Budget-Friendly Adventure: 3 Days in Stavanger

Experience the beauty of Stavanger without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Stavanger, Norway is a beautiful city filled with stunning fjords, unique architecture, and a rich cultural heritage. For those on a limited budget, there are plenty of affordable activities to enjoy, such as hiking to Pulpit Rock, exploring the colorful streets of Old Stavanger, and visiting the free KUBEN museum. With budget-friendly accommodations and delicious local cuisine, Stavanger is a must-see destination for any budget traveler.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring Old Stavanger

  • Check in at Stavanger Forum Hotel, a budget hotel with sleek rooms and friendly staff
  • Take a stroll through the charming streets of Gamle Stavanger, lined with well-preserved, white wooden houses
  • Visit the Stavanger Maritime Museum, which showcases the city’s deep ties to the sea
  • Climb the 228 steps of the tower of the 12th-century Stavanger Cathedral for panoramic views
  • Have a traditional Norwegian dinner at Fisketorget, a bustling seafood market that serves fresh catch of the day
Day 2

Hiking to Pulpit Rock

  • Start early, take the ferry from Stavanger to Tau, then bus from Tau to the trailhead at Preikestolhytta
  • Hike the 3.8 km trail to Pulpit Rock, a spectacular cliff with a flat top that offers a thrilling view of the fjord below
  • Stop for lunch at Preikestolen Mountain Lodge, a mountain hotel that serves hearty meals and has a laid-back vibe
  • Take the ferry back to Stavanger and unwind at the hotel
  • For dinner, enjoy the comforting atmosphere and delectable dishes of Cardinal Restaurant & Bar
Day 3

Art & Culture

  • Visit the Stavanger Art Museum, known for its collection of avant-garde Nordic art and design
  • Stroll along the harbor to see the modernist architecture of the Stavanger Konserthus, home of the Stavanger Symphony Orchestra
  • Take a tour of the Norwegian Petroleum Museum, which highlights the country’s oil industry and its impact on society
  • Stop by Mathallen Stavanger, a vibrant indoor food market, for a snack or coffee
  • End the day with dinner at Café Sting, a lively spot that serves international cuisine in a relaxed setting.

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.

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