Stavanger: City scavenger hunt with phone game

Summary

Wander Stavanger’s old streets & quirky museums on a playful city quest

You’ll explore Stavanger’s winding old town and lively harbor as you solve clues on your phone with friends or family. Pause for coffee or snacks whenever you want, chat with locals along the way, and discover quirky museums and hidden gardens at your own pace — it’s a playful way to see sides of Stavanger you’d probably miss otherwise.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I was skeptical about the whole “e-scavenger hunt” thing — I pictured some awkward app and us wandering around like lost tourists. But honestly, after our first clue led us into Gamle Stavanger, past those white wooden houses that look like they’ve been painted by hand every spring, I got hooked. My friend Liv kept stopping to peek into gardens (she swears she smelled lilacs even though it was barely spring), and we ended up chatting with an older guy fixing his fence who told us which house had the best Christmas lights in December. Not part of the game, but it felt like a win.

The questions took us through all sorts of corners — from the Norwegian Petroleum Museum (which sounds dry but has these weirdly satisfying buttons to press) to Skagenkaien where you can hear seagulls fighting over scraps near the boats. At one point we tried to outdo each other on who could pronounce “Valbergtårnet” better; Liv won, hands down. The app lets you pause whenever, so we grabbed cinnamon buns at a bakery near the cathedral — still warm, sticky fingers all over my phone screen after that.

I didn’t expect to learn so much about sardines (the canning museum is oddly fascinating), or that Stavanger Cathedral is the only medieval one in Norway that’s kept its original look. There’s something about piecing together clues while actually standing where things happened — it makes you notice details you’d walk right past otherwise. We finished by the old merchant buildings, sun low and everything kind of golden. Didn’t get top score, but I still think about that view over the rooftops.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Stavanger's Historic Sites

• Visit Gamle Stavanger historic area
• See preserved historic house and garden
• Discover Norwegian Petroleum Museum
• Walk along Skagenkaien boathouse
• Visit Stavanger Cathedral
• Explore the Canning Museum
• Climb Valberg Tower for city views
• Visit photography and contemporary art exhibition
• Explore cultural center with cinema and library
• See maritime history at merchants' buildings
• Learn about Kielland family history
• Visit Ledaal manor house and garden
• See Stavanger Theater building
• Walk Paseo por la calle in city center

Top questions

How long does the Stavanger scavenger hunt take?

You decide your own pace; most people spend 2–4 hours exploring and playing.

Is this e-scavenger hunt suitable for kids?

Yes, families with children can join; strollers and prams are welcome too.

Do I need to book a specific start time?

No set start time — you choose when to begin after booking.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible throughout Stavanger.

What do I need to bring for the scavenger hunt?

You just need a smartphone with internet access for the game instructions.

Are there breaks or places to eat along the route?

You can pause anytime; there are bakeries and cafes near main sites like the cathedral.

Does this include entry fees for museums?

No entry fees included; some museums along the route may charge admission if you want to go inside.

What’s included

Your day includes access to Europe’s most played city game for up to six people on your phone, flexible timing so you can start or pause whenever you like, plus tips for exploring historic neighborhoods and local museums as part of your self-guided adventure through Stavanger.