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! 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 the occasional seal sunbathing on a rock. Take in the idyllic scenery before returning to the port in Stavanger.

From Stavanger: RIB Tour to Lysefjord

2. From Stavanger: RIB Tour 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

Our Lysefjord RIB-Safari will grant you a front-row seat to some of the most stunning scenery in all of Norway. Our experienced and sea-savvy captains will take you right up close to the most famous sights the fjord has to offer, sharing stories and tales along the way. You’ll get to see the renowned Pulpit Rock: a 600m high plateau jutting straight out from the surrounding mountainside, Vagabond Cave: a historic hideout for tax evaders, Whisky Falls: a 75m tall waterfall right below an old moonshine distillery, and so much more. Throughout the voyage, you’ll also be on the lookout for the bustling wildlife that inhabits the region. On a good day it will be possible to spot seals, porpoises, sea eagles, and more. The tour starts and ends in the heart of Stavanger City, onboarding takes about 15 minutes and the tour itself lasts 1 hour 45 minutes. All necessary equipment is provided by us, the only thing you should remember to bring along is a camera. Our fleet solely consists of brand-new top-of-the-line RIB Boats, ensuring you a ride that offers the highest degree of comfort, safety, and fun. Our experience is tailored to passengers ages six and up. Skimming the waters on a RIB is exhilarating, but not extreme in any sense. The oldest guests we’ve had along have been well past their 90th birthday. We maintain constant oversight and always make sure everyone onboard is having a good time. From towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls to hidden caves and secluded beaches, there's no better way to experience the dramatic beauty of the Lysefjord than from a seat in our boats. So book your adventure today and let us give you something to reply when your friends and family ask if you did anything fun in Norway.

Stavanger: Guided Kayaking in Lysefjord

4. Stavanger: Guided Kayaking in Lysefjord

Meet your guide and experience kayaking in Norway. Learn the basics of paddling and explore the Fjord. See seals up close and personal, and marvel at the peaceful water. Paddle along the steep mountains, and into Vagabonds Cave. Pass Refsa dock and witness a lovely waterfall before turning back.

Stavanger: Preikestolen Classic Hike and Side Trail

5. Stavanger: Preikestolen Classic Hike and Side Trail

Embrace nature with a guided hike up to Preikestolen: one of Norway's most iconic hikes. Follow your guide on the path less hiked, so you can make the most of nature away from the crowds. Sart with a pick up from one of several designated locations in Stavanger. After a relaxing 40-minute drive, arrive at the trailhead. Here, learn about the trail, expected conditions, and useful tips for a fun day of hiking. When everyone is ready, begin your hike. If conditions allow it, follow your guide on a side-trail along the way. The pace allows for time to adjust clothing and equipment, time to rest and enjoy snacks, and for taking pictures along the way. After approximately 2.5 hours of hiking, arrive at the majestic Preikestolen – 604 meters above the legendary Lysefjorden. The sheer cliff face overlooks the fjord, and the panoramic view before your makes for a fantastic reward after all your hard physical work. After soaking in the scenery and relaxing your legs, head back down the mountain. Exhausted but satisfied, get back in the car and get driven back to Stavanger as you process your experience of a day well spent.

Stavanger: Customized Private Tour with a Local

6. 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.

