How to Spend Three Days in Stavanger Norway – Detailed Itinerary
Are you planning a trip to Norway and wondering how much time to spend in Stavanger?
What are the best things to see and do? How should you create your itinerary to make the most of your trip?
Use this guide to plan your three-day adventure to Stavanger, Norway!
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A trip to Norway wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Stavanger. Here you will find plenty of interesting sights and activities to enjoy. A nicely thought-out itinerary will ensure that you make the most of your time, have a realistic plan and stay within budget. You’ll also be able to book excursion tickets and reserve accommodations in advance.
As tempting as it can be to have a jam-packed itinerary, it’s best to prioritize must-see destinations. Give yourself enough time to discover the highlights, but remember you won’t be able to see everything this region has to offer. Have some flexibility built in to your itinerary for unforeseen circumstances, such as inclement weather.
This guide is structured to provide an overview of the best activities, historical sites, museums as well as outdoor experiences that can be accomplished during a 3-day visit. Adjust accordingly to suit your own travel timeline, budget and personal preferences.
How Many Days to Spend in Stavanger
Do you prefer to pack in as much as possible in a short period of time or travel at a more leisurely pace?
Are you visiting in the summer when there are plenty of daylight hours for exploring the great outdoors?
Are you travelling luxuriously or on a budget?
The main highlights of Stavanger and its surrounding areas can be seen in three days. This is the perfect amount of time for first-time visitors planning to visit the city of Stavanger itself as well as local fjords (Lysefjord) and hiking trails (Pulpit Rock & Kjeragbolten). Stavanger is an essential stop if you are continuing on to see other parts of Norway on a longer trip around the country.
This guide assumes travellers have three-full days available to explore. Take into consideration your arrival and departure time when creating your itinerary. Even if you only have a short period of time, exploring Stavanger and its nearby natural attractions for a few days will certainly be worthwhile.
Stavanger – Three Day Itinerary
Use the following three-day itinerary as an inspirational guide to plan your trip to Stavanger. This itinerary has been created with the must-see highlights presented in a logical, geographical order. Follow this route to maximize your travel time and make the most of your budget. One full day of travel is dedicated to the town of Stavanger with an additional two days set aside for hiking and exploring one of Norway’s most stunning fjords.
Norway is known for being an expensive country, so it’s best to have an idea of how much things cost before you arrive. Costs for airfare, accommodation, meals, attractions and transportation add up quickly if you are not prepared. Planning in advance is the best way to save money and to have an unforgettable experience. With so much to see in Stavanger and surrounding areas, let’s get started!
Day 1 – Charming Streets of Stavanger
The majority of travellers arrive in Stavanger by:
- Train – Station Sentralstasjon
- Bus – Stavanger Bus Terminal
- Airplane – Stavanger International Airport (SVG)
- Private Vehicle
Both the train and bus terminals are located directly in central Stavanger. If you have arrived by plane, the Airport Express Coach (Flybussen) is a convenient way to reach the city centre. You may also choose to rent a car. Pick-up depots are located both at the airport and in downtown Stavanger.
Once you have arrived in Stavanger, check into your accommodation. If you have arrived prior to check-in, ask your hotel/hostel staff if there is a secure place to store your belongings. It’s time to start exploring the city!
Stavanger is a very walkable city with its main attractions located reasonably close to each other. One of the best ways to see the city is on foot, but there are bike rentals, taxis and public transportation options available as well.
Today you will spend time in one of the oldest districts of the city. Learn about Stavanger’s history with a visit to one of its many museums. Enjoy traditional Norwegian cuisine and watch the ships pass by along the harbourfront. Finish the day by venturing slightly outside of the city just in time for sunset. Adjust this route as needed based on the location of your starting point, (usually your hotel/accommodation) and sight-seeing preferences.
1. Old Stavanger
Gamle Stavanger is the historic area of the city where small, white cottages built in the 18th century remain. Stroll along the cobblestone streets to admire the restored homes, colourful flowers, quaint boutiques and art galleries. Both the Norwegian Canning Museum & Stavanger Maritime Museum can be found in the Old Town. Be respectful as you wander as these are the private homes of local residents.
2. Norwegian Canning Museum
Learn about Stavanger’s local canning heritage. The museum is housed within a former sardine factory (previously operational between 1916 and 1958) located right in the middle of Old Stavanger. A visit to the museum is a great activity for a rainy day or if traveling with kids. Check the official website for opening and closing times. Cost: 100 NOK for adults; free for children.
3. Stavanger Maritime Museum
Stavanger Maritime Museum is a small exhibit located along the waterfront featuring ship models and artifacts related to the village’s maritime history. Check the official website for opening and closing times. Cost: 100 NOK for adults; free for children.
4. Stavanger Cathedral
Domkirke is Norway’s oldest and best-preserved medieval church originating from the 12th century when the city of Stavanger was founded.The interior of the church is gorgeous but is currently closed for restoration. Fortunately, it’s still possible to admire the exterior architecture from the surrounding streets.
