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Stavanger: Best Things to Do & Travel Tips

    Stavanger is one of the largest and most vibrant cities in Norway, located about 250km south of Bergen. Also known as the Oil Capital of Norway, Stavenger is one of the most important centers for the Norwegian economy and industry: most of the energy industries active in the extraction of oil and gas from the North Sea are based here.

    This makes Stavanger a cosmopolitan city, with excellent hotels and restaurants, but also with a pleasant atmosphere. Stavanger is one of the cities with the best standard of living in Norway, but also one of the most expensive. Still, it is a real gem: Stavanger Old Town is one of the oldest in Norway, and its traditional wooden houses are a real treat. As well as the surprising surroundings, starting with the nearby Lysefjord, one of the most beautiful fjords in Norway, famous for its amazing rock formations, the Preikestolen (or Pulpit Rock) and the Kjeragbolten, among the most famous hikes in Norway.

    What you will find in this travel guide to Stavanger:

    Stavanger: Interesting Facts and Things to Know Before You Go

    Stavanger is the fourth largest city in Norway and is located in the southwestern part of the country, in Rogaland county. Stavanger lies on a peninsula about 250 km south of Bergen and is surrounded by three beautiful fjords: the Hafrsfjord, the Byfjorden and the Gandsfjorden.

    The latter is a branch of the larger Boknafjord. The other branch is called Høgsfjord and is 23 km long, which has a further 42 km long branch, the Lysefjord. The Lysefjord is one of the most scenic fjords in Norway, surrounded by the spectacular high steep cliffs of Preikestolen and Kjerag, one of Norway’s most famous natural attractions.

    Stavanger is widely referred to as the Oil Capital of Norway and hosts the branches of several European oil and energy companies. Equinor, the Norwegian state-owned multinational energy company, has its headquarters here, but there are also offices of many important energy companies, such as Shell, ConocoPhillips, Schlumberger, Total, Eni and Saipem.

    The nearby town of Tananger, located a little further west, also hosts an important port from which ferries depart for Hirtshals (Denmark) and Bergen, as well as supertankers operating between on-shore bases and offshore activities.

    Unsurprisingly, Stavanger has a very interesting history of oil extraction: in 1969, exploration led to the discovery of huge oil fields in the North Sea. Stavanger was chosen to be the on-shore center for the oil industry on the Norwegian sector of the North Sea and the city had a huge economic boom, as did the entire Norwegian economy. Today oil is one of Norway’s largest sources of wealth.

    This has led Stavanger to become a pleasant modern and cosmopolitan city with a very high standard of living. There are excellent schools and universities, including the University of Stavanger which has over 10,000 students, and the city is a popular destination for business travelers and foreign residents.

    The city of Stavanger is quite modern in architecture especially in the suburbs, but the city boasts a centuries-old history and is one of the oldest in Norway. Stavanger is said to have been founded as a coast market town around the 11th century. Stavanger Cathedral is the oldest in Norway and dates back to 1125.

    Stavanger’s Old Town is one of the most picturesque in Norway, with its beautifully preserved traditional wooden houses, some dating back to the 18th century.

    Stavanger is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in Norway, especially in summer, although it is one of the most expensive. Its delightful old town is definitely worth a visit and in addition to the many interesting things to do, Stavanger is also a popular base for exploring its stunning surroundings: breathtaking fjords and mountains, the famous Lysefjorden and Preikestolen (also known as Pulpit Rock) and a lot of unforgettable views.

    Things to Do and See in Stavanger

    Stavanger is full of interesting attractions, starting with Gamle Stavanger, the wonderful old town dating back to the 18th century. There are also many interesting museums, such as the Petroleum Museum and the Viking Museum and many others dedicated to local history and culture, linked to trade and fishing.

    Stavanger is also home to some real gems, such as the 12th-century Stavanger Domkirke (Stavanger Cathedral), and the Valberg Tower, a mighty watchtower from the mid-19th century, from where you can get a nice view over the city.

    Gamle Stavanger

    The real heart of Stavanger is its old town, called Gamle Stavanger or Old Stavanger and located west of the port on the Holmen peninsula. It is made up of a maze of cobbled streets and over 200 well-preserved traditional wooden houses.

    This is the oldest neighborhood in Stavanger and dates back to the early 18th century. It was built to accommodate sailors, fishermen, merchants and artisans who worked here, mainly in fishing and in the processing of herring and sardines. In fact, before the discovery of oil, the local economy was based exclusively on fishing.

