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.
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 350m 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. Ferries to Tau (for Preikestolen) depart from the harbor. The airport is 15km south near Sola Beach. Forus business district lies between city and airport.
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
Stavanger St. Svithun Hostel
City Center
Clean, well-run hostel in historic building with excellent location. Best budget option in expensive Stavanger.
€€ 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
City Center
Landmark city hotel overlooking the lake with excellent restaurant and classic comfort.
Clarion Hotel Stavanger
City Center
Modern hotel with rooftop bar, pool, and views. Popular for weekend stays and celebrations.
Thon Hotel Maritim
Harbor
Harborfront hotel steps from ferry terminal with excellent breakfast and views. Perfect for early fjord trips.
Sola Strand Hotel
Sola Beach
Beachfront hotel with pool and spa near the airport. Unique beach escape close to fjord adventures.
€€€ Best Luxury Hotels
Victoria Hotel Stavanger
City Center
Historic boutique hotel with character, excellent restaurant, and prime location. Stavanger's most charming luxury option.
✦ Unique & Boutique Stays
Basecamp Preikestolen
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 €100-150/night minimum for decent hotels
- 3 Gladmat food festival (July) 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
We built this guide using recent climate data, hotel price trends, and our own trips, so you can pick the right month without guesswork.
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Best Time to Visit
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Things to Do
Top attractions and hidden gems
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Overview
Complete travel guide for Stavanger: top things to do, itineraries, and typical costs.