Hotels in Stavanger: Where to Stay in 2025
Updated 28 October 2026 · 63 real hotels
Stavanger's most convenient base is the city centre, close to the old wooden houses of Gamle Stavanger and the lively Vågen harbour. Visitors chasing Lysefjord day trips should also consider staying near the ferry terminals, while those on a tighter budget will find decent options slightly further from the waterfront.
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| Hotel | Area | Rating | Price / night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stavangerliving ★★ | Stavanger | ★ 3.7 | 86 €/nuit |
| Smarthotel Forus ★★★ | Forus | ★ 4 | 96 €/nuit |
| Stavanger Bed & Breakfast ★★ | Stavanger | ★ 4 | 96 €/nuit |
| Stey Stavanger ★★★★ | Stavanger | ★ 4.4 | 102 €/nuit |
| Staysville – City Center ★★★★ | Stavanger | ★ 4 | 102 €/nuit |
| Best Western St Svithun Hotell ★★★ | Stavanger | ★ 4 | 104 €/nuit |
| Stavanger Bnb at Nicolas 11 ★★ | Appartement entier | ★ 1 | 115 €/nuit |
| Sjøberg Hotell og Ferieleiligheter ★★★ | Osthusvik | ★ 4.7 | 117 €/nuit |
| Thon Hotel Sandnes ★★★ | Sandnes | ★ 3.7 | 122 €/nuit |
Stavanger is Norway's fourth-largest city and its unofficial oil capital, yet it wears that status lightly. The compact historic core is one of the best-preserved in Scandinavia, with 173 white wooden houses dating back to the 18th century standing just minutes from a buzzing restaurant scene that punches well above the city's size. The combination of working harbour, serious hiking access and a genuinely walkable downtown makes it a city that rewards staying centrally.
Beyond the postcard shots of Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) and the Lysefjord, Stavanger has real texture: a strong arts calendar, the Norwegian Petroleum Museum, and a Friday fish market that locals actually use. Hotel prices reflect both the oil economy and the surge in tourism, so booking ahead pays off, particularly in summer when Preikestolen trails are at their busiest.
Which area to stay in Stavanger?
- Stavanger Sentrum (City Centre): The obvious home base for most visitors. The main sights, ferry terminals for Lysefjord trips, restaurants and shops are all within easy walking distance. Hotels here range from budget-friendly to full four-star.
- Gamle Stavanger (Old Stavanger): The neighbourhood of white timber houses on the western side of the harbour. Extremely atmospheric and quiet at night, best for travellers who prioritise charm over convenience to transport links.
- Kannik: A residential district just uphill from the centre, calmer than the waterfront yet still a short walk from everything. A practical choice if you prefer streets that quieten down after dinner.
- Forus / Stavanger Forum: A business and convention district south of the city, connected by bus. Useful for conference travellers or those arriving by car, with generally lower nightly rates than the harbour area.
- Våland: A leafy, predominantly local neighbourhood near the cathedral, popular with longer-stay visitors and those renting apartments. Gives a more authentic feel of everyday Stavanger life.
- Madla / Sola: Close to Sola Airport, this western coastal strip suits very early flights or travellers who want beach access at Solastranden without paying city-centre prices.
Good to know
- Book early for summer (June to August): This is peak season for Preikestolen hikers and the Stavanger Wine Festival. Hotel rates climb and availability drops fast, so securing accommodation two to three months ahead is sensible.
- Use your feet in the centre: The historic core is compact and flat around the harbour. Most hotels, restaurants and attractions in Stavanger Sentrum are within a fifteen-minute walk of each other, so you rarely need a taxi for daytime sightseeing.
- Factor in ferry schedules: If a Lysefjord cruise or the Preikestolen boat shuttle is on your itinerary, staying within walking distance of the Skagenkaien or Fiskepiren ferry quays saves significant time in the morning.
- Airport transfers: Flybussen (the airport express bus) connects Sola Airport to the city centre in around twenty-five minutes and is the cheapest reliable option. Taxis and ride-shares exist but cost considerably more.
- Shoulder season offers value: May and September deliver mild weather, smaller crowds on the Preikestolen trail, and hotels that are often easier to book. Winter visits are quiet but rewarding if you are interested in the museum scene and the city's Christmas market.
What to know about hotels in Stavanger?
What is the best area to stay in Stavanger for first-time visitors?+
Stavanger Sentrum is the most practical choice for a first visit. Staying near Vågen harbour puts you within walking distance of Gamle Stavanger, the fish market, the Petroleum Museum and the main ferry terminals for Lysefjord excursions. The neighbourhood is lively in the evenings without being noisy.
When is the best time of year to visit Stavanger?+
June to August offers the longest days and the best conditions for hiking Preikestolen or taking a Lysefjord boat tour. May and September are excellent alternatives: the weather is still reasonable, the trails are less crowded and hotel rates can be noticeably lower than in peak summer.
How much does a hotel in Stavanger cost per night?+
Based on current availability, nightly rates in Stavanger start from around 151 euros for a four-star property (Clarion Hotel Energy) and range up to around 255 euros for Hotel Victoria. Mid-range three-star options such as Thon Hotel Stavanger Forum are available from approximately 169 euros per night.
How do I get from Sola Airport to central Stavanger?+
The Flybussen airport express bus is the standard option, running frequently between Sola Airport and the city centre in roughly twenty to twenty-five minutes. Tickets can be bought online or on board. Taxis cover the same route but at a substantially higher fare.
Is Stavanger an easy city to get around without a car?+
For the city centre and the main tourist sights, yes. The historic core is compact and very walkable. Public buses connect the centre to outlying districts and to Forus. For the Preikestolen hike or Lysefjord trips, ferry and shuttle-bus services operate from the central quays during the tourist season, so a car is not essential.
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