5. Breiavatnet
When you arrive in downtown Stavanger, you are greeted to a fairy tale setting with a small lake, water fountain, white swans and shady trees. This is a peaceful place for a short walk or to sit on a park bench and enjoy the scenery.
6. Øvre Holmegate
This vibrant, colourful shopping street in downtown Stavanger is packed with coffee shops, bars, restaurants, salons and even a tattoo parlour. Grab a drink and take a seat outside on the completely pedestrianized (car-free) street and watch as people pass by.
7. Stavanger Harbourfront
Stavanger’s harbour is located in the heart of the city. Take in views of the water, colourful houses, boats and maybe even a cruise ship. This is where you will depart tomorrow for a scenic fjord cruise.
8. Swords in Rock (Sverd I Fjell)
Commemorative monument consisting of three bronze swords, standing 10 metres high, embedded in rock. The sculpture represents peace, unity and freedom in Norway. If you arrive in the summer on a warm day, lounge on Mølllebukta Beach or take a swim in the fjord. Stay for sunset when the swords cast a silhouette against the sea and sky. Sunset fluctuates depending on the season as this area experiences both the Midnight Sun (Summer) and the Polar Night (Winter). The monument is located 10 minutes outside of downtown Stavanger by car or 20 minutes by bus (Route #16).
After a day spent strolling the charming streets of Stavanger, head back to your accommodation to rest and prepare for tomorrow’s hike. Make sure to pack all of the essentials to ensure a safe trip.
Day 2 – Lysefjord Cruise & Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)
Today you will witness incredible views of the famous Lysefjord from the water as well as from the summit of Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock). This boat cruise and hike combination is a full day adventure. Tours typically depart from the Stavanger Pier around 9:00-11:00am and return to the Stavanger bus terminal in the late afternoon.
1. Lysefjord
Take a scenic boat cruise on one of Norway’s most breathtaking fjords. This long, narrow inlet reaches far inland with steep walls of rock on either side. Stop to admire the impressive Pulpit Rock, Hengjanefossen Waterfall and Vagabond’s Cave (Fantahålå).
2. Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)
Pulpit Rock is one of the most popular hiking destinations in Norway. Its summit stands 604 meters high with a sheer drop to the fjord below. The area is accessible year-round to hikers with an average fitness level. There is no doubt that Pulpit Rock offers one of the most stunning views in the world.
Ready to add this hike to your bucket list? For more details, check out my Guide to Hiking Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock).
| Hike Details Distance – 7.6 kilometres (round-trip) Elevation – 350 metres Duration – 4-6 hours round-trip (not including time spent at the top) Difficulty – Medium (average fitness level) Season – Open year-round, snow may be present during wintertime Distance from Stavanger – Approximately 1 hour drive (one-way). Allowing time for bus and ferry connections. Parking – 250 NOK (no time limit) |
Surely you have worked up an appetite from today’s adventures. Freshen up, then make your way back to Øvre Holmegate for this evening’s meal. The Stavanger region is famous for serving fresh seafood and seasonal produce sourced locally. Unlimited dining options await you!
Day 3 – Kjeragbolten
Wake up early and spend your final day in the Stavanger region hiking to the summit of Kjeragbolten. Bus tours typically depart from Stavanger city centre around 7:45 am and return in the late afternoon.
1. Kjeragbolten
Kjerag is a challenging hike that not only offers stunning views at the top but thrills adventure seekers with the chance to step out onto the world-famous boulder wedged between two cliffs. There is nowhere else quite like it on Earth. Conquering Kjerag is definitely a bucket list worthy adventure!
Ready to step out onto this iconic boulder? Check out my Guide to Hiking Kjeragbolten.
| Hike Details Distance – 12 kilometres (round-trip) Elevation – 570 metres Duration – 6-10 hours round-trip (not including time spent at the top) Difficulty – Strenuous (Previous hiking experience recommended) Season – Open between June 1st and September 30th Distance from Stavanger – Approximately 2.5hour drive (one-way) Parking – 300 NOK (24-hour permit), 400 parking spots available |
Return to the city centre for a final night at your accommodation before heading off to another part of the county or preparing for a flight home. Although it was a brief visit, you will leave the Stavanger region with memories that last a lifetime!
Start Booking Your Trip
Use the helpful resources below to start booking your trip to Stavanger, Norway!
- Reserve your accommodation with Hotels.com or Hostelworld.
- Book your rental car with Discover Cars.
- Book your flight with SkyScanner.
- Book activities with Get Your Guide.
- Traveling Solo? Book a Group Tour with G Adventures.
- Buy Travel Insurance with SafetyWing or World Nomads.
Recommended Reading
Have any questions about planning your trip to Stavanger or its nearby fjords and hiking trails? Please share your questions or comments below!
