Best Museums to Visit in Stavanger During Winter

For the most up-to-date details, check Stavanger Kommune before you go.

For current hours, prices, and announcements, start with Visit Norway - Stavanger.

Interactive displays make this museum a fun stop for families with children during the darker winter months. You can try to operate a remote-controlled underwater robot or slide down a real emergency escape chute. There are also many detailed films that explain how oil forms deep under the North Sea bed. These exhibits are available in both English and Norwegian for all international guests visiting in 2026.

In 2026, the museum remains open daily from 10:00 to 16:00 for all curious winter travelers. Adult tickets cost around 150 NOK while children and students pay a reduced price of 75 NOK. You should check the Stavanger Oil Museum winter visiting hours before you plan your daily itinerary. The museum shop offers high-quality gifts and local souvenirs that are perfect for your holiday shopping.

The museum is located at Kjeringholmen 1, which is a very short walk from the main cruise terminal. You can easily reach this spot using the local bus system managed by Kolumbus Transport. It is a great place to spend at least three hours exploring the massive indoor exhibits. The onsite cafe serves warm drinks and light meals to help you recharge after your long tour.

Maritime History at the Stavanger Maritime Museum

The Stavanger Maritime Museum is located in beautiful historic warehouses that date back to the early 1800s. These buildings sit directly on the waterfront and offer a glimpse into the city's long shipping history. You can explore how the region grew from a small fishing village into a major global port. The museum preserves the coastal culture that has defined this part of Norway for many centuries.

Inside the museum, you will find perfectly restored sailing ships and old tools used by local sailors. The exhibits cover everything from traditional boat building to modern international trade and shipping routes in 2026. There is a special section dedicated to the brave people who worked on the dangerous North Sea. Children can dress up in old-fashioned sailor clothes and play in the interactive harbor area.

Winter is a fantastic time to visit because the historic rooms feel very cozy and full of character. The thick wooden walls and soft lighting create a peaceful atmosphere away from the busy city streets. You can see how merchants lived and worked in the original offices from two hundred years ago. Most visitors spend about two hours looking at the various maps, models, and nautical instruments.

The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday during the winter season with standard entry fees for adults. It is part of the MUST museum group, which offers combined tickets for several local historic sites. You can find more information about these cultural spots on the official Visit Norway website. Visiting this museum is a wonderful way to understand the true soul of this coastal Norwegian city.

Industrial Heritage at the Norwegian Canning Museum

The Norwegian Canning Museum is located in the heart of Old Stavanger among the famous white wooden houses. This unique museum is set inside an authentic former sardine factory that operated until the middle of the century. It tells the story of how the canning industry once provided jobs for almost everyone in town. You can see the original machinery and learn about the entire production process from fish to can.

One of the best parts of visiting during winter is the smell of freshly smoked brisling sardines. On certain days, the museum staff lights the old ovens to demonstrate how they used to smoke the fish. You can even taste the warm sardines straight from the oven, which is a very delicious experience. Be sure to check the Canning Museum winter workshops for specific smoking dates in 2026.

The museum also features a modern section called IDDIS, which focuses on the history of printing and labels. You can see thousands of colorful sardine can labels that were once exported to every corner of the world. This section highlights the incredible creativity and design work that went into marketing Norwegian seafood abroad. It is a very visual and engaging experience for people who love history and graphic art.

The museum is located at Øvre Strandgate 88 and is easily accessible by walking through the historic district. Entry prices are affordable, and the museum often hosts special events for families during the winter school holidays. After your visit, you can enjoy a hot coffee in the charming cafe located inside the building. It is truly one of the most interesting and specialized museums you will find in Norway.

Art and Culture at the Stavanger Art Museum

The Stavanger Art Museum is situated in a beautiful park area right next to the scenic Mosvatnet lake. This museum houses a massive collection of over 2,000 works by local, national, and international famous artists. It is particularly well-known for holding the largest collection of paintings by the talented artist Lars Hertervig. His stunning landscape paintings capture the unique light and mood of the Norwegian coast in a powerful way.

Visiting this museum in winter provides a calm and reflective experience away from the cold outdoor weather. The spacious galleries are filled with natural light that highlights the beauty of the various sculptures and paintings. You can explore different art movements from the early 19th century up to the modern day in 2026. The museum frequently hosts rotating exhibitions that showcase contemporary artists from all across the Nordic region.

The museum is a great destination if you want to combine a short winter walk with cultural exploration. You can walk around the frozen lake before heading inside to warm up with some inspiring local art. For more art options, you can also explore indoor art galleries in Stavanger city center during your stay. The museum cafe offers a lovely view of the park and serves excellent Norwegian cakes.

The museum is open from 11:00 to 16:00 most days, but they often stay open later on Thursdays. You can easily reach the museum by taking a ten-minute bus ride from the main city center terminal. Detailed travel information and local event listings are available on the Region Stavanger website. It is a must-visit location for anyone who appreciates fine art and quiet, beautiful spaces.

Viking History at the Museum of Archaeology

The Museum of Archaeology offers a deep dive into the ancient history of the Rogaland region and Norway. It features an incredible collection of artifacts from the Stone Age all the way to the Viking Age. You can see real Viking swords, intricate gold jewelry, and everyday tools used by people thousands of years ago. The museum does a great job of bringing these ancient stories to life for modern visitors.

One of the highlights is the exhibition about the Iron Age farm at Ullandhaug located nearby the museum. You can learn how families survived the harsh Norwegian winters long before modern technology and heating existed. The museum uses interactive displays and virtual reality to show what life was like in a Viking longhouse. It is a very educational experience for both children and adults who are interested in history.

The museum is located at Peder Klows gate 30, which is within walking distance of the city center. In 2026, the museum will offer special guided tours in English for international tourists during the winter season. The staff are very knowledgeable and can answer any questions you have about the ancient Viking burial mounds. It is a perfect indoor activity for a rainy or snowy afternoon in Stavanger.

There is also a nice museum shop where you can buy replicas of ancient Viking jewelry and history books. The museum is closed on Mondays, so plan your visit for a Tuesday or later in the week. Tickets are reasonably priced, and children under the age of 18 can often enter the museum for free. This museum provides a fascinating look at the roots of Norwegian culture and heritage.