Stavanger is a vibrant city with magnificent views in southwestern Norway. You will find all sorts of exciting things to do in Stavanger, and there are many interesting things to see. With sites dating back to the 12th century, this historic gem is a must-visit for anyone planning on traveling to the country.
In this article, we tell you precisely what you can expect from a visit to Stavanger and which activities and attractions must be included in your Norwegian trip itinerary. So, without further ado, let’s jump into the 11 best things to do in Stavanger!
Stavanger Cathedral
Stavanger Cathedral is Norway’s oldest cathedral and is still an active parish. Built in the Middle Ages (1125 to be exact), it has continuously been in use since the 14th century, making this an incredible attraction for those interested in both history and architecture.
The Swords in Rock Monument
The Swords in Rock Monument lies just outside Stavanger. With three gigantic swords stuck into the ground, it’s quite an impressive sight. But this monument marks a pretty big moment in the history of the country as well as for the Viking nation. In 872, the Viking nation became the Norwegian kingdom under Kind Harald Harfagre.
The swords symbolize the other Viking chieftains laying down their weapons and symbolically handing over power to form a unified country under one leader. Although the monument represents a momentous occasion that occurred thousands of years ago, the monument itself isn’t that old. It was created by Fritz Roed and officially unveiled in 1983 by King Olav.
A Sightseeing Cruise Along Lysefjord
This is probably one of the most relaxing ways of exploring Stavanger and its surroundings. This cruise onboard a fully electric boat departs from the center of Stavanger and passes and stops at various interesting spots along the way, such as Vagabond’s Cave and Pulpit’s Rock.
Not to mention the breathtaking views you’ll enjoy of the fjord and the surrounding mountains all along the way. While not a dedicated Stavanger whale watching tour, it’s definitely one way of spotting these gentle giants. The cruise takes between 3 and 3.5 hours and is a great family-friendly activity.
Old Stavanger
Old Stavanger or Gamle Stavanger is a historic part of the city where one can still find the wooden buildings built in the 18th century (granted, they have been restored a bit since then). This old part of town still has about 173 of these wooden buildings, and one definitely gets that old-timey feeling when walking the streets there today.
The area is protected but still has a few permanent residents. It’s a good place to go if you want to soak in the rich history of the country, shop handcrafted items and souvenirs, or visit a gallery and museum.
The Petroleum Museum
Yes, we know: the Petroleum Museum sounds incredibly boring. But this museum, celebrating one of Norway’s biggest industries, is actually quite fun and interesting because of its interactive approach. The museum was opened in 1999 and boasts 5000 square meters of exhibits and installations where visitors can experience everything there is to know about the formation of gas and oil (a history that stretches over millions and millions of years).
The museum is a must-visit place if one is interested in science and history or the industry itself. For the younger ones (or those young at heart), the interactive activities are enough to keep us engaged and entertained while learning.
Sola Beach
Sola Beach has been called one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It’s a white sand beach that stretches out 2.3 kilometers. It’s great for a leisurely stroll, a relaxing beach day during the summertime, or partaking in all sorts of water sports. You will also find a golf course nearby, and if you want to have your accommodation close, you can book at the hotel at the end of the northern end of the beach.
Viking House
Viking House should be at the top of the list for anyone interested in the Viking Age. Not only does it allow you to learn more about this inspiring nation and get close to some of its remnants, but you’ll also get the chance to literally become part of the Viking world via virtual reality. This is a fun outing for the entire family.
Shop till You Drop
There are plenty of pedestrian streets with all sorts of interesting shops and cafes that will leave your bank account feeling it. Some of our must-stop spots for spoiling yourself or your loved ones are Chili Chocolate, Fjallraven, Oleana, or Helly Hansen.
Check Out the Art
From actual galleries to incredible street art, you will find it all in Stavanger. Stavanger is actually one of the leading cities when it comes to street art globally, and you’ll find everything from colorfully painted buildings to jaw-dropping murals and even art-decorated buses!
To further enhance your Stavanger art experience, be sure to visit the Art Museum, where you will find a variety of art species from artists such as Frida Hansen (who created the most beautiful tapestries) and Lars Hertervig (a famous landscape painter).
Explore the City on Segway
One way of exploring Stavanger and its street art without exerting yourself is to book a spot on one of the Segway tours. This is probably the smoothest ride you’ll get through the streets of Stavanger (once you get a handle on the technology after receiving proper instructions). But be warned! The Segway may be so much fun that you’ll struggle to leave it behind once you’re done.
Eat at Our Michelin Star Restaurants
Stavanger was actually the first Norwegian city outside the capital to be awarded Michelin stars. Stavanger now boasts numerous Michelin-star restaurants such as RE-NAA, Sabi Omakase, K2, Hermetikken, and more. Just remember to book well in advance if you want to go and treat your taste buds since these restaurants tend to book up fast (as expected).
Time to Hit the Road!
Now that you know what to do in Stavanger, the only thing left to do is hit the road with your jam-packed trip itinerary. Rent a motorhome in Norway to take care of both your transport and accommodation while exploring the country and partaking in all the things Stavanger has to offer.
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