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  3. Things to do in Stavanger

Things to do in Stavanger

Stavanger sits at the edge of one of Norway's most dramatic fjords, and the best of it is easier to reach than you think. Cruise the Lysefjord, hike Preikestolen, and walk the colorful streets of a city that surprises most visitors. Hand-picked by local experts. Book instantly.
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Colorful Fargegata street in Stavanger with outdoor cafes and vibrant buildings
Stavanger old town with traditional white wooden houses and colorful flowers lining cobblestone streets in summer
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Lysefjord tours from Stavanger

Stavanger is famous for being close to the Lysefjord, where you’ll find the imposing Preikestolen and Mount Kjerag. Many visitors to Stavanger join a tour to these highlights, which we absolutely agree with. Here are our favorite day tours to the fjord, departing from Stavanger’s city center.
Person on cliff at sunrise overlooks golden fjord mist.

Preikestolen hike & fjord cruise

Perfect for: Experienced hikers, outdoor adventurers
Experience the best of the Stavanger region in one day. Combine a silent fjord cruise on Lysefjord with a hike to the famous Pulpit Rock for unforgettable views. Keep in mind that hiking to Preikestolen is only available in the summer months.
Book Lysefjord cruise and Preikestolen hike
A scenic fjord cruise with wild goats and a magnificent waterfall. The tour connected to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), where a steep climb rewarded us with spectacular views. Highly recommend!"- Jean (Tripadvisor review)
Couple enjoy Lysefjord view through large boat windows.

Lysefjord cruise

Perfect for: Families, couples, and anyone else wanting to experience the fjord comfortably.
Take in the dramatic scenery of Lysefjord on a comfortable cruise, seeing Preikestolen from below and enjoying views of waterfalls and wildlife along the way.
Book Lysefjord cruise
A black inflatable speedboat speeding across a calm fjord, passengers in neon green jackets.

RIB boat tour from Stavanger

Perfect for: Anyone looking to get their heart beating a tiny bit faster
Feel the thrill of bumping on the waves of the magnificent Lysefjord on a fast RIB-boat adventure from Stavanger. Get up close to spectacular cliff formations and see the famous Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) from below on this exciting 2-hour tour.
Book RIB boat tour from Stavanger

Why choose Fjord Tours?

Home of Norway in a Nutshell®
Since 1982, we've connected scenic trains, fjord cruises and iconic sights into journeys that showcase the essence of Norway.
Self-guided freedom
Travel with the confidence of expert planning by local experts. All connections are handled; you just enjoy the journey.
Flexible adventures
Customize your journey when booking; add extra days, hotels, and guided experiences to create your perfect trip.
Sustainable travel
Explore Norway using trains, boats, and electric buses, reducing your footprint while maximizing your experience.

Visit Stavanger from Bergen or Oslo

Explore Stavanger and the fjords on the curated Lysefjord in a Nutshell™ tour and feel confident in your journey planned by Norwegian locals.
  • Cruise the Lysefjord by cruise and get views of Preikestolen
  • Join the optional hike to the top of Preikestolen (in summer only)
  • Stay overnight in charming Stavanger
  • Start in Oslo or Bergen
Book Lysefjord in a Nutshell™

One-day itinerary to Stavanger

Here’s how to spend one day in Stavanger.

Travel information about Stavanger

Get essential information about planning a trip to Stavanger.

How to get to Stavanger

It’s easy to get to Stavanger:
  • Stavanger Airport, Sola (SVG), is located 15 km from the city center with direct flights from major European cities and connections to all Norwegian airports.
  • There are direct trains connecting Oslo to Stavanger. Typical train journeys between the two cities take around 8 to 9 hours.
  • Ferries and overnight (car) ferries connect Stavanger to Hirtshals in Denmark.
  • By Lysefjord in a Nutshell™ tour: Our Lysefjord in a Nutshell™ tour is a spectacular way to travel to Stavanger while experiencing the region's natural beauty.
Tip! Combine Stavanger with Norway's most iconic destinations on our Norway in a Nutshell® with Preikestolen & Lysefjord.
Harbor with colorful buildings, boats, and people in summer sun.

How to get around in Stavanger

  • On foot: Stavanger's city center is very walkable, with most attractions, restaurants, and shopping areas located within a 15-minute walk.
  • Public transport: Local buses run frequently and cover all major areas. Use the Kolumbus app to buy tickets and check real-time schedules - ideal for reaching city neighborhoods and nearby towns.
  • Visiting Preikestolen and Lysefjord: The most convenient way to experience these highlights is by a Lysefjord fjord cruise.
  • By bike: Stavanger is exceptionally bicycle-friendly with dedicated lanes throughout the city. The electric city bikes are available via the Kolumbus Bilett app – perfect if you want to cover more ground in an active way.
Local tip: Mosvannet is a short bike ride south of the city center. Cycle through the neighborhood ‘Eiganes’ to bike past historic white houses on the way – a quiet alternative to Gamle Stavanger.

Best time to visit Stavanger

The best time to visit Stavanger depends on your interests and what you want to get out of your time here.
  • Summer (June-August): Peak season with milder temperatures, long daylight hours, and most activities and attractions open. Summer is also the best time to hike Preikestolen.
  • Spring (April-May): Fewer crowds, blooming parks, and gradually improving weather. Some hiking trails may still have snow at higher elevations.
  • Autumn (September-October): Beautiful fall colors and fewer tourists, but a higher chance of rain and colder weather. Great cultural experiences and quiet fjord cruises.
  • Winter (November-March): Shorter days and fewer tourists. Some natural attractions may be inaccessible.
Stavanger hosts Norway’s biggest food festival every June, where you’ll find over 100 food stands right in the city center.
Stavanger old town with traditional white wooden houses and colorful flowers lining cobblestone streets in summer

Where to stay in Stavanger

Stavanger has a wide range of accommodation options from luxury hotels to budget-friendly alternatives:
  • City center hotels: Perfect for exploring the historic district and enjoying the vibrant restaurant scene. Most major attractions are within walking distance.
  • Airport area: Convenient for late arrivals or early departures, with good transportation links to the city.
  • Quiet alternative: Stay around Mosvannet and rent e-bikes to explore the city center from there.
We recommend booking your accommodation well in advance, especially during the high season (June-August).

How many days do you need in Stavanger?

Stavanger is a relatively small city, and most people find that one to two full days is enough time to see the highlights and explore the Lysefjord.
  • Half a day to see the highlights on foot. Walk along Gamle Stavanger and visit the colorful street of Øvre Holmegate.
  • Full day to see the highlights on foot, combined with a fjord cruise to explore the nearby Lysefjord.
  • 2 days to see the highlights and visit a museum on day one. Join a fjord cruise through the Lysefjord and a hike to Preikestolen on day two.

Frequently asked questions

Get quick answers to commonly asked questions about what to do in Stavanger.

Start planning your trip to Stavanger

The Lysefjord, Preikestolen, and the charming streets of Stavanger are waiting for you!
Browse the full list of activities in and around Stavanger, check availability, and book your experience today.
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