Travel around Stavanger with Bobby
Day 1Exploring the Old Town and Beyond
My first day started in Gamle Stavanger, the city’s charming old town. Wandering through its narrow cobblestone streets lined with over 170 wooden houses from the 18th century was like stepping back in time. The white houses and small, colorful gardens made the area feel like a storybook village. I couldn’t resist stopping by Bøker og Børst, a cozy café in the heart of the old town, where I enjoyed a traditional Norwegian coffee with a slice of kanelbolle (cinnamon roll).
In the afternoon, I made my way to the Norwegian Petroleum Museum, which, at first glance, might not seem like an exciting choice, but let me tell you—it was fascinating! The museum tells the story of Norway’s oil industry through interactive exhibits, and it’s surprisingly engaging for all ages. Walking through oil rigs and learning about underwater drilling had me appreciating the industrial side of Stavanger.
I ended the day at Fisketorget, a seafood restaurant by the harbor, where I tasted fresh Norwegian salmon and shrimp. The meal, paired with harbor views, was the perfect way to wrap up my first day in the city.
If you love history, culture, and good food, spend your first day exploring Gamle Stavanger and the Petroleum Museum. Be sure to indulge in fresh seafood by the harbor for an authentic Stavanger experience.
Day 2The Iconic Preikestolen Hike
Day two was all about adventure. I’d been looking forward to this ever since I planned the trip—hiking to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock). I started early in the morning, taking the Preikestolen Express Bus from Stavanger city center. The journey to the trailhead takes about an hour, and the scenery along the way had me itching to get out and explore.
The hike itself is around 4 hours round-trip, and while it’s moderately challenging, the view at the top makes every step worth it. Preikestolen juts out 604 meters above the stunning Lysefjord, and standing there, on the edge of the rock, felt like floating above Norway’s natural wonder. I spent at least an hour just soaking it all in and snapping photos before heading back down.
For dinner, I decided to go casual and checked out Døgnvill Burger Stavanger. After a long day of hiking, their gourmet burgers hit the spot. I recommend the “Døgnvill Classic” with their house-made fries.
After a long hike, I treated myself to a casual dinner at Døgnvill Burger Stavanger, where the burgers were cooked to perfection, and the fries were crispy and flavorful. The meal was satisfying and exactly what I needed after an active day.
Food
Returning to Scandic Stavanger City after the hike was refreshing, as the rooms were clean and cozy. The central location made it easy to rest after a busy day of exploring outside the city.
Accomodation
The hike to Preikestolen was hands-down the most memorable part of the trip. The breathtaking views from the top were worth every step, and it’s a must-do for any nature lover visiting Stavanger.
Activity
The Preikestolen hike is a must-do when visiting Stavanger. Make sure to wear proper hiking shoes, and if you’re not a fan of heights, brace yourself for the views at the top—breathtaking but not for the faint of heart!
Day 3Fjord Adventures and a Taste of Local Culture
On my final day, I wanted to experience Norway’s famous fjords up close, so I took a Lysefjord boat tour. Departing from Stavanger harbor, the tour takes you through towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and even close encounters with seals basking on the rocks. Seeing Preikestolen from below, after standing on top the day before, gave me a full-circle moment. The crisp air, the sound of the water, and the majestic fjord scenery made it one of the most peaceful experiences of my trip.
Back in the city, I visited the Stavanger Cathedral (Domkirke), Norway’s oldest cathedral still in use. The medieval architecture, with its intricate carvings and stained glass windows, was a beautiful reminder of Stavanger’s rich history. A quiet moment in the cathedral’s gardens provided a nice contrast to the energetic days I’d spent hiking and exploring.
For my final meal, I dined at Renaa Matbaren, the Michelin-starred restaurant that Stavanger is known for. The tasting menu was a culinary journey through Norwegian flavors, featuring dishes like reindeer and freshly foraged herbs. Every bite felt like a celebration of the land and sea that define this incredible city.
My final meal at Renaa Matbaren was a culinary highlight, featuring Michelin-starred dishes that showcased the best of Norwegian cuisine. Each dish was artfully prepared and full of surprising flavors.
Food
Scandic Stavanger City once again provided a great base for exploring the city. While not the most luxurious stay, it was comfortable, clean, and ideally located for both urban and outdoor adventures.
Accomodation
The Lysefjord boat tour and visit to Stavanger Cathedral made for a peaceful and reflective day. Experiencing the fjords from the water and ending the day with a stroll through the cathedral gardens was the perfect way to wrap up the trip.
Activity
A boat tour of Lysefjord is a serene way to experience Norway’s natural beauty, and the Michelin-starred Renaa Matbaren is the perfect place to end your trip with a bang. If you’re in Stavanger, treat yourself to both!
Summary of My Trip
Through Bobby's eyes
My experiences
Stavanger was a truly well-rounded experience, offering everything from breathtaking natural beauty to rich cultural history and a vibrant culinary scene. During my stay, I explored iconic attractions, enjoyed local flavors, and found the city to be both safe and easy to navigate. Below is my breakdown of Stavanger across 10 key categories, rated out of 100 based on my personal experience.
I enjoyed a delicious seafood dinner at Fisketorget, which offered fresh Norwegian salmon and shrimp, perfectly paired with views of the harbor. Earlier, I had a sweet treat at Bøker og Børst, where the cinnamon roll was a highlight. The city's culinary scene felt authentic and rooted in local ingredients.
Food
I stayed at Scandic Stavanger City, a mid-range hotel that offered comfortable rooms, excellent service, and a convenient location near the harbor. The breakfast buffet was also a nice touch, with plenty of local options.
Accomodation
Wandering through Gamle Stavanger and visiting the Norwegian Petroleum Museum was a great way to ease into the trip. The mix of history and culture kept things interesting throughout the day.
Activity