Was this page helpful?
Last update: 12 Oct 2026
* We earn a commission from some links on this page.
Stavanger Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.
‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.
Suited for
Norway – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type F
Type C:
  Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
Norwegian Krone (NOK) £1 ≈ NOK 12.42 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 5/5
Norway is a highly cashless society. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and many places even prefer card payments over cash.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not obligatory in Norway, though it is appreciated. In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% is common. Taxi drivers expect small tips, and hotel staff appreciate small gratuities. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is allowed in Norway in some areas, such as designated outdoor events. However, it is prohibited in public places like parks and streets in many cities. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited indoors in all public places, including restaurants and public transport. Designated outdoor smoking areas are available in most public spaces. |
| Norwegian Constitution Day (May) |
A national holiday with celebrations, especially in Oslo, expect crowded areas and festivities. |
|---|---|
| Christmas (December) |
Christmas celebrations are widespread, with Christmas markets and festive events, but expect crowded cities and higher accommodation prices. |
| Midsummer (June) |
Midsummer celebrations take place with outdoor events, festivals, and celebrations. |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 112 (Police, Fire, Ambulance) |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | Uber, Bolt |
| Other: | Norway is a beautiful country with extensive natural landscapes. Be prepared for variable weather and pack accordingly, especially if you plan to explore the outdoors. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Stavanger, Norway
Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) trail mostly snow-free late April to October, winter hikes need experience and gear
Lysefjord boat tours run year-round, with far more departures April to October
Gladmat food festival, late July, draws large crowds to the harbour
Don't miss
- 🏘️ Explore the charming wooden houses in Gamle Stavanger
- 🥾 Hike to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) for stunning fjord views
- ⛴️ Take a scenic cruise through the breathtaking Lysefjord
- 🛢️ Visit the informative Norwegian Petroleum Museum
- 🎨 Admire colorful street art on Øvre Holmegate
- 🗡️ See the iconic Sverd i Fjell Viking swords monument
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to Stavanger?
Stavanger is a dream for anyone who loves mixing city strolls with outdoor adventure. The old town, Gamle Stavanger, is a maze of cobbled lanes and some of Europe’s best-preserved wooden houses, while the colorful Fargegata street buzzes with cafés and boutiques. The city’s museums are surprisingly fun (don’t miss the Canning Museum!) and the food scene is fresh and creative. But what really makes Stavanger special is what’s just outside: the legendary hike to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) for panoramic fjord views, wild beaches and the serene Lysefjord. Just be ready for unpredictable weather – rain gear is a must and prices can be high, especially for dining and activities. Some attractions close early in winter and hiking trails can be slippery or inaccessible in bad weather.
🏯Places worth seeing
🎡Places for activities
🏞️Natural landmarks
🎈Events
-
Gladmat Food Festival
-
Nuart Street Art Festival
-
Stavanger International Jazz Festival (MaiJazz)
-
Stavanger Marathon
-
Chamber Music Festival
-
International Literature Festival
-
Christmas Market
-
Siddis Brass Band Festival
-
Tall Ships Races (occasional)
-
Norwegian International Film Festival
Knowledge before you go
- Book Lysefjord trips early; summer departures fill fast.
- If hiking Preikestolen, start early; allow 4–5 hours roundtrip and pack windproof layers.
- Spend time in Gamle Stavanger; white wooden houses and cobblestones make an atmospheric stroll.
- For a quick city highlight, combine Øvre Holmegate “Color Street” with nearby street-art hunting between cafés.
How to travel to Stavanger
Stavanger Airport (Sola) is about 15 km from the city center, with frequent airport buses and taxis. Direct flights connect Stavanger to major European cities. Trains and long-distance buses link Stavanger to Bergen, Oslo and southern Norway. Ferries arrive from Denmark and nearby islands.
Access summary
- From Stavanger Airport (SVG): Airport bus or taxi, about 15–25 minutes.
- From Oslo: Domestic flight about 1 hour; long-distance train roughly 7–8 hours.
- For Preikestolen: Bus or tour from Stavanger, then 2–4 hour hike.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in Stavanger
Stavanger offers everything from boutique hotels in the old town to modern chains, cozy guesthouses and budget hostels. Many accommodations are within walking distance of the harbor and main sights. Book ahead for summer or festival dates, as rooms fill quickly.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
How to get around Stavanger
Stavanger’s city center is compact and walkable, making it easy to explore on foot. Local buses connect the city with beaches, suburbs and hiking trailheads. Ferries and boat tours depart from the harbor for Lysefjord and nearby islands. For further exploration, car rentals are available, but parking in the old town is limited. Cycling is popular, with bike rentals widely available.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in Stavanger are around 42% higher than the average across United States. That means you'll spend considerably more on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to NOK) is 1% worse than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.
