At Science Factory, you can learn about science, mathematics, energy, astronomy and the region's fascinating industrial history. There are lots of fun and exciting activities and experiments for the whole family to learn about.

All the exhibits are interactive, so you're more than welcome to touch things and even have competitions with each other on your way around the museum. For example, race in wheelchairs, find out how hot each of your brains is and test who in the family has the fastest reactions.

At Abelloftet, opened in 2019, you can explore as many as 50 mathematics experiments and installations in what is called the largest mathematics exhibition in Norway. Here, maths is far from boring – try entering the big kaleidoscope, for example, and learn how it works mathematically.

The Science Factory also has Norway's first "tesla–coil", where the brave can try to catch arcs and flashes of lightning that shoot off at a whopping 500,000 volts!

Don't forget to stop by the Observation Terrace on the top floor, where the Solar Telescope is in use on sunny days, and explore space in the state–of–the–art Planetarium, which shows both space films and an artificial starry sky that can be admired in the large 360–degree digital cinema.

The Science Factory regularly organises special events, science shows and other exciting activities – 

see the calendar, opening times and prices on the Science Factory's website.

Vestlandet

The Science Factory – Exciting technology museum near Stavanger 

As its name suggests, Sverd in Fjell is made up of three ten-metre–high vertical bronze swords that look as if they've been stabbed into the rock by a giant. The swords are said to symbolise peace, unity and freedom and stand close to the shores of the idyllic Hafrsfjord near Stavanger.

They thus stand as a beautiful monument to both the battle that (at least according to legend) led to the unification of Norway, and the subsequent peace, which, in keeping with Viking custom, was marked by the warring parties sticking their swords into the ground.

The story behind the swords is both a dramatic love story and a bloody war story. In the 8th century Norway was ruled by a series of minor kings, and according to legend Harald Hairy set out to unite the country in order to impress his chosen wife, Gyda Eiriksdatter, who would only marry him if he succeeded in subduing all of Norway. He therefore went to war against the other minor kings, and the decisive battle was at Hafrsfjord in 872. Here Harald defeated his last important opponents, and Norway was united in one kingdom (and he got his Gyda).

In 1983, the Norwegian artist Fritz Røed perpetuated this story with the artwork Sverd i Fjell, which was unveiled by King Olav himself. The swords now stand as an impressive monument in the middle of the beautiful fjord landscape and are a perfect destination for a day out when you want to experience nature and culture as well as history. Bring a packed lunch and enjoy it at the foot of the impressive swords, looking out over the clear waters of the fjord and feeling the wings of history.

Afterwards, continue the day with a walk along the area's idyllic hiking and cycling trails or explore Stavanger's Broken Column sculpture project, which consists of 23 cast–iron figures placed around the city.




Sverd i Fjell – Stavanger's impressive Viking monument

From Stavanger, it is only around one hour's drive to reach Hunnedalen, where the hike starts. There are plenty of parking spaces and the starting point of the route is well marked. Lace up your hiking shoes, make sure your packed lunch and water bottle are in your bag – and set off into the stunning Norwegian mountain landscape!

The first part of the hike to Blåfjellenden Tourist Cabin goes uphill until you reach the top of the mountain. Then you'll head over the mountain, past small waterfalls, streams and wetlands – and lots of berry bushes and other mountain plants that give the landscape its unique character. Remember to look up as you make your way over the mountain – and enjoy the views of cliffs and lakes as the landscape spreads out around you under the blue sky.

After around three hours you arrive at the tourist cabin, where you can rest your legs while eating the packed lunch and enjoying the view of the impressive mountains around you and the small lake next to the cabin.

Then the trip goes back to Hunnedalen and your car. If time allows, we recommend you take a look at the map and follow one of the alternative routes back to Stavanger – or perhaps drive out to Solastranden to enjoy the sunset before heading back to your hotel.

Hike to Blåfjellenden – Idyllic hike in Fjord Norway

The Norwegian Oil Museum is only five minutes from Stavanger town centre and the more than 5,000 sqm offers a wealth of exhibitions and experiences for young and old.

The museum shows how oil and gas were created millions of years ago and how the technology for extracting oil has evolved since the Norwegian oil adventure started in the mid–1960s. Interactive exhibits bring the stories to life, and activity sheets and quizzes make touring the museum fun for all ages.

In one of the museum's most popular activities, you can experience first–hand what life is like on an oil rig, and the bravest members of the family can test a life jacket and slide four metres down a life net, or try to find their way through the maze of the catastrophe room when the tide is out.

Of course, the museum also focuses on the future and how climate change has and will affect the world – and not least on what the oil industry and we ourselves can do to help mitigate climate change in the future.

If you have more energy left after your visit, you can end the day in the Geopark just outside the museum – a popular and challenging playground built from elements of the oil industry.



Read more and see opening times and prices on the Oil Museum's website.

The Norwegain Oil Museum – Fun learning about the history and future of oil

Kongeparken is often described as a "headquarters of magic and excitement", and as the largest amusement park in Fjord Norway, it is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

The park offers both cosy and safe experiences for the little ones and plenty of speed and excitement for the family's daredevils and superheroes.

For a day of fun and relaxation, make your own chocolate in the chocolate factory or visit Gråtassland, where children can experience farm life, take a ride in the big Massey Ferguson tractor or meet 'the little grey tractor' and his friends from the famous children's films.

If you have action–hungry teenagers on holiday, they can let loose on the more challenging rides with the telling names "Høydeskrekk", "Stupet" (meaning "the fall") and "Fossen" – or try Norway's biggest and tallest carousels and Norway's longest bobsled run.

