Scandinavia · STAVANGER TOURS
The good stavanger tours go early up here and the winter dates go earliest. Below: the 15 to lock in, what each includes and where they differ.
From Strandkaien in Stavanger, you’ll ride Rødne’s electric catamaran into Lysefjord for 3.5 hours. Expect clear English or Norwegian commentary, panoramic windows, sun decks, a kiosk, and close views of Preikestolen, Fantahålå, waterfalls, and sometimes seals.
“The boat was spacious. They stopped and slowed down for us to take pictures.”
Sail from Strandkaien into Lysefjord aboard a comfortable Helgøy Skyssbåt. You’ll see Preikestolen from below, Fantahålå cave, Ådnøy, and Hengjanefossen, often from close range. A live guide and multilingual audio guide explain local stories, including the legend of the seven sisters and seven brothers.
“It was a really great trip around the Fjord and very informative. Very polite staff . It was one of the highlights of all the onshore activities for us, and the price was most acceptable. Well done, would recommend to anyone.”
Join FjordEvents in Stavanger for a two-hour RIB ride into Lysefjord. After a safety briefing, your English-speaking skipper, such as Eirik, Alex, Gian, Simon, or Axel, takes you beneath Preikestolen, past Vagabond Cave, and close to Whisky Falls. Warm floating suits, gloves, goggles, and lifejackets are supplied.
“Really easy and smooth off the ship and to the meet point. p&o often make you feel that if you book a trip that’s not on the ship there’s risks this is wrong. This trip was fun, exhilarating and well led. Book it you won’t regret.”
From Stavanger’s harbor, a live English or Norwegian guide takes you by RIB into Lysefjord. Expect high-speed cruising, close views of Pulpit Rock and Hengjanefossen waterfall, local stories, and a stop at Fantahala cave. Warm floating suits, gloves, goggles, and lifejackets are provided.
“Excellent. We both enjoyed it immensely.we were very fortunate with the weather,not cold and no rain and the ride was really smooth until the driver went over another boats wake.But that was part of the fun. Very informative with parts off the fjords with history etc.Highly recommend doing it.”
Set out from Stavanger’s Strandkaien in a small, fast RIB for a two-hour run through the archipelago and Lysefjord. Your captain, often Aksel, Alex, Ola, Eirik, or another FjordEvents guide, handles the boat and shares local stories. You’ll see Pulpit Rock from below, visit Fantahålå, and get close to Hengjanefossen waterfall.
“This was, hands down, the absolutely BEST excursion that I have ever done. The RIB boat was fantastic-- the clothes were comfortable, the seat secure, and leaving the harbor was easy. But then we took off at high speed, while Captain Alex played "Danger Zone," and I was ecstatic! Captain Alex was fantastic, told local stories with detail and humor, and hit high speeds with incredible 80s musical accompaniment. We all (family of 4, two kids ages 15 and 11) agreed that we loved sharing this experience, and that it allowed us to see Norway in a unique and thrilling way. Thank you, Captain Alex!!”
Start early in Stavanger for a guided hike to Preikestolen, the flat-topped cliff above Lysefjorden. A guide such as Erle, Toa, or Marius leads the roughly nine-hour outing, sets the pace, explains local nature and culture, and takes photos. Hotel pickup, transport, and return drop-off are included. Expect steep, rocky walking and changing weather.
“We had an exceptional experience hiking Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen) with our guide, Toa from Argentina. He was incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and attentive—ensuring we fully enjoyed the journey at our own pace. Toa provided clear explanations, took care of all the details, and never rushed us, allowing ample time to reach the summit and appreciate the breathtaking views. The descent was also relaxed, with no pressure to hurry. Highly recommend his services for a stress-free and memorable adventure!”
Set out from Stavanger harbor in a small RIB boat for a two-hour run through Lysefjord. Your captain handles the route, safety gear, and stories as you pass old Stavanger, speed past skerries, enter Fantahålå, view Pulpit Rock, and approach Hengjanefossen waterfall. The boat holds no more than 12 people.
“Wonderful even with all the clouds. The waterfall watching was fantastic and so close. Great guide and funny stories. Great opportunities for taking photos.”