Travel costs
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
Daily cost summary
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation | |||
| 🏨 Accommodation per night, per person | |||
| 🍝 Food per day | |||
| 🚕 Transportation per day |
Food & Drink
| 🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person | |
|---|---|
| 🍛 Lunch Set, per person | |
| 🍟 Fast food combo | |
| 🍝 Preparing your own food, per day | |
| ☕ Cappuccino | |
| 🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l |
Transportation
| 🚌 Public transport ticket | |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi | |
| ⛽ Petrol, 1 l |
Other
| 🎞️ Cinema ticket | |
|---|---|
| 👩⚕️ Doctor's consult | |
| 🤧 Cold medication | |
| 💇 Basic haircut |
Safety information overview
General safety
Stavanger is very safe, with low crime rates. Use common sense and keep an eye on valuables in busy areas. Take extra care on wet cobblestones and hiking trails, especially in rainy weather.
Health & Medical
Medical care is excellent, with clinics and pharmacies in the city. Tap water is safe to drink. No special vaccinations are needed, but travel insurance is recommended. Bring any necessary medications, as some pharmacies close early.
Accessibility
Most main attractions and public transport are accessible, but cobbled streets and some historic buildings may be challenging for those with mobility issues. Check ahead for specific accessibility needs, especially for hiking trails.
Tap water
Tap water in Stavanger is safe, clean and widely available. Public fountains are rare, so bring a refillable bottle. Bottled water is available in shops and cafés, but not necessary for most visitors.
Packing recommendations for Stavanger
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🚰
Reusable water bottle
🧥
Waterproof jacket
🕶️
Sunglasses
☂️
Folding umbrella
🎒
Small rucksack
for hikes
🩱
Swimwear
👜
Anti-theft bag
📕
Guidebook with offline map
🔋
Power bank
🧥
Fleece mid-layer
for changing weather
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
Related articles & guides for Stavanger
Looking for inspiration?
Discover
Best travel destinations for food allergies in Europe
Europe is one of the more manageable continents for allergy conscious travelers, thanks to strict food labeling rules that apply across the entire European Union. Restaurants…
Read more
Discover
Best hiking destinations in Europe
Europe has one of the most developed long distance hiking cultures in the world, with a network of waymarked trails covering everything from high alpine routes and coastal paths to…
Read more
Discover
Best travel destinations for food allergies
Travelling with a food allergy adds a layer of planning most people never have to think about and the right destination can make that planning a lot easier. Some travellers…
Read more
Discover
Top digital nomad destinations and remote work hubs in Europe
Europe offers remote workers a level of infrastructure that is hard to beat, along with enough cultural variety to keep even a long stay interesting. City based nomads can hop…
Read more
Discover
Top hiking destinations and famous trails
Hiking at its best is one of the most direct ways to engage with a landscape. The pace forces a relationship with terrain, weather and distance that faster forms of travel rarely…
Read more
Discover
Best solo travel destinations in Europe
Europe is where most people start, and for good reason. The trains connect cities across borders, the hostels have been running for decades, and the distances between completely…
Read more
Discover
Top solo travel destinations and safe hubs
Travelling alone sounds like a bigger deal than it is. The first day feels strange – eating dinner by yourself, navigating without someone to double-check the map with, making…
Read more
Discover
Top digital nomad destinations and remote work hubs in 2026
Working from anywhere in the world sounds simple until you actually try it and the best digital nomad destinations look different depending on what kind of remote worker you are.…
Read more
Discover
Best couple holiday destinations
Travelling as a couple sounds simple enough, yet the best couple holiday destinations mean something different to almost every pair. What feels romantic to one couple can feel like…
Read more
Discover
Best couple vacation destinations in Europe
Europe has been the backdrop for love stories for centuries, and for couples it remains one of the easiest continents to feel romantic in without even trying. The choice of…
Read more
Discover
Best destinations for first-time travellers
A first trip abroad works best somewhere that eases you in, rather than throwing every possible culture shock and logistical headache at you at once. Some first-time travellers…
Read more
Discover
Best travel destinations for seniors in Europe
Europe remains one of the easiest continents for older travelers, thanks to excellent trains, reliable healthcare and cities built for walking rather than driving. River cruises…
Read more
Discover
Best travel destinations for seniors
Senior travel covers a wide range, from slow, low effort trips built around comfort to more independent trips for travellers who still want to cover plenty of ground. Some…
Read more
Discover
Best destinations for first-time travelers in Europe
Europe is often the easiest continent to start with, thanks to short distances between countries and infrastructure built for travelers of every experience level. Trains connect…
Read more
Discover
Top ecotourism destinations and sustainable travel hubs
Travel and conservation do not always go hand in hand, but eco tourism is built on the idea that a trip can truly support the places it visits rather than just pass through them.…
Read more
