Stavanger Cruise Port

Make the most of your time Stavanger in my guide to what to see and do in one of Norway’s oldest cities.

Stavanger is often a port of call on a cruise to the Norwegian Fjords. Packed with history, culture and with some amazing scenery in the surrounding area, it doesn’t take long to see why so many ships call into this charming city.

Located in the southwest of Norway, Stavanger is one of the oldest cities in Norway, having been founded around 1125. It has a fascinating history, including once being home to more than half of Norway’s sardine canning factories. Today, the city is known as the oil capital of Norway, with the North Sea oil fields just off the coast and many oil companies having offices in the city.

With one of Norway’s most famous fjords, the Lysefjord, easily accessible from Stavanger, it could also be considered the gateway to the Norwegian Fjords.

image of Stavanger, Norway from the top deck of a cruise ship. The harbour and city buildings are in the foreground with the mountains in the background against a blue sky.

My cruise port guides are designed to help you make the most of your time in port, whether that is a few hours, a day or an overnight stay. I share some of the highlights and must-see attractions along with practical information so you can easily plan your visit.

At a Glance

Stavanger is a fairly small and compact city. You can easily explore much of the city on foot. If you wish to visit the nearby fjords, or attractions a little distance out of the city you can use local public transport or local tour operators.

Wandering around the old town, Gamle Stavanger
Taking a cruise to the Lysefjord
Hiking Pulpit Rock
Taking a photo of the three swords
Visiting the oil museum
Strolling along the colourful Øvre Holmegate street
Sitting a a local cafe watching the world go by.

When I visited Stavanger Cathedral was closed for restoration. It is not expected to reopen until August 2024.

Must-See

Lysefjord cruise and Pulpit Rock

A cruise along the Lysefjord, with a stop below the famous Pulpit Rock, is probably one of the most popular things to do in Stavanger. Pretty much all cruise lines will offer this trip and you can also book it independently using local tour operators (often the same ones the cruise lines use).

view of the fjords craggy rocks against the sea and sky

I took this excursion with P&O Cruises and it was certainly the most popular trip of the day. After disembarking from your cruise ship, you’ll hop on a smaller ship and cruise out to the Lysefjord.

Located around 25 kilometres east of Stavanger, the journey to the fjord takes you past the small islands and holiday homes dotted along the coastline. If the weather is on your side, it is an incredible idyllic scene. There is usually a guide on the boat who shares some history about the city and points out areas of interest as you sail by.

When you arrive at the Lysefjord you’ll spend time exploring the fjord. Surrounded by steep mountains, you will cruise by little coves, cascading waterfalls, and remote farms. You might also be lucky enough to spot some mountain goats.

There will be a stop below Pulpit Rock, so you can get a little glimpse of one of Norway’s most famous landmarks. Named because it resembles a preacher’s pulpit, this unique rock formation towers 604 meters over the Lysefjord.

image of rock face along side of fjord with tourist boat in foreground

I thought the rock, which juts out over the fjord, looked a little underwhelming from the water level. However, that gives you a good visual of the spectacular scale of the Lysefjord. Something that can be a little hard to grasp as you sail along.

Before heading back to Stavanger, there is usually a stop for some delicious waffles and a cuppa while enjoying fjord views. The perfect way to end the excursion.

For the more adventurous, you can also explore the fjord on thrilling RIB ride. The one hour 45 minute trip will show you all the sites of Lysefjord as you skim across the water.

Pulpit Rock Hike (Preikestolen)

If fjord cruise sounds a little for sedate for you, you can hike to top of Pulpit Rock for some breathtaking views over the fjord network. The trek to the top is one of Norway’s most famous hikes.

The hike to the top is around eight kilometres (4km each way). It is often referred to as a moderate hike, although some parts of the climb can be quite steep. So, you might have already lost your breath by the time you reach the top. However, once you reach the top you will be rewarded with spectacular views over the Lysefjord.

A round trip takes around four hours. Although that depends on how quick/slow you walk and how long you spend enjoying the view at the top (or queueing for that insta shot of you on the edge with the fjord stretching out behind you!)

Many cruise lines will offer this excursion or at least provide transport to the start of the hike. You can also do it independently or take a guided tour.

It is worth bearing in mind that this excursion usually takes up your full day in port. Unless you are on a cruise line organised excursion the ship is unlikely to wait for you if you are late. It is your responsibility to get back on time so this might be one to consider booking with your cruise line just to be on the safe side.

