Stavanger, Norway: Racing Through the Fjords by RIB Boat
There are some places that surprise you, and then there are places that completely exceed every expectation. Stavanger was one of those places.
Our ship docked around 10:00 a.m., and unlike some of our more hurried port days, we gave ourselves permission to slow down. After all, this was vacation.
We slept late, enjoyed a leisurely breakfast, and finally made our way off the ship around 11:00 a.m. One of the wonderful things about Stavanger is how incredibly convenient it is for cruise passengers. From the ship, it was only a three-minute walk into the heart of town.
A City of Contrasts
Stavanger immediately struck me as a city of fascinating contrasts.
On one side, there is the charming Old Town, known as Gamle Stavanger, with its beautifully preserved white wooden houses and cobblestone streets. On the other, there are sleek, modern buildings that almost feel futuristic.
Originally a small fishing village, Stavanger transformed when oil was discovered in the North Sea. Today, many residents work on offshore oil rigs, often following a schedule of two weeks on and four weeks off. According to our guide, this industry has brought significant prosperity to the region.
The Self-Cleaning Toilet Adventure
As we strolled along the harbor, we kept looking for a restroom. There were signs for the public toilet, we walked right by it 3 times before realizing what we we actually looking for.
It looked like a large gray metal box. It accepted credit cards, and after each use, it cleaned itself automatically.
We have been in a self cleaning toilet before but never a stand alone in the middle of the public harbor!
Meeting Jan: Life, Version 2
Our real adventure began at the harbor, where we met our guide, Jan.
Jan had one of those stories that stays with you long after the trip ends. He had worked as an emergency room nurse, served as a driver in Bosnia and Herzegovina during the war, and eventually decided to sell nearly everything and begin what he called “Life, Version 2.”
Now he spends his days guiding visitors through the fjords, and in the fall he plans to sail his own boat to Spain.
There was something deeply inspiring about his willingness to start over and design a life that reflected his dreams.
Suiting Up for the Fjords
We climbed into insulated flotation suits, goggles, and neoprene gloves before boarding a rigid inflatable boat, commonly called a RIB.
The seats were more like motorcycle saddles than traditional boat seats. You straddled them and stood slightly so your legs could absorb the impact of the waves.
As we rounded the corner and saw whitecaps in open water, I will admit I was nervous.
The ride was rough.
But it was worth every second.
The Fjords from Sea Level
Seeing the fjords from the water is an experience that is almost impossible to describe.
Massive rock formations rose nearly 2,000 feet straight out of the sea. The scale was staggering. (check out the boat in the last photo, gives you perspective on the size of the waterfall)
We stopped at several unforgettable landmarks, including Pulpit Rock, Whiskey Falls, and Vagabond Cave.
Lysefjord is one of the most dramatic landscapes I have ever seen. Towering cliffs, rushing waterfalls, and pristine water create a scene that feels almost otherworldly.
We kept an eye out for whales and sea lions, but none appeared that day.
The return trip was much smoother, with the wind at our backs and the adrenaline replaced by awe.
Stavanger Comes Alive
Back on land, we exchanged our flotation suits for comfortable walking shoes and set out to explore more of the city.
What surprised me most was the atmosphere.
It was a Wednesday afternoon around 3:00 p.m., yet the outdoor cafes and pubs were packed. Live music drifted through the streets, and people were enjoying the sunshine.
Jan explained that we had been blessed with an unusually warm and sunny day, and in a country where beautiful weather is precious, everyone was making the most of it.
The Colorful Street
One of Stavanger’s most photogenic spots is Øvre Holmegate, affectionately known as the “Colorful Street.”
Just one block off the main harbor, this lively street is lined with buildings painted in shades of turquoise, lavender, pink, and yellow. It is cheerful, creative, and absolutely irresistible to photographers.
I could have spent hours there.
Walking Through Old Stavanger
On our way back to the ship, we wandered through Gamle Stavanger.
The white wooden homes, narrow cobblestone lanes, and flower-filled window boxes were picture-perfect.
As I walked those quiet streets, I imagined the women who once lived there, watching the harbor and waiting for their husbands to return from long fishing voyages on the North Sea.
That thought added a sense of history and humanity to an already beautiful place.
Final Thoughts
Stavanger offered the perfect combination of adventure, history, and charm.
One moment we were speeding across the fjords in rough seas, surrounded by cliffs and waterfalls. The next, we were strolling peaceful streets lined with white cottages and colorful cafés.
It was a day filled with contrast, beauty, and stories, both ancient and modern.
And it became one of my favorite ports in all of Norway.