The best hotels in Stavanger
Stavanger has 200+ properties fighting for tourists who mostly come for Pulpit Rock. We looked beyond the hiking crowd and found 10 hotels that work whether you are here for fjords, food, or the oil museum. These made the cut.
Our Top Picks in Stavanger
Click any hotel to check availability and book at the best price.
Stavanger Bed & Breakfast
Storhaug, Stavanger
Free cancellation & Pay later
Thon Hotel Stavanger
City Centre, Stavanger
Free cancellation & Pay later
Stavanger Sentrum Hotel
Stavanger City Centre, Stavanger
Free cancellation & Pay later
Comfort Hotel Square
City Centre, Stavanger
Free cancellation & Pay later
Radisson Blu Atlantic Hotel Stavanger
City Centre, Stavanger
Free cancellation & Pay later
Clarion Hotel Energy
Paradis, Stavanger
Free cancellation & Pay later
Straen Fjordhotel
Stranden, Stavanger
Free cancellation & Pay later
All Hotels Compared
Side-by-side comparison to help you pick the right hotel. Prices reflect shoulder season averages.
| # | Hotel | City & Area | Price/Night | Score | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stavanger Bed & Breakfast | Storhaug, Stavanger | $55–85/night | 7.8/10 | Budget Pick |
| 2 | Skansen Hotel | City Centre, Stavanger | $80–115/night | 7.5/10 | Best Value |
| 3 | Thon Hotel Stavanger | City Centre, Stavanger | $105–165/night | 8.1/10 | Most Popular |
| 4 | Stavanger Sentrum Hotel | Stavanger City Centre, Stavanger | $115–170/night | 8/10 | Best Location |
| 5 | Comfort Hotel Square | City Centre, Stavanger | $120–180/night | 8.3/10 | Business Pick |
| 6 | Radisson Blu Atlantic Hotel Stavanger | City Centre, Stavanger | $145–220/night | 8.6/10 | Top Rated |
| 7 | Clarion Hotel Energy | Paradis, Stavanger | $155–230/night | 8.2/10 | Family Friendly |
| 8 | Hinna Park Hotel | Hinna, Stavanger | $135–200/night | 8/10 | Hidden Gem |
| 9 | Straen Fjordhotel | Stranden, Stavanger | $260–370/night | 8.8/10 | Romantic Stay |
| 10 | Sola Strand Hotel | Sola Beach, Sola | $290–420/night | 9/10 | Luxury Pick |
Why These Hotels Made Our List
Every hotel earned its spot. Here's exactly why we picked each one.
Stavanger Bed & Breakfast
A no-frills guesthouse in the Storhaug district, about a 15-minute walk from the city center. Rooms are compact but clean, with shared bathrooms that are kept in good order. The hosts are friendly and will point you toward local spots that most tourists miss. Breakfast is simple but included, which helps justify the price. A solid base if you are watching your budget in an expensive city.
Check Availability
Skansen Hotel
Skansen sits near Breiavatnet lake, putting you within easy walking distance of the old town and the harbor. The building is older and some rooms show their age, but the beds are comfortable and the Wi-Fi is reliable. Staff are practical and efficient rather than overly formal. Parking is available nearby for an extra fee, which is worth knowing if you are driving. For the price in central Stavanger, it is hard to complain.
Check Availability
Thon Hotel Stavanger
This Thon property is right in the heart of Stavanger, a short walk from Skagenkaien harbor and the main shopping street. Rooms follow the dependable Scandinavian chain formula: functional, clean, and a bit corporate. The included breakfast is one of the better hotel spreads in the city. Service is consistent and the front desk handles late arrivals without fuss. A reliable choice for business travelers and tourists alike.
Check Availability
Stavanger Sentrum Hotel
Positioned right off Kirkegata, the hotel puts you within a few minutes of the Norwegian Petroleum Museum and the old wooden houses of Gamle Stavanger. The rooms are modern and well-maintained, with good blackout curtains that matter during long summer evenings. Noise from the street can be noticeable on weekends, so ask for a room facing the courtyard. Breakfast is served until 10am, which suits those planning a slow morning. Overall a strong mid-range option in a prime spot.
