Stavanger — Norwegian Fjords Cruise Port
Stavanger
Holidays
Preikestolen, the old town and Norway's oil capital on the Lysefjord
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Flight Time
2 hours from the UK
Best Time
May to September
Country
Norway
Suppliers
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Stavanger Holiday Guide
Stavanger is one of Norway's most rewarding cruise ports — a city with a beautiful old town, world-class museums, extraordinary natural scenery and some of the most dramatic hiking in Scandinavia. It is perhaps best known as the starting point for the hike to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) — one of the most iconic viewpoints in Norway — but there is much more to discover.
The old town of Stavanger (Gamle Stavanger) is one of the best-preserved wooden town centres in Norway. The 173 white-painted wooden houses from the 18th and 19th centuries line cobblestone streets that have changed little in two centuries. The neighbourhood is a delight to wander, with galleries, craft shops and cafes tucked into the historic buildings, and the contrast between the old town and the modern city centre is striking.
Stavanger is also the oil capital of Norway, and the Norwegian Petroleum Museum is one of the best industrial museums in the world. The story of the discovery of North Sea oil in 1969 and its transformation of Norwegian society is told through interactive exhibits, films and artefacts. The building itself — designed to resemble an oil platform rising from the water — is a remarkable piece of architecture.
The Lysefjord stretches 42 kilometres inland from Stavanger, flanked by sheer granite walls rising up to 1,000 metres. Boat trips run the full length of the fjord, passing beneath Preikestolen and the famous Kjeragbolten boulder — a rock wedged in a crevice 1,000 metres above the water. The fjord is narrower and more dramatic than Geirangerfjord or Sognefjord, with a raw, wild beauty that is quite different from the more famous fjords further north.
Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) is the highlight for most visitors — a flat-topped cliff rising 604 metres sheer above the Lysefjord. The hike takes 3–4 hours return and is well-marked, though it involves some steep and rocky sections. The view from the top is one of the most spectacular in Norway, and the experience of standing on the edge of the cliff with the fjord far below is unforgettable.
Popular Areas in Stavanger
Average Temperatures
Jan
3°C
Feb
3°C
Mar
6°C
Apr
10°C
May
15°C
Jun
18°C
Jul
20°C
Aug
20°C
Sep
16°C
Oct
11°C
Nov
7°C
Dec
4°C
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Call 01282 960 460Top 8 Things To Do in Stavanger
The best things to do in Stavanger — from Pulpit Rock to the Lysefjord and the charming old town.
Hike to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)
Preikestolen is one of Norway's most iconic sights — a flat-topped cliff rising 604 metres sheer above the Lysefjord. The hike takes 3–4 hours return and is well worth every step. The view from the top, with the fjord stretching away below and the mountains on all sides, is one of the most spectacular in Norway.
Cruise the Lysefjord
The Lysefjord stretches 42 kilometres inland from Stavanger, flanked by sheer granite walls rising up to 1,000 metres. Boat trips from Stavanger run the full length of the fjord, passing beneath Preikestolen and the famous Kjeragbolten boulder — a rock wedged in a crevice 1,000 metres above the water.
Explore Old Stavanger
Old Stavanger (Gamle Stavanger) is one of the best-preserved wooden town centres in Norway — 173 white-painted wooden houses from the 18th and 19th centuries lining cobblestone streets. The neighbourhood is a delight to wander, with galleries, craft shops and cafes tucked into the historic buildings.
Visit the Norwegian Oil Museum
Stavanger is the oil capital of Norway, and the Norwegian Petroleum Museum is one of the best industrial museums in the world. Interactive exhibits tell the story of the discovery of North Sea oil in 1969 and its transformation of Norwegian society. The building itself — designed to resemble an oil platform — is a work of architecture.
Photograph Kjeragbolten
Kjeragbolten is a boulder wedged in a crevice on the Kjerag mountain, 1,000 metres above the Lysefjord. The hike to reach it is challenging (5–6 hours return) but the reward is one of the most dramatic photographs in Norway — standing on the boulder with nothing but air between you and the fjord far below.
Eat at the Fish Market
Stavanger's fish market on the waterfront is one of the best in Norway. Fresh Norwegian salmon, king crab, shrimp and local specialities are sold from colourful stalls. The harbour area around the market is lined with excellent restaurants serving fresh seafood — a perfect lunch stop after exploring the old town.
Visit Stavanger Cathedral
Stavanger Cathedral is the oldest cathedral in Norway still in regular use, dating back to around 1125. The interior is a beautiful mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, with a magnificent carved pulpit and a stunning stained glass window by Emanuel Vigeland. It is a peaceful and impressive sight in the heart of the city.
Explore the Canning Museum
Before oil, Stavanger's economy was built on sardines — and the Norwegian Canning Museum tells the story of the industry that once made the city famous. Housed in a preserved 19th-century canning factory, the museum offers a fascinating insight into the lives of the workers who packed sardines by hand.
Explore Stavanger on the Map
Key areas, beaches and attractions across the island.
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