Gamle Stavanger (the old town)

With its narrow cobbled streets and beautifully restored wooden houses, Gamle Stavanger (Old Town) is a must-see when you visit Stavanger. Dating back to the 18th century, the area is said to be the largest surviving wooden house settlement in northern Europe.

Many cruises dock right next door so you can be transported back in time, in just a few steps. I visited in the afternoon which seemed a good choice as it was fairly quiet. Although I was lucky with the weather, the white of the houses glistening in the sunlight, it did make taking photos quite tricky.

Ariel view of the white wooden houses of Gamle Stavanger, the old town part of the city.

A cobbled pathway leads up hill with white wooden houses either side that that make up the old town in Stavanger

A Norwegian Flag flies outside a white wooden house in Gamle Stavanger, the old town in Stavanger

More things to do in Stavanger

Visit the Swords in Rock Monument (Sverd I fjell)

The Swords in Rock (or three swords) is a monument commemorating the famous viking battle that united Norway. Standing 10 meters tall, the three bronze swords representing peace, freedom and unity.

A short ride out of the city centre, you can reach the monument by local bus. It is also a stop on the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus.

The Three Swords monument. Three bronze 10 meter tall swords pointing to the sky.

See the Sights on a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

While Stavanger is a port that is easily explored on foot, a trip on the city’s hop-on hop-off bus provides information on the history and culture of the region as you see the sights.

The route covers 12 stops including the Stavanger Cathedral and Petroleum Museum. It also goes out to the Swords in Rock Monument (this was the case in June 2024). The bus runs from 10am to 4pm and there is an audio guide available in different languages.

I did this on my last visit to Stavanger and while it was a little pricey at almost £37, it was a good way to learn more about the city. If you are less mobile, or just don’t fancy walking too far, this is a good option to see the main sights in Stavanger.

You can buy your ticket on the harbour (you won’t miss the bus parked on the road) or book in advance online.

Enjoy the colours of Øvre Holmegate street

If you decided to take an amble around Stavanger, make sure you don’t miss Øvre Holmegate. Just a few steps away from the harbour, the street is an instant mood lifter with its colourful buildings. Known locally as Fargegata, the street of colours, it is a great place to take a wander and maybe stop for a drink in one of the pubs or charming cafes.

Explore the Norwegian Petroleum Museum

As the oil capital of Norway, it is perhaps no surprise there is a museum dedicated to the oil and gas industry in the city.

Through exhibits and interactive activities, you can learn how oil and gas are formed, discovered and produced and how the Norwegian petroleum industry has developed. It also provides an insight into the impact the industry has had on Norway.

Visit the Norwegian Canning museum (IDDIS)

At first glance, a visit to the Norwegian Canning Museum, probably doesn’t sound that appealing however, it is a fascinating look at the sardine canning process.

Located in the Old Town, in a former canning factory, the museum provides an insight into this important part of Stavanger’s industry and history through engaging and interactive displays. Some of the original machinery is still here and you can learn how sardines were smoked and packaged.

The Norwegian Printing Museum is also housed in the same building. You might not think the two industries were linked but the need for packaging for the canning industry led to a booming graphic and printing industry in the city.

The outside of the Norwegian Canning museum building with a piece of equipment and .green plants in front.

Port Essentials

The Port of Stavanger is located in the heart of the city. There are four locations in the basin where ships dock. All are just a short walk into the city’s shops and cafes. There is good chance you will dock next to Gamle Stavanger, Stavanger’s old town. Head up to the top decks (or your balcony if you are on the shore side) for some great views before you start exploring the city.

Facilities

There is no cruise terminal here for passengers. Ships set up their own security zone on the dockside. You will need to show your cruise card/ID to access this area when returning to the ship.

Local Area

It is just a short walk into the city centre. Ships often dock next the old town. Turning left when you left the ship will take you to where the boats for fjord tours depart, the tourist information office and onto the centre of town.

Food & Drink

As a fairly large city there are plenty of food and drink options including some international known brands. In the harbour area there are restaurants and pubs lining the waterfront.

Currency

Norwegian Krone (NOK). However digital, contactless and card payments are widely accepted.

Cruise Season

Stavanger is a year round cruise destination.

The Last Word

If you were wondering what to do in when in port in Stavanger, I hope this post has given you a few ideas. It really a great stop on a Norwegian Fjords cruise.

Whether you want to explore the fjords, hike around the incredible landscape or just have a relaxing stroll around the city, there is something to do for everyone in Stavanger.

Norway, Port Guides

Stavanger Cruise Port – Explore the Norwegian Fjords and more