Best Hiking Trails Near Stavanger – A Local Guide to Scenic and Quiet Routes
- Espen Haaland
- Dec 28, 2025
- 16 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
The Stavanger region, located in the breathtaking southwest of Norway, is widely regarded as one of the very best areas in the country for hiking. With dramatic fjord landscapes, rugged mountain terrain, coastal paths and open plateaus, the region offers an exceptional variety of hiking experiences - from easy scenic walks to demanding mountain hikes with iconic viewpoints.
What makes hiking near Stavanger especially unique is the rare combination of world-famous landmarks and quieter, lesser-known trails where you can experience Norwegian nature in a more peaceful and personal way. Many of the region’s most rewarding hikes are located less than one hour from the city, making Stavanger an ideal base for unforgettable outdoor adventures without long travel distances.
Whether you’re planning a solo trip, travelling as a couple, or looking for private guided hikes in Stavanger, this ultimate hiking guide is designed to help you choose the right trail for your visit. From iconic viewpoints like Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) to calm, alternative routes away from the crowds, you’ll discover where to hike near Stavanger and how to experience the region at its best.
In this guide, we’ve carefully selected some of the best hiking trails in and around Stavanger, focusing on quality of experience rather than just popularity. The hikes featured here allow you to create a balanced itinerary - whether you prefer well-known highlights, quieter nature experiences, or a mix of both.
At Stavanger Adventure, we offer premium private guided hikes for travelers who want more than simply visiting a viewpoint. Our hikes focus on calm pacing, local knowledge, safety, and choosing the right route based on weather, season, and your personal preferences - whether that means iconic hikes like Preikestolen or more secluded alternatives such as Ramnstoknuten or The Hat.
Best Hiking Trails Near Stavanger (Within One Hour of the City)
To clarify and limit the scope of this ultimate guide, we have set a boundary of a one-hour drive from Stavanger city center to the starting point of the hiking trails.
Therefore, we will not be discussing renowned hiking trails like Kjerag, Brufjell, Dronningstien or Trolltunga in this guide. These hiking destinations are located further out of the central Stavanger area and would require more time and preparation.
However, there are still many breathtaking hiking trails within the one-hour driving distance from the city that offer stunning views and an invigorating outdoor experience. Our guide will feature the best hiking trails in the Stavanger area that are easily accessible and offer a range of levels to accommodate hikers of varying skill levels.
⭐ Premium Private Guided Hikes Near Stavanger
For travelers who want a calmer, more personal hiking experience, these private guided hikes offer flexible pacing, local knowledge, and carefully chosen routes based on conditions and preferences.
Other popular hiking trails in the Stavanger area
Dalsnuten:
Lifjell:
The Island of Rennesøy:
Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen)
The Pulpit Rock hike (Preikestolen) is one of the most famous hikes near Stavanger, offering dramatic fjord views and a rewarding mountain experience within easy reach of the city.
At Stavanger Adventure, we offer Pulpit Rock as a Premium Private Guided Hike, tailored to your pace, preferences, and experience level. With a maximum of four guests, flexible timing, and local route knowledge, we help you experience Pulpit Rock in a calmer, more rewarding way - without rushing or large groups.
Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen) - Back Track
The Back Track to Pulpit Rock hike offers a quieter and more adventurous alternative to the classic Preikestolen hike, approaching the iconic viewpoint from the opposite side of the plateau.
Instead of following the main tourist trail, this alternative route approaches Preikestolen from the opposite side, guiding hikers through varied terrain and quieter sections of the plateau above the Lysefjord.
The hike is slightly longer and more demanding than the standard route, typically taking 5 - 6 hours round trip, depending on pace and conditions. It is best suited for active travelers who enjoy a sense of exploration and are comfortable with uneven terrain, rocky sections, and a more natural trail experience. In return, hikers are rewarded with wide-open mountain landscapes, dramatic fjord views, and a feeling of genuine solitude rarely found on the classic path.
