Old Town of Stavanger

Walk the quaint cobblestone lanes of Stavanger’s Old Town

On Stavanger’s west side, just a short walk from the harbour, lies Gamle Stavanger, the city’s beautifully preserved Old Town. Narrow cobbled lanes wind between nearly 200 white wooden cottages, many with colourful flowers tumbling from window boxes. The neighbourhood feels like a peaceful step back into the 18th and 19th centuries.

These houses were once home to sailors, craftsmen and merchants when Stavanger’s wealth came from fishing and shipping. Today, most are privately owned and have been carefully restored, creating one of Europe’s largest collections of occupied wooden homes.

You can explore at your own pace, pausing to admire the details of carved doorways and picket fences. Small galleries and craft shops sit tucked among the cottages, while the Norwegian Canning Museum adds a fascinating glimpse into the industry that once supported the city.