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Things to do in Stavanger

Our most recommended things to do in Stavanger

Stavanger: Scenic Fjord Cruise to Lysefjord and Preikestolen

1. Stavanger: Scenic Fjord Cruise to Lysefjord and Preikestolen

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Norwegian fjord landscape aboard a silent and electric boat. Sail from downtown Stavanger along the Lysefjord to Preikestolen, the so-called Pulpit Rock. See where the “vagrants” hid from the sheriff in the old days as the boat stops by Fantahålå (Vagabond’s Cave). Then gaze up at the famous and majestic rock formation Preikestolen, towering 604 meters above sea level. Next stop is the Hengjanefossen waterfall, where the crew brings the bow so close to the falls that you can feel its refreshing spray on your face! Grab a snack from the onboard kiosk and relax on one of the sun decks or inside the spacious and comfortable cabin. Keep an eye out for goats grazing in the Lysefjord pasture and watch as the crew feeds them carrots and other treats. Take in the idyllic scenery before returning to the port in Stavanger.

From Stavanger: RIB Sightseeing Cruise to Lysefjord

2. From Stavanger: RIB Sightseeing Cruise to Lysefjord

Accelerate to speeds of up to 35 knots on this guided RIB speedboat tour to Lysefjord. Stay safe along the way with the provided lifejackets, floating suits, and goggles. Pass by islands, waterfalls, caves, and stunning rock formations as you glide over the water.  Meet your skipper at the pier in the harbor at the heart of Stavanger. Gear up with your well-maintained equipment and embark on your RIB adventure. Head out of the city harbor slowly to admire view of Stavanger from the water.  Cruise under the city bridge and go full throttle on your way towards the fjords. Enjoy the wind in your hair while the boat flies on the water. Catch glimpses of city islands, fish farms, and cozy, traditional cabins that hug the waterside.  Keep your eyes peeled for seals and porpoises from below and fierce eagles from above. Once you arrive in Lysefjord make several stops to capture pictures at sights like the Vagabond Cave, Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), and some waterfalls. Relax on the trip back to Stavanger and disembark at the pier where you began your trip. 

Stavanger: Lysefjord Sightseeing Boat Tour to Pulpit Rock

3. Stavanger: Lysefjord Sightseeing Boat Tour to Pulpit Rock

Enjoy a RIB boat excursion from Stavanger to the lush and green fjord of Lysefjord. Ride at a high speed by RIB boat through the spectacular surroundings of the fjord to the famous Priekestolen (Pulpit Rock). Depart from Stavanger and speed along the water to Lysefjord. Admire the views of the towering valley that surrounds the 42 kilometers long fjord. Keep on the lookout for eagles who often can be seen soaring majestically through the gorge, as well as other native birdlife. Then, you will witness the imposing site of Pulpit Rock drawing ever closer to you. Admire the stunning sight of the mountain plateau rising 604 meters above the water, dominating the surrounding scenery. This huge cliff is a major tourist destination for the region.

Stavanger: 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Pass

4. Stavanger: 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Pass

Visit the iconic landmarks of Stavanger with a hop-on hop-off bus tour at your own pace. Hop on, sit back and enjoy as you pass through iconic places like Stavanger Cathedral, Petroleum Museum, Museum of Archaeology, and more. Learn about the exciting history of the city with our entertaining audio guide available in 7 different languages (English, German, Spanish, French, Dutch and Norwegian). You can get off at any of the stops along the route as many times you want in 24 hours and explore famous attractions such as the Victoria hotel, Ledaal, Strandkaien Cruise Terminal, Gamle Stavanger, and many more. Ask our staff about all the discounts and benefits you will get in the Museums and different attractions showing your 24-hours-hop-on-ticket. An easy and enjoyable way to explore the marvelous Stavanger. Welcome on board and have fun!

From Stavanger: Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) Guided Hike

5. From Stavanger: Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) Guided Hike

Hike one of Norway’s most spectacular walking trails just a few hours from Stavanger, and get stunning views from the top of Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) above the Lysefjorden fjord. Reach the edge of the near-vertical cliff and test your nerves of steel as you stand or sit close to the edge above crystal-clear waters. Enjoy a light snack as you take in the unobstructed views over a fjord formed by glaciers during the last Ice Age. Reconnect with the wilderness on the 4 to 6-hour trek using well marked and easy to follow paths. Face the challenge of rocks that may become slippery in more demanding areas before you reach the unparalleled views.

From Stavanger: Lysefjorden Guided Kayak Tour

6. From Stavanger: Lysefjorden Guided Kayak Tour

Join us on this guided kayak trip into the wild Lysefjord. Total time included transport t/r Stavanger is ca 5 hours. Kayaktour on fjord 2,5-3 hours. You will get wetsuits, and gloves for keeping you warm and safe on the tour if needed. Lysefjord is amazing, steep walls, clear water, and fresh air. Maybe we'll see one of the famous Lysefjord seals? We are starting from our pink spot next to Forsand ferry quay,( Forsand kai 4110 Forsand) After a safety brief and dressing up for the weather we are ready for paddle together into the amazing Lysefjord. You will see how the fjord slowly changes from sandy beaches and flat stonecoast to the impressive steep, high granit walls rising several hundred meters above the sea level. We start this tour with free pick up outside Stavanger tourist information at 10.00, you can be picked up buy or van at 1035 from Jørpeland bus stop in the harbour, we will then drive to startpoint at Forsand and Lysefjord. Jump on and off where you want. Transport from Stavanger touristinformation, and Jørpeland harbour included. Join us on this amazing nature experience, a guided kayak trip along Lysefjords coastline, Take in the tranquil marine scenery while learning about the cultural and natural history. Remember to tell us if you need to be picked up by our van, from Stavanger touristinformation or Jørpeland. Bring something to eat and drink on this tour. This tour is one of the top what to do activities in Stavanger. Additional information We will pick you up, and drop you off at Stavanger Tourist information. Transport is included! During this beginner level tour, you'll experience coastal wildlife, big chance for seeing eagle, hear the local stories about the cultural and natural history. Departure every day at 10.00 from Stavanger Tourist information, 1035 Jørpeland harbour. 11.00 Forsand kai.