Check Availability
Comfort Hotel Square
Comfort Hotel Square is located on Løkkeveien, an easy walk from both the train station and the waterfront. The lobby and common areas have a modern Scandinavian design that feels more upscale than the price suggests. Rooms are on the smaller side but are well equipped, with good desks and fast internet for working. The evening social hour with complimentary food and drinks is a genuine perk and sets this chain apart. A good pick for solo business travelers.
Check Availability
Radisson Blu Atlantic Hotel Stavanger
The Atlantic Hotel faces Breiavatnet lake in the center of the city, giving many rooms a pleasant water view. It is a large full-service property with a proper restaurant, bar, and meeting facilities that work well for both leisure and business stays. Rooms are spacious by Norwegian standards and the beds are comfortable. The breakfast buffet is extensive and well worth adding to your booking. Staff are attentive and multilingual, which smooths out any travel hiccups.
Check Availability
Clarion Hotel Energy
Built in the Paradis area near Stavanger Forum, this hotel is a short tram or bus ride from the city center. The design references the oil industry that defines the region, with industrial touches throughout the lobby and corridors. Rooms are large and modern, with good bathroom space, making it comfortable for families. The rooftop pool and fitness center are genuine highlights, not afterthoughts. It is not the most central location but the facilities make up for it.
Check Availability
Hinna Park Hotel
Located in the Hinna district, this hotel sits close to Stavanger Forum and is a practical base if your reason for visiting involves the exhibition center or local business parks. The surrounding area is quiet compared to the city center, which some guests will prefer. Rooms are spacious and contemporary, with good natural light. The restaurant serves a solid dinner menu with local seafood options. Bus connections into central Stavanger take about 15 minutes.
Check Availability
Straen Fjordhotel
This boutique hotel sits directly on Strandkaien along the old harbor, with rooms that look out over the colorful wooden warehouses that define Stavanger's waterfront. The design blends exposed brick and maritime details with genuinely luxurious bedding and finishes. The restaurant on the ground floor focuses on local seafood and is one of the better dining rooms in the city. Service is personal and attentive without being intrusive. Book a fjord-facing room well in advance, especially in summer.
Check Availability
Sola Strand Hotel
Sola Strand Hotel sits right on the beach at Sola, about 15 kilometers south of Stavanger city center and close to the airport. It is one of the most iconic hotels in the region, open since 1914 and repeatedly renovated to a high standard. Rooms facing the North Sea are worth the premium, especially during stormy weather when the view becomes dramatic. The spa and indoor pool are among the best in the area. Dining in the main restaurant focuses on regional ingredients and the quality matches the setting.
Check AvailabilityWhere to Stay in Stavanger
The neighborhood you pick matters more than the hotel.
Pulpit Rock: the complete hiking guide
The trailhead at Preikestolen Fjellstue is 40 km from Stavanger. Drive via the Tau ferry (100 NOK, 40 minutes) then 25 minutes to the parking lot (250 NOK). The trail is 4 km each way with 334 meters of elevation gain. Allow 4-5 hours round trip. Start before 8am in July to avoid the 500+ daily hikers.
The trail alternates between boardwalk, rocky scrambles, and bog bridges. The final approach is exposed granite with no railing. The cliff edge at Pulpit Rock has no fence. Stay back from the edge especially in wet conditions. Children under 8 will find the trail challenging.
Pack 1.5 liters of water, snacks, rain gear, and a warm layer. The weather changes fast. Temperatures at the summit can drop 10°C below Stavanger in wind. Hiking poles help on the descent. There are no facilities on the trail. Use the bathrooms at the Preikestolen Fjellstue lodge before you start.
Gamle Stavanger: what makes it special
173 white wooden houses from the 1700s and 1800s line cobblestone streets on the west side of the harbour. This is the largest collection of wooden buildings in Europe, and unlike many heritage districts, people actually live here. The houses are maintained by residents under preservation laws.
