Discover Stavanger: A Charming Mix of Old and New

Experience the splendor of Norway's oil capital in Stavanger.

04 June 2023

Stavanger, Norway is a city that boasts stunning natural beauty and an enriching cultural history. Visitors can explore the charming Old Town, hike the scenic trails of the famous Pulpit Rock, and take a cruise through the magnificent Lysefjord. The city also offers delicious seafood cuisine and a vibrant nightlife scene.

Day trip plan

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Day

Strolling Through Stavanger

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Café Sting, where you can brew your own coffee to your liking
  • Visit the iconic Stavanger Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in Norway, with its stunning stained glass windows and medieval architecture
  • Walk along the picturesque harbour of Vågen, where old wooden houses are mixed with modern architecture
  • Learn about the town's history at the Stavanger Maritime Museum, featuring exhibits on oil drilling, navigation and shipbuilding
  • Indulge in some fresh seafood at Fisketorget, where the fishmongers will prepare your chosen seafood right in front of you
  • Finish off the day with a view of the entire city from the top of Valbergtårnet Tower, overlooking the harbour and surrounding hills.
  • Stavanger certainly offers a mix of old and new, making it a great place to explore for a day!

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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