Stavanger is a city that offers something special for every type of traveler. Whether you’re into stunning fjords, interested in local history, or eager to hike majestic cliffs, this city delivers. We especially love how Stavanger combines natural beauty with authentic experiences—you can speed through Lysefjord on a RIB boat or walk through the charming streets with a passionate local guide. The tours on our list showcase this diversity and make it easy to pick something that matches your interests and fitness level. If you’re craving a deep dive into the Viking roots, or simply want to enjoy breathtaking views, Stavanger has it all.
For those planning a trip, understanding what each tour offers helps you make a smart choice. Want a personalized experience? Check out the Private Walking Tour with a Local. Craving water-based adventures? The Lysefjord RIB Boat Tour might be perfect. Looking for a comprehensive taste of Stavanger’s sights? The Sights & Highlights Minibus Tour will give you a broad overview. Below, we explore each tour in detail, helping you decide which adventure fits your style.
1. Stavanger: Private Walking Tour with a Local
Rated 4.6/5 from 95 reviews, this personalized walking tour offers a unique way to explore Stavanger. For around $65 per person, you get a flexible experience that runs from 2 to 6 hours, tailored to your interests. The tour is led by passionate locals who share hidden spots, stories, and tips that you won’t find in guidebooks.
What makes this walk stand out is its adaptability—you can choose your meeting point, start time, and tour duration. Whether you want to focus on the Viking sites, the colorful Old Town, or hidden cafes and corners, your guide will adjust on the fly. Reviewers praise the tour for its authentic connection and insider knowledge. It’s perfect for travelers who want a relaxed pace and personalized experience.
Bottom Line: If you want to get to know Stavanger through engaging stories and hidden corners, this private walk offers excellent value and flexibility.
2. From Stavanger: Lysefjord RIB Boat Tour with Boathouse Visit
Rated 4.9/5 from 14 reviews, this 1.5-hour adventure takes you on a speedy ride through Lysefjord on a RIB boat. At just $100 per person, it’s a lively way to see iconic sights like the Pulpit Rock, Vagabond’s Cave, and Whisky Falls. The tour starts from Stavanger’s historic 400-year-old boathouse, adding a unique historical flavor to the experience.
What sets this tour apart is the combination of high-speed sea adventure and scenic stops. The boat’s speed and open-air design make for an exhilarating ride, perfect for those who love getting their adrenaline going. The boat also provides excellent vantage points for photos of Lysefjord’s dramatic cliffs and waterfalls. During the tour, you’ll stop for quick photo ops at several key locations, including the famous Pulpit Rock.
A recent reviewer exclaimed, “The boat was so fast and fun, and seeing the Pulpit Rock from the water was incredible.” If you love outdoor adventure and want a memorable way to view Lysefjord, this tour hits the mark.
Bottom Line: For an energetic, scenic, and slightly unique water ride, this tour offers unbeatable views and a real thrill.
3. Stavanger: Sights & Highlights Minibus Tour and Museum Entry
Rated 5/5 from 5 reviews, this 2.5-hour minibus tour offers a well-rounded look at Stavanger’s most important sights, including the “Swords in the Rock” monument, a vintage-car museum, and the local fishing harbor. Priced at $76 per person, it’s a good value for those who want a quick but rundown.
The tour covers a mix of historical and scenic highlights, with a visit to Ullandhaug Tower for panoramic city views and stops at charming villages and beaches. The vintage car museum, included in the entry fee, adds a quirky touch, and the stops at WWII ruins provide some historical context. The tour’s small size (limited reviews but excellent ratings) makes it intimate and engaging.
During the trip, you’ll enjoy a scenic drive along the coast, with plenty of photo opportunities. One reviewer called it “a perfect way to see Stavanger’s highlights with a friendly guide.” It’s a good choice for travelers with limited time who want a structured, informative experience.
Bottom Line: If you’re after a compact, scenic introduction to Stavanger’s history and landscape, this minibus tour offers a lot of value.
4. Stavanger: Prekestolen Tour with Guide and Pickup
Rated 4.1/5 from 50 reviews, this full-day trip (6.5 hours) takes you from Stavanger or Sandnes to the famous Pulpit Rock. For many, the highlight is the 4-5 hour hike up to the flat-topped cliff, with spectacular views over Lysefjord. The tour includes hotel or ship transfers, making logistics easier.
The hike is suited for reasonably fit travelers who want to combine outdoor activity with unforgettable scenery. Guides are experienced, and the trip is designed to be accessible with an easier downhill hike. Reviewers mention the breathtaking views and the well-organized logistics, with comments like “The guide made the whole experience smooth and enjoyable.” Expect to spend around 4.5 hours at the top taking photos and soaking in the vistas.
The downside is the rating reflects some variability—some travelers found the walk challenging, so check your fitness level. Still, the sense of achievement at the summit makes this a deeply rewarding choice.
Bottom Line: Ideal for active travelers who want to experience Lysefjord’s iconic cliffs firsthand, with included transfers for convenience.
5. Discover Private+ Stavanger Guided City Tour
Rated 4.8/5 from 5 reviews, this 2-hour private tour offers a tailored way to explore Stavanger’s coolest corners. Starting from $ unspecified, it’s perfect for travelers who want a quick, personalized introduction to the city’s Viking history and scenic streets.
