YOUR NEW HOME
Stavanger, Sandnes & Rogaland
Everything you need to know about the region you now call home. From the Oil Capital of Norway to the breathtaking Pulpit Rock — Rogaland is full of surprises.
1125
Stavanger
founded
3rd
Largest city in Norway
22%
Immigrant population
604m
Pulpit Rock height
Stavanger
Oil Capital of Norway
Norway's 3rd largest city, founded in 1125. Home to Equinor HQ, University of Stavanger and a thriving international community. Over 22% of residents have an immigrant background.
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Sandnes
City on the fjord
Located just south of Stavanger, Sandnes forms the 3rd largest urban area in Norway together with Stavanger. Known for affordable housing, great schools and beautiful fjord scenery.
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Rogaland
Edge of Norway
The wider county encompassing Stavanger and Sandnes. Home to dramatic fjords, white sandy beaches, Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen) and Norway's best food scene including several Michelin-starred restaurants.
TRANSPORT
Getting around Rogaland
Bus
(Kolumbus)
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Main transport between Stavanger & Sandnes
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App: Kolumbus — buy tickets on phone
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Monthly pass available — very economical
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Routes cover all main areas
Cycling
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Very popular in Stavanger and Sandnes
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Safe dedicated bike lanes throughout
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City bikes (bysykkel) available to rent
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Great way to explore the city
Light rail (Bybanen)
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Connects Stavanger to Sandnes directly
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Fast and reliable — runs every 7–15 mins
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Same Kolumbus ticket works on light rail
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Great for commuters between cities
CLIMATE
Weather in Rogaland — what to expect
Rogaland has a mild coastal climate — warmer than most of Norway but also wetter! Prepare for rain year-round and enjoy surprisingly mild winters compared to other Norwegian cities.
SPRING
🌱
5–12°C
March–May.
Cool and fresh.
Rain likely.
Cherry blossoms in the city.
SUMMER
☀️
15–22°C
June–August.
Best time for hiking and beach.
Long daylight hours.
AUTUMN
🍂
8–14°C
Sept–Nov.
Wet and windy.
Beautiful autumn colours.
Cosy indoors.
WINTER
❄️
0–5°C
Dec–Feb.
Mild for Norway.
Rarely heavy snow.
Short days (5–6 hrs light).
Networking and Social Groups
Additional Expat Groups
Stavanger International Parents’ Group
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Stavanger International Parents’ Group on Facebook – Join this group to meet other international parents, ask questions and share information.
Åpne barnehager
Åpne barnehager are places where you meet other people who are usually home with the children. The open kindergarten (daycare) offers children and their caretakers the opportunity to interact with one another.
Åpne barnehager in Stavanger
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Dansehagen Åpen Barnehage (Hillevåg)
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IMI Åpen Barnehage (Tjensvoll)
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Storhaug Åpen Barnehage (closest to the city centre)
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Åpne barnehager in Sandnes
Activities for Children in Rogaland