Stavanger, Norway

City Sightseeing Stavanger Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour

4.5 2,226 Reviews 1 Day
City Sightseeing Stavanger Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour - Photo 1
City Sightseeing Stavanger Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour - Photo 2
City Sightseeing Stavanger Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour - Photo 3
City Sightseeing Stavanger Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour - Photo 4

Overview

Our well-known Hop-On Hop-Off bus trip is one of the most well-liked, entertaining, and educational ways to explore Stavanger. As our built-in tour system points out sites and discusses Stavanger's history with you, you can relax and enjoy the open-air view. Make sure you take a ride to see as much of the city as possible! Discover why Stavanger was selected as the 2008 European Capital of Culture. You won't have to lose out on amazing vistas and photo opportunities while travelling. Don't let the opportunity slip to make priceless memories! Start your journey by reserving your tour right now!

About the activity
Free Cancellation
Mobile Voucher
Wheelchair Access
Wi-Fi Onboard
Flexi: 12 Months
Family Friendly
Instant Confirmation
Audio Guide
English
French
German
Italian
Spanish
Russian
Japanese
Norwegian

Highlights

  • Comprehensive Routes: The bus trip lets you get on and off at your convenience and usually visits the main sights and landmarks in Stavanger.
  • Scenic Views: Enjoy panoramic views of Stavanger's iconic landmarks.
  • Relaxing Experience: Sit back and unwind as you move through Stavanger on our open roof bus.
  • Audio Commentary: Buses are equipped with audio commentary available in multiple languages, providing insights into the history, culture, and significance of the sites you pass.

Itinerary

For those who are arriving in Stavanger by cruise ship, the tour starts at the Strandkaien Cruise Terminal. You can join the journey at any of the other designated sites, or you can start it from the beginning right here. The magnificent Stavanger Cathedral, a well-known icon in the city for its remarkable design and tastefully adorned interior, is among the first noteworthy things to appreciate along the trip. Ledaal Royal Residence is another of Stavanger's most striking sights along the road. You may get up-close looks at this amazing site by getting off the bus tour! Known for being the King of Norway's royal palace!

There are other museums throughout this route that guests can get off and explore. The Petroleum Museum, an intriguing sight with numerous exhibitions exploring the reasons Stavanger is regarded as Europe's oil capital, is one of the most memorable along the journey. This landmark is among the most well-known in the city for its distinctive architecture, which has even won praise from critics for its eye-catching style. The Stavanger Art Museum is another distinctive museum along the path. This lakefront attraction features a unique igloo-shaped facade and features an amazing collection of vibrant, modern art.

The bus makes its way past the opulent Victoria Hotel and on towards the two outstanding museums, the Museum of Art and the Museum of Archaeology. The Ledaal Royal Residence is the next stop. As you pass the magnificent old Stavanger home used by the Royal family when visiting the city, you can perfect your Royal Wave.

Popular attractions on route:

  • Old Stavanger (Gamle Stavanger): Explore this historic neighbourhood with its well-preserved wooden houses, cobblestone streets, and charming cafes and galleries.
  • Stavanger Cathedral (Stavanger domkirke): Visit Norway's oldest cathedral, dating back to the 12th century, and admire its Gothic architecture and beautiful stained-glass windows.
  • Norwegian Petroleum Museum: Learn about Norway's oil and gas industry through interactive exhibits and displays in this modern museum located on the waterfront.
  • Sverd i fjell (Swords in Rock): Marvel at this iconic monument commemorating the Battle of Hafrsfjord, where King Harald Fairhair united Norway into one kingdom in the 10th century.
  • Lysefjord: Take a boat tour or hike to experience the breathtaking natural beauty of Lysefjord, known for its steep cliffs, pristine waters, and the iconic Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock).
  • Flor og Fjære: Visit this stunning garden oasis on the island of Sør-Hidle, accessible by boat from Stavanger. Explore lush gardens, exotic plants, and enjoy a gourmet meal.

What's Included

What's Included
  • 1-day access to the hop-on hop-off bus tour -
  • Audio guide is accessible on your personal device or through in-seat modules
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi is provided on all buses
  • Headsets with jack sticks and adapters for iPhone and Android are available for borrowing (please ensure they are returned for recycling)
  • Discounts are offered on select attractions and entries

Schedule

  • First Departure: 10:00, Last Departure: 04:00pm
  • Frequency: Every 30 minutes
  • Loop: 50 minutes
  • Starting Point: Stavanger cruise terminal.

Redemption Info

  • Passengers can board at any stop and simply exchange their booking voucher with the driver/street staff at that point.
  • Your booking voucher will expire after you exchange it for a ticket.
  • The company or bus operator will not provide a refund if a voucher or ticket is misplaced.
  • Infants can travel free and you do not require to book infant ticket.