    After the end of the Second World War, Gamle Stavanger was supposed to be demolished to make way for a more modern neighborhood but the locals resisted and the houses were saved from demolition. Today you can enjoy a nice stroll through the streets of Gamle Stavanger which are home to shops, restaurants and charming cafes.

    In the heart of Gamle Stavanger there are also some of the best hotels in the city, such as the Hotel Victoria, the Thon Hotel Stavanger and the Clarion Collection Hotel Skagen Brygge, which also serves a delicious free evening buffet and free waffles in the afternoon.

    Øvre Holmegate

    Gamle Stavanger (Stavanger’s Old Town) can be easily explored on foot, and Øvre Holmegate is the prettiest street in town, famous for its traditional, brightly colored houses.

    However, the so-called Fargegaten, the street of colors, is nothing more than a modern gimmick, dating back to the early 2000s. Originally Øvre Holmegate was nothing more than a quiet and rather dull street. A local hairdresser and artist had the intuition to color the houses to make the street an attractive tourist attraction: it was a success! Today Fargegaten is Stavanger’s most famous pedestrian street and teems with restaurants, bars and cafes.

    Stavanger Cathedral

    Close to Gamle Stavanger, nestled in a small park, is the Stavanger Domkirke or Stavanger Cathedral, built in the 12th century. The cathedral is believed to have been built at the behest of Bishop Reinald, who came from Winchester in England. Built in 1100 and dedicated to Saint Swithun, the patron saint of Winchester Cathedral, Stavanger Cathedral quickly became one of the most important churches in Norway.

    In 1272 it was severely damaged by a fire and the subsequent restoration gave it its current appearance in Gothic and Romanesque style with elegant Baroque elements inside. Noteworthy is the Baroque-style pulpit sculpted by Scottish craftsman Andrew Lawrenceson Smith in 1658 and the 13th-century baptismal font.

    The windows have stained glass windows depicting scenes from the New Testament, while some statues of some former Norwegian kings are visible near the sacristy. The interiors are open to visitors, except during masses, when the church is reserved for worship.

    Valberg Tower

    In the heart of Stavanger’s Old Town, between Skagen and Valbergjet streets, you can visit the Valberg Tower, a mid-19th century watchtower located on a small hill. The Valberg Tower, surrounded by a terrace, where there is also a battery of nineteenth-century guns, had more a fire-fighting purpose than a defensive one. In fact, some guardians lived here whose job was to warn the population in case of fire. You can visit the tower, which houses a small museum dedicated to its history. From the top you can have a nice view over the city.

    Norwegian Petroleum Museum

    The Norwegian Petroleum Museum or Norsk Oljemuseum is the most popular museum in Stavanger. It is located near the old town, on the waterfront. Seen from the outside, the museum resembles an oil rig, and this contemporary architectural masterpiece is one of the best museums in the world dedicated to oil extraction.

    The museum tells the story of Norway’s oil exploration during the 1970s in the North Sea, showing the various drilling techniques, machinery, equipment and robots of the highest technology.

    You will also be able to learn many interesting things about the ships, submarines and equipment used in the exploration and extraction of oil and gas, as well as about fossil fuels and their use. The museum is really very interesting and well designed: the complex world of oil engineering is explained in a very simple way, through interactive and multimedia installations. So you can simulate a drilling, wear a diving suit or learn how an oil rig is made.

    You will also be able to see the largest drill bit in the world and learn about the oil and gas production process: from discovery of the field, to drilling, extraction and finally refining and distribution.

    A very interesting section of the museum is devoted to the economic impact of oil extraction in Norway and how the oil boom has changed the lives of the locals. There is also a section dedicated to environmental impacts and climate change, as well as the delicate phase of energy transition underway in Norway, a country that is increasingly making use of renewable energy.

    The Norwegian Petroleum Museum in Stavanger is open:

    • From June to August: every day from 10.00 to 19.00
    • From September to May: MON-SAT 10.00 – 16.00 and SUN 10.00 – 18.00

    Ticket prices start at NOK 150 (reduced NOK 75). More info here.

    Viking House

    The Viking House is another popular attraction in Stavanger and is a kind of VR experience that will take you back in time to the Viking era: through the virtual reality headsets you will be able to see how Viking ships were made, participate in a battle and wander around for a Viking city of many centuries ago. The Viking House also offers other interesting information on Viking history and costumes, as well as a well-stocked themed gift shop.