Stavanger: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

7. Stavanger: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Visit Stavanger and be stunned by the beautiful landscapes including fjords, mountains and white beaches. The city also has an extensive historical background which is portrayed through the city's large number of museums. Stavanger is also Europe's oil and energy capital. Begin your tour at the first stop, the Strandkaien Cruise Terminal, for the full experience. The tour will continue to the Tourist Information Station, where passengers can hop-off and take a short walk over to Stavanger’s Cathedral. The cathedral is one of the most stunning works of architecture in the city and its interior is equally as beautiful. One of the tours most notable spots is the Petroleum Museum which has become one of the coasts most memorable landmarks. Located on the Port of Stavanger, its unique architecture makes it stand out from the crowd and its history inside is just as intriguing.  If you prefer a museum more focused on natural and cultural history, than hop-off at the 7th stop and visit the Stavanger Museum. There’s also a museum for art-lovers at stop 9. The museum boasts an extraordinary number of artwork, now totaling over 2,600. Another recommended stop to hop-off at is stop 10 – the Ledaal Royal Residence. This wonderful building is the official residence to the King of Norway. From the top-deck of the tour buses, you will be able to get brilliant photos of this famous building.  As the tour takes you to these iconic locations, you can also enjoy an informative on-board commentary that is available in 8 different languages. You can also enjoy free WiFi on-board. Please find a list of the tour stops below:  • Strandkaien Cruise Terminal • Tourist Information and Stavanger Cathedral • Petroleum Museum • Victoria Hotel • Petroleum Museum • Tourist Information and Stavanger Cathedral • Stavanger Museum • Museum of Archaeology • Stavanger Art Museum • Ledaal Royal Residence • Strandkaien Cruise Terminal

Stavanger: Guided Hike to Kjerag Kjeragbolten

8. Stavanger: Guided Hike to Kjerag Kjeragbolten

Enjoy a hotel pickup then begin with a drive from Stavanger to Eagle's Nest, the trailhead for this hike.  Enjoy breathtaking views on this scenic hike through Lysefjorden, with its changing landscape. Reach the Kjerug plateau, and spend some time enjoying the vista. Take photos, and maybe be courageous and climb on to the boulder. If timed correctly, maybe even see BASE jumpers diving from cliffs down to Lyseflorden. Enjoy a packed lunch, beverages, and snacks before heading back and closing out the adventure of a lifetime.

Stavanger: Customized Private Tour with a Local

9. Stavanger: Customized Private Tour with a Local

In this customized trip, skip the mundane historical tours and discover the city through a local's eyes. Experience a tour that will transform the way you travel to make it as much about the people you meet, as it is the places you see. The local guides are passionate about their city and eager to share their knowledge and perspective. Since they are not professional guides and tour occasionally, they provide an experience that’s authentic and personal, like a friend showing you around their city. Meet at your accommodation to get familiar with the neighborhood, find out about the best places to eat, the easiest ways to get around, and the hidden gems you might have missed. By the end of the tour, feel comfortable navigating the city and confident that you have all the information you need to make the most of your stay. Through conversations with your guide, learn about cultural differences, local events, and what it’s like to be a true local. The more notice, the better, as these tours are organized on demand and are completely personalized. With this experience, you won’t be just passing through the city, you’ll be part of it.

Stavanger: Lysefjord Kayaking Trip with Gear & Snacks

10. Stavanger: Lysefjord Kayaking Trip with Gear & Snacks

Explore the incredible fjord landscape in Lysefjordon on this guided kayaking tour. Learn the basics of kayaking, then embark on the water to see mountains, gorges, waterfalls, and wildlife. Take breaks to learn about the area and fully enjoy the scenery.  After meeting your guide, start with a short briefing about the trip, safety talk, and waivers. Gear up in the necessary paddling gear before walking (150 m) to the kayaks down by the fjord.  Adjust the seats and pedals of your kayak with the assistance of the guide, then set out on the water to learn the basic paddling techniques, including efficient forward paddling and how to steer the kayak. When you've got hold of the basics, follow your guide across the fjord where you'll be paddling closely along to the 300-400m tall mountains, exploring beautiful gorges and waterfalls, and hopefully meeting some of the curious seals of the fjord. Enjoy multiple short breaks on the water, where you can enjoy a chocolate snack and learn about local history, culture, and wild edibles in the fjord. Before turning around to head back home, paddle right below the Pulpit Rock.

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What people are saying about Stavanger

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 307 reviews

I had the best morning with my guide Miroslava. She gave me lot of good information about Stavanger and when I indicated I was interested in street art, she showed me her favorite murals and street art. It was incredible having a local show me around town. Highly recommended!

Our guide, Toa, was amazing. super informative, patience and helpful. He made the joke up as easy as can be, however challenging it was. He always have a hand or helped when needed. The hike itself was incredible. It was exhausting and challenging but 110% worth it

totally recommend our guide sven. Has been a great tour with lots of nice views of the fjord and great jumps with the boat over the waves.

The most amazing experience. I will always remember that. Norway is a very beautiful country and we were lucky with the weather.

The guide was very polite and well mannered. Helped during the tougher parts of the trek.