Stavanger, the fourth biggest city of Norway is a fantastic blend of ancient and modern culture.
Stretched back far up to the medieval period, the history of this city is pretty glorious.
Earlier, it was a tranquil market place in the coastal region, later it became a fishing port and now it is known as flourishing oil offshore with beautiful landscapes.
Most of the houses and buildings here have been built during the 18th and 19th century.
Wooden houses of same period are still securing the cultural heritage of the ancient Norway.
The city is considered as the oil industry of Norway in the modern time and is counted in one of the leading energy capitals of the country.
Before 1900, Stavanger was dependent upon fisheries and shipping economically; the place was even called as the canned capital of Norway for lots of canning plants in the town.
After the discovery of oil resources, great revolution with rapid growth in economy has been introduced there.
Best time to visit Stavanger?
People make fun of the Norwegian weather by saying that one can even enjoy all four seasons there in single day.
Up to some extent, this is a fact that weather in the country is totally unpredictable.
You should not be surprised to know that the place can have same temperature during mid summer and mid winter.
Being a coastal city, Stavanger bears coastal climate, means mild winters and moderate summers.
Although, you will enjoy visiting to the place in any month but the best time to enjoy charming scenes is from May to September.
May comes with spring in the city, leaving snow in the high mountainous regions.
Festive season begins in June, so you can expect having some unique experience and lots of fun during this period.
Best things to do in Stavanger
Here is the list of eye catchy attractions and things to do in this place to fill your Stavanger trip with great adventure and fun:
Old Stavanger
A must watch place in the city; Old Stavanger offers many speculating and attractive scenes to capture.
You might have known about cobbles that it is hard to walk on them while some steps are tough but can be reached by little efforts.
An exciting feeling of stepping back to the history by watching immaculate white houses fills your heart with great pleasure.
The well managed place just represents a scene like a Hollywood set.
The Old Stavanger site is complete perfect for a joyous historical stroll.
You should not miss the chance of being there especially in nice weather when you want to go out and enjoy.
Small, beautiful parks are also there to walk on or sit on to relax.
The place is also excellent to let you know the scenario of the city earlier than the oil boom.
In this way, you can estimate about the economy of the city before and after the oil revolution.
This place in Norway is something to be completely different from rest of the province.
Charming buildings, lovely scenic landscapes and wonderful daily activities of natives add a color of creativity to your trip.
My favorite stuff to do in Stavanger
Breidablikk
Breidablikk is a well preserved mansion from 1880s in the country.
Representing an authentic interior of ancient time, the building showcases an excellent collection of paintings with the work of Kitty Kielland and August Jacobson.
Interior of the house is very rich and fascinating; definitely the house had been built for representing power and wealth.
According to the explanation given by the guide, the origination of the building is related with trade of salted fishes of various species including herring.
When you go further in the building, you will discover that shipping was the prime activity that time.
The extraordinary architecture of the building, interesting furniture, wealth of paintings and different styles of arts here has made the house a fantastic art museum.
The house also represents more or less about the active social, political and local life of the owner that left great impression ion progress of the community at that time.
Fun things to do in Stavanger
Skagenkaien
An outstanding intervention of culture, nature and calm environment that makes the place stunning is really irresistible.
This vital and scenic place in the city becomes more attractive with the series of colorful houses.
Waterfront, cafes and bars together make the place full of pleasure and cheer.
If you want to enjoy festive environment in Stavanger, nothing can be better place than Skagenkaien definitely.
People who want to explore more in lesser time will love to choose speedboats that lead towards surrounding attractions such as the beautiful island of Fjaerne and Lysefjord etc.
An impressive part of the shore can be seen during the time it moor cruise ships to tower over the range of white buildings of the old city.
Apart from offering nice getaways to spend beautiful time there, this place is good to represent fine details throughout the year.
Popular Stavanger tourist attractions
Sola Strand
Beach lovers will like this place for a nice and elegant appearance.
Travelers love to visit to sola strand for having a lovely stroll along the sea shore.
The extensive location makes it totally favorable for strolling, surfing and snorkeling.
The place becomes more crowded during summer and hotels should be avoided on Sundays as people are charged too high for very simple services.
Beach side hotels are lovable for their good services and facilities of food and drink with good environment for enjoying leisure.