From Stavanger: Off-Season Guided Hike to Kjerag

7. From Stavanger: Off-Season Guided Hike to Kjerag

Join a guided hike to Kjerag, the pride of the Lysefjord in Ryfylke, towering above all the other peaks at 1084 meters. Enjoy transportation from Stavanger and experience the serenity of hiking in a small group while enjoying panoramic views of some of the most dramatic scenery Norway has to offer. Begin your journey early in the morning with a pickup from your preferred meeting place. While being transported to the trailhead, catch glimpses of some of Norway’s stunning landscapes. After driving for about 3 hours, arrive at the Eagle’s Nest trailhead. Be well on your way up to the Kjerag Boulder before the crowds of tourists begin to arrive. Get ready for a challenging but rewarding climb. With a relatively flat last 2 kilometers, focus more on the beautiful nature around you. Witness Norway’s bright green wilderness as it awakens after the long, cold winter. Or see the fall colors and breathe the crisp air after summer has passed. If you're hiking in spring, expect a snowy landscape and get hiking poles and crampons. Once you reach the edge of the massif, while standing on a 1000-meter-high cliff, soak in panoramic views of the 42-kilometer-long Lysefjord. Then, have time to relax while eating lunch near the Kjerag Boulder. If you dare (and conditions allow), stand atop the Kjerag boulder, hanging at a heart-stopping 984 meters above the fjord. After the lunch break, follow your guide back down to the Eagle’s Nest.

Stavanger: Lysefjord Kayaking Trip with Gear & Snacks

8. 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.

Stavanger: Self-Guided Audio Tour

9. Stavanger: Self-Guided Audio Tour

This Norwegian city of Stavanger is built around a beautiful large natural harbor and is famously known as Europe’s oil capital. Learn about the city’s interesting history and visit some of the city’s 23 sculptures that are scattered around Stavanger. This audio tour will show you the breathtaking views of the Vagen Harbor and the great Stavanger Cathedral. See the Concert Hall, the Bjergsted Music Park, the Gamle Stavanger, Lake Breiavatnet, the Culture House and the Petroleum Museum and Geo Park.  This relaxing and easy-going city has a young feel with lots of restaurants and bars due to its large population of university students. Benefit from an entirely self-paced tour. Simply download your audio files and use them at your own leisure.

Stavanger: Preikestolen Sunrise Hike with Breakfast Buffet

10. Stavanger: Preikestolen Sunrise Hike with Breakfast Buffet

Join a guided sunrise hike to Preikestolen, beat the crowds, and experience the sunrise over the Lysefjorden. Enjoy convenient roundtrip transportation from Stavanger. Avoid the thousands of people that will be on the trail during the high season, and hike in the peace and quiet of dawn instead. Start the adventure early in the morning after being picked up from one of several designated locations in Stavanger. After a 40-minute drive, arrive at the start of the trail. Receive a briefing from your guide including information about the trail, expected conditions, and useful tips for good hiking. When everyone is ready, switch your headlamps on, and begin the hike while it’s till dark and quiet. Let the moonlight and towering trees make your imagination run wild. Along the way, listen to all sorts of spooky folklore from your guide, and stop for snacks or to adjust clothes and equipment. After approximately 2.5 hours of hiking, reach Preikestolen, 604 meters right above the legendary Lysefjorden. Be rewarded with panoramic views of the fjord. If you are lucky, the sun will show itself as it climbs over the mountain ridges, so you can bathe in its warmth. After feasting your eyes on the scenery and relaxing for a while, head back down to Basecamp. In the comfort of the mountain lodge, recharge your batteries with a simple, but fresh and tasty breakfast. Then, get back in the car for a drive back to Stavanger.

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Pulpit Rock

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What people are saying about Stavanger

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 307 reviews

Yesterday I went on a 4hour tour with Miros and it was wonderful. Miros was extremely welcoming, friendly and it was a pleasure to spend the day with her. We visited all over Stavanger together and Miros’s knowledge was amazing and she had incorporated specific things she knew would be of interest to me. Miros also knew I had a specific interest in food and drink and had written a list of local delicacies and drinks for me to try, it was very kind and thoughtful of her. Thank you very much for showing me Stavanger Miros, I had a wonderful day with you and would not hesitate to recommend this experience to someone else and in particular Miros! As I was alone I felt the private tour was also an extremely enjoyable way to see the city and spend the day

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!

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.

Absolutely awesome, a must do! Guides are great, friendly and made the experience unforgettable! Don’t miss the thrill and natural beauty!

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