One of the highlights of the Back Track route is reaching Pulpit Rock from behind, experiencing the famous plateau without the constant flow of large groups. This creates a calmer, more authentic moment at the viewpoint - ideal for those who value nature, photography, and unhurried exploration over ticking off landmarks.
At Stavanger Adventure, we offer the Back Track to Pulpit Rock as a Premium Private Guided Hike, carefully tailored to your experience level and preferences. With small groups of up to four guests, flexible start times, and local route knowledge, we focus on safety, flow, and timing - ensuring you experience Pulpit Rock at its most peaceful and rewarding.
Reinaknuten
The Reinaknuten Hike is a scenic mountain hike near Stavanger known for its varied terrain, steady ascent, and wide panoramic views from one of the region’s highest summits.
The hike is approximately 10 kilometers long and typically takes 4–5 hours to complete. The trailhead is located about 40 minutes by car from Stavanger city center.
The route offers a diverse hiking experience, beginning in lush forest terrain before gradually transitioning into open, rocky landscapes as you approach the summit. This variation makes the hike both engaging and scenic, with changing surroundings throughout the day.
At 787 meters above sea level, the summit of Reinaknuten provides a striking panoramic view of mountains, fjords, and lakes in all directions. The viewpoint offers a true sense of elevation and space, making it one of the more scenic hikes in the region.
The hike is considered moderate, though the final section includes steeper and rockier terrain that may be challenging for less experienced hikers. That said, the steady ascent and well-defined trail make Reinaknuten accessible to most hikers with reasonable fitness and proper footwear.
Compared to more famous hikes nearby, Reinaknuten is generally much quieter, making it a good choice for those seeking a more peaceful and immersive nature experience away from the crowds.
The Hat (Hatten)
The Hat hike (Hatten) is a rugged and lesser-known hike near Stavanger, offering dramatic Lysefjord views from a distinctive summit formation.
Known for its unusual summit formation and wide-open views over the surrounding fjords and mountains. Located within easy reach of Stavanger, this hike offers a more adventurous feel than many well-known trails, without requiring technical climbing.
The trail leads hikers through varied terrain, combining open mountain sections with rocky paths as you approach the summit. The final ascent is engaging and slightly exposed in places, adding to the sense of adventure while remaining accessible for confident hikers. At the top, the characteristic “hat-shaped” rock formation creates a dramatic viewpoint, with sweeping panoramas over fjords, valleys, and distant peaks.
One of the great advantages of The Hat is its peaceful atmosphere. The trail is far less visited than iconic hikes like Preikestolen, allowing hikers to enjoy the landscape in a calm and unhurried way. This makes it an excellent choice for travelers looking for a more authentic and personal mountain experience in the Stavanger area.
For those who prefer a guided experience, Stavanger Adventure offers The Hat as a Premium Private Guided Hike, tailored to your pace, weather conditions, and experience level, with a maximum of four participants.
Ramnstoknuten
The Ramnstoknuten hike is a long and peaceful mountain hike near Stavanger, offering expansive fjord views and a genuine off-the-beaten-path experience.
Located within a one-hour drive from Stavanger city center, the hike covers approximately 14 kilometers and typically takes 5–6 hours to complete.
The trail is considered moderately challenging, with a mix of forest paths, open mountain terrain, and a few steeper, rocky sections toward the summit. While the ascent requires steady effort, the varied landscape keeps the hike engaging throughout.
At the top, hikers are rewarded with a wide and atmospheric panorama of mountains, fjords, valleys, and nearby lakes. The viewpoint feels open and expansive, offering a calm contrast to more crowded viewpoints in the region. It’s a place where many choose to linger, take a break, and simply enjoy the surroundings.
Ramnstoknuten is known for its peaceful atmosphere and low visitor numbers, making it an excellent choice for hikers seeking a quieter experience close to Stavanger. The trail is well-marked, but there are no facilities along the route, so hikers should bring sufficient water, food, and appropriate clothing.
