Godalen Beach
A scenic coastal gem offering year-round cold water swimming, beautiful walking paths, and summer picnic spots.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds for picnics
Godalen Beach
Best Time
Beat the crowds for picnics
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic coastal gem offering year-round cold water swimming, beautiful walking paths, and summer picnic spots.
"The views are INCREDIBLE! The walk here is nice as you get to see some Norwegian housing and great views."
🚶 Walk from Downtown
Skip parking woes! A 30-min walk from Stavanger offers great views and a peaceful arrival.
🏊 Cold Water Ready?
Embrace the local tradition! Many swim year-round; join them for a truly invigorating experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Scenic Coastal Path
Surrounding Godalen Beach
Enjoy breathtaking ocean views and charming Norwegian houses on this beautiful walk.
Cold Water Swimming Spots
Along the beach
Join locals for a refreshing dip year-round with convenient ladders and platforms.
Summer Picnics & Grilling
Designated areas
Relax on the grass, enjoy sunshine, and utilize available grills during warmer months.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking Pains & Best Arrival
Year-Round Appeal & Activities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶 Walk from Downtown
Skip parking woes! A 30-min walk from Stavanger offers great views and a peaceful arrival.
🏊 Cold Water Ready?
Embrace the local tradition! Many swim year-round; join them for a truly invigorating experience.
☀️ Summer Grilling Fun
Grills are often available in summer. Pack your picnic and enjoy the sunshine by the sea.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Strolls
A lovely spot for walks with your dog, though parking can be a challenge.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶 Walk from Downtown
Skip parking woes! A 30-min walk from Stavanger offers great views and a peaceful arrival.
🏊 Cold Water Ready?
Embrace the local tradition! Many swim year-round; join them for a truly invigorating experience.
☀️ Summer Grilling Fun
Grills are often available in summer. Pack your picnic and enjoy the sunshine by the sea.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Strolls
A lovely spot for walks with your dog, though parking can be a challenge.
🎣 Fishing Caution
Fishing is not recommended due to potential sea floor pollution.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Godalen Beach is praised for its stunning coastal views and year-round appeal, especially for cold water swimming and scenic walks. Visitors appreciate the clean, organized environment and summer BBQ facilities. However, the significant challenge of finding parking is a recurring negative point, often leading to recommendations to walk from the city center.
"Great place for daily walks and swimming all year round! Usually there are others who practice cold water swimming that you can join them and enjoy the beautiful beach. In summer there is usually grill available, and possibly to sit on the grass by the beach and enjoy the sunshine 🌞"
Rozalin Aliramaei
"Third place in the city that I'm trying to drive to to have a nice walk and a splash with my dog, but no parking places ANYWHERE. It seems that people passing through the city (with a car that cant just magically disappear when they want to take a break from a driving and get some fresh air) are not welcome to any of the recreational areas. This is not a problem in any other city I've spent time in in norway"
Emma Crosby
"Beautiful coastal path for enjoying exercise and recreation. Many swimming spots with ladders and platforms too. A few.mins walk from downtown Stavanger but feels like a world away"
Richard Lansdowne
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most recommended way is to walk, which takes about 30 minutes and offers beautiful coastal views. You can also consider public transport, though parking is notoriously difficult if you plan to drive.
Parking at Godalen Beach is extremely limited and often full, especially during peak seasons and good weather. Arriving very early is advised if you intend to drive.
Cycling is a viable option, offering a pleasant ride along the coast. It's a good alternative to driving if you want to avoid parking issues.
While specific bus routes can vary, checking local Stavanger public transport (Kolumbus) for routes heading towards the area is recommended. Walking is often simpler and more scenic.
The coastal path offers a generally flat surface for walking, but direct beach access might be challenging. Swimming spots have ladders, which may not be suitable for everyone.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Godalen Beach is a public recreational area and does not have an entrance fee. You can visit and enjoy its amenities for free.
Godalen Beach is accessible at all hours, as it's an outdoor public space. However, amenities like grills are best enjoyed during daylight hours.
No booking is required to visit Godalen Beach. It's a public space open to everyone.
While generally open, it's advisable to check local regulations for any temporary restrictions. Fishing is not recommended due to potential pollution.
Yes, swimming is popular at Godalen Beach, especially for cold water enthusiasts. There are ladders and platforms to assist with entry and exit.
📸 📸 Photography
The coastal path offers stunning panoramic views of the sea and coastline. Look for interesting rock formations and the charming Norwegian houses lining the path.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, provides beautiful soft light for photography. Midday can be harsh, but offers clear views of the water.
Drone regulations can vary. It's best to check local aviation authorities for current rules regarding drone usage in public coastal areas. Always fly responsibly.
It's ideal for landscape photography, capturing coastal scenes, and lifestyle shots of people enjoying the outdoors. The changing weather can also add dramatic elements.
While there aren't distinct landmarks, the natural beauty of the coastline, the swimming platforms, and the unique Norwegian architecture in the vicinity make for great photographic subjects.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dedicated restaurants or cafes directly at Godalen Beach. You'll need to bring your own food or head back towards Stavanger city center for dining options.
Absolutely! Godalen Beach is a fantastic spot for picnics, especially in the summer. There are grassy areas perfect for spreading out a blanket.
Yes, grills are usually available during the summer months, making it a great place for a BBQ. Remember to check if they are operational during your visit.
Bring your favorite picnic food, drinks, a blanket, and any necessary utensils. If planning to use the grills, bring charcoal and grilling tools.
Fishing is not recommended by the municipality due to potential pollution of the seabed, so it's best to avoid consuming locally caught seafood.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during summer mornings to enjoy the picnic and grilling areas before they get too crowded. The relatively short walk from Stavanger also makes it an accessible outing. Be mindful of the cold water if planning any swimming activities with children.
🚶♀️ Active Explorers & Walkers
Don't miss the opportunity to try cold water swimming if you're feeling adventurous. The accessible entry points make it easier to dip into the refreshing waters.
🧘♀️ Peace Seekers & Nature Lovers
Even outside of summer, the beach is a wonderful place for quiet walks and reflection. The year-round appeal means you can visit whenever you need a moment of calm. While swimming is popular, simply sitting by the water and enjoying the views can be incredibly restorative.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Embracing the Cold: Year-Round Swimming
If you're new to cold water swimming, it's always wise to start gradually and listen to your body. You might find other swimmers practicing their dips, and they are often happy to share tips or welcome newcomers. The sense of community among cold water swimmers here is palpable.
Beyond swimming, the beach itself is a beautiful place for daily walks. The surrounding coastal path provides stunning vistas, making it a perfect spot for exercise and enjoying the fresh sea air any time of year.
Navigating Godalen Beach: Parking and Access
As a result, walking from Stavanger city center is a highly recommended alternative. The approximately 30-minute stroll offers a pleasant journey along the coast, allowing you to appreciate the scenery and local architecture without the worry of finding a parking space.
For those who prefer not to walk the entire way, exploring public transport options in Stavanger is advisable. While direct routes might vary, checking with local transit authorities can provide viable alternatives to driving and dealing with parking limitations.
Godalen Beach: A Summer Haven
It's a place where you can engage in various sports activities or simply unwind with a good book and a coffee. The super clean and organized nature of the area adds to the pleasant experience.
While the beach itself might not be a traditional sandy expanse, the incredible views and the overall atmosphere make it a must-visit. The walk to the beach from the city center is also highlighted as a scenic part of the experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit