Norwegian fjords are world famous for their beauty, and have been recognised as one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. One of the most stunning fjords is located in the Stavanger region and is called Lysefjord. It is more than 40km in length and some of the cliffs surrounding it reach a height of more than 1,000m. Taking a day cruise down one of Norway’s jewels is among the top 10 things to do in Stavanger.

Stavanger is located in a small harbour, the old part of the town is comprised of narrow cobbled streets, pedestrian areas and small white wooden houses that were built in the 19th century. Walking through the picturesque streets and enjoying the atmosphere of the city is a great way to pass the day in Stavanger.

Being the oil capital of Norway, Stavanger has an Oil Museum. It has a permanent exhibition that shows the history of extraction and processing of oil and gas, technological innovations and the impact that oil has on Norwegian society. There are interactive shows and films that portray the exciting journey into the world of oil. Visitors are invited to learn all there is about drilling, the peculiarities of the industry, as well as the history of Vikings.

The height of the majestic Monafossen waterfall is 92 meters. It is ideal for those who like hiking and exploring the rustic pristine beauty of nature. This waterfall is one of the most popular attractions in the Rogaland region and there are 2 pathways leading to it. Some include a steep climb where you must hold on to a chain, while other areas have ladders, regardless of the path you take, the view of the waterfall is absolutely fantastic.

For those who like hiking and spending time outside marvelling at the miracles of nature, visiting the Magma Geopark is going to be a real treat. It is located in an area with huge massifs, altered and deformed geological formations and a distinctive landscape, which are unique in all of Europe.

Visiting the top of the Pulpit Rock is one of the top 10 things to do in Stavanger. It is one of the most popular sites, and is a natural terrace that was created on top of the mountain. It offers breathtaking views of the nearby mountains and fjords underneath. No one really knows how the platform was formed, yet it is extremely unusual and stands on a perfectly vertical cliff. Getting here will take about 1.5-2 hours, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes and warm clothes.

Canning played a very important role in the growth and development of the city and visiting the unique Canning Museum is among the top 10 things to do in Stavanger. This museum shows the history and the impact that canning had on the Norwegian society, and it is located in a former canning factory.

Gloppedalsura scree is a fascinating spectacle, where visitors can observe a glacial moraine that is filled with a jumble of huge boulders, which vary in size and some are as big as a small house.

This unique island with beautiful tropical plants and trees is located 20 minutes away from Stavanger. There are more than 50,000 marvellous plants and flowers, and the landscape design of the park is improved and updated yearly.

If you are visiting Stavanger in the winter, there are numerous ski resorts that you can travel to from here to enjoy skiing and snowboarding on the slopes, such as Sirdal, Sauda and Roldal. If you are here in the summer, you can enjoy some of the best beaches in North Europe, that are famous for their beautiful sea and fine sand. One of the best beaches is called Sola, and it not only offers a relaxing day by the sea, but also a venue where one can enjoy water sports, such as kite- and wind-surfing. Spending a day in Sola is among the top 10 things to do in Stavanger.