@no28.no
It seats 200 people and has an additional bar. They make everything themselves, even the dough is made in house. They also serve babyback ribs.
200 kr
updated Jul 2015
Mid-range
edit
Straen Fiskerestaurant
Nedre Strandgate 13
+47 51 84 37 00
18:00-01:30
Considered one of the best seafood restaurants in Norway. However, they only have seafood, you will not be served meat or poultry.
58.970224
5.75259
Spildr
Ryfylkegata 33
+47 480 15 193
Seafood restaurant
58.969829
5.746519
Bravo
Pedersgata 71
+47 920 70 337
Small dishes with ingredients influenced by season, regularly change menu. In the Michelin guide.
58.96991
5.744404
Casa Gio
Pedersgata 48
+47 924 38 227
Very good quality and cosy Italian restaurant.
58.969406
5.735671
Söl
Hetlandsgata 6
+47 977 22 201
Seasonal set menu. In the Michelin guide..
58.968971
5.754949
Tako by Fortou
Ryfylkegata 22
+47 476 12 616
High-quality tacos and other Mexican food by the same guys of Fortou
200-300 kr
58.969106
5.753298
Ry
Ryfylkegata 11
+47 951 10 011
Indoor and outdoor with food, drinks, music and other events. Checkout their website for the upcoming events.
58.968153
5.756208
Brøl
Ryfylkegata 33
+47 479 32 000
Bistro with a focus on bar and sourdough
58.972976
5.733819
10
Kokko kaffebar
Østervåg 43
Specialty coffee, design and architecture
58.970557
5.737334
11
Micro Kaffi
Nykirkebakken 1
Great selection of specialty coffees.
58.969354
5.756337
12
Kafe Oransjeriet
Avaldsnesgata 95A
Plant-based cafe (opening late summer 2024)
58.968845
5.754824
13
Kanelsnurren Øst
Ryfylkegata 22
+47 413 78 032
Good place to have a coffee/tea and fresh bread, pastry or sandwiches.
58.968378
5.756172
14
Ostehuset Øst
Ryfylkegata 30
+47 518 64 010
Spacy and cosy place with good quality food, drinks, coffee, bread and cheese.
58.969822
5.743344
15
Jakob's Brød og Kafé
Pedersgata 39
+47 458 70 007
Excellent bakery and cafe in a cosy place.
Splurge
edit
58.973906
5.730837
16
Re-naa
Nordbøgata 8
+47 515 51 111
Innovative dishes inspired on the Norwegian nature. ★ ★ ★ 3 Michelin star
58.969718
5.745982
17
K2
Pedersgata 69
+47 979 56 120
Seasonal, local, organic food. ★ 1 Michelin star
58.969969
5.743353
18
Sabi Omakase
Pedersgata 38a
+47 925 43 781
Omakase sushi. ★ 1 Michelin star
58.971228
5.752084
19
Bellies
Støperigata 6
+47 51 32 88 95
Vegan high cuisine. Seasonal food, checkout the video in their website. In the Michelin guide.
58.967631
5.722577
20
Hermetikken
Niels Juels gate 50
Great selection of wines. ★ 1 Michelin star
Flor & Fjære
Hidle
by charter boat from Stavanger
),
+47 51 11 00 00
booking@florogfjare.no
Half restaurant half garden walk. Both are good, but the garden walk stands out as almost otherwordly, and even more so considering that you are in Norway. The 20 minute boat ride from downtown Stavanger is included in the price. Discounts for children and an appropriate kids menu.
1890
updated Aug 2025
Drink
edit
Stavanger has a varied and exciting nightlife, concentrated around
Vågen
(the bay) or a stones throw away. Even weekday nightlife is more vibrant in Stavanger than in most towns in Norway. The eastern rim of the bay gets the afternoon sun, and is the prime setting for an outdoor beer -weather allowing.
Folken
Student house
),
Løkkeveien 24
+47 51654444
11:00 - 01:30
Folken is by far the cheaper place to drink if you bring your Student Card. The music varies in both genre and loudness. Enjoy the summer in Folkens backyard!
low
Bøker og Børst (Books and Booze)
Café
),
Øvre Holmegate 32
+47 51 86 04 76
10:00 - 02:00
Definitely the most charming little café in all of Stavanger. Really nice atmosphere and interiors. The eccentrics' favorite.
