Stavanger Travel Guide
Situated on the southwest coast, Stavanger is Norway's fourth largest city and its petroleum capital. A modern metropolis with excellent public transport, it also boasts Gamle Stavanger, a cobble-stoned old suburb full of 18th-century wooden houses, where many local artists have taken up residence.
The old quarter spreads out from the harbour and the waterfront is also a hub of activity for travellers, bustling at night with crowds of locals and visitors, particularly during summer. Stavanger is a fun mix of old and new, a cosmopolitan port city with a charming historic atmosphere.
Sightseeing attractions in Stavanger include the Oil Museum, the Canning Museum, and the Stavanger Art Museum, among many others. The city is also known for its rich and varied nightlife, which is considered some of the best that Norway has to offer.
In the summer, visitors can take advantage of Stavanger's many climbing and hiking opportunities, or hang out on Solastranden, a long, sandy beach close to the airport. In winter, they can ice skate on the city's largest lake, Stokkavatnet.
Several low-cost airlines regularly serve Stavanger Airport, making it a popular entry point for travellers to Norway. Situated on the west coast of Norway, Stavanger is within easy reach of Bergen and the famous fjordlands.
Things to do in Stavanger
Getting Around
Public transport in Stavanger consists mainly of a comprehensive bus network that runs from a main terminal in the city centre. Single tickets are available but visitors planning a lot of travel may consider a day pass good value, or even the seven-day pass.
Taxis are available but rates are fairly high. Additional charges of up to 45% apply at night and on weekends. Many visitors opt to hire cars as driving in Stavanger is relatively easy for experienced drivers who are familiar with Norway's traffic laws. Luckily, the city centre is fairly compact and many attractions are within walking distance.
Stavanger Climate and Weather
Located on a peninsula on Norway's southwest coast, Stavanger has a mild maritime climate. Summers are pleasantly mild to warm, and in winter temperatures generally remain above freezing, although stiff breezes may make it feel much colder. Snow falls on odd days, and is generally not more than 10cm deep.
In summer, June to August, average temperatures range between 50°F (10°C) and 63°F (17°C), and in the winter months of December to February, average temperatures range between 31°F (-1°C) and 39°F (4°C).
The best time to holiday in Stavanger depends hugely on your desired activities, as many people plan cruises and outdoor excursions that are weather dependent. The most popular time to visit Stavanger is in late spring or early summer, May and June, when the city receives the most sun and its best weather.
Norway travel info
Electricity
Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are in use.
Language
Norwegian and Sami are the official languages, but English is widely understood.
Money
The official currency is the Norwegian Krone (NOK), divided into 100 ore. Credits are accepted for almost all transactions, with Eurocard/Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Diners Club being the most common. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks and major post offices, as well as many hotels and travel agents, although for poorer rates. ATMs are available in all towns and cities.
Tipping
Norwegians generally earn good salaries and, while it's perfectly all right to tip, a tipping culture doesn't really exist in the country. But customers do usually round up bills to the nearest 10 or 100 NOK.
Health
There are no real health risks associated with travel to Norway and the standard of healthcare is high throughout the country. A reciprocal agreement exists between the UK and Norway under which British nationals are covered for emergency treatment while visiting Norway as long as they hold a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Travellers should ensure that they have adequate travel and medical insurance.
Safety
Norway is a safe country in which to travel. However, travellers should still take sensible precautions to avoid petty theft, as they would anywhere in the world. Petty theft is most common at airports and bus and train stations in Oslo.
Local customs
Smoking is prohibited in all public places and on public transport in Norway, unless otherwise indicated. Norwegians tend to see everyone as being equal; they do not flaunt their wealth or financial achievements and frown on those who do. Travellers should note that whale meat is available legally in Norway, but that it is illegal to bring it into most other countries.
Doing business
Business in Norway is conducted formally, with an emphasis on punctuality and direct communication. Business attire is usually smart and fashionable, though not ostentatious. Titles and surnames are predominantly used on introduction, but may be dropped later, and greetings are usually made with a handshake.
Business cards are commonly exchanged. Expect business to be conducted in a direct and forthright manner, with little small talk or socialising. It is worth bearing in mind that Norway is an expensive country and that any services from lawyers, consultants etc. are subject to hefty VAT charges.
Business hours take place between 6am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. Norwegians highly value family and believe in a healthy balance between work and leisure. They are hardworking but overtime is frowned upon and workers in Norway are entitled to more leave than foreigners may be used to.
Duty free
Norwegian residents over 18 years who have been abroad for 24 hours or more don't have to pay duty on goods worth up to NOK 6,000. This includes up to 200 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco products.
The amount of alcohol depends on the purchase of tobacco. In addition to tobacco, one can declare 5 litres of beer or 2 litres of beer with 3 litres of wine or 1 litre of spirits, 1.5 litres of wine, and 2 litres of beer.
Without tobacco, one may include 1 litre of spirits, 3 litres of wine, and 2 litres of beer, or 4.5 litres of wine and 2 litres of beer. The last option is having 6.5 litres of beer only. Travellers arriving from outside of the EU should confirm their duty free allowance prior to arrival in Norway.
Communications
The international access code for Norway is +47. Hotels, cafes and restaurants offering free wifi are widely available. As international roaming costs can be high, purchasing a local prepaid SIM card can be a cheaper option.
Passport & Visa
All visitors to Norway must have sufficient funds, return or onward tickets and all documents needed for further travel. Passports should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay. Some European countries require only their National Identity Card if coming as a tourist to Norway. The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option that allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months' validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry requirements
United States citizens require a passport valid for three months beyond period of intended stay, but no visa is needed for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
British citizens require a passport valid for three months beyond period of intended stay, but no visa is needed for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Canadians require a passport valid for three months beyond period of intended stay, but no visa is needed for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Australians require a passport valid for three months beyond period of intended stay, but no visa is needed for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
South Africans require a passport valid for at least three months beyond period of intended stay. Holders of temporary passports are not allowed. A visa is required for travel to Norway.
Irish nationals must have a valid passport but no visa is required.
New Zealand citizens require a passport valid for three months beyond period of intended stay, but no visa is needed for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Useful contacts
Oslo Visitor Centre: +47 23 10 62 00 or www.visitnorway.com
112 (Police); 113 (Ambulance); 110 (Fire).Embassies / consulates in other countries
Royal Norwegian Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 333 6000.
Royal Norwegian Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7591 5500.
Royal Norwegian Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 238 6571.
Royal Norwegian Embassy, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for New Zealand): +61 (0)2 6270 5700.
Royal Norwegian Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 364 3700.
Royal Norwegian Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 662 1800.
Embassies / consulates in Norway
United States Embassy, Oslo: +47 21 30 85 40.
British Embassy, Oslo: +47 2313 2700.
Canadian Embassy, Oslo: +47 2299 5300.
Australian Consulate, Oslo: +45 7026 3676.
South African Embassy, Oslo: +47 2327 3220.
Irish Embassy, Oslo: +47 2201 7200.
New Zealand Honorary Consulate General, Oslo: +47 923 01 701.