Stavanger Adventure: Budget-Friendly 2 Day Guide
Discover the beauty of Stavanger without breaking the bank.
21 June 2023
Stavanger is a beautiful and historic city located on Norway's southwestern coast, known for its breathtaking fjords and stunning natural landscapes. While it can be expensive to visit, there are ways to enjoy this incredible destination on a limited budget, such as staying in budget-friendly hostels, exploring the city on foot or by bike, and taking advantage of free attractions like the charming Gamle Stavanger neighborhood, which features picturesque wooden houses and cobblestone streets. With a little bit of planning, even travelers on a tight budget can experience the beauty and excitement of Stavanger.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information
- Check into the City Housing Stavanger hostel, centrally located for exploring the city on foot.
- Visit the colorful wooden houses of the old town, Gamle Stavanger, and take in the maritime history at the Norwegian Petroleum Museum.
- Head to the fish market to try some fresh seafood, and indulge in a traditional Norwegian waffle topped with jam and sour cream.
- Take a stroll along the harbor to see the famous Swords in Rock monument, commemorating King Harald's victory at the Battle of Hafrsfjord in 872.
- Catch a ferry to the idyllic island of Sør-Hidle to hike through lush forests and pastures, or simply relax on the rocky beaches and enjoy the serene views.
- Wake up early and take a bus to the scenic Lysefjord for a view of the imposing Preikestolen, or Pulpit Rock, towering over the fjord waters.
- For the more adventurous, hike up to Preikestolen's plateau and take in the breathtaking vista from above.
- Head back to the city for a visit to the Stavanger Art Museum, showcasing works by contemporary and historical Norwegian artists.
- Grab a bite at the quirky Cafe Sting, situated in an old fire station, and enjoy some live music or stand-up comedy.
- End the day with a sunset sail along the fjord, or book a kayaking excursion to get up close and personal with the rugged coastal landscape.
- Stavanger may be Norway's fourth largest city, but it's got a charm and personality all its own, with a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that makes it a must-see destination. And with budget-friendly options like City Housing Stavanger and the fish market, you can enjoy all the city has to offer without breaking the bank.
Length of stay
Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Stavanger, Norway by plane is to fly into Stavanger Airport, which is the only airport in the region that services international destinations. From there, it is a short bus or taxi ride into the city center.
Car
If you are driving to Stavanger, there are several routes you can take depending on your starting location. From Oslo, the E39 is the most direct route and takes about 8.5 hours. From Bergen, the E39 takes about 5.5 hours. Once you arrive in Stavanger, there are several parking garages in the city center.
Train
While there are trains that run throughout Norway, there is no direct train service to Stavanger from other cities. The closest train station is in Sandnes, which is about 15 kilometers away. From there, you can take a bus or taxi into Stavanger.
Boat
Stavanger is a popular port of call for many cruise lines, so if you are arriving by boat, chances are you will be docking in the city center. There are ferry services that operate from Denmark and Sweden, but they are not as frequent as other modes of transportation.
Bus
There are several bus companies that operate routes to Stavanger from other cities in Norway. The easiest way to find a bus schedule and ticket is to use a booking website like Busbud or Nettbuss. The bus station in Stavanger is located in the city center and is easy to navigate.
