9 Things to Do when visiting Stavanger in Norway

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Stavanger is located in the south of Norway and is the third largest city in the country. In addition to its historic center, Stavanger is particularly known as the gateway to the stunning surroundings. It is close to one of Norway’s most beautiful fjords: Lysefjord. Here, you’ll also find the famous viewpoint Preikestolen. Not only is the area worth visiting, but the city itself is also full of charm. It boasts many excellent restaurants where you can enjoy not only Scandinavian cuisine but also a variety of international dishes. That’s why Stavanger is often referred to as Norway’s culinary capital! Below, you’ll find things to do and tips for the best restaurants in Stavanger.

What to do in Stavanger?

Here are some attractions and activities you definitely shouldn’t miss in Stavanger.

Experience the charm of Stavanger in Øvre Holmegate

Øvre Holmegate is the most colorful street in Stavanger, and perhaps even in all of Norway. You’ll find many shops, restaurants, and cafés along this street, each painted in a different cheerful color. When it’s not raining, the outdoor seating areas are full, and on rainy days, the cafés are bustling with people playing games. Craving a coffee with pastries or a sandwich? In the cozy café Bøker og Børst, you can relax and enjoy a range of games to keep you entertained. It’s the perfect spot for a rainy day in Stavanger!

Visit the stunning gardens of Flor & Fjære

The gardens of Flor & Fjære are truly a dream. They are located on an island, about 20 minutes by boat from Stavanger. The island was rugged and rocky decades ago, with hardly any vegetation. The Bryn family moved to the island and began planting in 1987, transforming it into a vibrant and flourishing paradise. The gardens span 50 hectares and feature over 50,000 plants and trees from various climate zones. The restaurant opened in 1995, which further increased the island’s popularity. Today, Flor & Fjære is run by the third generation and is a popular venue for weddings, events, and dining in the garden.

A visit to Flor & Fjære includes a garden tour, dinner, and the boat trip. You can’t just visit the gardens alone. Fortunately, the restaurant serves fantastic food with produce from its own garden, making this a great outing during your visit to Stavanger. For more information and to make a reservation, visit the Flor & Fjære website.

Explore Stavanger’s oldest district

Next to the harbor lies the historic district of Gamle. This area is known for its well-preserved wooden houses, mainly dating from the late 18th and early 19th centuries. All the houses are painted white, and many of the front doors have been given cheerful colors. The cobblestone streets are adorned with charming lampposts and colorful flowerpots. This district is definitely worth a visit in Stavanger, though you won’t need much time to explore it. It’s quite small, so you can see it quickly.

Hike to the iconic viewpoint Preikestolen

Preikestolen is perhaps the most iconic viewpoint in Norway. This dramatic cliff rises 604 meters (1980 ft) straight up above the stunning Lysefjord. To enjoy this view, you’ll first need to make a challenging yet beautiful hike of 1.5 to 2 hours. The hike to Preikestolen isn’t technically difficult, but it does involve significant elevation, which requires some stamina. Start your hike early in the morning to avoid the crowds and experience one of Norway’s most beautiful spots almost on your own, as hundreds of other visitors arrive after 08:45 AM. Read all the tips for hiking to Preikestolen.

Discover Lysefjord with a fjord cruise or RIB boat

Lysefjord is one of Norway’s most beautiful fjords, and it’s fantastic to explore this landscape by boat. You’ll sail past towering waterfalls and the famous Preikestolen. You can opt for a relaxing 3.5-hour cruise through Lysefjord on an electric cruise boat. On a dry day, you can sit on the sun deck, and in rainy weather, you’ll stay warm and comfortable inside. If you prefer action, you can explore Lysefjord on a RIB boat. You’ll be given a waterproof suit and ski goggles to keep out the water and wind. You’ll race over the flat water, guaranteeing an adrenaline rush! Along the way, you’ll make several stops at beautiful spots and receive interesting information from your guide. Because the RIB boat travels so fast, you’ll see a lot of Lysefjord in a short amount of time.

Kayaking through Lysefjord

For the ultimate outdoor experience, you should explore Lysefjord by kayak. During the 3-hour kayaking tour, you’ll discover Lysefjord in peace and quiet. You’ll feel incredibly small among the towering rock faces that rise straight out of the water. You’ll paddle past enormous waterfalls and impressive rock formations. Because you move silently over the water, you’ll also have a much better chance of spotting wildlife like seals. A professional guide will accompany you, sharing interesting facts about Norway and Lysefjord as you kayak.

Stroll through Stavanger’s harbor

The harbor of Stavanger is the heart of the city and a sight in itself. Expensive yachts, large cruise ships, and fishing boats are all docked here. Enjoy some delicious fish at Fisketorget Stavanger. This is the place to eat fresh fish in Stavanger. Reservations are recommended.

Restaurant Tips in Stavanger

Gådjå Ethiopian Restaurant – Traditional Ethiopian cuisine in a colorful restaurant filled with art from Ethiopia. Order the combination dish if you want to sample a variety of curries and small dishes.
Bellies – This restaurant offers high-quality vegan food. The dishes are fantastically prepared, and each one is a burst of flavor.
Noodle Noodle – Here you can taste the best dishes from Southeast Asia. You get a variety of small dishes, allowing you to experience many different flavors.
CIRKUS – A cozy place to enjoy a beer.
Bøker og Børst – They serve great coffee, sandwiches, and pastries here. There are plenty of games to keep you entertained when it rains.
Bella Rose – This stylish cocktail bar is entirely pink and serves the best cocktails in Stavanger.
Jai Hind Indian Restaurant Stavanger – Enjoy top-notch Indian cuisine.

Our Favorite Places to Stay in Stavanger

For a unique stay, book a night at RoaldsPiren, just outside Stavanger. Here, you’ll stay in a cozy wooden boathouse right by the water. After a day in Stavanger, you can enjoy the sunset from the dock. If you prefer a modern apartment, Bjørvika Apartments is the perfect choice in Stavanger. You can choose from various beautifully styled apartments and easily park in the garage around the corner. If you have a slightly larger budget, you can also stay at Home Again Apartments right in the center. These apartments come with a balcony, TV with streaming services, a well-equipped kitchen, and again, a parking garage around the corner.