Stavanger Ferries

The port of Stavanger plays a key role in the ferry network of Norway, offering a convenient, scenic, and often essential way to connect with nearby islands. With 2 ferry routes operated by 1 ferry companies, Stavanger serves as a busy hub for both passenger and freight travel.

Ferries depart regularly from Stavanger, with schedules varying seasonally depending on demand, weather conditions, and tourism activity.

Popular routes from this port include Bergen - Stavanger connecting Stavanger with key coastal and island destinations. Depending on the route, crossings can range from quick local hops to longer overnight journeys, often with a choice between high-speed ferries and traditional vessels.

Operators such as Fjord Line run regular services from Stavanger, offering a range of onboard amenities including comfortable seating, food and drink options, cabins, and vehicle transport. Ticket options vary by company and vessel type, with choices to suit solo travellers, families, and business passengers alike.

Whether you're island hopping, heading home, or starting a new adventure, Stavanger offers a reliable and enjoyable gateway to the sea.

Stavanger is well-connected to major Norwegian cities, with regular train services from Oslo taking approximately 8 hours through scenic countryside. The E39 highway provides good road access, with Bergen about 4.5 hours away by car. Stavanger Airport Sola sits just 14 km from the city center, offering domestic and international flights with regular airport buses making the 20-minute journey to downtown. The ferry terminal is centrally located and easily reached by the city's efficient bus network. If arriving by car, several parking garages are available near the harbor area, though it's advisable to book in advance during summer months.

Nestled on Norway's southwestern coast, Stavanger blends historic wooden architecture with modern energy as the heart of the country's oil industry. This vibrant port city offers a perfect balance of urban sophistication and easy access to some of Norway's most dramatic natural landscapes. With its colorful harbor, cobblestone streets, and gateway position to the famous Lysefjord, Stavanger welcomes ferry travelers to experience authentic Norwegian coastal culture in a compact, walkable setting.

Stavanger enjoys a relatively mild climate by Norwegian standards, with summer temperatures averaging 15-20°C (59-68°F) and winter hovering around freezing. The prime visiting window falls between May and September, when daylight stretches long into the evening and outdoor activities are at their peak. August brings the annual Gladmat food festival, Norway's largest culinary event, transforming the harbor area into a gastronomic paradise. Ferry services operate year-round but offer more frequent departures during summer months. For those seeking value and fewer crowds, consider late May or early September when the weather remains pleasant but tourist numbers dwindle.

Stavanger serves as an excellent jumping-off point for exploring southwestern Norway's coastal wonders. The Lysefjord is accessible by a 2-hour scenic ferry ride, bringing you to the base of iconic Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) and Kjerag boulder. The charming island community of Tau can be reached in just 40 minutes, offering hiking trails and rural Norwegian atmosphere. For a longer journey, consider the 5.5-hour ferry to Bergen, which navigates through stunning island passages and fjord landscapes. The picturesque islands of Ryfylke provide perfect opportunities for island-hopping adventures, with each stop offering unique coastal villages and outdoor experiences.

Explore Gamle Stavanger (Old Town), where more than 170 meticulously preserved white wooden houses create one of Europe's best-kept historic districts. The Norwegian Petroleum Museum offers fascinating insights into the industry that transformed this former fishing town into a modern city. Culinary enthusiasts should sample local specialties like fiskesuppe (fish soup) and komle (potato dumplings) at the waterfront restaurants in Vågen harbor. The colorful street art scene throughout the city center provides an unexpected contrast to traditional architecture. For nature lovers, the short hike to Pulpit Rock viewpoint rewards with breathtaking fjord panoramas that have made this region internationally famous.

Despite its modest size, Stavanger boasts the highest concentration of restaurants per capita in Norway, earning it the nickname 'the food capital of Norway.' The city was once known as the 'herring city' before oil was discovered in the North Sea in 1969, completely transforming its economy and skyline. Stavanger holds the unusual distinction of having Norway's oldest cathedral, completed around 1125, standing just blocks from the country's most modern petroleum research facilities. The nearby Sverd i fjell (Swords in Rock) monument features three massive bronze swords standing 10 meters tall, commemorating the Battle of Hafrsfjord in 872 that unified Norway under its first king.