Discover Stavanger: Norway's Age-Old Harbor City

Stavanger, Norway's third-largest city, is a bustling port with a rich history dating back to the 12th century. Known for its cultural scene, including the MaiJazz Festival and International Chamber Music Festival, Stavanger offers a variety of museums and outdoor activities. It's an ideal starting point for exploring the region's lakes and enjoying the mild climate.

For more travel tips, check out our guide to the top attractions in Stavanger.

See also: Where to Stay in Stavanger

1. Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen)

Pulpit Rock is Stavanger's most famous landmark, offering stunning views from its 609-meter-high plateau. The journey includes a ferry, bus, and a hike, but the panoramic vistas are well worth the effort.

Location: Rogaland, Norway

2. Norwegian Petroleum Museum

The Norwegian Petroleum Museum provides an engaging look at the oil industry's impact on Norway through interactive exhibits. Visitors can explore the geology, technology, and societal effects of petroleum.

Official site: www.norskolje.museum.no/en/

3. Norwegian Canning Museum

The Norwegian Canning Museum showcases the history of sardine canning, a significant industry for Norway. Visitors can see vintage machinery and sample traditional waffles in a restored workers' cottage.

Official site: http://norskhermetikkmuseum.no/en/

4. Stavanger Cathedral

Stavanger Cathedral, the oldest in Norway, features a mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Its interior boasts a Baroque pulpit and Gothic stone font, with stained glass windows adding to its beauty.

5. The Valberg Tower (Valbergtårnet)

The Valberg Tower, once a watchtower, now offers panoramic views of Stavanger and houses the Watchman's Museum.

6. Stavanger Museum

Stavanger Museum encompasses natural and cultural history, including the Norwegian Children's Museum. It's a treasure trove of the city's seafaring legacy and cultural artifacts.

Official site: www.museumstavanger.no/home/

7. Gamle Stavanger (Old Stavanger)

Gamle Stavanger is a charming district with well-preserved wooden houses and cobblestone streets, home to the Maritime Museum and the Norwegian Fish Canning Museum.

8. Stavanger Maritime Museum

The Stavanger Maritime Museum chronicles the city's maritime history, from fishing to oil, with detailed models and interactive exhibits for children.

Official site: http://stavangermaritimemuseum.no/en/

9. Breidablikk Museum

The Breidablikk Museum offers a glimpse into 19th-century life with its original furnishings and art collections, set within a historic villa and gardens.

10. Lysefjord

Lysefjord is a stunning fjord easily accessible from Stavanger, known for its sheer rock walls and crystal-clear waters.

11. Ledaal House

Ledaal House is a preserved 19th-century mansion that serves as a royal residence and museum, surrounded by historic gardens.

Official site: http://ledaal.no/en/

12. Museum of Archaeology

The Museum of Archaeology features Viking artifacts and the Ice Age polar bear skeleton, Finn.

Official site: http://am.uis.no/?lang=en_GB

13. Flyhistorisk Museum Sola

This aviation museum showcases restored aircraft and offers a unique opportunity to board some of the planes.

Official site: www.jaermuseet.no/flyhistorisk/en/

14. Stavanger Art Museum

Stavanger Art Museum, set in a scenic park, houses a significant collection of Norwegian and international art, including works by Lars Hertervig.

Official site: http://stavangerkunstmuseum.no/en/

15. Utstein Abbey, Klosterøy

Utstein Abbey on Klosterøy is a well-preserved Augustinian abbey accessible by boat from Stavanger.

Official site: http://utsteinkloster.no/en/

Where to Stay in Stavanger for Sightseeing

For first-time visitors, staying in the city center is ideal, with many attractions within walking distance. Options range from luxury to budget hotels, all offering a variety of amenities and convenient access to Stavanger's sights.