Stavanger Map
Explore Stavanger, Norway's oil capital with charming old town, world-famous Pulpit Rock, and vibrant street art scene.
About Stavanger
Stavanger is Norway's fourth-largest city with a population of approximately 145,000. Located on the southwestern coast, it has transformed from a traditional fishing and canning town to become Norway's oil capital since the discovery of North Sea oil in 1969.
The city beautifully blends its historic past with modern prosperity. Old Stavanger (Gamle Stavanger) features 173 well-preserved white wooden houses from the 18th and 19th centuries, while the nearby Lysefjord offers access to the world-famous Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen).
Key Facts About Stavanger
Population
~145,000 (city), 340,000 (metro area)
Location
58.9700°N, 5.7331°E - Southwestern Norway
Airport
Stavanger Sola (SVG) - 14km from city center
Industry
Oil capital of Norway - major energy sector hub
Top Attractions in Stavanger
Gamle Stavanger (Old Stavanger)
173 preserved white wooden houses from the 1700s-1800s, one of Europe's best preserved wooden house settlements.
58.9731°N, 5.7267°EPreikestolen (Pulpit Rock)
Iconic cliff formation 604m above Lysefjord - one of Norway's most visited natural attractions.
58.9867°N, 6.1867°ENorwegian Petroleum Museum
Interactive museum telling the story of Norway's oil and gas industry.
58.9708°N, 5.7344°EStavanger Cathedral
Norway's oldest cathedral, dating from approximately 1125 AD.
58.9694°N, 5.7331°EStreet Art (Nuart)
World-renowned street art festival has transformed Stavanger into an open-air gallery.
58.9700°N, 5.7350°ECanning Museum
Explore Stavanger's sardine canning heritage in an authentic preserved factory.
58.9728°N, 5.7275°EGetting to Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen)
Pulpit Rock is Stavanger's most famous attraction. Here's how to get there:
- By Ferry + Bus: Ferry from Stavanger to Tau (40 min), then bus to trailhead
- By Car: Drive to Preikestolen Fjellstue parking (about 1 hour from Stavanger)
- Hike: 4km each way, 4-5 hours round trip, 350m elevation gain
- Best Time: April-October (trail can be icy in winter)
- Tip: Start early to avoid crowds, bring water and snacks
Lysefjord Attractions
Beyond Pulpit Rock, Lysefjord offers more adventures:
- Kjeragbolten: Boulder wedged between cliffs at 984m - challenging hike
- Flørli 4444: World's longest wooden stairway (4,444 steps)
- Fjord Cruise: See Pulpit Rock from below and explore the fjord
- Kayaking: Paddle through the dramatic fjord landscape
Stavanger Beaches
The Stavanger region has beautiful sandy beaches:
- Solastranden: Long sandy beach popular for surfing and swimming
- Borestranden: Family-friendly beach near Jæren
- Hellestøstranden: Beach with sand dunes and lighthouse