Top tips for when it’s raining

Being descendants from the infamous Vikings and all, we Norwegians don’t generally care so much about the weather, if we did, nothing would ever get done! We have a saying in Norway: “there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing”. So, for the brave-hearted of you who wish to find YOUR inner Viking, dress for the weather and go outdoors. We have a ton of waterful tips on offer for you too. 

But, hey, we do understand it if you choose otherwise.. I mean, have you arrived at the destination, and it’s literally pouring down? Don’t worry, we have you covered! Let us give you our top tips for a rainy day! While on some occasions you can get sun from blue skies, often our weather is unstable and rapidly changing between rain and sun. In the south western part of the country, we have quite a lot of wind too. If combined with rain, you might want to find some indoor activities for a few days and save your nature hikes and nature experiences for a sunnier day. We really won't blame you, at least not if you don't have Viking blood running through your veins!

So here they come; our top tips:

1. Visit our museums – we have lots of them! In addition, if you arrive during summer (June - August), the museums in Stavanger have a special offer for their guests. When purchasing a ticket at one of the museums, you will get 50 % discount on the next museum visit. The only thing you need to do, is show the receipt for the first museum visited. The offer is valid for 48 hours. We recommend that you visit several of the museums! Taking part in this summer offer, is MUST Museum Stavanger, the Museum of Archaeology and the Norwegian Petroleum Museum.

2. Visit a trampoline park - if you are travelling with kids and/or teenagers, you know that they need to move a lot not to get bored! We have two trampoline parks indoors; try either Freedome trampolinepark or Rush trampolinepark.

3. In need of some virtual reality? I mean, who isn't? This state-of-the-art Viking Centre in the middle of the centre of Stavanger is so much fun, and you actually get to learn about the history of Norway, mainly the Viking king Harold Fairhair. See the film The first King at Viking House - and you even get to be on board a Viking ship, it's beautifully decorated with hand carvings!

4. Visit Stavanger Cathedral where you are surrounded by the stories hidden in the walls! It's the only cathedral from the Middle Age that has kept its original architecture, and the only Norwegian cathedral in continuous use since the 1300s. Norway’s best-kept cathedral is located only a stone’s throw from the Stavanger harbour. Find more about opening hours and information about the cathedral. 

5. Bus sightseeing is ideal on a rainy day! During summer, or on request all year round, there are possibilities for guided bus tours. Viking Tour is one of them! Met by the Viking guide, who wears typical clothing from the Viking age, you will be led aboard the Viking bus, decorated to make you visualise fearless Vikings battling and raiding. To get the true Viking experience, you are during the tour offered to wear a Viking helmet. The tour includes stops at the Three Swords monument,where many brutal battles took place, as well as several other historical locations of great importance. Explore the longhouses at the Iron Age Farm, while the lady of the house demonstrates the daily chores from 1,500 years ago. The tour ends back in Stavanger city where you will have the possibility to visit the Viking Voyages exhibition at the Museum of Archaeology, free of charge. Complimentary tea or coffee will be served at the museum. You will receive your very own Viking diploma and can call yourself a true Viking! During the summer, there are also Hop on Hop off buses - buy tickets at the Stavanger tourist information centre.

6. Shopping is always a good idea, don't you agree? Rainy weather is certainly an excellent excuse to get rid of that extra cash you have lying around. We have one of the largest shopping centres in Norway here in the region; Kvadrat shopping centre with more than 160 shops and lots of restaurants. You could actually turn it into a shopping road trip! From Kvadrat, continue southwards on the E39 to Ålgård, where you will find Norwegian Outlet, with over 20 brand stores with a guaranteed discount of 30 - 70%. Their brands are: Nike, Bergans, Gant, Peak Performance, Helly Hansen, Norrøna, Le Creuset, Lee, Lexington, Follestad, Bjørn Borg, Craft, Kari Traa, Stormberg, Devold, Norli, Moods of Norway, Swix, Høyer, All Sport, Swims, Tweens, Hallhuber, Lille Vinkel Sko and 2XU. After a good shopping spree at the outlet, you could continue further on the E39, then make the turn on route 45 towards Byrkjedalstunet. At  Byrkjedal, there are several fun activities; one of them being shopping of course, however the place is also the perfect place for a meal while on road trip, their traditional Norwegian restaurant should not be missed. Also, if you are travelling with kids, they can make their own candles here. In addition, they offer accommodation should all this shopping have taken its toll on you.

7. Cinema - yes, it's allowed also on holiday! As we show most films in the original version, you'll have no problems following the film. Even kids' movies are often showed in its original language. What a better way to spend an afternoon or evening when the weather is really not on your side. So, stock up on that popcorn and get settled! Programmes for cinemas in Sandnes or Stavanger (choose your city via the link). 

8. Museum road trip - Start with Sandnes and Vitenfabrikken (the Science centre), an impressive museum with many activities for kids; including a cafe, exciting exhibitions and a planetarium, one of the few in the world by that standard. You can spend an entire day here if you have the time! Next on your list, continue to Vitengarden (the Science farm) at Nærbø, an interactive and large museum with farm animals (outdoors) and several more activities. 

9. Egersund on a rainy day - Egersund is a quaint harbour town south of Stavanger. Go by car via the Norwegian Scenic Route Jæren, and you can make some stops along the way. Hå old vicarage is one of the suggested stops, an art and cultural centre with exhibitions and a small cafe. Next to the vicarage, are remains of a settlement dating back 8,200 years. Read more about attractions along the Norwegian Scenic Route Jæren. In Egersund, start by visiting the Egersund Fayancemuseum (Egersund Pottery Museum). For more than 132 years, the factory in Egersund supplied the Norwegian people with pottery for all occasions. A/S Egersunds Fayancefabriks Co. had an unusually voluminous production, with a considerable range of models and decors. For the little ones, try out their activity play with clay! The Egersund church further merits a visit; the beautiful 17th century cruciform church, on the site originally known as Heidningeholmen, a place that has always been sacred and important. During the Viking age, the king’s Leidang ship moored here to collect taxes. The old transport routes on land and at sea all led to this place. The market square, formerly known as Lahedla and Hauen, is situated in immediate proximity to the church. Stay the night at the Grand Hotel Egersund - and eat at their high quality restaurant Eigra kjøkken & Bar. Their inspiration very much draws from local Norwegian produce, and they use modern techniques to give you a pleasant and exciting dining experience. How about fresh, crispy vegetables from Jæren, fish and shellfish from local fishermen and all different types of meat, both cured and fresh, from local farmers and producers? 

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