StavangerNorway · Ferry Destinations

All About Stavanger

Founded in 1125, the southwest municipality of Stavanger is the fourth largest in Norway. Designated as a trading town in 1425, the seaport of Stavanger, from the very start, was a hub of shipbuilding and other maritime activities like fisheries and canning. However, since 1971, the city has become the epicenter for refining North Sea oil. It is, thus, often called the ‘oil capital of Norway’.

A land of diverse landscapes, from fjords and mountains in the east to plains in the south, Stavanger has, for the longest time, been a much-admired destination famous for its beauty and strategic location.

Culturally, Stavanger boasts of having one of the country’s oldest neighborhoods with beautifully preserved 18th and 19th-century wooden houses. Awarded the title of ‘European Capital of Culture’ in 2008, Stavanger today is a dynamic ferry destination in Norway with over 190 nationalities that attracts tourists looking for an adventure-filled picturesque holiday from across the globe.
 

Routes and Ferries to Stavanger

Travel by boat is among the most preferred ways to reach one of Norway’s hidden gems. Ferry tickets to Stavanger take you to Risavika Harbor, about 30 minutes from the center. For passengers on foot, a bus service connects the ferry terminal to the main port. The route from Begern to Stavanger is genuinely panoramic and a great way to experience the fjords. Tickets for the five and half hour voyage are available through Ferryscanner, and there are seven sailings a week to choose from. Slightly longer yet equally breathtaking ferry journeys to Stavanger are possible from Langesund, Kristiansand, and Hirtshals.

Those planning to travel by air can land at Norway’s oldest operating airstrip at Stavanger Airport, also known as Sola. The airport has good connections with cities in Norway and European countries like Netherlands, Poland, and UK. You can also book seasonal flights to Stavanger from Gran Canaria, Rhodes, and Tenerife. A taxi to the center takes 20 minutes and costs €30. For a cheaper option, take the airport shuttle or the bus.

When traveling on land, there’s the opportunity to take a train from Oslo via Kristiansand that arrives at Stavanger central station. A bus journey from Oslo can be long and expensive, but it promises a memorable drive along the coastal highway.
 

Port of Stavanger

The port of Stavanger is a well-placed harbor within walking distance from the city’s center and its restaurants, hotels, and shops. This makes it perfect for passengers traveling with ferry tickets to Stavanger in hand. The ice-free sheltered dock is closest to Great Britain, making it an important and busy commercial port. The anchorage consists of four terminals catering to cargo, ferry, cruise, and offshore boat traffic. In addition, there are two guest marinas, one near the city center and the other close to the Oil Museum, welcoming private boats to moor for a limited time. Moreover, the city’s primary bus and train stations are a short walk from Stavangerhavn.
 

Best Beaches of Stavanger

Stavanger is as much a seaside destination as it is a cultural one. The best beaches in Stavanger not only dot its coastline and that of neighboring islands but also provide respite inland, next to ponds and lakes.

Solastranden

Boasting a wild, fine-sand landscape, Sola is one of the best beaches in Stavanger to spend a relaxing warm day. About a 15-minute drive from Risavika, the port where you arrive with ferry tickets to Stavanger, the beach is 2 kilometers long and stays crowded during the summers. Furthermore, there’s a golf course near the beach and WWII bunkers interspersed in the area. A hotbed for windsurfing, Sola Beach is the best place to take a dip in the refreshing waters of the North Sea.

Vaulen Badeplass

Vaulen faces the 13 km-long Gandsfjord and is among the top family beaches in Stavanger. Free parking, barbeque zones, a large and wide disposition, a small playground for children, a volleyball court, a diving board, and a kiosk open in the summertime add to its charm. Moreover, the shoreline leading into shallow waters caters to all with its sandy, grassy, and rocky sections.

Godalen Badeplass

About 10 minutes south of Gamle Stavanger, Godalen has a serene vibe that increases its popularity amongst locals. One of the best beaches in Stavanger, the dog-friendly strand has all the necessary facilities like toilets, grilling pits, and a café. However, there is limited parking, so the bus is the best way to get here. A scenic location for swimming and sunbathing, Godalen offers easy access to the water.

Badedammen

In use since 1849, Badedammen is the oldest bathing sport in the city, making it a must-visit from a historical point of view. The pond lies on the eastern side of Strømsteinen, a kilometer from the center. Here, you’ll find two piers, a small sandy area, a slide, barbeque pits, and toilets close by. Interestingly, the water in the pond comes from the sea and tends to be a little on the warmer side.

Vistestranden Beach

Upon arriving in the city with ferry tickets to Stavanger, it takes about 15 minutes to reach Vistestranden. The wide-open beach, located west of the city center, has grassy and sandy areas with rocky outcrops towards the edges. The water here is calm and shallow, ideal for the entire family to enjoy. A dog-friendly stand, amenities at Vistestranden include parking, a diving board, fire pits, and picnic tables. It’s also an excellent place for a walk and even has a few WWII bunkers nearby.
 

