Norway
Stavanger
Norway
Stavanger
Updated Jul 20, 2025
Overview
Stavanger blends industrial heritage with stunning natural beauty. The colorful Old Town houses Europe's best-preserved wooden buildings. Local fishing traditions thrive at the harbor markets. Street art covers entire neighborhoods in Øvre Holmegate. Pulpit Rock hiking draws adventurers while cozy cafes serve traditional fish soup.
Best time to visit. Visit May through September for hiking and midnight sun. July offers warmest weather and festivals. Winter brings northern lights and fewer crowds but limited daylight hours.
City stats
Population
144,699
Land area
103 sq. mi.
Currency
Norwegian krone
Year founded
1125 CE
Official langauge
Norwegian
English speaking
Widely spoken
State/Province
Rogaland
Timezone
Central European (UTC+1)
Driving side
right
Website
Google Maps link
Quick links
How to get there
Neighborhoods
Getting around
Where to stay
Day trips
Cities within 8 hours
Active pursuits
Leisure activities
Bars, pubs and nightlife
Breakfast and brunch
Lunch and snacks
Dinner restaurants
Laptop friendly places
Where to stay for work trips
Work trip activities
Average weather
Country holidays
Major annual events
Cultural tips
City details
Hotels
Nearby
Nearby
Things to do
Food & restaurants
Work friendly
| Month | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 37°F - 28°F | 30°F - 19°F | Cloudy | 9:02 am | 3:47 pm | 18 days 4.2 in | 8 days 4.9 in | 18 mph |
| February | 39°F - 28°F | 33°F - 21°F | Cloudy | 7:48 am | 5:12 pm | 14 days 3.1 in | 6 days 3.4 in | 16 mph |
| March | 43°F - 32°F | 39°F - 26°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:12 am | 6:42 pm | 15 days 3.5 in | 4 days 1.7 in | 16 mph |
| April | 50°F - 37°F | 48°F - 34°F | Partly Cloudy | 4:28 am | 8:18 pm | 12 days 2.6 in | 1 days 0.3 in | 13 mph |
| May | 59°F - 45°F | 59°F - 43°F | Partly Cloudy | 2:52 am | 9:52 pm | 11 days 2.7 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 13 mph |
| June | 64°F - 52°F | 66°F - 51°F | Partly Cloudy | 1:48 am | 10:49 pm | 12 days 3.1 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 11 mph |
| July | 68°F - 55°F | 70°F - 55°F | Partly Cloudy | 2:25 am | 10:24 pm | 14 days 3.5 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 11 mph |
| August | 68°F - 55°F | 70°F - 54°F | Partly Cloudy | 3:48 am | 9:18 pm | 16 days 4.4 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 11 mph |
| September | 61°F - 48°F | 61°F - 46°F | Cloudy | 5:22 am | 7:42 pm | 17 days 5.3 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 13 mph |
| October | 52°F - 41°F | 48°F - 36°F | Cloudy | 6:58 am | 6:01 pm | 19 days 5.7 in | 1 days 0.2 in | 16 mph |
| November | 43°F - 34°F | 37°F - 27°F | Cloudy | 8:38 am | 4:21 pm | 18 days 5.1 in | 3 days 1.5 in | 18 mph |
| December | 39°F - 30°F | 32°F - 22°F | Cloudy | 9:32 am | 3:31 pm | 19 days 4.6 in | 6 days 3.7 in | 18 mph |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | Celebrates the start of a new year. Fireworks, parties, and resolutions mark the occasion. | Avoid travel. Most places closed. | ||
| Easter | March/April (varies) | Christian holiday celebrating Jesus' resurrection. Marked by church services and family gatherings. | Limited services. Plan ahead. | ||
| Labour Day | May 1 | Honors workers' rights. Marked by parades and demonstrations across the country. | Some closures. Interesting events. | ||
| Constitution Day | May 17 | Norway's National Day. Celebrates the signing of the constitution with parades and festivities. | Busy but festive. Book early. | ||
| Midsummer | June 23 | Celebrates the summer solstice. Bonfires and outdoor gatherings are common. | Good time to visit. Lively atmosphere. | ||
| Christmas Eve | December 24 | Main Christmas celebration in Norway. Families gather for festive meals and gift-giving. | Avoid travel. Most places closed. | ||
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Continues Christmas celebrations. Quiet day for family gatherings and relaxation. | Very quiet. Limited services available. | ||
| Boxing Day | December 26 | Public holiday. Extends Christmas celebrations with family gatherings and relaxation. | Quiet day. Some services resuming. |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stavanger Wine Festival | early February | Annual wine tasting event featuring international wines and local cuisine pairings. | Good time to visit, adds cultural appeal. | ||
| Stavanger Chamber Music Festival | late February | Classical music performances in intimate venues throughout the city center. | Pleasant cultural addition to winter visit. | ||
| MaiJazz Festival | mid-May | International jazz festival featuring renowned artists in various city venues. | Busier than usual but great atmosphere. | ||
| Stavanger Food Festival | late May | Culinary celebration showcasing local seafood and international cuisine. | Crowded but excellent for food enthusiasts. | ||
| Gladmat Food Festival | late July | Norway's largest food festival featuring local chefs and international cuisine. | Very crowded, book accommodations early. | ||
| Stavanger International Film Festival | mid-August | Film screenings and industry events celebrating international cinema. | Great for film lovers, minimal disruption. | ||
| Nuart Festival | early September | International street art festival transforming city walls with murals. | Exciting artistic atmosphere throughout city. | ||
| Stavanger Symphony Orchestra Season Opening | mid-September | Classical music season launch with gala performances and celebrations. | Cultural highlight with minimal impact. |
1 | Norwegians value punctuality. Be on time for appointments and tours. If you're running late, call ahead to inform the person or establishment you're meeting. |
2 | Tipping isn't expected in Norway as service charges are included. However, rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip for exceptional service is appreciated in restaurants and taxis. |
3 | Learn basic Norwegian phrases like 'takk' (thank you) and 'vær så snill' (please). Most Norwegians speak English, but they appreciate tourists who make an effort to use their language. |
4 | Respect personal space. Norwegians value privacy and may seem reserved. Don't be offended by less small talk or physical contact than you're used to in North America. |
5 | Remove your shoes when entering someone's home. It's common practice in Norway, especially in winter. If unsure, ask your host or follow their lead. |
6 | Be prepared for high prices. Norway is expensive, even by North American standards. Budget accordingly and don't express shock at prices, as it can be seen as rude. |
7 | Embrace 'friluftsliv', the Norwegian love for outdoor life. Participate in outdoor activities and respect nature. Follow the 'leave no trace' principle when hiking or camping. |
8 | Dress appropriately for the weather and occasion. Norwegians tend to dress casually but neatly. In upscale restaurants or cultural events, smart casual is usually acceptable. |
KumquatTime is precious. Get the most out of every moment traveling.
Not another booking platform.
categories
© 2024-2025 Eten en Drinken Software Ltd Co