Cities
Stavanger
Stavanger city is one of the oldest cities in Norway and we expect the city to be founded by Sigurd Jorsalfarer in 1125 the same year as Stavanger Cathedral.
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Stavanger from fishing harbour to food and culture city
Stavanger was a small and poor city for a long time. Population growth started in the early 1800s when herring fishing picked up off the coast. From then on, the city became expanded several times. After the herring industry, ship traffic followed before the canning industry came and made its mark on the city. Since then, oil-related activities dominated the city and the region for several years.
Stavanger as a tourist city
In addition, in recent years, there's been a great increase in interest in Stavanger as a holiday destination. More and more guests are vacationing in Stavanger and the region.
Stavanger as a food city
The city has positioned itself as a culinary city and the entire region is known as the food region in Norway. This is both because of the mild climate, giving good growth conditions, but also because you'll find the best chefs and the best restaurants in all of Norway in Stavanger. Stavanger alone has several MICHELIN-Starred restaurants, and most restaurants serve high-quality cuisine.
Transport link and hub
Stavanger had a railroad in 1878 when the Jærbanen rail between Egersund and Stavanger was opened. The Jærbanen rail was expanded to double tracks between Sandnes and Stavanger in 2009. The Jærbanen rail was linked to the Sørlandsbanen rail in 1944 and thus Stavanger had a train connection to Oslo. Stavanger has the country's oldest civilian airport. Stavanger International Airport, Sola was opened by King Haakon in 1937.
Fun fact:
Stavanger International Airport, Sola is the first airport in Scandinavia to produce its own honey! Another fun fact - in 2026, it will perhaps be possible to fly an electric aircraft between Stavanger and Bergen!
Tunnels link the mainland with Ryfylke
Development of subsea tunnels has been a major development in the region as well as bridges, and it's possible to drive from Stavanger to the Ryfylke Islands via the Rennfast tunnel systems, as well as to drive from Stavanger to Solbakk via the Ryfast tunnel systems.
Boat and ferry
Boats and ferries are still important modes of transport for the city and the county. There are speed boats from the city centre to the surrounding islands and mainland of Ryfylke several times daily. Moreover, there are daily car ferries to Bergen and Denmark from Risavika.
Education and research
Stavanger has a university hospital, colleges and a university. The University of Stavanger was established in 2005 based on Stavanger University College. Stavanger is an international city with both a British school and an international school.
Pedestrian streets with cobblestones and trade
Parts of the centre have medieval features with small and charming pedestrian streets. There is a good selection of shops and several good restaurants. Along the waterfront of Stavanger, are restaurants and bars in the former seahouses. #Fargegaten (Øvre Holmegate) is one of the famous tourist streets, in addition to the area referred to as Old Stavanger.
Facts
The town is small in area, well over 71 km2 and Norway's most densely populated city with more than 135,000 inhabitants (2019). The city has 16 inhabited islands and most of these have a bridge connection to the mainland. The islands in Stavanger go under the common name Byøyene.
Holiday ideas in Stavanger
Do not miss the sights of Stavanger!
Culture
Fargegaten - Øvre Holmegate - The colourful street
Stavanger
Fargegaten is arguably one of the most colourful streets in Norway. Find out for yourself! Ideal for shopping, coffee, drinks and for your holiday pictures!
Culture
Street Art Nuart Stavanger
Stavanger
Nuart street art festival has left treasures all over the Stavanger region in the last few years. Stavanger is Norway's street art capital. Find art made by international street art artists in cities and the countryside.
Culture
Old Stavanger
Stavanger
Old Stavanger is located on the west side of Vågen in the city centre and comprises 173 wooden buildings.
Outdoor activities and nature
Guided hike in the Lima area
Stavanger
Stavanger Adventure offers guided tours to the tranquil and beautiful nature of Lima, an unspoilt area southeast of Stavanger in Gjesdal. The tour includes a visit to Eikefjellet mountain.
Adventure parks and animals
Kvitevik bathing spot
Stavanger
Kvitevik is an area with two good beaches, picnic area and good places for fishing.
Shopping
Helly Hansen Stavanger
Stavanger
Helly Hansen Stavanger is a Norwegian outdoor and lifestyle shop in the heart of Stavanger city centre.
Bathing and wellness
Gamlingen outdoor swimming pool in Stavanger
Stavanger
Gamlingen in Stavanger is a heated outdoor swimming pool that is open the whole year. Just next to the Stavanger Mosvangen Camping.
Adventure parks and animals
Playground Stavanger
Stavanger
Playground is the Nordic region's toughest action sports park run by professional enthusiasts. You're welcome here, whether you're a beginner or have done action sports before.
Adventure parks and animals
Vaulen beach
Stavanger
At the idyllic Vaulen bathing area, you will find six small sandy beaches facing the Gandsfjord. Vaulen is one of Stavanger's most visited bathing spots.
Outdoor activities and nature
Bike tour to Madla via Ullandhaug and Hafrsfjord
Stavanger
A varied and slightly hilly cycle route southwest of Stavanger city centre. You pass through residential areas, then through forest, after a while along the sea, and in the end along a peaceful hiking path at Madla.
Culture
Stavanger Street art: “Jævla Homo!” – The Pansy Project by Paul Harfleet
Stavanger
Stavanger, the Norwegian street art capital of Norway! Paul Harfleet is a London-based artist, writer and designer who has been planting pansies, a garden flower that shares its name with a homophobic slur, at sites of homophobic abuse for 15 years.
Adventure parks and animals
Sørmarka Arena climbing wall
Stavanger
Norway's toughest climbing wall is at Sørmarka Arena. Beginners and experts will be stretched at our 'monsterwall' which is 17m high and has about 1000 m² of climbing surfaces. The wall has a great variety of angles and steepness allowing the wall to cater to all levels of climbers. If you have a Brattkort you can climb with your partner when you like, or if you have a sikringskort you can climb on toprope when our instructors are present. Beginners can try our offer 'prøv å klatre' or 'try climbing' where no experience or equipment is needed. All our different courses and climbing offers can be booked on our website under Hva skjer, kurs og aktivitetskalender.
How to get here
How do you travel to Stavanger and the surrounding region? It doesn't matter how you get here, as long as you get here. We are not that far away, whether you’re travelling by plane, bus, ferry, car or train.
Getting to and around the Stavanger regionSleep and eat well in Stavanger!
Accommodation
Hotel Victoria in Stavanger
Stavanger
Stavanger's oldest hotel, Hotel Victoria with its modern facilities is a natural meeting place for tourists, business travellers and locals.
Food and drink
Fish Market Stavanger - The Restaurant
Stavanger
A restaurant with fish and seafood, where the menu is based on today's catch.
Food and drink
Hekkan Burger Stavanger
Stavanger
Hekkan's burgers are not revolutionary. Tasty burgers and exceptionally good products are what you get.