Ingeborg's Guide to Stavanger

DAMP is located a few minutes from my apartment in the grungy Svankevigå. You can book a sauna on their website by the hour, then enjoy it with friends, a cold beer, a few jumps in the sea, and the. be home in a few minutes for a warm shower and bedtime! A perfect way to spend an evening with a unique, Norwegian experience.

Lysefjorden is an amazing, scenic area you’ve probably already heard of. It’s world famous! You can get a cruise exploring it from below from the main harbour, but if you are able, the best way to explore Lysefjorden is on foot. Get the bus, or rent a car and try out my favourite hikes. You can find them in my Hiking Guide, or use the Turistforeningen website to find locations, maps and tips for each hike.

The Kolumbus app can be downloaded from the App Store, and you can purchase tickets here that count for Stavanger and proximity. The ticket works for most speed boats, trains, buses and the city bikes. The nearest city bikes are located by the Scandic hotel, and can be used all over town and surrounding areas. There is a city bike rack and bus stop (the “Bekhuskaien” stop, bus 1) 1 minute front my apartment.

If you’re feeling lazy (or ill), download the Foodora or Wolt apps to get food deliveries right to the kitchen. Let the delivery person know that the address should be Mellomgata 6, and to deliver through the street level kitchen window. Open the right kitchen window when they phone you for the delivery. Super easy, and you didn’t even have to get dressed.

Eating out is expensive. Why not cook in my kitchen? I have all base ingredients and lots of equipment. You can get groceries from Kiwi or Coop Prix, just 5 minutes away from the apartment. Check it out on you mobile map for directions. Nearby you can also find Coop Extra (a better variety of food). Meny at Herbarium has even more variety/fancy products and fresh meat/fish if you’re after something special. If you need something on a Sunday, you’ll have to go to Joker on Storhaug. Joker is a 10 minute walk away, mainly uphill.

The age limit for enjoying alcohol up to 22% ABV in Norway is 18, and 20 for anything stronger. Note that only alcohol up to 4.6% ABV is available in regular grocery shops. The sale ends at 8 pm on weekdays and 6 pm on on Saturdays. Separate rules may be enforced on bank holidays and the day before bank holidays. For anything stronger than 4.6% (normal beer) you have to go to Vinmonopolet. The nearest location is a 5 minute walk away from my apartment. Vinmonopolet usually shuts at 6 pm weekdays, and 4 pm Saturdays. Sundays are always closed.

Stavanger area (especially the Ryfylke fiordland and Maudland hills) is amazing for hiking. Instead of buying/bringing expensive camping or hiking gear, you can rent in advance from Frilager (choose Stavanger/Nord-Jæren as your location) and pick up at their central train station drop-off location any time on your chosen day. Perfect for renting backpacks, skis, tents, cooking equipment, and even kayaks. Kayaks are also available to rent from Ut i Naturen AS.

Kvitsøy archipelago is amazing on a sunny day, and the experienced adventure guides at Eldhug Adventures will take you on a customised, and amazing kayak experience around the achipelago’s 365 islands and eyelets.

Anything goes in terms of style - we’re a liberal city accepting everyone from goths to hikers. But make sure you don’t freeze while you’re here. The wind is usually around 6-12 mph, so a wind proof jacket or coat is a must, even in summer. Nights are often life saver, so bring layers to put on should you find yourself in the shade or out of luck temperature wise. Thin wool underwear is a must! Stavanger weather is unpredictable and sometimes moody, so expect showers and don’t trust the weather forecast blindly. Leave your umbrella at home, and bring a water proof outer layer instead.