In winter, conditions can be demanding due to snow and ice, and proper equipment such as crampons and warm layers is essential.
Custom Tailored Hikes Near Stavanger
Not all great hiking experiences around Stavanger are offered as fixed tours. Some routes are better explored as custom tailored hikes, adapted to your fitness level, interests, available time, and current conditions.
If you’re interested in any of the hikes listed below – or if you’re looking for a quieter, lesser-known route not mentioned here – we offer private, custom guided hikes designed specifically for you. This allows for flexible pacing, alternative trail choices, and a more personal hiking experience away from the busiest paths.
👉 Explore our custom private guided hikes near Stavanger and let us design a route that fits your preferences, the season, and the weather.
Bynuten
Bynuten is a challenging mountain hike near Stavanger, offering long ascents and far-reaching views over fjords, farmland, and the city below.
The trail is approximately 13 kilometers long, takes around 5 - 6 hours to complete, and is located about 40 minutes by car from Stavanger city center.
The hike begins with a steady climb through open farmland before gradually transitioning into steeper and more rugged terrain. As you gain elevation, the landscape opens up, offering increasingly impressive views. Near the summit, the trail becomes rocky and demanding, adding a sense of adventure to the final ascent.
From the top, hikers are rewarded with a broad panorama over Stavanger, surrounding fjords, and distant mountain ranges. Despite its proximity to the city, Bynuten is far less crowded than many of the region’s iconic hikes, making it a great choice for those seeking a quieter and more immersive mountain experience.
Bynuten is considered moderately difficult and best suited for experienced or fit hikers. Proper footwear, sufficient water, and weather-appropriate clothing are essential, especially as conditions can change quickly at higher elevations.
In short, Bynuten offers a true mountain hike close to Stavanger - combining physical challenge, open landscapes, and impressive viewpoints in a single rewarding day hike.
Dalsnuten
Dalsnuten is a short and accessible hike near Stavanger, offering panoramic views with minimal elevation gain.
The trail is approximately 4 kilometers long and offers a relaxed hiking experience suitable for beginners, families, and travelers with limited time.
The hike begins with a gentle climb through forest terrain before transitioning to more open and rocky ground near the summit. From the top, hikers are rewarded with wide panoramic views over Stavanger, nearby fjords, and the surrounding hills - a surprisingly scenic viewpoint given the short distance.
Dalsnuten is a well-maintained and clearly marked trail, with benches and rest areas along the way. Its moderate elevation gain and easy access make it a popular choice for casual hikes, sunset walks, and family-friendly outings. Dogs are welcome on leash.
Overall, Dalsnuten is a perfect introduction to hiking in the Stavanger region - combining ease, accessibility, and beautiful views in a compact and enjoyable hike.
Bjørndalsfjellet
Bjørndalsfjellet is an easy urban hike in Stavanger, offering scenic views over the city, coastline, and surrounding islands.
Its short distance and convenient location make it an excellent option for those with limited time who still want to experience nature and scenic views close to the city.
The trail follows a well-maintained path through light forest and open terrain, with several viewpoints along the way. As you gain elevation, the city gradually unfolds below, offering panoramic views over Stavanger, nearby islands, and the coastline. The final section is slightly steeper, adding a modest sense of ascent without being physically demanding.
At the summit, a viewing platform provides unobstructed views in all directions. The viewpoint is especially popular during sunset, when the city lights and coastal landscape create a striking contrast between urban life and nature.
Bjørndalsfjellet is suitable for hikers of all ages and fitness levels, making it a popular choice for families, casual hikers, and those looking for a short outdoor escape. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, and the hike can easily be combined with other activities in the area.
Overall, Bjørndalsfjellet offers a calm and scenic break from the city - a reminder of how closely nature and urban life coexist in the Stavanger region.
Lifjell
Lifjell is a varied coastal-mountain hike near Stavanger, combining forest paths, exposed bedrock, and wide views over fjords and coastline.
