Stavanger, the fourth largest city in Norway, is a fascinating destination that combines the beauty of nature, history and modern life. At the same time, this city, like most smaller cities in Norway, is not overrun by people or cars, so you’ll get a rural feel from it.
This charming city offers a rich cultural life, historic buildings and museums. One of the most famous places is the old town(Gamle Stavanger), where you can admire the well-preserved white wooden houses from the 18th and 19th centuries. A stroll through the romantic harbour with its many restaurants and cafes is also definitely recommended.
Stavanger is also close to the beautiful Sola Beach and impressive fjords such as the Lysefjord, which is ideal for boat trips, hiking or climbing and bouldering. Within the Lysefjord we recommend the tried and tested Sollifjellet lookout. A particularly notable tourist attraction is Preikestolen (The Pulpit), a huge rock high above the fjord that offers breathtaking views.
The city also has a rich history with the oil industry, as documented by the Norwegian Petroleum Museum, where visitors can get a glimpse into the world of oil and gas production. Stavanger also has a vibrant food scene and is home to several excellent restaurants and cafes. We tried the Burger & Beers restaurant and it was really good.
There is plenty of paid parking in the city, but we recommend parking in the free car park by the harbour 30 minutes walk from the city centre.
Every year, the international food festival Gladmat is also held here. If you manage to hit it, be sure to grab a bite to eat.
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