Kongeparken adds new rides every year and also has different decorations and activities depending on the time of year you visit the park. In the high season of summer it's all about the fun attractions, cooling water games and activities in the sun. In autumn the park is transformed into a magical world of golden leaves, pumpkins and hay bales, and at Christmas the park is transformed into a beautiful snow paradise with thousands of lights and fun Christmas activities.

Read more and see opening hours on the Kongeparkens website.

Kongeparken – a kingdom of magic and thrills

Tryggvi Icelandic Farm, around 20 minutes south of Stavanger, offers guided horseback rides for young and old riders of all experience levels. The rides are adapted to the individual rider, so inexperienced riders will ride in easy forest terrain at a walk, and experienced riders will go on more challenging rides in all five gaits, riding through rivers or up steep trails.

It is possible to book tours from one hour to half a day, and the experienced guides know both the terrain and the horses inside out, which means that you are guaranteed a good, safe environment, whether you are just striding through the idyllic woods or taking a good gallop across a meadow.

Whether you are experienced or a beginner, you can look forward to a pleasant day with lots of great nature experiences in the company of the calm, robust horses!



Read more and book your riding tour on Tryggvi Icelandic Farm's website.

Guided rides on Icelandic horses

Norway

The area around Stavanger is full of unique natural gems. Take a fjord cruise into Lysefjorden or hike to Preikestolen and Kjerag – or visit Månafossen, the largest waterfall in the Rogaland region with a free fall of 92 metres. The sight of the waterfall flowing out of the cliff and into the lake is like something out of a fairytale and is definitely worth the hike there.

For a unique natural experience, head to the Gloppedalsura scree– an area of huge avalanche boulders that have been piled up on an endemic moraine by the forces of nature during the Ice Age. Some of the boulders are as big as houses – an impressive sight on the shores of the mountain lake Gloppedalsvatnet.

But the Stavanger area offers more than just beautiful fjords, majestic mountains, glaciers and impressive waterfalls. This is also where you'll find some of Norway's longest and best sandy beaches. In fact, Solastranden just southwest of Stavanger was named the world's sixth best beach by The Sunday Times in 2004. From relaxing sunbathing and refreshing swims to action–packed surfing and kitesurfing, there's plenty to do on the beach.

If your holiday is to include cultural experiences of a special kind, Stavanger offers a wide choice. In Stavanger city centre, a wide range of museums and cultural experiences are within walking distance of each other. Discover for example. Norwegian Oil Museum – an exciting and educational experience for all ages – Stavanger Art Museum or the Norwegian Children's Museum.

Stavanger is also home to the Broken Column sculpture project by British artist Antony Gormley, which consists of 23 cast–iron figures placed around the city. A visit to Stavanger should also include an excursion to the work "The Sword in the Mountain". The three impressive bronze swords on the shore of Hafrsfjord are a reminder of the Viking battle in 872 AD and combines the history of the place with contemporary art.

History is also evident elsewhere in Stavanger. The Old Stavanger district consists of 173 wooden houses built around 1800. Take the family on a cosy and atmospheric walk back in time among the small, white–painted houses and visit the galleries and craft workshops, which exude the area's unique atmosphere.

You can go even further back in history if you visit the island of Austre Åmøy just north of Stavanger city. Here are several areas with petroglyphs made 2–3,000 years ago. The area counts a total of around 1,000 figures over a distance of 1 km.

The Stavanger area also offers a range of exciting experiences for children. The Kongeparken theme park is a sure hit: it's the largest theme park in the West of the country and the area's most visited attraction. Here, the family can indulge in more than 50 experiences and activities, ranging from the Chocolate Factory, where you can make your own chocolate, to the speed and excitement of Norway's longest bobsled run, Norway's largest carousel and Norway's highest carousel.

The Science Factory in Sandnes, around 15 km from Stavanger, is an exciting journey into science and technology. Here, children of all ages can take part in games, competitions and experiments or visit the planetarium and take a closer look at the constellations and planets. The Science Factory is part of the Jär Museum, which has a total of thirteen exciting museum units in the area near Stavanger, where you can experience science, technology, aviation history, war history, agricultural history – and much, much more! In 2009 the museum was awarded the Museum of the Year in Norway.

Accommodation at the new Thon Hotel Stavanger

In Stavanger, you can look forward to staying at Thon Hotel Stavanger, which gets top marks from its guests on TripAdvisor – both for the exquisite breakfast and for the superb service provided by the staff.

Your guide to a great holiday in Stavanger

Below you can read more about things to do, see and do in Stavanger and find inspiration for your holiday in our travel articles about the area.

Hirtshals

Stavanger

Stavanger in south–western Norway – just a night's sail from Denmark – offers plenty of exciting experiences for all ages.

Stavanger – a wealth of activities for young and old

Stay in a lovely double room with breakfast included and parking close to the hotel – and you have the recipe for a good, easy and adventurous holiday in Stavanger.

With a stay at Thon Hotel Stavanger, you'll be within walking distance of many of the city's sights and experiences. 

Staying  in Stavanger

Stavanger offers great experiences for the whole family. Lots of museums – from art and culture to Iron Age history and modern industrial history, some of Norway's most popular theme parks and experimental parks – and not least the spectacular fjord scenery.
 

Here are tips for your holiday in Stavanger, whether you like exciting history, unique nature experiences, challenging hiking or action–filled theme parks.