Join Get Guided Norway for a seven-hour hike from Stavanger to Preikestolen with pickup, a small group of up to eight, and guides such as Ivan, Rasmus, Theo, and Alexander. Expect a moderate, rocky climb, Lysefjorden views, a possible old forest trail, Norwegian snacks, and a licensed guide-driver.
“The trip was quite fun and the guide was very friendly and helpful.”
Join local guides such as Tore, Mats, Matts, or Stein for a six-hour Preikestolen hike from Stavanger. A comfortable bus collects you outside your cruise ship, then carries you through the world’s deepest subsea tunnel to the trailhead. Allow four hours for the rocky uphill and downhill walk, with snacks, photo stops, and time at the famous cliff.
“I had an awesome trip with an amazing bunch of people the guide was very informative and easy to speak to. Would recommend this to anyone staying near by.”
Meet Nordic Paddling near Dørvika Beach for a three-hour guided paddle on Lysefjord. After a safety briefing, you’ll learn basic strokes, pass granite gorges and Refsa waterfall, and may spot seals near Vagabonds Cave. Guides including Sini, Sandra, Camilla, and Jonas are praised for calm instruction and local stories. Kayaks and rain gear are provided.
“Camilla was a wonderful guide. We had an evening paddle on a serene fjord in the golden evening light. She was so welcoming and flexible and made it a world class experience. Unforgettable.”
Hike Preikestolen from Stavanger with a guide such as Allan, Stephan, or Erlend, in a group capped at eight people. After a 40-minute drive, you’ll climb for about 2.5 hours, use a quieter side trail when conditions allow, enjoy Lysefjorden from the 604-meter cliff, and return with a snack and hot berry juice.
“The scenery during the hike was incredible. Unfortunately there isn’t anything you can do about the weather. Seeing the view of the fjords at the top would have been amazing. But oh well”
Use Stavanger’s open-top double-decker bus to connect the cruise terminal, cathedral, Petroleum Museum, museums, parks, and Ledaal Royal Residence. The full circuit takes about 50 minutes, buses run every 30 minutes, and audio commentary is available in eight languages. You can hop off to explore, then rejoin the route during your one-day pass.
“Je n'ai pas pu faire l'activité. Mon bateau MSC PRESCOZA a été détourné sur Hambourg en raison des vents violents dans la mer du Nord. Je n'ai pas pu annuler car nous n'avions pas de connexions internet et téléphone. serait-il possible de reporter nos billets à Hambourg le dimanche 5 octobre ?”
Leave Stavanger at 7:00 am for an approximately 11-hour guided hike to Kjeragbolten. A guide such as Teo, Sean, Kenth, or Helga leads a group of no more than eight over steep rock, chains, and mountain paths. Hotel pickup, private transport, and photo help are included. Bring food, water, sturdy shoes, and gloves.
“This is a must do tour if you're in Stavanger! My guide, Sean, was funny and incredibly insightful while articulating Norwegian customs, the mountain code, allemannsretten, and much more. The hike itself was a good workout and provided some stunning views. Once at the top, the scenery is breathtaking and the lodging of the Kjeragbolten is quite remarkable. This was by far my favorite tour and hike while in Stavanger. I highly recommend it if you're in the area!”
Explore Stavanger by double-decker bus with a 24-hour pass, multilingual audio guide, Wi-Fi, and wheelchair access. Board at Strandkaien or any listed stop, then hop off for the cathedral, Petroleum Museum, Gamle Stavanger, Sverd i fjell, museums, and more. The harbor views are the highlight, while the bus saves time between scattered sights.
“Ok but not that much to see the harbour is the best bit”
From Stavanger’s Strandkaien, cruise into Lysefjord for views of Pulpit Rock, Vagabond’s Cave, waterfalls, islands, mountain goats, and salmon farms. The 3.5-hour boat ride includes onboard commentary, indoor seating, an open sundeck, and snacks for purchase. It is designed to fit cruise-ship schedules.
“I feel scammed, i paid 150 euro for this excursion just to find out it was half the price to book it on the same day…”
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