    Norwegian Canning Museum

    Another interesting museum in Stavanger is the Norwegian Canning Museum, located in an old canning factory. This curious museum is mainly dedicated to sardine cans: it may seem strange, but before the discovery of oil this was Stavanger’s main economy. Most of the local people were fishermen or worked in canning factories – in Stavanger there were over half of all canning factories in Norway.

    The museum gives an interesting overview of the production process: from sardine and herring fishing, to filleting, smoking and canning. You will be able to see the machinery and tools that were used, as well as a collection of over 40,000 differently designed cans.

    The Norwegian Canning Museum is open TUE to SUN from 11.00am to 3.00pm. The ticket price starts from 100 NOK. More info here.

    Other Interesting Stavanger’s Museums

    Stavanger is also home to several other interesting museums. Vitenfabrikken, located a few kilometers south of the city center, is a museum dedicated to science and technology, with interactive exhibits on mathematics, natural sciences, chemistry and industrial history. It is also suitable for children and boasts a large number of interactive experiments and exhibits.

    Another interesting museum is the Breidablikk Museum, a beautiful chalet-like wooden house with Baroque and Neo-Romanesque details, which belonged to the wealthy merchant and entrepreneur Lars Berentsen. Inside, the décor and furnishings date back to the 19th century, including a fabulous dining room, and a library with period furnishings and books. In the garden there is a shed with carriages and old gardening tools.

    In the city center, near the port, is the Maritime Museum, dedicated to the maritime history of the city. Here you can find out many interesting things about the port of Stavanger and its importance over the centuries, first as a commercial and fishing port, then as an important shipbuilding center specializing in ocean liners and mega-tankers.

    Near the beautiful Byparken city park, is the Norwegian Children’s Museum or Norsk Barnemuseum, which can be a good place to visit with kids. It is entirely dedicated to the history of toys, with over 6000 objects including trains, dolls and so on. Also nearby is the Museum of Archeology, which exhibits an interesting collection of artifacts from the Viking era. One of the main attractions of the museum is Finn, a well-preserved skeleton of a 12,000-year-old polar bear found near Finnøy.

    Just outside the city center, near Mosvatnet Lake, is the Stavanger Art Museum, which boasts an interesting collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by Lars Hertervig, Edvard Munch, Kitty Kielland, Christian Krohg and Harriet Backer.

    Iron Age Farm

    About 5km from the city center you can visit Jernaldergården, an old farmhouse dating back to the Viking Iron Age. The farm, built between AD 350 and 550, was remodeled around the 1970s and is a very interesting place to find out more about Norway’s Viking past.

    Ledaal House

    Another popular attraction in Stavanger is the Ledaal House, located near the Breidablikk Museum, an elegant 18th century palace that was the summer residence of the Kielland, a local noble family. Considered to be one of the finest and best preserved examples of 18th century noble architecture, Ledaal House now houses a museum and is one of the official residences of the Norwegian royal family. The Ledaal House is open only in summer, and you will be able to see some of the rooms, elegantly and lavishly decorated.

    Swords in Rock

    One of the most curious things to see in Stavanger is the Sverd i Fjell (Swords in Rock), located about 6 km from the city center, overlooking the fjord. It is an imposing monument formed by three huge bronze swords (representing Viking swords) embedded in the rock. This monument is 10 meters high and was built in 1893 by sculptor Fritz Røed in memory of the naval battle of the Hafrsfjord, which took place here in the 9th century, which led to the proclamation of Harald Fairhair as the first king of Norway.

    Stavanger Botanical Garden

    The Stavanger Botanical Garden is located near the Sørmarka forest, about 4 km from the city center, and is a perfect place for a nice walk, it is open all year round and admission is free.

    To get there you have to take one of the buses that lead to the University campus, it is a little out of the way, but it boasts several beautiful paths surrounded by plants, flowers and trees. From here you can also get to Ullandhaugtårnet, a tall telecommunications tower. The building, built in the 1960s in a somewhat brutalist style, is rather ugly, but the view from the observation deck isn’t too bad.

    Things to Do Near Stavanger: the Lysefjord and Preikestolen

    In the surroundings of Stavanger you can explore one of the most beautiful areas of southwestern Norway, the wonderful Lysefjord and the surrounding high cliffs. The Lysefjord is 42km long and less than 2km wide, and offers a breathtaking landscape, with its turquoise waters surrounded by scenic and impressive cliffs up to 1000 meters high.

