Stavanger region, Norway – Lysefjord, Sola beach, Preikestolen

The city of natural highs

Surrounded by beautiful fjords, mountains, and long, white beaches, Stavanger and Sandnes also boasts an impressive assortment of museums and cultural events.

Famed for its many natural attractions and old wooden houses, the Stavanger region is on the radar of nearly every visitor to Norway. Here, you can explore scenic landmarks such as the Lysefjord, Sola beach, and the famous cliff Preikestolen (The Pulpit Rock) which Lonely Planet once named the world’s most breathtaking viewing platform.

Stavanger is both a university city and Europe’s oil and energy capital. Many different nationalities are attracted to the region, making it a highly international destination. This is all reflected in Stavanger’s urban and lively atmosphere, with cutting-edge food menus and a booming cultural scene.

Though Stavanger is an ever-evolving city, the city’s proud history shines through. Old Stavanger has Europe’s best preserved wooden house settlement with more than 170 white wooden houses.

With so much to see you’ll be happy to learn that getting to the Stavanger region and around is easy.

Find more inspiration on Stavanger and Ryfylke’s official website.

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regionstavanger-ryfylke.com

Summer at Preikestolen (“The Pulpit Rock”).
Photo: Terje Rakke / Nordic Life / regionstavanger.com

Sjokoladepiken Café, Stavanger.
Photo: CH / Visitnorway.com

Swords in Rock, Hafrsfjord.
Photo: Richard Larssen / Visitnorway.com

Fjøløy Light house, Rennesøy.
Photo: Monica Larsen / Regionstavanger.com

Lunch at Renaa Restaurant.
Photo: CH / Visitnorway.com

The Petroleum Museum in Stavanger.
Photo: Espen Grønli / Norsk Oljemuseum

Solastranden beach.
Photo: Terje Rakke / Nordic Life AS / Fjordnorway.com

Having fun in Geoparken, Stavanger.
Photo: CH / Visitnorway.com

Activities and attractions

With natural attractions, innovative museums, and high-profile kitchens, the Stavanger region is ready to give you an enjoyable holiday.

The city centre of Stavanger is compact and you can reach most attractions on foot. Stop by some of the city’s many museums, such as the Norwegian Petroleum Museum, Stavanger Art Museum, and the Norwegian Canning Museum.

The varied smells of the city centre come from an increasing amount of different kitchens, such as Michelin-starred restaurants RE-NAA and Sabi Omakase.

In the region, you will also find a growing appetite for food and drink festivals, with Gladmatfestivalen in July as the biggest of its kind.

Combine the urban life of Stavanger and the neighbouring city of Sandnes with hiking and stunning views from Preikestolen and Kjerag in the Lysefjord, or try the surf at the white sandy beaches along the coast.

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