Walk Øvre Strandgate for the prettiest row of houses. Peek down the side alleys where flowers spill from window boxes. The Canning Museum on the edge of the district shows how sardines built the original Stavanger economy (50 NOK entry, worth 30 minutes).
Visit in the morning when tour groups have not arrived. The light is best on the white walls before noon. In the evening, the area empties completely and feels like stepping back 200 years. Some houses have small galleries and studios open to the public.
The Stavanger food scene: where to eat well
Fisketorget on the inner harbour sells fresh-off-the-boat shrimp, crab, and smoked salmon. A shrimp bucket costs 80-120 NOK and is the best cheap meal in town. Sit on the harbour wall and eat with your hands. Open daily in summer.
Renaa has earned the city's only Michelin star. The tasting menu runs 1,500+ NOK and showcases Norwegian ingredients. Book 3 weeks ahead for summer. For everyday dining, Sabi Sushi on Øvre Holmegate does excellent rolls for 150-200 NOK. Tango Bar & Kjøkken does modern Norwegian at 250-350 NOK for mains.
Øvre Holmegate (Fargegaten, the 'color street') has a strip of painted buildings housing cafes and bars. It is Instagram-popular but the coffee at Coffeeberry is genuinely good (50-70 NOK). For breakfast, Ostehuset on Kulturhuset does Norwegian cheese boards and fresh bread from 120 NOK.
Lysefjord day trip: cruise vs kayak vs drive
The Rødne cruise (3 hours, 350-500 NOK) departs Stavanger harbour and passes beneath Pulpit Rock at water level. You see the cliff from below, which gives a different perspective than the hike. The boat continues to Hengjane waterfall before turning back. Book the 10am departure for the best light.
Kayaking the Lysefjord is the premium experience. Guided trips run 8-10 hours (1,200-1,500 NOK) from Lysebotn at the inner fjord. Paddle beneath 1,000-meter cliffs with no other tourists. You need moderate fitness. OutdoorLife Norway and GoFjords are the reputable operators.
Driving to Lysebotn via the 27-switchback Lysevegen road is spectacular in itself. The road opens June through September. From Lysebotn, hike up to Kjeragbolten (the famous wedged boulder, 12 km round trip, 6-8 hours, advanced) or take the stairs trail to Flørli (4,444 wooden steps, the world's longest).
Stavanger street art and the Nuart scene
The Nuart Festival has run since 2001, making Stavanger one of Europe's top street art cities. Large-scale murals cover building facades across the city center. Pick up a free map from the tourist office or download the Nuart app.
Key works: the massive face by Portuguese artist Vhils on Pedersgata, the photorealistic Ella & Pitr piece on the concert hall, and several ROA animal murals in the back streets. Most of the best pieces are within a 10-minute walk of the harbour.
New works go up every September during the festival. The rest of the year, the murals are free outdoor art. The Nuart Gallery on Tou Scene (former brewery, now cultural center) shows contemporary street art in a gallery setting. Free entry.
Budget Stavanger: how to cut costs in Norway's priciest city
Stay near the train station where hotels dip to 800-1,000 NOK versus 1,200-2,000 on the harbour. Stavanger Bed & Breakfast has simple rooms from 750 NOK. Hostels exist but are few.
Eat at Rema 1000 or Kiwi supermarkets. A loaf of bread, cheese, and cold cuts for lunch costs 60-80 NOK versus 180-250 NOK at a harbour restaurant. Fisketorget shrimp (80-120 NOK) is your best value dining-out option.
Free activities: Gamle Stavanger walking tour, harbour stroll, Nuart street art, Stavanger Cathedral (free entry), Sola Beach (free, bring a windbreaker). The Petroleum Museum costs 150 NOK and is worth the spend. Hike Pulpit Rock for free (pay only for parking and ferry). Avoid organized tours and DIY everything.
Stavanger's best neighborhoods
From the white wooden houses of Gamle Stavanger to the modern harbor district, this small city packs serious variety into a walkable footprint.
Harbour (Vågen) 15 vetted hotels Waterfront dining and ferry access
Waterfront dining and ferry access
The inner harbour is the heart of Stavanger. Restaurants, bars, the fish market, and cruise terminals line the water. Most of the city's better hotels face the harbour or sit within 2 blocks.
