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 10 Top Picks in Stavanger
Click any hotel to check availability and book at the best price.
Eilert Smith Hotel
Stavanger
$688/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Sjøberg Hotell & Ferieleiligheter
Stavanger
$29/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Thon Hotel Stavanger
Stavanger
$219/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Home Again Nygata 1
Stavanger
$210/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Radisson Blu Atlantic Hotel, Stavanger
Stavanger
$222/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Central Stavanger Guesthouse
Stavanger
$96/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Central Economic Stavanger Kongsteinsgata
Stavanger
$81/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Central Guest House
Stavanger
$135/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Clarion Hotel Energy
Stavanger
$199/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Thon Hotel Maritim
Stavanger
$237/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Why These Hotels Made Our List
Here's why each one made the cut.
Eilert Smith Hotel
At $688 a night, you're paying boutique prices for boutique quality. Only 125 reviews but they're almost universally glowing (4.9 is genuinely rare). It's a small, intimate hotel in central Stavanger, not a corporate block. If you want personal service and can justify the cost, this is the one.
Address:Eilert Smith Hotel, Nordbøgata 8, 4006 Stavanger, Norway
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Sjøberg Hotell & Ferieleiligheter
$29 a night in Norway sounds like a typo, but 220 guests averaging 4.7 says otherwise. It's apartment-style and outside the city center, so you'll need a bus or car to reach the waterfront. Perfect if you're staying a week and want a kitchen. Don't expect downtown walkability at this price.
Address:Sjøberg Hotell & Ferieleiligheter, Hanasandveien 782, 4150 Rennesøy, Norway
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Thon Hotel Stavanger
Reliable, central, and honest at $219. Thon is Norway's biggest hotel chain and this location delivers what the brand promises: clean rooms, solid breakfast, and a short walk to Stavanger's old town. The 4.6 from nearly 1,000 guests isn't flashy but it's earned. Good base for Pulpit Rock day trips.
Address:Thon Hotel Stavanger, Klubbgata 6, 4013 Stavanger, Norway
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Home Again Nygata 1
Nygata puts you right in the heart of old Stavanger, close to the wooden houses and the harbor. Only 45 reviews but they average 4.8. No listed price, so check current rates before committing. The name suggests apartment-style stays, which suits longer visits. Small sample size means one bad week could shift everything.
Address:Home Again Nygata 1, Nygata 1, 4006 Stavanger, Norway
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Radisson Blu Atlantic Hotel, Stavanger
The most-reviewed hotel in Stavanger at 2,730 guests, and that counts for something. You know exactly what you're getting: a solid 4-star on Olav V's gate, steps from Stavanger Cathedral. The 4.4 is lower than some cheaper options, but the sheer volume makes it trustworthy. $222 is fair for this location.
Address:Radisson Blu Atlantic Hotel, Stavanger, Olav V s gate 3, 4005 Stavanger, Norway
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Central Stavanger Guesthouse
Only 21 reviews is a red flag, but 4.6 is hard to fake at that count. At $96 a night it's one of the cheapest central options in the city. That puts you walking distance to the harbor and old quarter. Ideal for budget travelers who hate suburbs but can't justify $200-plus hotel rates.
Address:Central Stavanger Guesthouse, Brødregata 23, 4012 Stavanger, Norway
Neighborhood:Storhaug
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Central Economic Stavanger Kongsteinsgata
Six reviews. That's it. The 4.8 is promising but completely unreliable at that sample size. Kongsteinsgata is central, the $81 price is among the cheapest in the city, and the name doesn't hide what it is: economy accommodation. Fine for one night if you're catching an early flight from Sola Airport.
Address:Central Economic Stavanger Kongsteinsgata, Kongsteinsgata 21, 4012 Stavanger, Norway
Neighborhood:Storhaug
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Central Guest House
Eight reviews at 4.8. Same caveat as other tiny-sample options: too few guests to trust fully. At $135 it sits in a crowded mid-range bracket competing with proper hotels. Read all eight reviews before booking. If they're genuine, go for it. If you want data volume, the Thon Maritim has 1,334 opinions.