Neighborhoods of Stavanger

Stavanger comprises 22 localities, divided into seven boroughs. While a shared sense of serenity and cultural appreciation runs through the streets of every district, each neighborhood has something unique to offer.

Gamle Stavanger

It takes passengers disembarking with ferry tickets to Stavanger 20 minutes to reach Gamle, the city’s modern center, which happens to be its oldest and most well-preserved neighborhood. Expect a cornucopia of classic and contemporary features, such as quaint cobbled streets, 18^th-century white-colored houses, art galleries, and handicraft shops. Among the 250 buildings in this area, you’ll also come across the Norwegian Canning Museum and the Stavanger Maritime Museum.

Stokka

An idyllic lake-side neighborhood in Stavanger, Stokka is known for its green areas and hiking possibilities. It’s a quiet suburb where you can plan a waterside picnic at Pumpehuset park and visit the Stokka Church, built in 1974.

Varden

Varden is one of Stavanger’s more scenic outdoorsy neighborhoods. Locals come here for its beaches, public pools like Strømvik bad, and the Stavanger Motorbåtforening, a boathouse events venue. Furthermore, Varden has several parks and the Storhaug Idrettshall sports complex.

Stavanger Sentrum

Passengers that land with ferry tickets to Stavanger don’t have to go far to make the most of its modern-day offerings. The city’s central area is by the port and bustling with activity all year round. You’ll find cinemas, retail shops, the famous Fargegaten, and the Norsk Oljemuseum here. Plenty of eateries dot the center, with Hekkan Burger, Zouq Restaurant, and Kanelsnurren Verksgata bakery being some of the local favorites.

Eiganes

Eiganes is primarily a residential neighborhood in southwest Stavanger with apartment blocks and a multicultural population. Tourists can visit the Kunsthall Stavanger contemporary art museum and the Ledaal, an 1800s mansion that houses period furniture. Eiganes Cemetary is an excellent place for quiet walks amidst manicured gardens, or if you’re with children, head over to the playground at Munkehagen Park.
 

Places to Visit Around Stavanger

Stavanger’s artistic character is full of color and tends to be tons of fun. The city promises much for history enthusiasts. At the same time, the best places to visit in Stavanger are modern-day chic and borderline hip in their appeal.

Øvre Holmegate

A stroll down Øvre Holmegate transports you into a palette of yellows, whites, pinks, and reds. The vibrant pedestrian street, known as Fargegata or ‘street of colors’, juxtaposes the white houses of Gamle Stavanger beautifully, creating a yin and yang of sorts within the city. Lined with cafes and bars, the brainchild behind this multicolored extravaganza was local hairdresser Tom Kjørsvik. At the same time, the idea was put into fruition by artist Craig Flannagan over four years.

Norwegian Petrolium Museum

Norwegian Petroleum Museum celebrates the city’s all-important link with oil and gas, making it an interesting and educational place to visit in Stavanger for all ages. Open since 1981, the museum has on display various aspects of offshore drilling and provides in-depth information about oil, tools used, and conservation. Spread over 5000 sq meters, there are plenty of interactive, visual, and fun activities for visitors to enjoy. Entry tickets to the museum cost roughly €13 per adult.

Kongeparken

If you are a family arriving with ferry tickets to Stavanger, one of the best day excursions is Kongeparken. This one-of-a-kind bear-themed amusement destination has been in operation since 1986. The award-winning theme park in Ålgård is the biggest in the region and home to over 60 rides. Attractions at the park cater to all ages and include everything from tractor rides, ziplines, obstacle courses, and a drop tower to a waterpark, the longest bobsleigh, and a giant merry-go-round.

Sabi Omakase

Stavanger impresses its culinary visitors by hosting the first sushi restaurant to get a Michelin star in all of Norway. The intimate 10-seater Sabi Omakase, under the helm of Chef Roger Asakil Joya, plates authentic Japanese delicacies prepared using Norwegian ingredients. Among the highlights of dining at this Edomae restaurant is the chance to watch the sushi master at work across the counter.

Preikestolen

A rock extension towering 604 meters over Lysefjord that looks like a plateau, Pulpit Rock is now one of the most revered places to visit in Stavanger. However, visitors must undertake a 4km one-way hike with a few challenging sections to savor the views from this vantage point. On the other hand, guided bus tours are also available and are certainly a more relaxing way to reach the top.
 

Transportation Around Stavanger

Upon arriving with ferry tickets to Stavanger, you’ll find that most city tourist destinations are within walking distance from the port. From the tourist information center, shops, and restaurants to museums, the Stavanger Cathedral, and Lake Breiavatnet, everything is easy to cover on foot.

Moreover, the city has a well-functioning bus network that covers the entire Rogaland County. The main station is close to the lake, and ticket prices depend on how many of the five zones you want to travel across. For travelers, purchasing a day pass is a carefree and affordable option.

Trains in Stavanger stop at a few locations within the city but are an excellent choice when wanting to visit nearby villages. Taxis, at the same time, are expensive and charge extra in the evenings and at night.