This is where you stay for convenience. Walk to Gamle Stavanger in 5 minutes, the cathedral in 3, and the ferry terminal for Tau/Pulpit Rock in 10. Prices are highest here at 1,200-2,500 NOK/night.
Gamle Stavanger 4 vetted hotels Historic wooden houses and cobblestone streets
Historic wooden houses and cobblestone streets
The western side of the harbour with 173 white wooden houses. Limited accommodation (a few B&Bs and rental apartments) but the most atmospheric area in the city.
Staying here means waking up in a living museum. Quiet evenings, morning light on white walls, and a 5-minute walk to the harbour restaurants.
City Center (Station Area) 12 vetted hotels Budget-friendly with transit connections
Budget-friendly with transit connections
The blocks around Stavanger station have the city's most affordable hotels and chain properties. Supermarkets, the bus terminal, and the train to Sandnes are all here.
Less atmospheric than the harbour but 10 minutes walk to everything. This is the practical choice for budget-conscious travelers who plan to spend days hiking anyway.
Fargegaten and East Side 8 vetted hotels Street art, cafes, and local neighborhood feel
Street art, cafes, and local neighborhood feel
Øvre Holmegate (Fargegaten) is the colorful painted street with cafes and bars. The surrounding Pedersgata area has Nuart street art murals and a growing food scene.
This area attracts younger travelers and creatives. It is a 5-10 minute walk from the harbour but feels distinctly less touristy. Restaurants here are 10-20% cheaper than harbourside.
Best Areas by Vibe
Tell us how you travel and we'll point you to the right part of Stavanger.
Culture
Gamle Stavanger's 173 white wooden houses are Europe's largest collection of wooden architecture. Stavanger Cathedral dates from 1125. The Nuart street art scene covers building facades across the city center. The Canning Museum tells the sardine story that built the original economy.
Foodie
Fisketorget serves fresh-caught shrimp on the harbour wall for 80-120 NOK. Renaa has a Michelin star and a 1,500 NOK tasting menu. Sabi Sushi on Fargegaten does excellent rolls for 150-200 NOK. For the best value, hit Ostehuset for Norwegian cheese boards and fresh bread at 120 NOK.
Adventure
Pulpit Rock is the headline: a 604-meter cliff over Lysefjord, 4 km hike each way. Kjeragbolten is the famous wedged boulder, 12 km round trip for experienced hikers. The Flørli stairs (4,444 steps) are the world's longest wooden stairway. Lysefjord kayaking puts you under 1,000-meter cliffs.
Romantic
Dinner at Tango Bar & Kjøkken with harbour views (250-350 NOK mains). Walk Gamle Stavanger's cobblestone streets at sunset when the tour groups have left. Take the Lysefjord cruise together (350-500 NOK) and watch cliffs rise 1,000 meters from the water. Stavanger does understated romance well.
Budget
Station-area hotels from 800 NOK/night. Supermarket lunches for 60-80 NOK. Fisketorget shrimp for 80-120 NOK. Gamle Stavanger, street art, and the cathedral are all free. Pulpit Rock costs only ferry fare (100 NOK) and parking (250 NOK). Daily budget: 1,500-2,000 NOK if you self-cater.
Family
The Norwegian Petroleum Museum (150 NOK) has interactive exhibits that keep kids engaged for 2 hours. Stavanger Maritime Museum is hands-on. The Lysefjord cruise works for all ages. Sola Beach has shallow water in summer. Skip Pulpit Rock with children under 8 unless they are experienced hikers.
Location Quality
Is the neighborhood walkable? Are restaurants, shops, and attractions within 10 minutes on foot? How does it feel after dark? We evaluate safety, public transport access, and whether the area has genuine local character or just tourist traps. A hotel in the wrong neighborhood ruins a trip. That's why location carries the most weight.