Know Before You Go

Voucher Validity:

  • The voucher is valid for 12 months from the date of booking.

Important Info:

  • There may be disruptions due to weather, traffic, and events.
  • Mobile Vouchers must be redeemed at bus stop 1, Strandkaien Cruise Terminal & Old Stavanger.
  • Stops and timings are subject to alter. There will be an updated map on the bus.
  • There may be a small delay in the bus's arrival and departure schedules.
  • Road closures and heavy traffic can result in delays, reduced trips, and route modifications. We'll make every effort to deliver a seamless and regular service! Under these circumstances, there will be no refund.
  • You can hop on and off the bus at any stop.
  • Operational Season: this tour only operates when a cruise ship is in port (June - September) - please consult the calendar.
  • Buses run in all weather, so dress accordingly.
  • Buses normally run between 10:00 and 16:00, however schedule changes may occur depending on major cruise docking/departure times.
  • You will need to exchange your voucher for your hop-on hop-off ticket with the City Sightseeing staff or bus driver before or upon boarding the bus. Keep the ticket with you at all times.
  • Please make sure you only board our official branded City Sightseeing buses.
  • Choose between two audio guide options: In-Seat Modules and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD). Borrowable headsets with adapters are available on board. Don’t forget to bring your headset for your own device if you want to use the BYOD audio guide option.
  • For guests requiring assistance, we offer storage for collapsible wheelchairs.
  • There is no service on 17 May. These events in the city may cause delays: Stavanger Wine Festival (March 13–16), Landstreff Stavanger (May 2–4), Maijazz (May 6–11), Norway Chess (May 26–June 7), Iron Maiden Concert at SR-Bank Arena (June 7), Gladmat Food Festival (July 23–26), Robbie Williams Concert at Forus Travbane (August 13), and Stavanger Marathon (August 30). Additionally, Stavanger's 900th anniversary celebrations will feature various events throughout the year, which may also affect traffic patterns.
Information for Cruise Passengers:
  • Please check the berthing location with your cruise line; Strandkaien arrivals will be able to board the City Sightseeing Stavanger hop-on hop-off bus at bus stop 1 Gamle Stavanger / Cruise Ship Terminal. This is immediately outside the port gates.
  • Occasionally ships will berth on the opposite side to Strandkaien, in which case the nearest City Sightseeing Stop 4 Victoria Hotel applies.

Departure Point:

  • You can start your tour at any of the stops. For our guests arriving via cruise ship, please note we adapt our schedule and hours according to the cruise ships arrival and departure; Strandkaien and Konserthuskaien arrivals will be able to board the City Sightseeing Stavanger hop-on hop-off bus from bus stop 1 or at the Shore Ex pick up point immediately to the right of the port gates. Arrivals at Mekjarvika and Sandnes are offered transfer. Please refer to the Shore Ex team for confirmation and booking.

Audio Guide:

  • The audio guide is available via in-seat modules or directly on your own device in several different languages. Please bring your own headset for the best experience. Turn on the location services from your provider, scan the QR code on the seat/brochure and press play to start. If needed, headsets with jack sticks and adapters for iPhone and Android are available to borrow - please return them for recycling.
    Audio guide languages: English, German, French, Spanish, Dutch, Japanese, Chinese and Italian (In-Seat Modules and Bring Your Own Device).

Accessibility:

  • We aim to make our tour accessible to all. For guests requiring assistance, we offer storage for collapsible wheelchairs. Subject to space and availability. Please note that a ramp or single step may be needed to board the bus, and several steps are required to access the upper deck. We also accommodate strollers, with designated storage space, ensuring families with young children can navigate the city with ease.

Dates with Potential Disruptions:

  • 10th - 12th April - Boligmesse Stavanger (housing and lifestyle expo)
  • 1st May - Labour Day parades and demonstrations
  • 1st - 3rd May - Landstreffet Stavanger (student festival)
  • 5th - 7th May - Nordic Edge Expo (technology and innovation event)
  • 6th - 9th May - MaiJazz (Stavanger Jazz Festival)
  • 17th May - Norwegian Constitution Day (major parades and full city centre closures)
  • 27th - 30th May – Wonderful World (philosophy and science festival)
  • 25th - 28th June - Gladmatfestivalen (food festival in Stavanger city centre)
  • 22nd - 25th July - The Tall Ships Races Stavanger (major harbour event with likely closures)
  • 4th – 8th August - Stavanger Chamber Music Festival
  • 29th August - Stavanger Marathon (road running race)
  • November - Three Lakes Run (Stavanger region)
  • Throughout 2026 – Possible roadworks, infrastructure upgrades or temporary traffic closures in Stavanger city centre

Cancellation Policy

  • To get the full refund, you must cancel your booking at least 24 hours before the activity/tour start time.
  • If you cancel your booking less than 24 hours before the activity/ tour start time, you will not get any refund.
  • Modifications/ changes are allowed at least 24 hours before the activity/ tour start time. You must contact us through email.
  • The activity/tour's local start time determines the cut-off times.

