Between rolling hills, deep fjords, and colorful wooden houses, Stavanger captures the very soul of Norway’s west coast. It’s where history and nature meet, where Viking stories live beside modern art, and adventure begins just beyond the city streets. In 2026, this seaside gem invites travelers to explore, unwind, and feel at home among some of Norway’s most unforgettable landscapes.

Explore Stavanger with HomeExchange

Quick Summary: The Best of Stavanger in 2026

Experience What Makes It Special Best For
Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) Norway’s most iconic cliff hike Adventure seekers
Old Stavanger (Gamle Stavanger) Europe’s best-preserved wooden houses History lovers
Flor & Fjære Gardens Tropical paradise on a private island Garden enthusiasts
Stavanger Cathedral Norway’s oldest cathedral (12th century) Culture & architecture fans
Norwegian Petroleum Museum Interactive museum on energy and innovation Families & curious minds
Sola Beach Golden sands and gentle waves Relaxed travelers
Øvre Holmegate (“The Color Street”) Vibrant cafés and art-filled streets Creatives & photographers
Ullandhaug Tower City and fjord views from above Nature lovers
Sverd i Fjell Monument Viking swords by the fjord History buffs
Lysefjord Cruise Waterfalls, seals, and towering cliffs Romantics & explorers

1. Preikestolen: Norway’s Most Iconic View

Rising 604 meters above the Lysefjord, Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) is one of Europe’s most breathtaking natural wonders. The four-hour hike rewards travelers with a view that feels endless. For those who prefer calm waters to mountain climbs, fjord cruises from Stavanger offer a gentler but equally majestic, perspective.

2. Old Stavanger: History in Every Step

A walk through Gamle Stavanger feels like stepping into another time. More than 170 white wooden houses line narrow cobbled lanes, each lovingly cared for and filled with flowers in summer. The scent of salt air and paint on timber gives this neighborhood its charm, quiet, authentic, and full of character.

3. Flor & Fjære: Norway’s Secret Garden

Only a short boat ride from Stavanger lies Flor & Fjære, a hidden island paradise of tropical flowers and palm trees. Guided tours reveal how this family-run garden thrives in the Norwegian climate, blending artistry and nature in perfect harmony. End your visit with a meal overlooking the sea, it’s pure serenity.

4. Stavanger Cathedral: Where Time Still Whispers

Dating back to 1125, Stavanger Cathedral is Norway’s oldest still in use. Its medieval stone walls and delicate carvings tell nearly nine centuries of stories. Step inside to hear organ music fill the vaulted space, or simply sit in silence and feel time slow down.

5. Norwegian Petroleum Museum: The Future Beneath the Waves

Set on the harbor, the Petroleum Museum turns Norway’s offshore history into a hands-on adventure. Its modern architecture resembles floating oil platforms, and the exhibits blend technology, sustainability, and human courage. Kids love the diving simulators; adults leave with a new appreciation for innovation shaped by the sea.

6. Sola Beach: Sand, Sun, and Simplicity

Just 15 minutes from downtown, Sola Beach offers golden sand, calm waves, and wide skies that stretch forever. It’s a place for families to picnic, windsurfers to ride, and locals to breathe. When the sun sets, the horizon glows, and you realize how peaceful Norway can truly be.

7. Øvre Holmegate: The Color Street

Nicknamed Fargegata, Øvre Holmegate is Stavanger’s most photogenic street. Every building bursts with color, from mint green to bright pink, housing cozy cafés, boutiques, and art galleries. It’s the city’s creative heart, a celebration of joy painted in every shade.

8. Ullandhaug Tower: The City from Above

For sweeping views of Stavanger and the fjords beyond, climb up to Ullandhaug Tower. The observation deck reveals a patchwork of islands and forests stretching to the sea. Surrounding hiking trails lead through pine woods, making it a perfect mix of calm and exploration.

9. Sverd i Fjell: The Viking Legacy

Three enormous bronze swords, Sverd i Fjell, or Swords in Rock, stand by the Hafrsfjord, marking the site of the Viking battle that united Norway in 872 AD. They rise proudly from the shore, symbolizing peace after victory. Come at sunset, when the light glints off the blades, it’s quietly powerful.

10. Lysefjord Cruise: Sailing Through Giants

End your Stavanger journey with a Lysefjord cruise, gliding past cliffs, waterfalls, and seal-dotted shores. Look up at Preikestolen from below and watch clouds drift between the mountains. It’s a moment of awe that captures everything Norway stands for, strength, beauty, and peace.

Why Stavanger?

Because Stavanger is where Norway’s wild heart meets everyday life. It’s big enough for great art and fine dining, yet small enough to feel warm and welcoming.You can start the day with Viking legends, spend the afternoon hiking above the fjord, and end it with coffee on a colorful street filled with laughter. Stavanger doesn’t just show you Norway, it lets you live it.

Stay in Stavanger, Live Like a Local

Through HomeExchange In Stavanger, you can experience Stavanger like someone who belongs here. Stay in bright apartments by the harbor or family homes near the sea. Shop at local markets, cook with fresh seafood, and share stories with neighbors who know every hidden path. Because in Stavanger, every home tells a story, and every traveler becomes part of it.