Lifestyle in Stavanger

Stavanger is known for its unique blend of traditional and modern culture. The lifestyle in Stavanger is relaxed and comfortable, with a strong focus on outdoor activities and a connection to nature. The city is surrounded by breathtaking mountains, fjords and beaches, and it attracts many tourists every year. As the Norwegian energy industry's hub, Stavanger also attracts a healthy population of expat professionals.

Stavanger has a bustling hospitality industry and is home to a vibrant food scene, with a mouthwatering mix of traditional Norwegian and international cuisine. The seafood is particularly notable, with fresh fish and shellfish readily available. The city is also known for its craft breweries and distilleries, offering a variety of local beers and spirits.

Despite being a fairly small city, Stavanger holds its own when it comes to shopping, with everything from quaint markets and chic boutiques to winding shopping streets and sprawling malls. If your wallet needs a break, the city's historical and cultural attractions are also a must-see and many can be enjoyed free of charge.

Shopping in Stavanger

Shopping in Stavanger offers a variety of options for both locals and visitors. Most shops in Stavanger are open Monday through Friday from 9am to 6pm, and on Saturdays until 4pm. Some shops are open on Sundays, but there are fewer pickings.

Recommended shopping areas in Stavanger include:

City centre

The city centre is the most popular shopping area in Stavanger, with a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafés. The main street, Strandkaien, is an ideal starting spot. You can find everything from high-end fashion to souvenir shops here. The area is pedestrianised, providing easy access to clothing, jewellery and gift shops, as well as supermarkets and department stores.

Breiavatnet

The area around Breiavatnet Lake is perfect for finding unique local boutiques. Here you can find a variety of clothing, accessories and home decor items, many of which are made by local artisans. There's a good mix of shops, including both high-end fashion boutiques and more affordable shops. There are also many small independent shops selling handmade crafts, clothing, and jewellery.

Kvadrat Shopping Centre

Although it's located in neighbouring Sandnes, Kvadrat is one of the most popular shopping centres in the Stavanger region. It offers a wide range of shops from high-end fashion to electronics, as well as a cinema and a food court. It's one of the largest and busiest shopping centres in Norway.

Eating out in Stavanger

Stavanger offers a wide variety of dining options for expats and visitors, from traditional Norwegian seafood, reindeer and moose dishes to exotic international cuisine.

Known for its fresh seafood, Stavanger is filled with excellent seafood restaurants. Traditional Norwegian seafood dishes such as fish soup, fish cakes and smoked salmon are easily found, as well as more modern dishes like sushi and seafood pasta. In addition to seafood, there are also many restaurants that serve traditional Norwegian meat dishes such as reindeer and moose meat. These dishes are often served with traditional side dishes such as potatoes, gravy, and lingonberry jam. Alternatively, visitors can try gulost, a brown Norwegian cheese made from cream and whey that is typically served as a dessert with waffles or as a topping for bread.

There are also international restaurants in Stavanger, serving a wide variety of cuisines including Italian, Chinese, Indian, and Thai. Wherever home is for you, you're sure to be able to find a taste of it in Stavanger.

Nightlife in Stavanger

Stavanger offers a plethora of nighttime activities for expats. The city boasts a variety of bars and pubs, clubs and dance venues, music venues, and cinemas that cater to a wide range of interests.

One popular option for expats in Stavanger is to visit bars and pubs that serve traditional Norwegian beer and cider. These establishments provide a social atmosphere where expats can interact with locals and other expats. They offer a comprehensive selection of beers, cocktails and other drinks, and often have live music or DJs on weekends. Another option for expats is to visit the clubs and dance venues in the city centre. These venues frequently feature a mix of local and international DJs and live acts, and are known for their lively atmosphere.

If you prefer a more low-key night out, there are cinemas in Stavanger and Sandnes showing the latest films. Stavanger has a thriving coffee culture, with many cafés and coffee shops offering a wide variety of coffee blends, teas, and pastries.

Outdoor activities in Stavanger

Stavanger offers a wide range of outdoor activities for expats to enjoy. Beautiful natural landscapes, including fjords, mountains and beaches, surround the city and provide ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to explore and experience the region's natural beauty.

Hiking is a popular outdoor activity in Stavanger. There are several mountain ranges and fjords that are perfect for hiking and offer spectacular views of the fjords and the sea. Additionally, outdoor areas such as the Botanical Garden and Vaulen Beach Park are not to be missed. These gardens and parks offer a peaceful and relaxing environment for expats to take a stroll, have a picnic or simply take in nature.

Another popular activity in Stavanger is fishing. The region has many rivers, lakes and fjords that offer excellent opportunities for freshwater and saltwater fishing. Expats can fish for salmon and trout in the rivers or cod and pollock in the fjords. For those who enjoy water sports, Stavanger offers a variety of options including swimming, kayaking and sailing. Expats can take a dip in the sea or in one of the many lakes surrounding the city, or take a kayak or a sailboat out to explore the fjords and the coast.

Lastly, for those with an interest in wildlife, Stavanger and its surrounding areas offer several opportunities for bird watching and wildlife safaris. Expats can take a guided tour to see indigenous fauna in their natural habitats and learn more about them.

See and do in Stavanger

Gamle Stavanger

This historic district is made up of well-preserved wooden houses and cobbled streets, offering a glimpse into the city's past. Visitors can wander through the area and explore its many charming shops, cafés, and restaurants.

Stavanger Cathedral

Built in the 12th century, Stavanger Cathedral is a symbol of the city's rich history and cultural heritage. It is considered one of the best-preserved medieval stone cathedrals in Norway and is open to visitors throughout the year.

The Norwegian Petroleum Museum

This museum is dedicated to showcasing Norway's oil and gas industry, including its history, technology and impact on the environment. Visitors can learn about the industry through interactive exhibits, hands-on activities and multimedia displays.

Valberg Tower

This tower offers panoramic views of the city and its surroundings, including the fjords and mountains. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower for a breathtaking view of the area.

Breiavatnet Lake

Surrounded by parks and picnic areas, this scenic lake is a popular destination for outdoor recreation. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk or bike ride along the lake's shore, or relax in the park and enjoy a picnic.

The Iron Age Farm

This open-air museum features reconstructed Iron Age homes, offering visitors a glimpse into what life was like in Norway during this time period. The museum also features exhibitions and hands-on activities that showcase the skills and crafts of the Iron Age.