Best Photo Spots in Gamle Stavanger

For official information, visit Avinor Stavanger Airport.

For practical details and last-minute changes, use Region Stavanger & Ryfylke.

Look for small details like traditional winter wreaths hanging on the old historic wooden doors. Many local residents decorate their windows with warm candles and many beautiful paper stars. These small touches add a sense of local warmth to your entire winter photography collection. You can truly capture the cozy soul of a Norwegian Christmas in this historic area.

Try using a wide-angle lens to capture the full scale of these narrow historic streets. This professional technique helps you show the relationship between the houses and the glowing lamps. Avoid using a camera flash to preserve the natural glow of all the holiday decorations. The soft streetlamps create a very cozy atmosphere that looks great in every shot.

Gamle Stavanger is located just a short walk from the main city harbor and cathedral. Please respect the local residents while you are taking photos of their beautiful historic homes. You can explore this area for free at any time of the day or night.

Colorful Photo Spots in Øvre Holmegate

Øvre Holmegate is famous for being the most colorful and vibrant street in all of Norway. During the holidays, these bright buildings receive many extra festive decorations and sparkling lights. The contrast between the neon building colors and warm holiday lights is truly stunning. It is a favorite spot for social media enthusiasts looking for unique holiday content.

Always check the opening hours for Stavanger Christmas markets 2026 before you start your walk. This popular street is usually busiest during the late afternoon and early evening hours. Arrive early in the day to get clear shots of the vibrant building facades. You will absolutely love the unique and creative energy of this colorful neighborhood.

Look up to see the beautiful overhead lights that are strung across the entire street. These festive lights create a stunning canopy effect that looks amazing in your vertical photos. Frame your shots to include the cozy outdoor seating areas filled with happy people. People drinking hot cocoa add a lively and warm human element to your images.

Øvre Holmegate is situated in the heart of the city and is very easy to find. Most colorful cafes open around 10:00 AM for morning coffee and delicious festive treats. There is no cost to walk through this street and take many holiday photos.

Top Photo Spots at Stavanger Markets

Domkirkeplassen sits right next to the historic and grand Stavanger Cathedral in the city center. This central square hosts the main Stavanger Christmas Markets 2026 festivities and many local vendors. The ancient cathedral provides a magnificent and grand backdrop for the charming wooden market stalls. It is the perfect place for capturing wide scenic shots of the holiday spirit.

Capture the warm steam rising from the food stalls for a moody and atmospheric effect. These stalls offer great opportunities for colorful close-up food photography and many candid portraits. The vibrant colors of the handmade local crafts are also very photogenic and bright. You will find many interesting subjects to photograph while exploring the busy market aisles.

The large Christmas tree in the center of the square is a must-see attraction. Position yourself so the cathedral towers appear directly behind the glowing branches of the tree. This specific angle creates a powerful and festive composition for your professional holiday gallery. Evening shots are best when all the tree lights are glowing against the sky.

The market usually opens at 11:00 AM and stays busy until 8:00 PM every day. Entry to the main market square is free for all visitors during the holiday season. Bring some local currency for buying small handmade gifts from the many friendly market vendors.

Best Photo Spots at Vågen Harbor

The harbor area, known locally as Vågen, offers some of the best water reflections. In 2026, many local boats will be decorated with twinkling lights and festive holiday ornaments. These bright lights reflect on the dark harbor water for a very dreamy look. It is a fantastic spot for practicing your long-exposure photography during the winter nights.

Walk along the waterfront to find many different angles of the illuminated city skyline. The lights from the nearby market stalls reflect beautifully on the gentle harbor waves. Visit the Visit Norway website for more information on the beautiful harbor area. You can capture a unique mix of modern architecture and the old Stavanger charm.

Use a sturdy tripod to get sharp and clear images of the glowing harbor lights. The cold winter air makes the holiday lights appear very crisp and clear on camera. You might even see a light dusting of white snow on the wooden docks. This adds a perfect and natural winter touch to your holiday photo gallery.

Vågen harbor is the central point where the city meets the deep Norwegian sea. Find several public benches that offer a great view of the decorated holiday boats. The best time to visit is after 6:00 PM when the boat lights are brightest.