Explorethe Edge of Norway

Mountain hikes and walks

A view such as this is rare! Rennesøyhodnet is in the middle of the Ryfylke islands and gives a tremendous view in all directions.

Mountain hikes and walks

Enjoy a privately guided hike to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) in Ryfylke with Explore Lysefjorden. The spectacular view from Norway's most famous rock formation is an experience you will never forget.

Art and museums

Sølvberget Library and Cultural Centre is located at Arneageren, right in the heart of Stavanger city centre. Sølvberget is Rogaland's most visited cultural institution, with more than 1.6 million visitors each year; a natural place to stop for both adults and children when visiting Stavanger city centre.

Theatre and dramatic arts

We all need cultural replenishment! Rogaland Teater is a renowned theatre in Norwegian context, and puts on spectacular plays that both engage and move the audience. It is also a beautiful building with an interesting history. It towers proudly over the city. Learn more about the building and the theatre here.

Architecture and heritage

Sjernarøy church is one of five churches from the 1600s in the county. A beautiful wooden church in nice surroundings at Kyrkjøy providing a quiet and serene place for contemplating life.

Art and museums

Stavanger has a special sculpture project, Antony Gormley's "Broken Column". It consists of 23 cast iron figures placed to give the appearance of an imaginary column from Stavanger Art Museum to the city's harbour. The figures in sandblasted iron are based on a casting of the sculptor's own body, and their placement reflects a broad perspective of people's life in this city. From the teeming life of the harbour, the din of traffic and bustling activities in the commercial quarter, to the courts and legal offices, the quiet calm of the churchyard and private lives behind closed doors. The iron figure standing in the fish market forms the cardinal point for all the other sculptures. It gazes along Skagenkaien, 10 degrees towards the west, out to sea. The height of each sculpture is the same height as the sculptor - 1.95 m. The very first sculpture was placed in its own room in Stavanger Art Museum. It stands 41.41 metres above sea level. The next sculpture to be seen on the journey to the sea stands in Mosvannparken at 39.46 metres altitude (41.41 - 1.95). The column of figures continues in this fashion down towards the heart of the city, through the city and towards the sea. The final and 23rd sculpture stands with 149 of its 195 cm underwater, on a rock beyond Natvigs Minde in Stavanger's port basin. OnSpotStory code: 901105

Mountain hikes and walks

Both the large and the small lakes (Store and Litle Stokkavatn) are a short distance from Stavanger city centre. You can swim in the lake in the summer and it is also a great hiking area. It is an incredibly popular outdoor area for the locals.

Architecture and heritage

In Austre Åmøy, specifically at the Meling farm, you can find the largest concentration of rock carvings in Rogaland. There are several fields in the area, with both large and small rock carvings. The largest fields are prepared and signposted to the public, while the smaller fields are not accessible to visitors.

Architecture and heritage

Stavanger Cathedral is the only cathedral from the Middle Age that has kept its original architecture, and the only Norwegian cathedral in continuous use since the 1300s. Norway's best-kept cathedral is located only a stone's throw from the Stavanger harbour. 

Mountain hikes and walks

A great hike for those who like panoramic views. From Vårlivarden there is a wide view in all directions. The view is impressive and gives a great view of Ryfylke and the Stavanger Peninsula.