Value for Money
We compare what you pay against what you get. A €150 hotel with a great location, clean rooms, and helpful staff can outscore a €500 hotel with fancy amenities in a bad area. We factor in seasonal pricing, cancellation policies, and hidden costs like tourist tax and breakfast surcharges. The goal is finding the best ratio, not the lowest price.
Guest Experience
We analyze thousands of verified guest reviews across multiple platforms, looking for patterns rather than individual complaints. Consistent praise for cleanliness, staff, and room quality counts. We also assess the intangibles: does the hotel have character? Would you recommend it to a friend? A soul-less chain hotel with perfect facilities still loses to a well-run boutique with personality.
When to Visit Stavanger
When to visit Stavanger and what to pay.
Summer (June-August)
The only reliable hiking window. 19-hour days, Pulpit Rock trail at its best, Lysefjord cruises running daily. Book 2-3 months ahead. Temperatures are pleasant but rain comes without warning. Pack layers. This is when 80% of tourists arrive.
Spring (April-May)
Pulpit Rock trail opens mid-April (weather dependent). Fewer hikers, lower prices, longer days starting to build. May is pleasant but unpredictable. Snow can linger on higher trails. The city itself is enjoyable with outdoor cafe terraces opening.
Autumn (September-October)
September brings the Nuart street art festival and excellent hiking conditions with thinner crowds. October gets darker and wetter but the fall colors in the Ryfylke region are striking. Pulpit Rock stays accessible through October. Prices drop 20-30% from summer.
Winter (November-March)
Hiking trails are closed or dangerous. Days are short (6-7 hours of light in December). But hotel prices drop significantly and the city has a cozy Nordic atmosphere. The harbour Christmas market runs in December. Aurora borealis is occasionally visible from Sola Beach on clear nights.
Booking Tips for Stavanger
Insider tips for booking hotels in Stavanger.
Start the Pulpit Rock hike before 8am
500+ people hike Pulpit Rock daily in July. The parking lot at Preikestolen Fjellstue fills by 9am (250 NOK). Start at 7am to hike in relative peace and have the cliff platform without crowds. The early morning light is better for photos too.
Take the Tau ferry, not a tour bus
The ferry from Stavanger to Tau costs 100 NOK and takes 40 minutes. From Tau, it is a 25-minute drive to the trailhead. Tour buses charge 500-700 NOK for the same route. Rent a car for 600-800 NOK/day and do Pulpit Rock on your own schedule.
Eat shrimp at Fisketorget, not at a restaurant
The fish market on the harbour sells fresh shrimp by the bucket for 80-120 NOK. Sit on the harbour wall and peel them yourself. The same shrimp at a restaurant 50 meters away costs 200-300 NOK. Fisketorget is open daily in summer and weekdays in shoulder season.
Shop groceries at Rema 1000
Restaurant meals in Stavanger average 200-350 NOK. A supermarket sandwich, fruit, and a drink costs 50-70 NOK. Rema 1000 and Kiwi are the cheapest chains. Stock up on breakfast supplies and pack hiking lunches. This single tip saves 300-500 NOK/day.
Download the Nuart street art map
The Nuart app (free) maps every mural in Stavanger with GPS directions. You can do a self-guided street art walk in 60-90 minutes covering 20+ major works. The tourist office near the cathedral also has printed maps. Do not pay for a guided street art tour.
Book harbour hotels with noise expectations
Cruise ships dock at Vågen harbour and start unloading at 7am. If your hotel faces the harbour, ask for a room on a higher floor or away from the cruise terminal side. The Radisson Blu Royal and Thon Hotel Maritim are closest to the cruise berths. Check the cruise schedule before booking.
Hotels in Stavanger — FAQ
Everything you need to know before booking hotels in Stavanger.
What is the best area to stay in Stavanger?
The harbour area (Vågen) puts you 5 minutes walk from restaurants, the old town, and ferry terminals. Hotels start at 1,000 NOK/night. Gamle Stavanger is the prettiest neighborhood with 173 white wooden houses, but accommodation is limited to a few B&Bs. The area around Stavanger station works for budget stays at 800-1,100 NOK/night.
How do I get to Pulpit Rock from Stavanger?
