Fargegaten - Øvre Holmegate - The colourful street

It was hairdresser Tom Kjørsvik who came up with the idea of completely renewing this previously quiet and rather dull street, Øvre Holmegate. Kjørvik's vision was to pump some new and much-needed life into the street, a process that proved to be a lengthy one; it lasted more than four years. The artist Craig Flannagan created the colour scheme for the painting of the houses and the plan had to be approved by landlords and the city council, a process not necessarily done in a flash. The new colours did eventually come into place though, and it truly livened up the street.

From overlooked to a tourist icon

At first, many people were sceptical of the bright colour palette when the project was finally approved by the council. However, scepticism quickly turned to enthusiasm once the finished project was a fact. Øvre Holmegate is now one of the major attractions in Stavanger. Locals call the street Fargegaten (the street of colours). The street was further closed to car traffic in 2005, and it has since been a pedestrian street with life and vibrance. Cafes, bars and shops were established over the years, providing a draw for visitors.

Niche shopping, cordial pubs, a hairdresser and a barbershop

In Fargegaten, you get to act like a typical tourist with your selfie stick if you please; the street is probably one of the most Instagram-friendly places in Stavanger. However, exploring doesn't end there. Fittingly, there are colourful shops here with colourful people; such as dress shops Den Syvende Himmel or Kjoledamen. Or do you like to sew? There is even a sewing shop. You can furthermore fix your hair at a hairdresser or maybe have your hipster beard shaved in a real barbershop. If you are a little more fearless, you may get a tattoo as well. And who would have thought that you could find a shop that makes clothes with handmade silkscreen prints - the Kant shop also has local souvenirs, and owner Frode is always ready for a chat. All possible in the colourful street. After your credit cards are all maxed out, you can sit down and just enjoy life at one of the cosy, pleasant cafes or bars. A mug of coffee or tea, a glass of a local brew or a good vintage wine. #fargegaten here we come!

More Stavanger attractions

Old Stavanger

Old Stavanger is located on the west side of Vågen in the city centre and comprises 173 wooden buildings.

Valbergtårnet tower

The Valberg tower (Valbergtårnet) was constructed from 1850 to 1853 and was the former observation tower of Stavanger. The architect was Chr. Grosch.

Stavanger Cathedral

Stavanger Cathedral is 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.

Sleep well in one of these hotels close to Fargegaten

Hotel Victoria in Stavanger

Stavanger's oldest hotel, Hotel Victoria with its modern facilities is a natural meeting place for tourists, business travellers and locals.

Thon Hotel Stavanger

Thon Hotel Stavanger has a goal to be «your home away from home». They have made the hotel designed especially for casual and business travellers with a taste for high standards in service and comfort.

Eilert Smith Hotel in Stavanger

Eilert Smith Hotel, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of The World, is the place for those seeking tranquillity and top quality, yet located in the city centre.

Get inspired!

Explore more of what Stavanger has to offer.

Top 9 things to do in Stavanger

Stavanger is known for street art, food, culture and proximity to mesmerising nature attractions such as Preikestolen, the Lysefjord, Kjerag, Dalsnuten, Flørli, Flor & Fjære as well as a myriad of islands near Stavanger.