On the western side you will find
Checkpoint Charlie
, a legendary hangout for rockers and students. It is also home to CCAP, a record label that hold Thomas Dybdahl and Popface in their expanding stable. Though its clientele has gradually gotten younger over the years (now around 18-22), it retains much of its old feel. 2 beers for the price of 1 on Thursdays (Lars Hertervigsgt. 5 4005 Stavanger,
+47 51532245
).
Another bar well worth the visit is
Cementen
. Situated on the third floor of a concrete building alongside the bay, it has a great view of inner city Stavanger. It is easy to find, just look for the cement mixer hanging from the outside wall 7 m above its entrance. Dance floor. (Nedre Strandgt.25, 4005 Stavanger)
For the see and be seen crowd,
Taket
is the place to go (Nedre Strandgt. 15, 4005 Stavanger
+41 51 84 37 01
).
With
Hall Toll
the Stavanger night scene has finally gotten a taste of cosmopolitan jet set, complete with bouncers and a separate VIP line at the entrance.
Clubbers are advised to seek out
Sting
, next to
Valbergstårnet
. It is a bit cramped, but they keep great DJs and the atmosphere is inviting. The first floor is cafe style, and basement is a night-club. The rooms to the right when you enter the cafè is traditionally for gay people. If you get tired from dancing there is a lounge area, Indian style, with lots of pillows to lie down on. (Valberget 3, 4006 Stavanger,
+41 51 89 32 84
, c-sting@online.no
dead link
Munken
(The Munk) is a traditional bar that serves beer, wine and spirits. Crowd varies a great deal in age (22-72), often many English speakers. Usually not very loud music. Free entrance. Prostebakken -in the Alley by the Dressmann haberdashery.
dead link
Nåløyet Bar
Nedre Strandgate 13
+47 51 84 37 00
Nåløyet is the closest thing to an everyday pub. The bar is open all days, and get packed on Fridays and Saturdays.
Bar Bache
Øvre Holmegate 5
Perhaps the cheapest Happy Hour in town! Tiny English style pub.
Cardinal
Skagen 21
+47 98204200
post@cardinal.no
Su-Th 15:00-01:30, F Sa 12:00-01:30
One of the best beer pubs in Norway, with a selection of about 500 beers in bottles, and 25 beers on tap. On the second floor cocktails are also available.
updated Mar 2016
58.969439
5.757914
Øst
Kvitsøygata 25
+47 934 31 691
Hand-brewed beer. They have about 10 different types of excellent beer written in a blackboard which they change every few days. You can order half glass if you want taste different types. A little pricey but really worth it!
58.968012
5.756523
Gimlet
Ryfylkegata 33
+47 913 21 082
Cocktail bar, specialized in nordic liquors and gins.
58.96901
5.757913
T-Time Vinbar
Kvitsøygata 25
Wines and vinyls.
Sleep
edit
This guide uses the following price ranges for a standard
double
room:
Budget
Under kr 600
Mid-range
kr 600-1100
Splurge
Over kr 1100
Budget
edit
Mosvangen camping
Tjensvoll 1B
+47 51 53 29 71
fax
+47 51 87 20 55
Check-in:
16:00-20:00
, check-out:
07:30-11:00
Tent + car 200 kr, tent 150 kr, cabins 450-650 kr
Centrum Romutleie
Baldersgata 7
1.4 km (0.9 mi) walk from bus/train station, 2 km/1,25 miles walk from city centre
),
+47 97 96 67 57
(17-20 GMT+1)
Check-in:
17:00-21:00
, check-out:
07:00-09:00
Clean, very basic room rental, one single and one double room available, sharing a bathroom, basic guest kitchen available for preparing breakfast.
Single 400 kr, double 500 kr
Mid-range
edit
Mosvangen vandrerhjem
Henrik Ibsens gate 19
4 km/2,5 miles walk from train/bus station, or bus no 9 daytime every 30 minutes
),
+47 51 54 36 36
Check-in:
16:00-22:00
, check-out:
07:00-10:00
Hostel of rather high standard, all bedrooms ensuite, basic guest kitchen. No alcohol allowed.
dormitory bed 315 kr, single room 495 (low season only), twin-bedded rom (bunk bed) 825, four-bedded room (two bunk beds) 1415, prices per Dec 2011 and incl bed linen, towel and basic breakfast buffet. Showing your own bed linen (Norwegian-sized blanket/pillow cover/duvet cover) + towel at check-in allows a discount (45/bed), also a 10% discount to members of HI International.
