Sightseeing
During the summer season you can join in on our informative city sightseeing tour with guide. Starting point: Stavanger Tourist Information Office. Duration: 2 hours.
The city centre of Stavanger has short distances, which make it easy to reach most attractions by foot. We recommend you to stop by some of the town’s many museums, such as the Norwegian Petroleum Museum, The Norwegian Canning Museum, Rogaland Museum of Fine Arts and the Norwegian Children’s Museum.
Broken Column, a sculpture project in Stavanger by Antony Gormley, is made up of 23 cast iron figures placed on different locations around town. The three Swords in Rock at Hafrsfjord remind you of the battle of the Vikings in 872 AD led by the famous King Harald the Fairhaired.
When travelling around you can visit the Jærmuseet Science Centre, which has museums at both Sandnes and Nærbø. In April 2009, Jærmuseet received the title "Norway's best museum".
Vitenfabrikken (The science factory) in Sandnes has a planetarium where the constellations above us can be studied as well as experiences for the whole family. The learning centre at Kvia presents interactive experiences in technology, landscape, building styles and methods, as well as livestock.
Fritz Røed’s Sculpture Park "A song about life", is situated in Bryne centre. The park consists of ten sculptures that are varied in terms of style and size. Here you'll find humour, solemnity, childlike playfulness and reflection.
Fjord excursions
The dramatic Lysefjord with the majestic Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) is not far away and can be experienced all year round. The sightseeing boat tours depart from the harbour in Stavanger. The hikes to Preikestolen and Kjerag are also popular, and during the summer season bus transport is available.
Cultural events
There are several cultural events and activities in the European Capital of Culture. Keep up to date on all the exciting things happening throughout the year on the What's on? calendar on regionstavanger.com. Some of the permanent projects you should see are Sonic Vista, Camping Women, Norwegian Wood and the Geo Park.
Outdoor activities
If you enjoy hiking, the areas around Sandnes and the Lysefjord are especially good.
Fishing is possible in both rivers and lakes if you have a fishing licence. In the sea it is free for everyone. If you like to go on a fishing tour it is possible to rent a boat.
The beaches of Sola and Jæren have excellent conditions for surfing and kiting.
Whether you bring your own bicycle or rent one from the tourist information offices, there is a wide range of routes to choose from, for example The North Sea Cycle route.
Kayaks and canoes are also available for rent. If you like to really get in touch with nature it is possible to join guided kayak tours or participate in a kayak course.
For more adrenalin you can try fjord rafting with a so-called RIB, large open and swift rubber dinghy, or a helicopter ride over the Lysefjord.