Stavanger travel planning

Best Stavanger Shore Excursions

Stavanger is an excellent port to explore independently because ships dock close to the historic centre.

Cruise ship at Stavanger harbour
Stavanger cruise harbour

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GetYourGuide activity

Electric Lysefjord cruise

Sail through Lysefjord on an electric catamaran. See waterfalls and Preikestolen from the water — no mountain hike.

4.6 out of 510,260 reviews
3.5 hoursDuration
From82€per person
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GetYourGuide activity

Lysefjord safari with Stavanger RIB

Join Stavanger RIB for a small-group safari to Preikestolen, caves and waterfalls. Explore the fjord with a skipper-guide.

4.9 out of 51,452 reviews
2 hoursDuration
From129€per person
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Old Stavanger, the harbour and central attractions are all nearby, while some of the region's most impressive fjord experiences depart from Stavanger itself.

The key is choosing an excursion that fits comfortably within your time in port.

Below are some of the best options for cruise passengers.

Your options at a glance

OptionBest forPlan around
Under 4 hoursExplore the city or a short activityStay close to your ship
4–6 hoursSelected fjord or RIB departuresVerify return and all-aboard time
Longer callA longer outing may fitNever assume a guaranteed return

Lysefjord cruise

For many first-time visitors, a Lysefjord cruise offers the strongest combination of scenery and convenience.

You can experience the dramatic fjord landscape and see Preikestolen from below without committing to a long mountain hike.

Best Lysefjord Cruises from Stavanger →

RIB safari

A RIB safari can work well for travellers who want an adventurous fjord experience while making efficient use of limited time.

Check the exact departure point, duration and return time before booking.

Best Stavanger RIB Tours →

Cruise ship at Stavanger harbour

Explore Stavanger on foot

If you prefer not to take a longer excursion, central Stavanger is very easy to explore.

Start around the harbour, walk through Old Stavanger and continue into the city centre.

This is also a good backup plan when your time ashore is short.

15 Best Things to Do in Stavanger →

Can cruise passengers hike Preikestolen?

It can be possible on longer port calls, but it requires substantially more time than exploring the city or taking a shorter fjord tour.

You need to account for transport in both directions, approximately four hours of hiking and a safe buffer before your ship departs.

Do not attempt the trip unless your available time clearly allows it.

Best Preikestolen Tours from Stavanger →

How to choose an excursion from Stavanger cruise port

Under 4 hours: Stay close to Stavanger or choose a short activity.

4–6 hours: Consider city tours, selected RIB experiences or fjord activities whose schedules fit your port call.

6+ hours: More extensive fjord excursions may become practical.

Full-day port call: Preikestolen may be possible, but only when transport and hiking time leave a generous return buffer.

Tour schedules vary. Always use your cruise line's all-aboard time — not only its published departure time — when deciding whether an independent excursion is suitable.

Always use your cruise line’s all-aboard time, not only its published departure time. Check the assigned quay, travel to the meeting point and the operator’s delay policy before booking.

One Day in Stavanger →

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Find the right experience for your dates

Check availability, meeting points and inclusions with the activity provider.

GetYourGuide activity

Electric Lysefjord cruise

Sail through Lysefjord on an electric catamaran. See waterfalls and Preikestolen from the water — no mountain hike.

4.6 out of 510,260 reviews
3.5 hoursDuration
From82€per person
Check availability

GetYourGuide activity

Lysefjord safari with Stavanger RIB

Join Stavanger RIB for a small-group safari to Preikestolen, caves and waterfalls. Explore the fjord with a skipper-guide.

4.9 out of 51,452 reviews
2 hoursDuration
From129€per person
Check availability
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