    The Lysefjord offers several hiking trails, with Preikestolen (also called Pulpit Rock) being the most scenic and famous. To get there you can book a guided day tour from Stavanger. Otherwise, if you have your own car, you can drive to Revsvatnet, a beautiful mountain lake located about 40km northeast of Stavanger, near the town of Jørpeland. The main trails to Preikestolen and Lysefjord start from the lake.

    Right next to the Preikestolen trail head is the Preikestolen BaseCamp which offers great, inexpensive accommodation in a perfect location for exploring the surroundings.

    The Revsvatnet is easily reached in 45 minutes by driving through the Ryfast, a sub-sea tunnel system which is the longest undersea road tunnel in the world. You could rent a car in Stavanger to freely explore the beautiful surroundings, you can check rates and availability on Rentalcars or Discovercars.

    The main attractions of the Lysefjord are:

    • Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)
    • Kjeragbolten
    • Flørli

    Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)

    The Preikestolen or Pulpit Rock is the most famous attraction around Stavanger and one of the most beautiful in Norway. The Preikestolen is an impressive 609-meter-high cliff that formed over 10,000 years ago during the last ice age.

    The Lysefjord sits right between these towering granite cliffs, so one of the best views is from the calm waters of the fjord. There are day trips from Stavanger that include a boat tour to the most scenic spots on the fjord. The most amazing attraction is the Pulpit Rock, a very high cliff overlooking the fjord: it can be reached with an easy hike, from the top the view is amazing!

    Pulpit Rock is one of the most iconic places in Norway, which is why it attracts thousands of tourists a year. To get there, there is a hiking trail that starts from the Revsvatnet lake (GPS: 58.99190, 6.13841), located 40 km from Stavanger. There is a road that comes near the lake where there is paid parking (quite expensive, 250 NOK) and the Preikestolen BaseCamp, a good hotel which is a great choice for those who want to explore the area to the fullest. Hotel guests have free parking.

    The hiking trail to the Preikestolen is about 4 km long and takes about two hours (one way). It is also suitable for beginners and does not require special skills, especially from April to October. In winter the snow and ice make the hike a little more difficult.

    Kjeragbolten

    It is probably Norway’s most famous picture. You will surely have seen on social media some photos of people poised on a large stone nestled between two cliffs, in a precarious position on a dizzying overhang. Here, this is the Kjeragbolten! One of the most famous and incredible places in Norway, Kjeragbolten is a boulder nestled in a crevasse on Mount Kjerag 1000 meters high on the Lysefjord fjord.

    And yes, in the summer it is full of people who come up there to take the iconic photo on the boulder. It will surely leave your friends breathless, but it’s not for those with a fear of heights.

    You may be wondering how that boulder got there. It is said that about 50,000 years ago, when the mountain glaciers melted their waters flooded the fjord and at the same time the rocks, freed from the weight of the glacier, began to rise (geologists call it post-glacial rebound). The bounce was faster than the rise in the water level, so the boulder got stuck in the position where it still is.

    To get there there is a 6 km long hiking trail (one way) of medium difficulty. The terrain and climbs might be a bit challenging, but the effort will pay off with the wonderful views.

    As scary as it may sound, be aware that especially in summer there are hundreds of people a day who come here to take a picture. And there have never been any accidents or deaths (with the exception of people doing bungee jumping or other somewhat extreme activities). But if you don’t have the courage to take the last leap, the view is still wonderful.

    The best way to get to Kjeragbolten is from the village of Lysebotn, from here you can drive along the winding road which with its 26 hairpin bends will lead you to Øygardstøl where there is paid parking (this too is quite expensive, 300 NOK), located right along the Fv500 road (GPS: 59.04595, 6.65133). The trail to the Kjeragbolten starts right next to the parking lot.

    From Stavanger you can get to the parking lot from where the trail starts in about 2 hours of driving, it’s about 140 km. Or you could join one of the great day trips with an expert guide, which also include convenient round-trip transportation.

    Flørli

    Flørli is another good destination for hikers. It is a tiny village (GPS: 59.01688, 6.43330) located in a remote area of the Lysefjord. Here there is just a hydroelectric power plant and little else, but the real attraction is Flørli 4444: the longest wooden staircase in the world, with 4444 steps.

    This breathtaking staircase runs along the penstocks of the power plant until it reaches the top of the mountain. The view is breathtaking! Flørli is not connected to any road and the only way to reach it is via the ferries that cross the fjord. The ferries leave at a dock near the power plant, the staircase is right next to it. The climb is a bit challenging: the staircase is steep and there are really a lot of steps! The hike takes 3 to 4 hours to complete.

