Ullandhaug Tower
Iconic telecommunications tower offering unparalleled 360° views of Stavanger, nestled beside a beautiful botanical garden and park.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clearer views, fewer people
Ullandhaug Tower
Best Time
Clearer views, fewer people

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic telecommunications tower offering unparalleled 360° views of Stavanger, nestled beside a beautiful botanical garden and park.
"Excellent 360 views of Stavanger from this television tower at the highest point of the region."
Pack a Picnic 🍲
Bring snacks and drinks for a delightful picnic with a view.
Wear Comfy Shoes 🥾
Ideal for exploring the tower and surrounding gardens.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic City Views
Observation deck
Experience breathtaking 360-degree vistas of Stavanger, Hafrsfjord, and the North Sea from the tower's highest point.

Stavanger Botanic Garden
Adjacent to the tower
Wander through a beautiful, sheltered garden with diverse flora, offering a peaceful contrast to the tower's height.

Seasonal Light Displays
Ullandhaug Tower exterior
During festive seasons, the tower is often adorned with captivating light shows, creating a magical atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Views
What to Bring for Your Tower Trip
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack a Picnic 🍲
Bring snacks and drinks for a delightful picnic with a view.
Wear Comfy Shoes 🥾
Ideal for exploring the tower and surrounding gardens.
Check for Light Shows 🎄
Visit during holidays for enchanting Christmas light displays.
Combine with Park Visit 🌳
Explore Sormarka Park and the Botanic Garden nearby.
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack a Picnic 🍲
Bring snacks and drinks for a delightful picnic with a view.
Wear Comfy Shoes 🥾
Ideal for exploring the tower and surrounding gardens.
Check for Light Shows 🎄
Visit during holidays for enchanting Christmas light displays.
Combine with Park Visit 🌳
Explore Sormarka Park and the Botanic Garden nearby.
Great for Runners 🤾♂️
Connects to Sormarka Park for scenic runs.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Ullandhaug Tower for its breathtaking 360-degree views of Stavanger and the surrounding coastline. Many appreciate the opportunity for a pleasant walk or run in the connected park and the beauty of the adjacent botanical garden. Some note that access to the very top might be restricted, but the overall experience is highly positive.
"WOW so back in 2012, 2013, 2016 when I previously visited Stavanger I kept wondering what this structure was, and so in 2025 I found out and its really cool with the amazing views, the story around its construction, I should have visited it sooner, at least I managed to bring my family along for the memories :) so as many of you would have already read from other reviews you really can see far and wide, so if you are planning at some point to come here, do so but bring a snack and drink for a small picnic"
Robert Plant
"Beautiful views over the city from this Television Tower at the highest point of the region. Smell the nature all around, nice little stop off on a tour."
Brian Hurle
"Excellent 360 views of Stavanger."
David Thomas
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ullandhaug Tower is accessible by car, bus, or a pleasant walk from Sormarka Park. Public transport options are available, and it's a popular stop for cycling tours.
Yes, there is typically parking available near the tower, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Absolutely! The tower is connected to Sormarka Park, offering scenic walking and biking trails. It's a great route for an intermediate walk or run.
Yes, it's a notable point on routes like the Tour of Norway, offering beautiful scenery along the way.
For photography, consider arriving during golden hour for soft light on the tower and surrounding landscape. The drive or bike ride there also offers photo opportunities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the grounds and the base of Ullandhaug Tower is generally free. Access to the very top observation deck might have specific hours or restrictions, so it's good to check locally.
The tower grounds are usually accessible during daylight hours. Specific access to internal areas or the observation deck may vary, so it's best to check for current operating times.
While the surrounding area and park are free to enjoy, there might be a fee for accessing the tower's observation deck. It's advisable to confirm this upon arrival.
Visitors can often enjoy excellent views from the base and surrounding areas. Whether the very top observation deck is open to the public can vary, so inquire locally.
The tower is known for special events, particularly during the holiday season with impressive Christmas light displays.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a spectacular 360-degree view of Stavanger, the surrounding coastline, Hafrsfjord, and the North Sea.
Yes, it's a great spot for families. Kids can enjoy the open spaces, and the views are impressive for all ages. Consider bringing snacks for a picnic.
While there might be limited facilities directly at the tower, the nearby Sormarka Park and Stavanger University area may offer more amenities. Some reviews mention the possibility of getting an ice cream.
Take your time to walk around the observation points to get different perspectives. On a clear day, the visibility is exceptional.
Yes, Ullandhaug Tower is a fantastic spot for photography, offering panoramic cityscapes and natural scenery. The light shows add a unique photographic element.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) offers beautiful light for landscapes. Midday on a clear day provides maximum visibility for city panoramas.
It's ideal for landscape photography, cityscapes, and panoramic shots. The seasonal light displays also offer unique opportunities for night photography.
The main observation deck provides the classic 360-degree view. Exploring the surrounding park and gardens can offer interesting foreground elements for your shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions or long exposures, especially during light shows.
Drone regulations can vary. It's essential to check local rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone in the vicinity of the tower.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏃♀️ Active Visitors & Runners
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Construction of Ullandhaug Tower
Its strategic location on one of the highest points in the region was chosen for optimal signal transmission. Over the years, it has become a recognizable symbol of the area, often featured in local imagery and tourism promotions. The tower's design is functional, prioritizing its role in communication technology.
Interestingly, the tower has also become a canvas for creative expression. In recent years, it has been the subject of animated art, with creators drawing inspiration from its imposing structure, even likening it to Sauron's tower from Lord of the Rings. This artistic reimagining highlights how landmarks can evolve in cultural perception beyond their original purpose.
Exploring the Surroundings: Parks and Gardens
Furthermore, the tower is directly connected to Sormarka Park, a beloved recreational area for locals. This park is a hub of activity, popular for walking, running, and cycling. Visitors can enjoy the diverse flora and fauna, and it's not uncommon to encounter dogs, birds, bikers, and families enjoying the outdoors.
The combination of the tower, the botanic garden, and Sormarka Park makes for a well-rounded visit. You can easily spend a few hours exploring the different facets of the area, from the commanding views atop the tower to the serene paths of the gardens and the active trails of the park.
Seasonal Spectacles: Light Shows and Events
These light displays are not just simple illuminations; they often involve intricate patterns and animations, turning the tower into a beacon of holiday cheer. The visual impact is significant, making it a popular spot for evening visits during December. The creativity behind these displays has even led to comparisons with iconic fantasy structures, showcasing the tower's versatility as a visual landmark.
Beyond the Christmas season, the tower can also be a focal point for other local events or celebrations. Its prominent position makes it an ideal location for public gatherings or as a backdrop for televised events, such as stages of the Tour of Norway. Checking local event listings can reveal other opportunities to experience Ullandhaug Tower in a unique context.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit