Stavanger City & Pulpit Rock

Welcome to Stavanger

Arrive in Stavanger and get settled in this friendly coastal city with everything within easy reach. Once you’ve checked in to your centrally located hotel, you’ll have the rest of the day to explore at your own pace. Stroll through the charming old town, check out a café or two, or take a walk along the harbour — Stavanger is easy to get to know, and even easier to enjoy.

If you’d like to kick off your adventure from the water, you can add an optional fjord experience at checkout, and see Pulpit Rock (or “Preikestolen,” as the locals call it) from below before you hike to the top the next day. It’s the perfect preview of what’s to come:

Step aboard a silent fjord cruise and glide through the majestic Lysefjord. From the water, look up at Preikestolen towering 604 metres above – carved by glaciers more than 10,000 years ago. The boat cruises past waterfalls and steep cliffs, with indoor comfort or open-deck views.

Or if you prefer something with more adrenaline? Choose a RIB safari and feel the wind in your hair as you speed between caves, waterfalls, and soaring cliffs. Spot sea eagles above and capture unforgettable views of Preikestolen, Vagabond Cave, and Hengjane Falls along the way.

From city to summit

After breakfast, hop on the bus to Preikestolen Basecamp and enjoy the scenic ride through dramatic fjord landscapes. Upon arrival at the basecamp — your home for the night — you’ll have the rest of the day to hike to the iconic Preikestolen plateau at your own pace.

The hike to Preikestolen is a moderately challenging 8 km (4.9 mi) round trip, typically taking 4-5 hours to complete. The well-marked trail is easy to follow, with red-painted signs guiding your way. Some parts of the ascent feature stone stairways built by Nepalese Sherpas, helping make your climb smoother.

After completing your hike, return to Preikestolen Basecamp for a well-deserved rest and overnight stay. Enjoy a delicious dinner served at the lodge, perfect for refueling after your active day.

If you want to explore more while you’re there, the basecamp offers a variety of activities to enjoy. Located by the serene Refsvannet lake, you can rent canoes, kayaks, or stand-up paddleboards (SUP) to explore the calm waters. For relaxation, treat yourself to a sauna experience — choose between a floating sauna on the lake or a traditional lafta sauna with a cold plunge pool next to the lodge. Both are perfect ways to unwind after a day on the trails.

City or sea — it’s up to you

After breakfast at the basecamp, it's time to board the return bus to Stavanger. Once back in the city, the rest of the day is yours.

During checkout you can choose from optional activities. If you didn’t join on day one — or want to try both — you can choose between a silent fjord cruise or a high-speed RIB safari.

Or if you prefer to stay on land, you can join a guided culinary walk through Pedersgata — Stavanger’s most exciting food street. Over 2.5 tasty hours, your local guide will share the stories behind this vibrant neighborhood while you sample dishes from both Norwegian traditions and international kitchens. With multiple tastings included, this tour is a flavorful way to experience Stavanger.

Saying goodbye to Stavanger

The final day is here, and you still have a chance to see Lysefjord and Preikestolen from the water by adding a silent Lysefjord cruise during checkout.

If you'd rather stay on land, maybe spend the day hunting for street art. Stavanger is Norway’s street art capital, with colorful works — both big and small — hidden throughout the city. It’s a fun and laid-back way to experience and explore the town one last time.

And who knows — maybe there’s time to squeeze in one final café stop before the day is done.