    Best Activities and Tours in Stavanger

    Stavanger offers plenty of activities to do. If you want to enjoy a relaxing stay you can opt for one of its excellent spa hotels. Lovers of beautiful views shouldn’t miss a fjord cruise or one of the day trips to the Lysefjord. On the other hand, if you love outdoor activities and sports, the surroundings of Stavanger offer a lot of opportunities: from the wonderful hiking trails of the Lysefjord to kayaking in the fjords.

    Lysefjord Cruise

    The best way to visit the Lysefjord is with one of the comfortable fjord cruises that depart from Stavanger. The boats take you to the most scenic corners of the fjord, where you can see fabulous waterfalls, such as Hengjane Waterfall, remote villages and the world-famous Preikestolen cliffs.

    The fjord cruise can be booked in advance online, in the summer it is quite in demand, and in 3-4 hours allows you to enjoy the best views of the Lysefjord, including Pulpit Rock, the high cliffs of Preikestolen, some mysterious caves (which according to legend were the haunt of fugitives), breathtaking emerald bays, and a plethora of villages, waterfalls and idyllic views.

    Lysefjord Kayaking Trip

    The Lysefjord is also one of the most popular kayaking destinations in Norway: its calm waters and stunning surrounding landscape attract kayaking enthusiasts from all over the world.

    So you could choose to book a nice Lysefjord Kayaking Trip: 4 unforgettable hours of kayaking in the most scenic part of the fjord. These activities are organized by Nordic Paddling, a specialized agency located in Forsand, a village right on the Lysefjord. They will provide you with all the necessary equipment, including kayaking, kayaking clothing and a professional English-speaking (or Norwegian, of course) guide.

    Best Spa HOTELS in Stavanger

    Stavanger is also famous for its spa hotels, which are among the best in Norway. Many travelers and locals come here to enjoy a relaxing stay, perhaps at the end of a great day of hiking.

    Sola Strand Hotel

    The Sola Strand Hotel is located right on the famous Sola Beach, the most famous of Stavanger, just 15 minutes drive from the city center. It is one of the historic hotels in Norway, and is located in a quiet setting, away from the hustle and bustle, yet close enough to Stavanger Airport.

    Here you can relax on the beautiful sandy beach with an unforgettable view of the ocean, but the hotel also boasts a beautiful terrace and a spa that includes hot and cold water pools, saunas, massages and treatments. The hotel also has a good restaurant, the Montroyal Restaurant, housed in a cigar room of an early 20th century cruise ship.

    Scandic Royal Stavanger

    The Scandic Royal Stavanger is undoubtedly one of the best hotels in Stavanger and is located right in the heart of the city, close to Gamble Stavanger and the train station. It offers modern, spacious and comfortable accommodation, a good breakfast included in the price and free access to its beautiful spa, which includes a gym, swimming pool, hot tub and sauna.

    Hiking Near Stavanger

    Among the hiking trails around Stavanger these are the best and most popular:

    • Flørli 4444: you can reach by boat a tiny and remote village built near a hydroelectric power station, from where the longest wooden staircase in the world starts: there are 4444 steps and a couple of kilometers of path to go back to the valley;
    • Pulpit Rock or Preikestolen: a 600 meter high cliff overlooking the fjord, considered one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the world. It can be reached by an easy trek from Revsvatnet Lake. There are guided hikes from Stavanger that include round-trip transportation.
    • Kjeragbolten: the famous boulder set between two cliffs overlooking the fjord, one of the most iconic pictures of the Norwegian fjords. Accessible with a medium difficulty hike from the mountains near Lysebotn. There are guided hikes from Stavanger that include round-trip transportation.
    • Dalsnuten: Another popular hike on a scenic plateau located just 30 minutes’ drive from Stavanger. You will be able to reach the top of a 300 meter high hill from which you can have a nice view of the fjord and the city of Stavanger in the background. There are several hiking trails leading to Dalsnuten, the best being the one from Gramstad. The trail starts near a free car park (GPS: 58.88409, 5.79897) and is easy and suitable for everyone. You will also pass by a couple of beautiful lakes, such as Revholstjørn, which is also a good place for fishing.

    Best Restaurants in Stavanger

    Re-naa

    Re-naa is undoubtedly one of the best restaurants in Stavanger. This great gourmet restaurant, run by chef Sven Erik Renaa, is an elegant place serving a tasting menu based on the best local ingredients. It is located in the heart of Stavanger, near the port, and the menu changes daily based on the best products available. The creativity of the chef and the high level of service make a dinner at Re-naa a true sensory experience. The restaurant has been awarded 2 Michelin stars, and the tasting menu starts at NOK 2,900 (drinks not included). The restaurant also boasts a good selection of wines. Reservation is required.