Drive or take the Pulpit Rock ferry to Tau (40 minutes, 100 NOK), then drive 25 minutes to the trailhead at Preikestolen Fjellstue. The hike is 8 km round trip, taking 4-5 hours. Bus tours from Stavanger cost 500-700 NOK. Go before 8am in summer to beat the crowds. The trail is open May through October.
When is the best time to visit Stavanger?
June through August for the best hiking weather and 19-hour days. Average temperature is 14-18°C. Pulpit Rock is snow-free from May to October. Shoulder months (May and September) have fewer tourists and lower prices. Winter brings 5-6 hours of daylight and closed hiking trails but aurora borealis viewing and lower hotel rates at 700-900 NOK/night.
How expensive is Stavanger?
Very. Norway's oil capital is one of Europe's priciest cities. A hotel room starts at 900 NOK/night. A restaurant meal costs 200-350 NOK. A beer runs 90-110 NOK. A Pulpit Rock bus tour is 500-700 NOK. Budget 2,000-3,000 NOK/day for a comfortable stay. Cook your own meals with groceries from Rema 1000 to save 40%.
Is Stavanger worth visiting beyond Pulpit Rock?
Definitely. Gamle Stavanger is one of Europe's best-preserved wooden house districts (173 houses from the 1700s-1800s). The Norwegian Petroleum Museum explains how oil transformed Norway (150 NOK entry). The street art scene in the Nuart district is excellent. Stavanger Cathedral dates from 1125. And the food scene rivals Bergen.
How long should I spend in Stavanger?
3 days minimum. Day 1: Gamle Stavanger, harbour, and Petroleum Museum. Day 2: Pulpit Rock hike (full day). Day 3: Lysefjord cruise (350-500 NOK) or Kjeragbolten hike (12 hours, advanced). Add a 4th day for the food scene and Flor & Fjære garden island (400 NOK, seasonal).
What should I skip in Stavanger?
Skip the expensive Pulpit Rock helicopter tour (2,500+ NOK) when the hike is free and more rewarding. Skip the chain restaurants on the harbour, especially those advertising 'tourist menu.' Skip Sola beach unless you specifically want a North Sea beach experience (cold water, strong wind). Skip the Stavanger concert hall unless an event interests you.
Can I do a Lysefjord cruise from Stavanger?
Yes. Rødne Fjord Cruise operates 3-hour trips from Stavanger harbour for 350-500 NOK. The boat passes under Pulpit Rock (600 meters above) and continues to Hengjane waterfall. The cruise runs May through September. Book online 1-2 days ahead in summer. The 10am departure has the best light for photos.
What is the food scene like in Stavanger?
Excellent for a small city. Fisketorget (fish market) on the harbour sells fresh shrimp for 80-120 NOK per portion. Renaa (Michelin-starred, 1,500+ NOK tasting menu) anchors the fine dining. Sabi Sushi on Øvre Holmegate does the best affordable sushi at 150-200 NOK. The Øvre Holmegate street (Fargegaten) is the colorful dining strip.
Is Stavanger walkable?
Very walkable. The harbour, old town, cathedral, museum, and main restaurants are all within a 15-minute walk of each other. The city center is compact and flat. You need transport only for Pulpit Rock (40 km away), Sola Beach (15 km), and Lysefjord access points. Local buses cost 40 NOK per ride.
Do I need hiking gear for Pulpit Rock?
Good hiking shoes with ankle support are essential. The trail has exposed rock sections and can be slippery when wet. Bring 1.5 liters of water, snacks, rain jacket, and a warm layer even in summer. The temperature at the top can be 5-10°C colder than Stavanger. Do not attempt in flip-flops (people do, and search-and-rescue gets called).
How does Stavanger compare to Bergen?
Bergen is bigger, more touristy, and rainier (220 rain days versus Stavanger's 180). Bergen has Bryggen and the Fløibanen funicular. Stavanger has Pulpit Rock and better food per capita. Bergen is the gateway to Hardangerfjord, Stavanger to Lysefjord. Hotels are similarly priced. If you only have time for one, choose based on which fjord you want to see.