The hiking trail located east of Stavanger, approximately 40 minutes by car from the city center. The hike offers a peaceful escape from urban life, combining coastal scenery, forest terrain, and expansive views over fjords and surrounding landscapes.
The terrain on Lifjell is varied, with a mix of forest paths, wet sections, and exposed bedrock.
Good footwear is recommended, as parts of the trail can be uneven. The route begins among tall coniferous forest near the coastline before gradually opening up, continuing partly along the mountainside and partly above the sea. In a few steeper sections along Gandsfjorden, fixed wires assist with balance and traction.
After a demanding but rewarding combination of ascents, descents, and short scrambling sections, hikers reach the summit of Lifjell. From here, the view is wide and far-reaching, stretching across the Stavanger Peninsula, Ryfylke, Karmøy, and south toward Jæren. The summit area is marked by a cairn near communication masts, offering a striking contrast between rugged nature and coastal infrastructure.
The descent follows a more straightforward route, allowing hikers to relax and enjoy the surroundings on the way back. Lifjell also offers several shorter alternatives, making it possible to adapt the hike depending on time, weather, and experience level.
Overall, Lifjell is an excellent choice for hikers seeking a calm and scenic experience close to Stavanger, with a strong sense of space and variety throughout the route.
The Island of Rennesøy
Rennesøy offers gentle coastal hikes near Stavanger, combining open landscapes, sea views, and cultural surroundings. It is a scenic island in the Ryfylke region, connected to the mainland by underwater tunnels and easily accessible from Stavanger.
The island combines coastal landscapes, open countryside, and a strong sense of local history, making it an appealing destination for varied outdoor experiences.
Hiking on Rennesøy offers a different character compared to inland mountain trails. The terrain is generally gentler, with open views, coastal paths, and rolling hills rather than steep ascents. Trails range from easy walks to more demanding routes, allowing hikers to explore the island at a relaxed pace while enjoying wide views over the ocean, surrounding islands, and rural landscapes.
One of the most popular viewpoints on the island is Varden, the highest point on Rennesøy, which offers panoramic views over villages, farmland, and the open sea. The island is also known for its rich birdlife, with several nature reserves that attract birdwatchers throughout the year.
Overall, Rennesøy provides a calm and scenic hiking experience close to Stavanger, well suited for those who enjoy coastal landscapes, cultural surroundings, and a slower pace in nature. Its accessibility and variety make it an excellent option for families, couples, and hikers looking for something different from the more famous mountain hikes.
Summary of the best hiking trails in the
Stavanger area
This guide is designed to help you choose the right hike near Stavanger - whether you’re visiting for one day or planning a longer stay in the region.
Whether you’re searching for iconic hikes or quieter alternatives, this guide highlights the best hiking trails near Stavanger for travelers who value quality, flexibility, and memorable nature experiences.
The Stavanger region offers a remarkable variety of hiking experiences - from world-famous landmarks like Preikestolen to quieter, lesser-known summits such as Ramnstoknuten and Lifjell. Whether you’re looking for an easy scenic walk, a peaceful sunset hike, or a full-day mountain adventure, the area has trails to suit every interest and experience level.
All hikes featured in this guide are located within one hour of Stavanger city center, making them ideal for flexible day trips. Many can be enjoyed independently, while others are well suited for travelers who prefer the added comfort, insight, and flexibility of a private guided experience.
At Stavanger Adventure, we focus on calm pacing, local knowledge, and tailored routes -helping you experience the region beyond the busiest paths and viewpoints.
If you’re also interested in experiencing Lysefjord from the water, you can read our guide to Private Fjord Tours Stavanger – Calm Alternatives to Crowded Fjord Cruises, or explore Fjord Fishing in Stavanger – A Calm and Authentic Coastal Experience for a more hands-on way to experience the fjord.
👉 Ready to explore Stavanger’s hiking landscape in a more personal way?
You can explore all available hiking experiences on our hiking adventures page,
or get in touch with Stavanger Adventure if you want help choosing the right trail.