Rogalandsheimen Gjestgiveri
Muségata 18
0,4 km/0,25 mile walk from bus/train station, 1 km/0,6 mile walk from city centre
),
+47 51 52 01 88
fax
+47 51 53 69 36
Check-in:
16:00-22:00
, check-out:
07:00-11:00
Typical **(+)-hotel. All rooms with sink, no rooms ensuite, TV lounge with free wireless internet zone. No alcohol allowed.
single 700 kr, double 825, prices per Dec 2011 and incl Norwegian breakfast buffet.
Stavanger BB
Vikedalsgata 1A
0.6 km (0.4 mi) from bus/train station, 1.2 km (0.75 mi) from city centre
),
+47 51 52 25 00
Check-in:
16:00-22:00
, check-out:
07:00-11:00
Typical hotel. No rooms ensuite, all rooms with small TV sets.
Single 750-850 kr, double 850-890 kr
St Svithun vandrerhjem
Armauer Hansens vei 20
2.5 km (1.6 mi) walk from train/bus station, or bus no 11 (Monday-Saturday two departures/hour, Sunday hourly departure) direction
),
+47 51 51 26 00
Check-in:
16:00-22:00
, check-out:
07:00-10:00
Hostel of very high standard, totally comparable to ***-hotel except making your own bed is required. All bedrooms ensuite. Nice cafe and basic guest kitchen. No alcohol allowed.
single bed in four-bedded room 495 kr, twin-bedded room 1095, four-bedded room (two bunk beds) 1695, prices per Dec 2011 and incl bed linen, towel and large breakfast buffet. 10% discount to members of HI International if pre-booked by phone
Stavanger Lille Hotell
Madlaveien 7
0,6 km/0,35 miles walk from bus/train station, 1.2 km (0.75 mi) walk from city centre
),
+47 51 53 43 27
fax
+47 51 53 03 81
Check-in:
15:00-21:00
, check-out:
08:00-11:00
Typical ***(+)-hotel. Rather large rooms with TV/DVD and high quality beds. Economy rooms smaller, not ensuite, standard **+.
Single economy 770 kr, double standard for single use 1420, double economy 940, double standard 1490, double superior 1690, prices per Dec 2011 and incl breakfast buffet and wireless internet
Splurge
edit
dead link
Havly Hotell
Valberggata 1
heart of city centre, five minutes walk from bus/train station
),
+47 51 93 90 00
fax
+47 51 93 90 01
Check-in:
15:00
, check-out:
12:00
Typical ****(-)-hotel. Rooms with cable TV, telephone, coffee/tea maker, hair dryer, work desk, high quality beds. No alcohol allowed.
single standard 1260 kr, twin standard 1360, double standard 1360, prices pr Dec 2011 and incl breakfast buffet and wireless internet
Hotel Maritim
Kongsgata 32
three minutes walk from bus/train station, eight minutes walk from city centre
),
+47 51 85 05 00
Check-in:
15:00
, check-out:
12:00
Typical ****-hotel. Rooms with cable TV, telephone, hair dryer, work desk
double standard 1625 kr (single use 1325), double business 2125 (single use 1825), prices per Dec 2011 and incl breakfast buffet and wireless internet
Park Inn
Lagårdsveien 61
local train to Jåtta (5 minutes, train departure every 15 minutes) + 7-8 minutes walk
),
fax
+47 51 76 20 01
reservations.stavanger@rezidorparkinn.com
Check-in:
15:00
, check-out:
12:00
Typical ***(+)-hotel. Rooms with cable TV, telephone, work desk.
single standard kr 1495, single business 1795, double standard 1695, double business 1995, prices pr Dec 2011 and incl breakfast buffet and wireless internet
Hotel Scandic Forus
Bjødnabeen 2
11 km outside city centre, close to the inter-town business area
),
+47 21 61 48 00
Check-in:
15:00
, check-out:
12:00
New (2011) ****-hotel. Rooms with cable TV, telephone, hair dryer, work desk.
standard single/double 1690 kr, prices per Dec 2011 and incl breakfast buffet and wireless internet in reception area
Hotel Atlantic
Olav Vs gate 3
two minutes walk from bus/train station, five minutes walk from city centre
),
+47 51 76 10 00
fax
+47 51 53 03 81
Check-in:
15:00
, check-out:
12:00
***(+)-hotel, best available in town. Rooms with cable TV, telephone, hair dryer, work desk etc.
Single standard 1995 kr, single business 2495, double standard 2295, double business 2695, prices per Dec 2011 and incl breakfast buffet and wireless internet
Hotels in class **** generally allow a 15-25% discount when booking a room with check-in Friday/check-out Sunday or a booking for minimum three nights during July.
