Move Over Paris! This Unexpected City Is A Dream For Travel Photography

Looking for the perfect place to hone your travel photography skills?
Look no further than the coastal city of Stavanger in Norway! This beautiful storybook city is located in Northern Europe and is actually fairly easy to reach. You should definitely be adding this city to your list of hidden gems to visit and photograph in 2025.
The Travel Photographers Dream City
There is much to be admired about Stavanger and its surrounding areas. The natural beauty and wildness of this place is absolutely striking, along with its fairytale-like Old Town.
You might recognize Stavanger from Hollywood, as it’s home to the famous Pulpit Rock hike, where Tom Cruise famously dangled off a 604-meter cliff in Mission Impossible: Fallout.

Stavanger has a rich history steeped in traditional fishing, along with the more practical oil and gas industries. I know it doesn’t sound particularly romantic but the city has done a fantastic job of preserving the old world charm of its wooden houses and architecture around the central harbor.
Where is Stavanger Located
Stavanger was founded way back in 1125, and is located on the Stavanger Peninsula in Southwestern Norway in the Rogaland County. It is almost a 7 hour drive from the capital region of Norway – Oslo.
The city of Stavanger is located on a bustling harbor named VÃ¥gen by the locals. This colorful U-shaped inlet is a hive of activity during the day. There are plenty of great places to relax and grab dinner and drinks.

The Port of Stavanger welcomes many vessels including cruise ships, goods vessels, offshore industry and ferry traffic.
Fancy a self-guided walking tour of Stavanger? Download this great PDF guide below to get you started!
How Do You Get To Stavanger
Norway doesn’t look big, but it is HUGE in size! I recommend flying into Stavanger from somewhere like London, Newcastle, or Amsterdam. These (typically) direct flights are all just over 1 hour; and come at a fairly reasonable price.
The Best Places to Take Photos in Stavanger
Let’s get into the good stuff, the location of the best places to take photos in Stavanger Norway.
The Fjords and Fjells (lakes and mountains) make amazing backdrops for really good landscape photography; even in stormy weather, you can appreciate the scale and grandiosity of the region. I recommend taking a ferry from the harbor in Stavanger out towards the Lysefjord (The Fjord of Light) to get a true appreciation of Norwegian Fjords & Fjells.
Next, why not head through Rogaland County to Hike up to Pulpit Rock (Priekstolen). There are some out-of-this-world-views from the top. If you’re in a time crunch, and desire amazing overhead shots of Pulpit Rock – take a Helicopter Tour up. You will not be disappointed!

One of my favorite places to grab a really moody shot is at the Sverd i fjell monument overlooking the Hafrsfjord. The ‘Swords in Rock’ is a striking monument by sculptor Fritz Røed from Bryne, and was unveiled by King Olav V in 1983.
There are plenty of places in and around the city proper that you might want to stop at while touring Stavanger; the country is kept in absolutely immaculate condition. Travel back in time to the Iron Age Farm located just a few minutes from the Sverd i Fjell monument. The Iron Age Farm is not only very interesting, but great for photos of the fjord from on high.

As we head back into the city from the wilds of the the countryside, you’ll notice the most amazing street art in Stavanger, on what feels like every corner! Follow this map to help to navigate the most iconic pieces here.
I’m saving the best for last! My absolute favorite places to photograph were the Gamle (Old Town), and the Øvre Holmegate (The Colorful Street).
The Gamle area in Stavanger is the city’s charming old town, known for its well-preserved wooden houses from the 18th and 19th centuries. With narrow cobblestone streets and flower-adorned homes, it offers a picturesque glimpse into Stavanger’s rich history and traditional Norwegian architecture

Ovre Holmesgate used to be previously quiet and a rather dull street; it was hairdresser Tom Kjørsvik who came up with the idea of completely renewing the area.
Artist Craig Flannagan; created the color scheme for painting the houses here, and although not everyone agreed with the designated color choice right away, it eventually came together making this the most colorful street in Norway and very Instagram-Friendly.

The Best Travel Photography Locations:
FAQ
Let’s dive into some of the most commonly asked questions about the city of Stavanger in Norway.

What is the Weather Like in Stavanger
Stavanger is located along the water and so experiences an Oceanic Climate. What does this mean? It means that the city doesn’t experience wild temperature swings and stays fairly stable.
In the summer you can expect mostly dry weather, but cooler temperatures between 15-21C (59F – 69F). During the summer we visited, we lucked out and had +25C weather; it was glorious! The winter months tend to be wet, but the temperature rarely dips below freezing.
What is the Best Time of Year to Visit Stavanger
My family and I traveled to Stavanger in the middle of summer, and we were just in time for Norway’s famous food festival Gladmat. This festival occurs at the end of June every year, and is the biggest food festival in Norway.

We loved exploring the city during this time, soaking in the local celebrations and sampling traditional fare. With flowers in full bloom, the Gamle neighborhood felt like something straight out of a storybook.
I personally would suggest seeing this city anytime between spring and fall for optimal enjoyment. However, winter is always an option; since it’s the slow season, you’ll find better-priced accommodations, fewer tourists, and breathtaking mountain landscapes.
What Activities are there in Stavanger
Stavanger is a city worth visiting for multiple reasons, and not just for photography (although that is pretty great, I have to admit!). There are plenty other wonderful activities to experience.

In Stavanger you can see amazing street art, visit comprehensive yet family friendly museums, eat at Michelin starred restaurants, and admire the grandeur of the great outdoors. There is something for everyone to enjoy!
What is Stavanger known for
Stavanger is known as Norway’s oil capital. In the late 20th century, the city’s population surged, driven by the booming oil and gas industry.

Before that, Stavanger was a small village primarily focused on fishing and canning. You can still see traces of this past today in the charming wooden houses of the Gamle (Old Town) district, and at the Norwegian Canning Museum.
The city is also home to higher education institutions like the University of Stavanger, and NATO has a base here, adding to the local population.
Stavanger has consistently ranked as one of the most livable cities in the world, with top-notch infrastructure that makes it feel like you’re stepping into the future.

Unemployment is low, and homelessness is rare, but Stavanger is also ranked as one of the most expensive cities in the world. My family found the prices sky-high—even compared to Canadian standards!
Conclusion
Stavanger, Norway, is a dream destination for travel photographers, offering a blend of dramatic natural landscapes and vibrant cityscapes. From the iconic Pulpit Rock towering over the Lysefjord to the colorful streets of Old Stavanger, every corner provides unique photo opportunities.
The region’s striking contrasts between fjords, mountains, and coastal views create endless possibilities for capturing the perfect shot. Whether you’re drawn to the raw beauty of nature or the charm of Norwegian culture, Stavanger delivers a visual feast, making it an ideal spot for any photographer looking to expand their portfolio.
Ha det bra (Take Care & Goodbye),
Tanya

Awww, I almost feel a little proud now (As a Norwegian native, hehe) – Stavanger is (one of many) beautiful places in Norway! Did you know that the name Gladmat means Happy Food? 😀 I love hearing about travelers who enjoy exploring Norway!
What a beautiful place to take photos (and the photos are also wonderful)! I hadn’t heard of the Sverd I fjell before, looks like a great photo opportunity!