A bundle of activities for different generations await you in the Stavanger region on the west-coast of Norway. Experience mother nature, immerse yourself in a vibrant cultural life, ready for you to explore.
Lysefjord
Enjoy a sightseeing cruise on board the tourist ferry, through the Lysefjord and the famous Pulpit Rock and Kjerag and not to forget Flørli and the stairs. The Lysefjord is 42 kilometers (27 miles) long and full of amazing sights. The wildlife, steep mountains and waterfalls guarantee you a lot of stories to tell your friends. This is a fjord cruise filled with great photo opportunities.
The ferry calls at Forsand, Songesand and Flørli in both directions.
Pulpit Rock
Preikestolen (the Pulpit Rock) is one of the most visited attractions in Norway, and one of the most photographed sites. To visit this popular rock formation 604 meters (1982 feet) above the Lysefjord is a fantastic nature experience.
In 2011 Preikestolen was listed as one of the world’s most spectacular views and natural attractions by Lonely Planet and CNN GO travel magazine.
See 360 videos here!
Getting there:
From April to the end of September:
The bus departs from Tau to Preikestolen Moutain Lodge several times daily. The bus corresponds with ferry departures from Fiskepirterminalen in Stavanger. Rest of the year the bus stops at Jørpeland 9 kilometers from Preikestolen Mountain Lodge. Further transportation will be with a taxi. The hike up to Preikestolen is a two hours marked trail.
Vitenfabrikken (Science Factory)
Did you know that one of the world’s leading mathematicians was born not far from Sandnes? Visit us at «Vitenfabrikken» and explore Abel’s sketchbook. How many meters of DNA does your body contain? How long can you keep your balance on the skateboard? What is 101 in the decimal system? How heavy is your brain? Can you relax more than the person next to you? Perhaps you’ll be invited on a guided tour through the planetarium to take a closer look at Orion, Pegasus and the other constellations. You can also learn more about Leonardo da Vinci and his inventions! And don’t miss the exhibitions of the town history of Sandnes 2nd floor.
The Science Factory is full of exciting things to do and discover, it is the perfect place for anyone with an inquiring mind. Everything in The Science Factory is connected to science, technology and art. Exhibitions, theatre performances, films, workshops and demonstrations: You will smell, hear, feel and see how the world works. After a visit to The Science Factory, you will know how good your balance is, how fast you react, how warm your brain is, what happens when you flush the toilet, how strong a spider web is and much more.
Vitenfabrikken is part of Jærmuseet, a regional museum for the municipatilities of Sandnes, Time, Klepp, Hå, Randaberg, Sola and Gjesdal. Jærmuseet was awarded the “Museum of the Year 2009” award in Norway. The museum also received the European “Micheletti Award 2009”, for best technological museum in Europe.
Sogndalstrand
is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Rogaland. Sogndalstrand is the only village in Norway where both the wooden buildings from the 1700s and 1800s and the surrounding cultural landscape are protected.
It used to be a staple port and its own municipality up until 1944. In the last few years it has experienced quite a boom with the development of a culture hotel, gallery, golf course, village shop, outdoor amphi theatre, sculpture jetty, sea rafting, a fishing museum and more. Several large concerts are held in Sogndalstrand Amfi in the summer. The Sokna, a salmon river, flows into the fjord near Sogndalstrand.
Stavanger Maritime Museum
demonstrates the development of shipping, commerce and shipbuilding over the last 200 years. Contains sail loft, shipping company office, general store and merchant’s apartment, as well as a “playshop” for children.
Kjerag
The majesty of the Lysefjord – Kjerag is a popular mountain peak that towers a 1000 meters (3281 feet) over the Lysefjord.
The Lysefjord is 42 kilometers long (approximately 26 miles) and a pearl in Norwegian nature. The glaciers formed the fjord landscape during the last Ice Age, and can be called a canyon. The mountain soar up to 1000 meters above sea level on both sides of the fjords and some places it ranges as deep in the fjords as its height above sea level.
