Things to Do in Stavanger on Land and Water

November 5, 2026

Stavanger offers a mix of industry museums, boat trips and pub culture, all within a few minutes of the harbour. Costs are quoted in Norwegian kroner (NOK). Norway is expensive, so a small number of well-chosen paid activities usually beats a packed list.

Oil and engineering

The Norwegian Petroleum Museum sits on Kjeringholmen 1a beside the harbour. It follows the discovery of Ekofisk in 1969 and the Alexander L. Kielland platform accident in 1980. Summer opening (1 June to 31 August) is every day from 10:00 to 19:00; for the rest of the year, doors open from 10:00 and close at 16:00 on Monday to Saturday or 18:00 on Sunday. The museum shuts on 24, 25 and 31 December, 1 January, Good Friday, Easter Sunday and 17 May.

Adults pay 180 NOK, pensioners 140 NOK, students 90 NOK and children from 4 to 16 years 60 NOK. A family card for two adults and three children is 420 NOK. The official site also lists annual cards. Just outside, Geoparken is a free play area made from salvaged oil-industry parts, created for the 2008 Capital of Culture year.

Time on the fjord

Fast RIB boats depart from Strandkaien and run for roughly two hours into Lysefjord. Fjord Events and Stavanger RIB both operate from the harbour front, and at least one operator lists 1 May to 30 September as its season. For a quieter ride, the electric catamaran from Rødne lasts 3 to 3.5 hours and costs 890 NOK. Its booking page gave no upcoming departures in November, so check dates before planning.

Guided sea kayaking works in the sheltered water close to the city. Go with a guide if you are new to paddling, since the water stays cold all year and wind can rise quickly.

Beer, bars and saunas

The brewery Lervig runs its own taproom, Lervig Local, at Alexander Kiellandsgate 2A, where tastings and a 90 minute brewery tour for guests aged 18 and over are available (hours ). Bøker og Børst, at Øvre Holmegate 32, mixes secondhand books with a bar, and Cardinal Pub at Skagen 21 is known for its very long beer menu.

For a warm break, Damp has floating saunas at Svankevigå and Hinna. Sessions must be booked in advance, and a 2024 listing quoted about 225 NOK per person for one hour. Confirm the price at dampsauna.no .

Not available here

Whitewater rafting, canyoning and downhill skiing are not part of Stavanger, and the city has no zoo, aquarium or tram. Whales are not seen in Lysefjord. For the big mountain days, see the day trips guide.

Browse things to do in Stavanger for bookable options.