Stavanger on a Budget: 4 Day Adventure

Discover Norway's stunning fjords on a budget-friendly trip to Stavanger.

21 June 2023

Stavanger, Norway is a charming coastal city perfect for those on a budget. Hike the iconic Pulpit Rock or explore the colorful streets of Gamle Stavanger for free. Stay in a hostel or rent a cabin for a budget-friendly accommodation option.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Arrival and Exploring Stavanger

  • Check into Hotel City Park, a great budget option near the city center
  • Visit the colorful Gamle Stavanger neighborhood and take a walking tour of the old wooden houses
  • Head to the Norwegian Petroleum Museum to learn about the country's biggest industry
  • Eat at Café Sting for a hearty lunch of traditional Norwegian dishes like fish cakes and meatballs
  • Take a stroll through the stunning Stavanger Botanic Garden
  • Finish the day with a drink at Cardinal, a cozy craft beer bar with an impressive selection
Day 2

Hiking and Sightseeing

  • Begin the day with a hike to the iconic Pulpit Rock, a breathtaking flat summit with incredible views (note: this requires a bit of physical fitness and comfortable shoes)
  • Enjoy a picnic lunch while taking in the stunning scenery
  • Visit the Stavanger Cathedral, a historic and beautiful place of worship
  • Head to the Øvre Holmegate neighborhood for some colorful photo opportunities
  • Eat at The Shack, a trendy burger joint known for their tasty and affordable burgers and milkshakes
  • End the day with a drink at Folken, a live music venue and bar with a vibrant atmosphere
Day 3

Exploring the Fjords

  • Take a fjord cruise from Stavanger to Lysefjord, a majestic and stunning natural wonder
  • Spot wildlife and marvel at the dramatic cliffs and waterfalls
  • Stop at the picturesque village of Flørli for a hike up the world's longest wooden staircase
  • Eat at Flor og Fjære, a unique and elegant restaurant located on an island amidst beautiful gardens
  • Head back to the city and take a walk along the harbor, admiring the boats and beautiful views
  • End the day with a drink at Bøker og Børst, a cozy and quirky bar with an impressive selection of books
Day 4

Museums and Culture

  • Visit the Stavanger Museum to learn about the history and culture of the region
  • Master your photography skills at the Norwegian Printing Museum, learning all about old fashioned print techniques
  • Head to the Stavanger Art Museum to admire the impressive collection of art by Norwegian and international artists
  • Eat at Ostehuset, a cozy café and deli with delicious sandwiches and pastries
  • Take a stroll through the charming and colorful Øvre Holmegate neighborhood
  • End the day with a drink at Checkpoint Charlie, a funky and eclectic bar with a great vibe
  • With this itinerary, you'll have a fun and memorable stay in Stavanger, filled with exciting adventures, delicious food and drinks, and beautiful sights. Enjoy!

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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