Where to Stay in Stavanger 2026 | Best Areas + Hotel Map
Stavanger is Norway's oil capital and the gateway to the famous Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) and Lysefjord. The compact city center combines charming wooden houses with petroleum-funded restaurants and cultural institutions. Most visitors use Stavanger as a base for fjord adventures while enjoying excellent dining and the historic old town.
On This Page
Editor's Pick for First-Timers
City Center / Harbor
Walking distance to Gamle Stavanger, best restaurants, ferry terminals for Lysefjord trips, and all city attractions. The compact center means you can explore on foot while having easy access to the adventures that bring most visitors to the region.
Gamle Stavanger
City Center
Forus
Sola
Quick Guide: Best Areas
Things to Know
- • Cruise ship days (summer) flood the old town with day-trippers - stay central for early morning escape
- • Oil industry conferences can book out hotels and spike prices - check event calendar
- • Some budget hotels are in Forus industrial zone - fine for business but not for tourists
- • Don't underestimate the Preikestolen hike - it's 8km round trip with approximately 500m total elevation gain
Understanding Stavanger Geography
Stavanger wraps around Vågen harbor with the old town (Gamle Stavanger) on the west side and the modern city center on the east. The train/bus station is central. Preikestolen access is via car/bus through Ryfast tunnel (~50 min drive). The airport is 15km south near Sola Beach. Forus business district lies between city and airport.
Neighborhood Overview
Explore different areas by price range. Click a neighborhood to learn more.
Accommodation Map
Check availability and prices across Booking.com, Vrbo, and more.
Best Neighborhoods in Stavanger
Gamle Stavanger (Old Town)
Best for: White wooden houses, cobblestones, historic charm, museums
"Europe's best-preserved wooden house settlement with 18th-century charm"
Pros
- Beautiful historic atmosphere
- Walkable to center
- Photo-perfect streets
Cons
- Limited accommodation in old town itself
- Quiet evenings
- Tourist crowds on cruise days
City Center / Harbor
Best for: Restaurants, nightlife, ferry terminals, shopping, main attractions
"Vibrant harbor city center with oil wealth and Nordic cool"
Pros
- Best restaurants
- Ferry access
- All amenities
- Good nightlife
Cons
- Expensive
- Can feel corporate
- Busy on cruise days
Forus / Business District
Best for: Airport convenience, business hotels, budget chains
"Modern business district serving Norway's oil industry"
Pros
- More affordable
- Easy airport access
- Modern hotels
Cons
- No charm
- Need transport to center
- Nothing to see
Sola / Airport Area
Best for: Early flights, beach access, airport convenience
"Quiet airport suburb with surprising beach access"
Pros
- Airport proximity
- Beach nearby
- Quiet
- Better value
Cons
- Far from city (15km)
- Limited dining
- Need transport
Accommodation Budget in Stavanger
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Our Top Hotel Picks
$ Best Budget Hotels
St. Svithun Hotell
City Center
A unique, modern hotel and hostel hybrid located within the Stavanger University Hospital complex. Offers clean, functional rooms with a short bus ride or 25-minute walk to the city center.
Comfort Hotel Stavanger
City Centre
Affordable modern hotel with clean and functional rooms in a central location, offering great value for exploring Stavanger's waterfront and old town.
$$ Best Mid-Range Hotels
Scandic Stavanger City
City Center
Modern chain hotel with excellent breakfast buffet and central location. Reliable Scandinavian comfort.
Radisson Blu Atlantic Hotel, Stavanger
City Center
Landmark city hotel overlooking the lake with excellent restaurant and classic comfort.
Clarion Hotel Stavanger
City Center
Centrally located hotel featuring the stylish Espier Skybar on the 14th floor with panoramic city views, a sauna, and an award-winning breakfast buffet.
Thon Hotel Maritim
Harbor
Centrally located hotel overlooking Lake Breiavatnet, famous for its exceptional breakfast and proximity to the train station. A short walk from the harbor and Old Stavanger, it's ideal for city exploration.
Sola Strand Hotel
Sola Beach
Beachfront hotel with pool and spa near the airport. Unique beach escape close to fjord adventures.
$$$ Best Luxury Hotels
Eilert Smith Hotel
Downtown Stavanger
Ultra-luxurious boutique hotel in the heart of downtown offering spacious sea-view rooms, complimentary minibar, impeccable service, and an on-site 3-Michelin-star restaurant for exceptional fine dining.
Clarion Hotel Energy
Downtown Stavanger
Modern upscale hotel with stylish contemporary rooms, excellent facilities, and convenient central location ideal for business and leisure travelers seeking high-end comfort.
✦ Unique & Boutique Stays
Hotel Victoria Stavanger
City Center
Historic boutique hotel with character, excellent restaurant, and prime location. Stavanger's most charming luxury option.
Preikestolen BaseCamp
Lysefjord (Jørpeland)
Mountain lodge at the Preikestolen trailhead with restaurant, sauna, and early hike access. Stay where the adventure begins.
Smart Booking Tips for Stavanger
- 1 Book 1-2 months ahead for summer (June-August) and holiday periods
- 2 Norway is expensive - budget $118–$177 / 1,126 kr–1,689 kr/night minimum for decent hotels
- 3 Gladmat food festival (late June) books out the city - plan around it or embrace it
- 4 Ferry + bus packages to Preikestolen can be booked from the harbor
- 5 Shoulder seasons (May, September) offer best balance of weather and crowds
- 6 Consider staying extra night if hiking Preikestolen to recover
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Stavanger.
Updated: February 25, 2026
Ready to Visit Stavanger?
Book your flights, accommodation, and activities
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best area to stay in Stavanger?
How much does a hotel cost in Stavanger?
What are the main neighborhoods to stay in Stavanger?
Are there areas to avoid in Stavanger?
When should I book a hotel in Stavanger?
More Stavanger Guides
Weather
Historical climate averages to help you pick the best time to visit
Best Time to Visit
Coming soon
Things to Do
Coming soon
Cost & Budget
Daily costs, money-saving tips, and budget breakdown
Itineraries
Coming soon
Overview
Complete travel guide for Stavanger: top things to do, itineraries, and typical costs.