The tour covers key spots like Ledaal, the old town, and scenic viewpoints, with local tips for your stay. One reviewer called it “a very friendly, personalized experience,” highlighting the flexibility of the guide. It’s best suited for those with limited time but a desire to see the highlights with local insight.
Because of its private nature, you can focus on your particular interests—whether that’s Viking history, architecture, or just great photo spots.
Bottom Line: For a quick, customized look at Stavanger, this private tour is a convenient choice.
6. Stavanger: Private Bike Tour with 3 Swords Monument
Rated 5/5 from 2 reviews, this 2.5-hour bike tour offers a relaxed way to see Stavanger’s highlights. Starting from the cruise terminal, the electric bikes make covering the city and nearby Vikinge sites easy and fun.
The tour includes stops at Hafrsfjord and the 3 Swords Monument, along with the historic Old Town. Reviewers praise the guide’s local knowledge and the smooth, enjoyable ride. The route provides great vantage points for photos and insights into the city’s Viking past.
This option is perfect for active travelers who want to see more in less time without strenuous hiking. It’s also family-friendly given the electric bikes and manageable pace.
Bottom Line: For a laid-back, active exploration with a touch of Viking history, this bike tour is a top pick.
7. Stavanger: Lysefjord Cruise, Fishing, and Dinner Tour
Rated 4.6/5, this 7.5-hour trip combines scenic Lysefjord cruising with fishing and a seafood dinner you prepare yourself. Starting from Stavanger, it’s perfect for those who want to relax but also get hands-on with catching their meal.
You’ll cruise on an electric catamaran, stopping at spots like Whiskey Falls and Pulpit Rock from the water. The highlight is catching and cooking your own seafood, which makes this more interactive than typical fjord cruises. Reviewers love the balance of relaxing scenery and activity, with one saying, “Fishing was surprisingly fun, and the dinner was delicious.”
This tour is suited for foodies, families, or anyone who enjoys a laid-back yet engaging day out on the fjord. Note that it’s a longer tour, so plan for a full day.
Bottom Line: If you want a mix of scenic cruising, fishing, and dining, this is a memorable way to experience Lysefjord.
8. The Three Crowns of Norway 5-Day Private Hiking Tour Package
Rated 4.6/5, this multi-day tour is for serious hikers eager to summit Norway’s most famous peaks: Pulpit Rock, Kjerag, and Trolltunga. It includes scenic drives, overnight stays, and guided hikes, with options starting from Bergen, Haugesund, or Stavanger.
The itinerary covers hardening your legs on the Hardangerfjord, a 12-hour Trolltunga hike, and Kjeragbolten boulder visits. This is a deep dive into Norway’s stunning landscapes, with a focus on physical challenge and photographic opportunities. Reviewers mention the camaraderie and the impressive scenery.
This trip is best suited for experienced hikers who want a thorough, immersive journey. The value is high but requires a good fitness level. The logistics are complex, but you’ll return home with incredible stories and photos.
Bottom Line: For serious outdoor enthusiasts, this multi-day adventure unlocks Norway’s wild beauty in a way few tours can.
9. Stavanger: Flørli Stairs and Pulpit Rock RIB Boat Tour
Rated with no reviews, this 6-hour tour offers a high-octane experience combining a RIB boat ride and a hike up the Flørli Stairs, the world’s longest wooden staircase. Starting from Stavanger, it’s designed for thrill-seekers who want to see Whiskey Falls, Vagabond’s Cave, and Pulpit Rock from water and land.
The boat tour is fast and exciting, and the climb of 4,444 steps up Flørli offers a physical challenge with spectacular views. The journey includes exploring the village of Flørli and the hydroelectric plant, adding a bit of local industrial history to the mix.
While less reviewed, this tour is ideal for adventurous travelers who want a full day of water thrill and mountain climbing.
Bottom Line: If you crave high energy and a mix of boat and land experiences, this tour promises both action and stunning views.
How to Choose Your Perfect Stavanger Tour
When selecting a tour, think about your budget, fitness level, and what you want most from the experience. For a relaxed, personalized city experience, the Private Walking Tour is ideal. Active travelers eager to hike to Prekestolen should consider the Guide-led Prekestolen Hike. Water lovers might prefer the Lysefjord RIB Boat, which combines scenery and speed.
Budget-conscious travelers might find the Sights & Highlights Minibus offers the best value, while adventure seekers can opt for the Flørli Stairs and Pulpit Rock Tour for a full day of action.
Booking early is recommended, especially for popular hikes like Trolltunga or Kjerag. Always check the weather forecast and pack appropriate gear, particularly for outdoor adventures.
Final Thoughts
From private city walks to adrenaline-fueled fjord cruises and multi-day hikes, Stavanger’s tours cover a wide range of interests. The Lysefjord RIB Boat Tour and Prekestolen hike stand out for their iconic views, while the private walking tour offers a more relaxed, insider perspective. For the adventurous, the multi-day hiking trip promises an unforgettable immersion into Norway’s wild landscapes.
No matter your style, start planning early, choose a tour that matches your fitness and curiosity, and enjoy your time in this stunning corner of Norway. With so many options, you’re sure to find an experience that makes your trip to Stavanger truly memorable.