At Kjerag the fjord’s special characteristics are intensified to the extreme. The Kjerag plateau is a barren mass of rock with polished crags and the Kjerag boulder lies approximately 300 meters south of the cairn.
The mountain side that swoops vertically to the fjord below is an impressive sight from the deck of a boat. Understandably, Kjerag is a seductress of mountain climbers and base jumpers alike during the summer time.
The Norwegian Petroleum Museum
is a museum for everyone. Its exhibits explain how oil and gas are created, discovered and produced, and what they are used for. The museum also provides information about technological advances and the way petroleum influences Norwegian society. Original objects, models, film and interactive exhibits illustrate everything from everyday life offshore to technology and dramatic incidents.
The exhibit “North Sea Divers” is a new exhibition about the pioneer-divers in the North Sea. Interactive stations, films and texts explain the challenging work the divers had. In the cinema, the 3D movie “Petropolis” is shown all day. Here you can experience scary dinosaurs and technological adventures told in a humoristic and engaging way. The exhibitions are texted in English as well as Norwegian and all the films are in English.
Activity sheets for children and activities for youngsters throughout the exhibitions. Try the Catastrophe room and rescue chute – if you dare! Museum shop with interesting gifts for young and old as a memento of your visit to the museum. Something which expands your knowledge of oil and gas, or simply something you like. Museum café Bølgen & Moi serves delicious light meals.
Surfing Jæren
Norway’s best surf is found along the beaches of Jæren. This stretch of coastline invites you to explore the North Sea for wind and waves. The spots range from easy and gentle beginner beaches, to the more demanding and better boulder rock points, which doesnt work as often as the beaches.
The summer season is most welcoming for beginners, while the late autumn and winter has more exciting conditions, rewarding for those who brave the colder temperatures. Modern wetsuits and equipment open the entire winter season for both wave-, wind- and kitesurfing. Especially suited for beginner level surfing is Solastrand beach, Hellestø beach, Sele point/beach, Borestrand beach, Brusand and Ogna beach.
Windsurfing and kiting is a popular activity at at the Solastrand beach due to its relatively sheltered wave conditions even in strong winds (S-SW). If you need more information, equipment and coaching, please contact: www.surfschool.no. For reliable and detailed wind forecast, go to www.yr.no. Talk to the surfshops in Stavanger for local knowledge about the conditions. Please respect local landowners and agriculture when travelling and parking along the Jæren landscape.
For wave-forecasting and general spot information, visit: www.magicseaweed.com.
Kongeparken (The King Park)
Western Norway’s largest amusement park and Rogaland’s most popular attraction.
Discover the delights of the magic chocolate factory where children are invited to make real Freia milk chocolate! The park has much to offer, including Norway’s longest bob run, “Brumleband”, Norway’s biggest merry-go-round – “the Bumble Bee) and Norway’s highest Ferris wheel – “the Airship”, and a teddy bear hotel.
Located in scenic surroundings at Ålgård by highway E39, 10 minutes from Sandnes city center.
Old Stavanger
comprises 173 wooden buildings from the turn of the 18th century. Most of them are small, white cottages. Stavanger has received several awards for its efforts to preserve Old Stavanger.
This was one of three pilot projects carried out in Norway during the United Nations’ Architectural Heritage Year in 1975. Many galleries and handicrafts’ boutiques are located in this section of town.
Salmon Safari
An extraordinary experience of nature, floating in the Suldalslågen river. Through a half hour course you will learn how to act when floating in the current down the river, as well as everything about security. Qualified and experienced instructors will lead the group. One of them will join you in the water; the other will stay behind the group paddling a canoe. You will try out the survival suits and all the equipment in the swimming pool at Mo Laksegard before entering the river. Once in the water, the current will take the participants down the river. Through the diving mask you are able to study the wild salmon in their natural element.
This is a chance to literally feel the “strong” river on your body for approx. 2.5 km. To see wild salmon in their right element, you will never forget. This river is well known for its big salmon that can be up to 20 kg (44 pounds). You don’t catch the salmon – you swim with them!
Another fesature story you might like:
Popular Adventures in Stavanger, compiled by Admin