This beach is beautiful enough to be compared with fantastic beaches in Europe.
Small stalls selling soda, ice cream and sausages, services for playing volleyball and watching jellyfishes make the whole scene picturesque beauty.
Planning to lie down on the sand sheet, listening sound of waves and enjoying sun bath will offer a fantastic experience to you.
The water is pretty warm for swimming or taking a dip.
Fascinating geological sceneries are ready there for memorable snaps.
Overall white sand, clean and fresh water and moderate temperature together is ready there to make your day.
What else to do in Stavanger?
Jaeren
Jaeren is one of the most beautiful beaches of Norway.
Hellesto beach, Bore beach, Brusand and Kongeveien are some beaches which are speculating and offer fantastic scenes.
Some of them are naturally ornamented with endless fields and conventional stone walls.
In the south western part of Norway, the 100 km long coastline is ready with several sandy beaches, rocks and pebbles offering good opportunities for hiking.
Representing great scenic bouldering beaches, Jaeren possesses an outstanding atmosphere for hikers, adventure lovers and snorkelers.
That’s why; the place is listed as an attraction in Stavanger, Norway.
BaconFarse, a special dish consisting meat within bun in this site makes the place more reputed.
Being one of the well defined geographic regions of Norway, Jaeren represents awesome farmlands where you will like to brace yourself for the epic culture.
Backpackers love camping here for ‘kvikk lunch’ including coffee, beer and food.
In short, this series of beaches can be described as an elegant, windy, dramatic, cold and isolated site.
Lots of archeological materials here prove that the chiefs held supreme power from the early Iron Age.
Is Stavanger worth visiting?
The answer is Yes.
Stavanger is worth visiting.
This is because it is such a magical place
full of beauty and adventours.
Make sure you visit the following stunning place:
Swords in Rock
This wonderful site is large beyond the imagination; with immense importance of their location, sculpture of swords in rock attracts lots of travelers every year.
This special place should not be missed from your schedule at all if you are in Norway especially if you are interested to know more about the Norwegian history.
Swords with impressive look offer you great deal of fun for snapping photos.
You can visit to this place easily as it is situated near the airport; also, the attraction is visible from the road only.
Three swords designed beautifully reveals history of the city with classic appearance.
If you don’t have much time to spend in this place, you can even grab 10 minutes to wait and watch this huge sculpture.
It is called that this place is the monument of the king who united Norway but natives can tell you better about the place and whether this statement is factual or not.
This point is also the beginning spot for one of the city walks of Stavanger.
You can even plan a picnic there and sit to watch sunset.
What else to see in Stavanger?
Stavanger Cathedral
According to natives, this cathedral was built by the craftsmen who built the Durham Cathedral.
Also, the Stavanger cathedral possesses some similarities in architecture with the Durham cathedral.
This marvelous cathedral was crafted during the 12th century.
Apart from the fantastic architecture, the evening choir practice is something to attract tourists.
The cathedral is situated at the walking distance from the port; inside you will see detailed designs and carvings to make the interior adorable.
Weddings are held at this place in general and the surrounding area is awesome for an afternoon stroll.
Don’t forget to walk through the back side of the cathedral and enjoy spending some time in the sunny afternoon.
This cool and calm place in the city is also suitable for picnic and hangout with family.
Construction style of this stone building is partially gothic and partially roman but both kinds of architectures have been blended well to come up with an interesting impression.
The cathedral also plays well as an amazing concert venue especially for the International Chamber music festival.
Popular places to visit in Stavanger
Lysefjord
Water and nature has very close relation; this amazing site in Norway represents the natural beauty of waterfalls and offer lots of joy to visitors.
Wonderful scenic area, magnificent waterfalls, mountainous region together makes the environment good in Lysefjord for outing.
Adventure lovers should add this spot for sure in their trip.
Preferring sneakers is good to walk on the hilly track.
Various kinds of hikes include simple and complicated tasks both,that can be chosen by travelers as per their comfort.
Even in winter season, the region becomes joyous due to snow and bright sunshine.
You can also have a view to this place from any of the boating tours.
Lysefjord is one of the most majestic and lovely places to see in Norway; it will be seen to you while walking to Pulpit Rock or hiking to Kjerag and boating that starts from Stavanger harbor.
