Stavanger is known as the gateway to the Fjords and is probably one of the biggest ports on a Norwegian Fjords cruise. Stavanger sits on the coast of south-west Norway and being one of the bigger ports in the area is an obvious stop for a lot of cruises to the Fjords. Historically a fishing and canning city, it’s evolved over time into an oil city and so has modernised and expanded. However, it has still retained it’s viking heritage and has a wonderful picturesque harbour and old town.
It’s location also means you can also still explore the nearby Fjords. In fact Stavanger offers some of the best loved fjord experiences through the iconic pulpit rock, Lysefjord and the rather scary Kjeragbolten boulder. All of this means you can make what you want of your time here – you can just hop off and explore the city yourself, or do some more serious sightseeing or get out into the surrounding area to explore the fjords and get stuck into some outdoor activities.
Generally the cruise ports in the Norwegian Fjords are relatively small so we found there wasn’t a massive selection of excursions available. Despite this each cruise line will offer a range of excursions you can book, or alternatively you can book independently. We always check Viator (https://www.viator.com/?pid=P00106682&mcid=42383&medium=link) and Get Your Guide (https://gyg.me/YWHfVHma) to compare options and prices before we book.
We’ve shown below a selection of the top sights and excursions you can enjoy during your day in Stavanger, and we’ve included a link to our vlog covering the destination.
Our Top Things to Do
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Gamle Stavanger (Old Town)
Stavanger has a beautiful Old Town, right next to the port. If you do one thing in Stavanger, it’s this - get off the ship just to wander here for 20 minutes. Made up of winding cobbled streets and little white wooden houses, it’s a beautiful spot.
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Pulpit Rock
One of Norway's most iconic natural landmarks, known for its dramatic beauty and awe-inspiring views. It sits perched around 600 metres above the fjord, and is a flat topped plateau looking out across the fjord. You can hike up here but its around 8 kilometers across rough terrain, slopes and forests if you’re up for the challenge. Alternatively enjoy a scenic cruise to see it from down below, or a helicopter ride from above.
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Lysefjord
A beautiful fjord just half an hour from Stavanger. Enjoy a scenic cruise past wonderful scenery, with cliffs either side, waterfalls streaming down them, and snow up on the tops. It’s a truly beautiful part of the world and your first taste of the fjords themselves.
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Kjeragbolten boulder
A massive boulder wedged between two rock faces. Some crazy people stand on here but we really wouldn’t recommend this if you value your life! It’s still an impressive sight though.
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Stavanger Domkirke (Cathedral)
A beautiful cathedral located in the centre of Stavanger. You can pay to enter and see inside or just enjoy the views from the outside. This is well within walking distance from the port and located just off the central harbour area so very easy to take in.
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Fargegaten - the street of colours
Again located in the centre of Stavanger, a beautiful little street filled with colour. A lovely place to wander, shop or stop for something to eat.
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Swords in Rock monument
A famous landmark in the area consisting of three massive bronze swords planted in the rocks. Located just outside or on the edge of the city, this is harder to reach unless you’re on an excursion.
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Museums
Stavanger has a handful of museums to enjoy including the Norwegian Petroleum museum, Norwegian Canning Museum and the Stavanger Maritime Museum. These probably aren’t the most exciting for families and kids but are here to enjoy if you want.
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Paddle Boarding
If you want to get a bit more active and don’t mind the cold, paddle boarding is an option and you’ll often find an excursion available.
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RIB boat
A popular excursion in most ports on a Norwegian Fjords cruise, a RIB boat offers a thrilling ride, speeding across the fjords and waterways.
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Iron Age Farm
A popular family excursion option - go and visit a reconstruction of an iron age farm. Actors bring the farm to life so you can learn what life was like.
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Follow in the footsteps of Erling Haaland
An interesting excursion option for any football fans. This follows the path of footballer Erling Haaland who grew up in the region and includes a visit to Bryne FK stadium.