Your weekend guide
Adventures in Stavanger and beyond January 9th to 11th.
Hi,
Happy New Year! Hope you have had a fantastic break with lots of new memories. Mine was filled with new and nostalgic memories. But also a little different than planned. During a lapse of good judgement I tried to match surpass the bravery of my kids and ended up staying a couple of nights at the new hospital in Stavanger (as far as hospitals go, it was great - ocean views, a nice room and amazing care).
Hospitals always put so much into perspective, and I feel so lucky that I will be back to my normal adventure mode in a few weeks. In the meantime, I’ve learned that my life philosophy “there is always something to experience, no matter where you are” applies to my home, too.
New year, new possibilities, right? The year is starting with various things to offer. Something creative, something to cheer on, and something in between. And who knows, maybe the snow will last and create plenty of things to do right outside your house?
If you’re reading this for the first time - welcome! This is my weekly newsletter, sent out every Wednesday (nyhetsbrev på norsk her). My philosophy in life: every place in the world has something exciting happening. I believe there is always something to experience, no matter where you are (in fact, I’m willing to bet I can find something for you no matter where in the world you are reading from*). Sometimes it is big events, other times small experiences that make a weekend memorable. Everything I pick out is something I am considering doing myself, with or without two small children.
These are my tips for things to do in Stavanger and beyond this weekend:
Heads up: often the pages are in Norwegian, but you can always use Google Translate to check them out.
Saturday
Stjernevandring (Star Gazing Walk): 1 km walk with entertainment from Munkehagen at Eiganes to the Domkirke in Stavanger. At the end everyone is recommended to leave a gift that will be donated to charity. Free and no ticket needed. From 11:00 to 12:00. More details here.
Idrettsdagen 2026: For the 6th year around 30 local sports clubs will be showcasing their talents and let everyone have a go. Suitable for all ages with activities for the whole family. Free entry. From 12:00 to 16:00. More information here.
Hoka Half Marathon 2026: You can participate (10km and half marathon still open) or cheer the runners on for the Sola Beach Half Marathon. I couldn’t think of a better location. If you are a contestant you can also join fellow runners in a 3-course meal celebration at Sola Strand Hotell after. 5 km starts 09:20, 10 km starts 11:00, and half marathon starts 13:30. More info here.
Spectacular phenomena in the universe at Sola Kulturhus: NB in Norwegian! There is no one as contagiously enthusiastic about anything space as astronomer Knut Jørgen Røed Ødegaard. In this lecture he will share his knowledge in a multimedia presentation. Free but ticketed. From 12:00 to 13:00. More info and tickets here.
Norwegian Championship in Wrestling: By now, you may know I love cheering on talents of any kind. Heia heia! This weekend all the Norwegian top talent is inviting you to cheer them on. From 11:00 to 17:00. Free. More info here.
Sans kids
“Vinter Veranda”: The local wine bar has created a concept of enjoying drinks (hot or cold) outside and experience fresh air and views while you are at it. They provide blankets and heating lamps, but you should still dress for the cold. I love this concept! Book your table here.
Sunday
Pancake Sunday at Bøker og Børst: This bar is celebrating 20 years this year and kicking it off with endless American pancakes with all the toppings. You can book your table or also drop in. All Sundays this January from 10:30 to 14:30. More info here.
Hertervigs Hemmeligheter at Stavanger Kunstmuseum: An interactive museum experience suitable for all ages. If you haven’t visited this museum and its café - do so before March 16th as it will close until November due to renovations. From 11:00 to 16:00. Tickets adults 170 kr and kids free. More info here.
Sunday supper at Kvalbein Gård: I have recommended this farm house from the 1700s before, but whenever I crave a proper meal in beautiful Jæren surroundings I hope that it is the right weekend for it. And this weekend it is open. From 12:00 to 16:00. More information here.
All weekend
Fun on the Ice: Sør-Marka Arena is celebrating 15 years of ice skating with all sorts of fun all weekend. My favorite pick: Ice skating with disco lights and disco music. Sounds like a brilliant way to sparkle up a January weekend! Hot dogs and snacks in the kiosk. Both Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 to 15:00. Bring or rent skates. More info here.
This week’s tips
Place I want to try: Kleppa Gard and Glamping. Beautiful Ryfylke surroundings, unique glamp tent at the beach, local hikes and local apple juice producer. Falling asleep to waves is my favorite. Season opens in April.
A good stop anytime: Ullandhaugstårnet. Ok, this may be a bit obvious BUT I love a view and there is no better place for it than this. The steep hill from the parking and the stairs reward you at the top (if the snow lasts it is also almost too great for sledding). Combine with a walk around in the woods and the Botanical Gardens.
Hope you are inspired to try some of these things and that you have a great weekend!
Thank you so much for reading my newsletter. My goal is to send this out every Wednesday with my weekend tips (and occasionally weekday ones) for Stavanger and the surrounding area. If you’d like to get it straight to your inbox, hit “subscribe” and feel free to share it with a friend who might need some weekend inspiration.
* If you’re reading this from somewhere outside Stavanger, feel free to challenge me to find something for you :)