Weather plays an important role during your visit to Lysefjord as you will have to stand out of the boat cabin to catch a nice view.
Things to do in Stavanger with kids
Flor og Fjaere
A small paradise in Stavanger, Flor og Fjaere is a nice natural piece with lots of flowers, colors, trees, waterfalls and catchy scenes.
Weather can be a bit windy but not uncomfortable; planning tours around gardens is lovely and interesting.
Planning a dinner under a guided tour is also a wonderful idea as the chef in surrounding restaurants comes up with delicious dishes.
Trying wonderful food there will be a charming, fun loving and memorable experience.
Dishes prepared in food zones there also involve herbs picked from the local garden; this adds a special flavor in food.
Also you should be ready to see humorous presentation of food.
Visiting to this unique place during summer season offers a fantastic experience to people of all age group.
Flor og Fjaere is also known well for its outstanding vegetation including trees like banana, palm, bamboo and floral plants.
Due to excessive presence of palm trees in this place, it is called as Palm Island in Norway.
Things to do around Stavanger
Ovre Holmegate
In the central part of Stavanger, Ovre Holmegate is a colorful street showcasing buildings painted in bright colors.
Lovely shops, bars, eye catchy streets, picturesque houses and calm atmosphere make this place worth watching.
The special thing to see here is that every building has been painted in an attractive way; even, houses are kept unpainted until and unless the owner comes up with a catchy idea for pulling attention.
Trendy and classic restaurants make this place special to be visited.
Walking through the street of Ovre Holmegate leaves an unforgettable impact with great deal of relaxation on the mind of visitors.
Overall, you will find nothing special besides attractively painted houses still it is the kind of place, your trip to Stavanger does not complete if you don’t visit there.
Must see places in Stavanger
Vaulen Beach
Another lovely beach in Stavanger, Vaulen is located in the Gandsfjord region where travelers love to visit during warm days.
The place is exactly suitable for swimming and family picnic.
Despite of lots of travelers enjoy hanging out in the place usually, this beach does not seem overcrowded.
A wide open space is there for everyone to find a place for enjoying leisure.
Unlike, the Sola and Hellesto beach facing the North Sea, this beach has a shallow bay with spots that warm rapidly during sunny days.
The white sand in the sea shore comes from Florida which was brought there by freighters in 1920 between Stavanger and Florida.
An excellent biking trail is also there in the beach which is used much throughout the year.
As the beach is situated nearby from the bus stop, you can reach there even by walking; with good parking facility and bathrooms where you can change, the beach offers a comfort zone to visitors.
Children like to spend time by having fun on a zip wire and slide there.
Cute shops, cafes and entertainment zones make this place complete to provide pleasure to visitors.
Free things to do in Stavanger
Ledaal
Ledaal is nothing but a Royal residence built between 1799 and 1803.
Nowadays, it has been converted into a museum and royal residence hall too.
The building has its own historical importance as it was the official residence of the Norwegian King in the city.
Elegant and noteworthy exterior and interior architecture, beautiful façade in a great park and luxurious decoration attracts crowd of visitors to enjoy summer here.
You can get English guide books there to understand the place well.
The manor house in front of the building is another attraction here which has undergone renovation recently for development as tourist attraction.
Many luxurious things are there to tell you how royalty enjoys facilities on full.
One royal room of the building has been developed fully into a studio for the reputed author of Norway, Alexander Kielland.
Buying an entrance ticket for this building is also applicable for watching Breidablikk, another building nearby.
My vacation activities in Stavanger
Paseo por la calle
Lovely buildings and marvelous houses just represent a scene like periodic films, making the place simply fantastic.
This welcoming site offers a good choice of bars and restaurants to visitors.
With some typical stores and catchy food zones, this place is amazing for the cleanliness.
Like Ovre Holmegate, this place is also pleasant to see for its bright painted houses.
All the charming colors just showcase mind-blowing scenes you will surely fall for.
Walking aimlessly is the best thing you can do here; wandering is the only idea here to come up with surprising spots.
By knowing this much about the city of beautifully painted houses, Stavanger you might have understood that it plays an important role in securing the glorious Norwegian history.
So, don’t forget to plan a trip to Stavanger when you make a schedule for Norway.
