The Stavanger region

From colourful streets with cool art to forces of nature

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Stavanger .
Photo: True Stories / Bleed / Visit Norway

Take in the fresh air in the harbour by the historic wharf houses of Stavanger (Sjøhusrekken) as the seagulls squeak in the background.

The wharf houses of Stavanger .
Photo: Brian Tallman Photograpy

Walk among the typical white-painted wooden houses in Gamle Stavanger, the oldest part of the city.

Stop by the many galleries and handicraft shops …

Sightseeing in Old Stavanger .
Photo: CH / Visitnorway

… and suddenly you’ll find yourself in a street painted in all the colours of the rainbow.

Øvre Holmegate is lined with lovely cafés, boutiques, and galleries. And numerous photo opportunities, of course. The locals call it “Fargegata” (the colour street) for a reason!

The colourful street Øvre Holmegate in Stavanger .
Photo: Martin Håndlykken / Visitnorway.com

Fargegata is only one of many multicoloured surprises in Stavanger.

Spot exciting street art from the Nuart festival in every corner of the city.

Join an art walk and discover everything from massive murals to tiny works of art in doorways and on buses.

Street art by SMUG in Stavanger .
Photo: Brian Tallman Photography / Nuart

Or experience how the city’s museums combine technology with curiosity.

The discovery of oil changed Norway forever. Slip into a survival suit at the Norwegian Petroleum Museum for a taste of life in Norway’s most important industry.

You can also put on a pair of VR glasses and sail straight into the Viking Age in the innovative Viking House.

Norwegian Petroleum Museum in Stavanger .
Photo: CH / Visitnorway.com

For a dose of adrenaline, head over to the bear-themed amusement park Kongeparken.

The park prides itself with Norway’s steepest drop jump, biggest merry-go-round, and longest bobsleigh track.

Yee-haw!

Family fun in Kongeparken in Stavanger .
Photo: Kongeparken

Time for a break? Have a hot drink or a bite to eat in a snug café.

With six coffee roasters in Stavanger and Sandnes, it’s easy to get your hands on a locally produced taste sensation.

The colourful street Øvre Holmegate in Stavanger .
Photo: Brian Tallman Photography

Not to mention all the dining experiences you can look forward to. Stavanger truly is a food city, with some of Norway's best restaurants.

Book a table (in advance!) at one of the Michelin restaurants RE-NAA or Sabi Omakase.

Or explore a myriad other eateries in all genres and price ranges.

Food in the Stavanger region .
Photo: True Stories / Bleed / Visit Norway

The fish market Fisketorget is the place to go if you crave fresh seafood.

You can also opt for the perfectly prepared catch of the day in the adjoining restaurant.

Local delicacies abound at the annual food festival Gladmat.

Hungry for more? Check out where to travel in the region for the best food experiences.

Fisketorget restaurant in Stavanger .
Photo: Fisketorget restaurant

Stavanger is also the perfect base for some of Norway's most unique nature experiences.

Go on a day cruise on the Lysefjord or get your heart rate up on a hike to Preikestolen or Kjerag.

Preikestolen .
Photo: NLE Film / Region Stavanger

Explore the evergreen islands in the northern parts of the region, or check out the unique moonstone landscape in the Magma UNESCO Global Geopark in the south.

Islands in Stavanger .
Photo: NLE Film