If you’d like a broader understanding of how hiking around Stavanger really works, you can explore The Ultimate Guide to Hiking Around Stavanger a complete overview covering seasons, conditions, experience levels, iconic routes, calm alternatives, and how to choose the right hike for the right day.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiking Near Stavanger
Is hiking near Stavanger suitable for beginners?
Yes. The Stavanger region offers a wide range of hikes, from short and accessible trails to longer and more demanding mountain routes. With the right route choice and pacing, many hikes are suitable even for first-time hikers.
Is Preikestolen a difficult hike?
Preikestolen is considered moderately challenging and suitable for most active travelers. The main challenges are uneven terrain and elevation gain rather than technical difficulty. The experience can vary significantly depending on timing and crowd levels.
Are there quieter hiking alternatives to Preikestolen?
Yes. Several lesser-known hikes near Stavanger offer equally impressive scenery with far fewer people. Routes such as Ramnstoknuten, The Hat (Hatten), Reinaknuten, and alternative approaches to Preikestolen provide a calmer and more personal experience.
Is hiking near Stavanger suitable for cruise guests with limited time?
Yes. Many hikes can be adapted to a fixed schedule. With private guiding, start times, pacing, and route choices are adjusted to ensure a relaxed experience and timely return to the cruise terminal.
Can hikes be adapted to different fitness levels or families?
Yes. Routes and pace can be adjusted to suit mixed fitness levels, families, or travelers who prefer a steady and comfortable hiking experience rather than a physically demanding one.
Do I need a guide for hiking in Norway?
A guide is not required, but private guided hikes offer added safety, local knowledge, flexible pacing, and access to quieter routes based on weather and conditions. Many travelers choose guided hikes for a more relaxed and informative experience.
Is it possible to hike without meeting many other people?
Yes. By choosing lesser-known routes, alternative trail access, or a custom hike, it is often possible to experience long stretches of the hike in near solitude, even during the high season.
What should I wear for hiking near Stavanger?
Layered clothing, sturdy hiking shoes, and weatherproof outerwear are recommended. Weather conditions can change quickly, even during summer, so being prepared adds comfort and safety.
When is the best time for hiking in the Stavanger region?
The main hiking season runs from late spring to early autumn. Some hikes are possible year-round depending on weather, snow conditions, and daylight, but route choice becomes more important outside the main season.
Are guided hikes private or group-based?
All guided hikes with Stavanger Adventure are private. Routes, timing, and pace are adapted to your group rather than fixed group schedules, allowing for a calmer and more personal experience.
Can I choose a completely custom hiking route?
Yes. A private custom hike allows full flexibility, including choice of terrain, distance, difficulty, and desired level of solitude. For guests who wish, it is entirely possible to spend the day completely alone in the landscape.
What happens if weather conditions change?
Routes are adjusted based on weather and trail conditions. Safety, comfort, and visibility are always prioritized, and alternative routes are chosen if conditions change.
Additional planning questions about hiking near Stavanger:
Can you avoid crowds when hiking near Stavanger?
Yes. By choosing lesser-known routes, alternative access points, or custom hikes, it is often possible to hike with minimal contact with other visitors, even during peak season.
Are private guided hikes available near Stavanger?
Yes. Private guided hikes are available and allow full flexibility in route choice, pace, timing, and level of solitude compared to fixed group tours.
Is hiking near Stavanger suitable for cruise guests?
Yes. Many hikes can be adapted to a fixed schedule, making them suitable for cruise guests visiting Stavanger for one day, with enough time to return before departure.
Are there alternatives to Pulpit Rock with fewer people?
Yes. Several hikes near Stavanger offer dramatic scenery similar to Pulpit Rock but with significantly fewer visitors, including lesser-known peaks and alternative approaches.
Is it possible to hike completely alone?
In some cases, yes. By selecting custom routes and quieter terrain, it is possible to spend long stretches of the hike without encountering other hikers.
Calm. Personal. Real.