    There are also two more modest branches of Re-naa, serving quality local specialties, in a simpler way and at more affordable prices. The Re-naa Matbaren is a bistro located in the heart of the city near the Sølvberget and the Odeon Cinema, serving good local meat and fish specialties.

    Renaa Xpress Sølvberget is located right in the same building as Sølvberget, Stavanger’s library and culture house, and is more of a café than a restaurant, serving pizza, pastries and some local specialties.

    NB Sørensen

    NB Sørensen is another good restaurant in Stavanger, located in a traditional house with a pleasant modern interior, in the heart of the city, on the Skagen seafront. It serves good international and local specialties, such as burgers, grilled meats, salads and soups.

    Bølgen & Moi Stavanger

    The modern Bølgen & Moi Stavanger is one of Stavanger’s trendiest restaurants, located near the Norwegian Petroleum Museum. It has a beautiful outdoor terrace that overlooks the sea and serves good seafood or meat specialties. Try the excellent skrei (arctic cod) or the venison carpaccio.

    How to Get to Stavanger

    Getting to Stavanger by Plane

    Stavanger Airport is located 15 km from the city center and has direct connections to major cities in Norway, such as Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim. From the airport there are some buses to the city center (30 minutes) operated by Flybussen. Tickets can be purchased from the driver or online. Buying them online you get a better price. You can check timetables and buy tickets on the Flybussen website.

    Get to Stavanger by Bus or Train

    Stavanger Bus Station is located just 400 meters from the city center, near the Byparken lake and the Railway Station. There are numerous buses to and from the main cities in the surrounding area, as well as some trains to Oslo and Kristiansand.

    How to go from Bergen to Stavanger

    • Going from Bergen to Stavanger by Plane: It might seem that Bergen and Stavanger are close enough, but that’s not the case. The approximately 210 kilometers (on the shortest route) between the two cities takes over 5 hours to travel, so many opt for the plane, which is the fastest way to get from Bergen to Stavanger and vice versa. But it is also the most expensive. The flight from Bergen to Stavanger takes approximately 40 minutes and is operated by Norwegian, Widerøe and SAS.
    • Going from Bergen to Stavanger by Bus: There are up to 5 buses per day in winter and 8 in summer from Bergen to Stavanger and vice versa (5.5 hours) operated by Kystbussen and Nor-way.
    • Going from Bergen to Stavanger by Ferry: Another good option to travel between Bergen and Stavanger are the ferries operated by Fjordline. There are two departures a day and the car ferries run a nice coastal route from Bergen to Stavanger and from there to Hirtshals (Denmark). Stavanger is also a popular port for those arriving by ferry from Denmark, Fjordline’s car ferries depart daily from the port of Hirtshals on the north end of Denmark. Prices and timetables can be checked on the Fjordline website.
    • Going from Bergen to Stavanger by Car: The most classic way to travel between Bergen and Stavanger is by car. It takes about 5 hours, but you will travel along scenic roads and encounter many viewpoints and small villages, so you certainly won’t be bored.

    How to go from Oslo to Stavanger

    The fastest way to get to Stavanger from Oslo is by plane (about 1 hour), otherwise there are 5 trains a day (8 hours) connecting the capital with Stavanger. There are also 5 buses a day (about 9 hours) operated by the Nor-way and Vaernesekpressen companies.

    How to go from Stavanger to Odda – Hardangerfjorden

    From Stavanger to Odda, on the Hardangerfjorden, it is about 200 km. One of the most popular ways of getting between the two cities is by car (around 40 hours). Bus connections require several changes: you can take Nor-way Bus NW400 (5 buses per day) to Aksdal where you will have to change to Bus N. 260 to Ølen and then finally change to Bus N. 801 to Odda. In total it takes about 6 hours.

    Alternatively, you could take the Kolumbus company ferry 522 from the port of Stavanger to Sandeid. From there you could take Bus N.150 to Ølen and finally Bus N. 801 to Odda. In total it takes about 5.5 hours.

    How to go from Kristansand to Stavanger

    From Kristiansand to Stavanger and vice versa there are 5 trains per day (3 – 3.5 hours). The trains are the same ones that also go to Oslo. Otherwise there are buses operated by Nor-way and Vaernesekpressen (approximately 4 hours).