Disclaimer

  • There may be unexpected changes in the route or timetable due to traffic, public holidays, weather conditions, cruise ship arrivals, or other unanticipated situations. During major events, summer vacations, and weekends, the city will be quite busy. We will do everything we can to provide a smooth and consistent service! In such cases, no reimbursement is allowed.
  • Tours run regardless of the weather. Weather-related refunds will not be issued unless the service is discontinued due to inclement weather.
  • The service provider preserves the right to amend or cancel the itinerary due to city events or force majeure.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can easily book tours and activities through our website. Simply browse our destinations, select your preferred tour, choose your date and number of participants, and complete the secure online payment process. You'll receive a confirmation email with your booking voucher immediately after purchase.

After booking, you'll receive a voucher via email. For hop-on-hop-off tours, exchange your voucher with the bus driver or staff at any designated stop to receive your physical ticket. For other activities, present your voucher (digital or printed) at the meeting point specified in your booking confirmation. Keep your ticket safe throughout the tour validity period.

We accept all major credit/debit cards. You can pay with a VISA debit or credit card, a MasterCard debit or credit card, Maestro, Visa Electron or American Express card.
 
Please note: We are based in the United Kingdom. Depending on your bank, an international transaction fee may apply. For more details about potential charges, please contact your card provider directly.

Yes. Your payment is absolutely safe with us. All transactions are protected with SSL encryption and processed securely. With our secure online payment system, your information is encrypted and protected against fraud. We use industry-standard SSL (Secure Socket Layer) protocols to safeguard data transfer, and all personal information is stored in secure environments not accessible to the public.

You will receive a confirmation email with your booking voucher immediately after purchase. If you do not receive it within a few minutes, please check your spam/junk folder.If any activity requires manual confirmation from the supplier/ tour operator, your booking will be confirmed within 24 hours.

Still haven’t received it? Contact us at booking@activity-crest.com and our team will be happy to assist you.

Your reference number will be displayed on the confirmation page after you complete your booking and in the confirmation email you receive once your tour is confirmed. All booking reference numbers begin with “ACTXXXX”.

If you don't receive your confirmation email within 30 minutes of booking, please check your spam/junk folder first. If it's not there, contact our customer support at booking@activity-crest.com with your payment details and booking information. We'll resend your confirmation and voucher immediately.

Yes. You can modify your booking after purchase. Modifications depend on the specific tour's terms and conditions. Some bookings allow date changes up to 24-48 hours before the tour, while others may have stricter policies. Contact us at booking@activity-crest.com as soon as possible if you need to modify your booking. Please note that changes may be subject to availability and additional fees.

Please bring a printed copy of your ticket voucher. Some local suppliers also accept vouchers shown on a mobile device (check the activity page for details). A valid photo ID is required for the traveler named on the ticket. For certain activities, a valid ID for each participant may be required – this will be clearly stated on your ticket.

Our cancellation policy varies by tours. Most tours offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. For specific cancellation terms and refund conditions, please check the individual tour page before booking. To cancel your booking, contact us at booking@activity-crest.com with your booking reference number.

Customer Reviews

4.5
based on 2,226 reviews
Rating Distribution
5 stars
1,580
4 stars
382
3 stars
166
2 stars
93
1 stars
5
Comfortable and Convenient

"The service made our sightseeing day much easier. We enjoyed comfortable seats, excellent city views, and convenient stops that allowed us to explore attractions without unnecessary travel."

A Memorable Experience

"The entire tour was enjoyable from beginning to end. Beautiful views, helpful commentary, and convenient stops made it easy to experience the city without feeling rushed."

Wonderful Way to Travel

"We loved seeing the city from the upper deck. The route covered many interesting areas, and the freedom to hop off whenever we wanted was extremely useful."

Ideal for Sightseeing

"This tour was a convenient way to explore popular attractions. We enjoyed informative commentary, comfortable transportation, and the flexibility to spend extra time at places we liked."

Simple and Enjoyable Tour

"The hop on hop off service made exploring the city straightforward. We saw several landmarks, enjoyed great views, and appreciated being able to continue our journey whenever convenient."

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