Close to the airport/the Sola Beach should be mentioned:
Himmel og hav
Solastrandveien 114
1,6 km/1 mile walk from the airport, close to the Sola Beach
),
+47 51 65 04 60
fax
+47 51 93 90 01
Check-in:
16:00
, check-out:
12:00
Typical ***-hotel. No alcohol allowed.
single standard 1100 kr (F Sa 790), twin standard 1300 (F Sa 990), prices per Dec 2011 and incl breakfast buffet
Sola Strandhotell
Axel Lunds vei 27
1,6 km/1 mile walk from the airport, close to the Sola Beach
),
+47 51 94 30 00
fax
+47 51 94 30 99
Check-in:
15:00
, check-out:
12:00
***-hotel. Cosy rooms with cable TV, telephone, hair dryer, work desk - and a great sea view. Restaurant with high quality and price level, expect about 650 kr/person for a three-course meal (ex beverages) + coffee/tea.
single standard 1850 kr, twin-bed standard 2050, prices pr Des 2011 and incl breakfast buffet and wireless internet
Stay safe
edit
One of the huge concrete deep water oil platforms under construction in Stavanger.
Stavanger is generally considered a very safe city. The local police force are efficient, usually speak good English and have a strong presence in the downtown area at weekends. Call 112 in an emergency.
During weekends, the small downtown area tends to fill up with intoxicated people. Be careful when wandering around this area late at night, as some people may have had a few too many to drink.
Night buses run after midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, but have higher fares than during the day.
Cope
edit
Laundry
Renseriet
Løkkeveien 73 (near Radisson Blu Royal) 51 52 30 05; Kongsgata 40 (near Thon Maritim and Lake Breiavatnet) 51 89 56 53.
Go next
edit
Preikestolen
(The Pulpit Rock) is a massive 600 m vertical cliff that sits on the edge of the
Lysefjord
. Its top is a natural lookout of several hundred square metres, almost perfectly flat, and the rock is the region's main tourist attraction, and one of the nation's landmarks.
To get to the top, follow the marked path for 2 - 2.5 hours from the Preikestolhytta, where food and accommodation is available, 1.5 - 2 hours for the return walk. Buses meet many of the
Stavanger to Tau ferries
dead link
during the summer, through ferry+coach tickets available from
Tide Reiser
dead link
(can be bought onboard the ferry), or buy your own ferry ticket and then for the
local Boreal bus
to the lodge. Costs around 250 kr. Total travelling time one way (less the climb) from Stavanger harbour is 1 hour 10 minutes. If you opt to go by your own car, there is a 100 kr parking fee.
The
Kjerag
is almost double the altitude of
Preikestolen
but the access is more difficult. It is further into the
Lysefjord
. There you can find the Kjeragboltn. There is a bus that can take you there runs from Stavanger and Sandnes by
Tide Reiser
dead link
. It operates from mid June to the beginning of September. It is not possible to see both Kjerag and Preikestolen in one day.
The
Lysefjord
runs 45 km deep underneath both these plateaus. Several options for cruising this fjord, among others
Tide
If the climb sounds too rough, you can take a
fjordcruise
dead link
, leaving the harbour most days at noon and returning 3.5 hours later, 450 kr. If you want to both cruise and hike, there's also a 10:00 summer
cruise + hike option
which first cruises through Lysefjord then a bus takes you to hike Pulpit rock, 850 kr.
Go south, to rural areas in
Jæren
. Take a fast-boat to some of the islands like
Usken
. Go to the family theme park Kongeparken close to
Ålgård
Routes through Stavanger
Bergen
Leirvik
Sandnes
Kristiansand
This
city
travel guide to
Stavanger
is a
usable
article. It has information on how to get there and on restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please
feel free to improve
it
by editing the page
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