Car & Van Hire - Stavanger

As Norway's fourth-largest city, Stavanger is an important cultural and economic hub on the west coast. It built its fame as a shipbuilding town and, more recently, the on-shore centre for Norway's oil industry. As a result, the city is prosperous, with modern buildings around its outskirts, including glitzy high-rises. Learn all about Norway's oil boom at the Norwegian Petroleum Museum, nestled in the heart of the port.

Despite its contemporary allure, Stavanger's historic centre, Gamle Stavanger, is one of the country's best preserved. Many whitewashed 18th-century wooden buildings line the cobblestone streets and pretty waterfront. It's a treat to wander in and around this area, followed by a visit to the Canning Museum, which takes you through the town's sardine-canning past.

Stavanger was founded during the 12th century and flourished under the Vikings. While little remains of this period, the cathedral, Stavanger Domkirke, is among the country's oldest and best preserved. The décor is an incredible blend of styles from Gothic to Romanesque. Just nearby, you'll find the Archaeology Museum and Stavanger Museum, both of which offer a deep dive into the city's human past.

Stavanger is a shopping and dining haven with cute boutiques and bustling cafes. One of the most popular streets is Øvre Holmegate, home to multi-coloured shopfronts and eateries. Numerous malls also provide convenient shopping opportunities with international and Norwegian brands. These include Arkaden Torgterrassen, Magasin Blaa and Mediegården. Another highlight is the famous Stavanger fish market, where you can admire the latest catch and dine on local sea-based delicacies.

Further from the city centre, you'll discover Stavanger Kuntmuseum, home to Norwegian art from the 18th century on. It overlooks Mosvatnet Lake, a popular spot for ice skating during the frozen winter. Further west, you can visit Jernaldergården, a replica Iron Age farmstead and living museum.

Car or van hire in Stavanger will allow you to explore more of the Rogaland area, like Hafrsfjord and its Sverd i Fjell (three swords in rock). This is the site where Harald Fairhair founded a united Norway in 872. Driving east of Stavanger, you'll gain access to Frafjordheiane, an area of rugged wilderness above Lysedjord with exceptional hiking opportunities. Or you can explore Gandsfjorden and its peaks, like Dalsnuten, within 30 minutes from Stavanger by road.

Stavanger is a rewarding region to drive in, with some of Norway's most stunning roads and routes. Driving here is like much of Europe, with vehicles driving on the right-hand side of the road. However, in Stavanger and across Norway, you often yield to traffic on the right unless told to do so. Only on roads with a yellow diamond sign do you have the right of way. Similarly, the centre of Stavanger has many pedestrianised crossings that you must give way for.

Stavanger has ample parking, but it is limited to select areas. There are over 3,000 parking spaces in Stavanger. One of the largest providers of parking in the city is Stavanger Parkering – a useful name to remember when looking for pay-by-phone spaces. Street parking is available but not in Zone 1 (downtown), and it is largely limited to periods of 15 minutes. As such, it's best to use a designated lot or garage.

Stavanger's road network is ideal for travel across the region. The city is connected to the Riksveg 12 road, a scenic route through the heartland of Rogaland. It's also connected to the coastal E39 road that heads north to Trondheim and south to Kristiansand. Road tolls are in operation throughout Norway, including on motorways in and around Stavanger. There are also several ferry and tunnel routes for crossing the fjords. These include links between Stavanger and Tau.

Speed limits in Norway are expressed in km/h. In general, there are limits of 30 km/h in residential areas, including most of Stavanger. Other built-up areas see speed limits of 50 km/h. Rural roads have limits of 80 km/h, and highways have limits of 90 km/h. Some motorways see limits of 110 km/h, but these are not found in Stavanger. Cameras operate on highways and other roads both with static and mobile devices. Always abide by signposted speeds. Be warned that mobile devices should not be used when driving and that seatbelts must be worn. Failure to do either can lead to an on-the-spot fine.

Driving in Stavanger is both a pleasant and convenient means of exploring this corner of Norway. It's easiest to collect your car hire in Stavanger from the airport before travelling on. But! Remember to register for AutoPASS for ferry crossings and tolls to make sure your journey isn't delayed.