Address:Central Guest House, Wessels gate 6b, 4008 Stavanger, Norway
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Clarion Hotel Energy
A consistent 4-star with 2,428 reviews averaging 4.4, so you know what to expect before you arrive. Sits in central Stavanger close to Breiavatnet lake, which makes it a decent sightseeing base. At $199 it's the best value among the large 4-stars on this list. Business travelers fill it midweek, so weekends sometimes get cheaper.
Address:Clarion Hotel Energy, Ishockeyveien 2, 4021 Stavanger, Norway
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Thon Hotel Maritim
Oddly, this 3-star costs more than the 4-star Radisson ($237 vs $222). It earns it though: the waterfront location on Vagen puts you at Stavanger's best restaurant strip. The 4.4 from 1,334 guests is solid for a 3-star. Pay the $15 premium if harbor views matter more to you than star ratings.
Address:Thon Hotel Maritim, Kongsgata 32, 4005 Stavanger, Norway
Neighborhood:Storhaug
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Didn't find your match above? Here's every hotel in Stavanger.
Every scored hotel in the city. Filter by price, rating, or type to find yours.
| # | Hotel | Our Score | Guest Rating | Reviews | Type | Price/Night | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eilert Smith Hotel | 4.9 | 125 | 4★ | $690/night | Book → | |
| 2 | Sjøberg Hotell & Ferieleiligheter | 4.7 | 220 | 3★ | $30/night | Book → | |
| 3 | Thon Hotel Stavanger | 4.6 | 961 | 4★ | $220/night | Book → | |
| 4 | Home Again Nygata 1 | 4.8 | 45 | 4★ | $210/night | Book → | |
| 5 | Radisson Blu Atlantic Hotel, Stavanger | 4.4 | 2 730 | 4★ | $220/night | Book → | |
| 6 | Central Stavanger Guesthouse | 4.6 | 21 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $100/night | Book → | |
| 7 | Central Economic Stavanger Kongsteinsgata | 4.8 | 6 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $80/night | Book → | |
| 8 | Central Guest House | 4.8 | 8 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $140/night | Book → | |
| 9 | Clarion Hotel Energy | 4.4 | 2 428 | 4★ | $200/night | Book → | |
| 10 | Thon Hotel Maritim | 4.4 | 1 334 | 3★ | $240/night | Book → | |
| 11 | Bjørvika Apartments - Sea Story | 5.0 | 3 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $170/night | Book → | |
| 12 | Villa Eckhoff | 4.5 | 13 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $170/night | Book → | |
| 13 | Stay North Paradis | 4.8 | 18 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $170/night | Book → | |
| 14 | Fjordbris Hotell AS | 4.4 | 136 | 3★ | $130/night | Book → | |
| 15 | Cozee Central Apartments | 4.6 | 13 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $170/night | Book → | |
| 16 | Stavanger | 4.6 | 5 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $170/night | Book → | |
| 17 | Harmony apartments - Stavanger sentrum | 4.5 | 7 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $150/night | Book → | |
| 18 | AJ2 · Heart of Historical Centre Unique Studio apt. | Apartment / Guesthouse | $150/night | Book → | |||
| 19 | Harmony Apartments - By Honivi Gruppen - Apartment | Apartment / Guesthouse | $170/night | Book → | |||
| 20 | MG1 · "Prime Location" | Newly Renovated Modern 2BR Flat | Apartment / Guesthouse | $180/night | Book → |
Where 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 hotel regions
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.
Browse all Harbour (Vågen) hotels → 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.
Browse all Gamle Stavanger hotels → 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.
Browse all City Center (Station Area) hotels → 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.
Browse all Fargegaten and East Side hotels →Best Areas by Vibe
Tell us how you travel.
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.
We reviewed hotels across Stavanger's old town, harbour, and surrounding areas to find the best bases for exploring Pulpit Rock and the Lysefjord.
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.
Every hotel on this page earned its spot through this process.
When to Visit Stavanger
Hotel prices, crowds, and weather vary by season.
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
Smart booking strategies for 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
Straight answers from our team.
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.
Useful links for Stavanger
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