The Best Travel Guide to Haugesund

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Haugesund

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Overview

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Haugesund The guide was updated: 2023-02-03

The small town of Haugesun boasts a broad spectrum of natural beauty, ranging from a vast and wild coastline to snow-capped mountains with cascading waterfalls flowing into the fjords. Haugesund is known as the homeland of the Vikings, as the area used to hold the royal seat of ancient Viking kings. Today, it is a prime travel destination that encapsulates everything Norway has to offer: fjords, waterfalls, mountains, rugged coasts, and an eclectic city culture full of fascinating history and a forward-thinking spirit.

Facts

Population:	37,444 (2022)
Currency:	Norwegian Kroner (NOK), 1 krone = 100 øre
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	Emergency: 112
Opening hours:	General opening hours are from 9am–7pm on weekdays and 9am–4pm on Saturdays. Shopping centres have extended opening hours and are generally open from 9am–9pm on weekdays and 9am–6pm on Saturdays. All shops are closed on Sundays.
Tourist information:	Haugesund Tourist Information Centre Haraldsgata 131, Haugesund Opening hours: Mon–Fri 10am–5pm, Sat 10am–3pm +47 52 01 08 30

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Section in Haugesund

Haugesund is a buoyant centre for cultural and sporting events, as well as a launch pad used by many to explore the fascinating natural surroundings in the area. Additionally, the Norwegian International Film Festival is held in Haugesund every year and the town likes to project itself as Norway’s Cannes.

Langfoss Waterfall

Langfoss Waterfall

Explore the fantastic waterfall that has been rated as the number one waterfall by worldofwaterfalls.com. This is possibly one of the most beautiful cascade waterfalls in the world. The river spills over the side of a long mountain slope before it joins the waters of the Åkra Fjord. You can easily reach the waterfall by car.

Skudeneshavn

Skudeneshavn

Skudeneshavn is a pearl in the West. At the southernmost tip of Karmøy, where the lighthouses peer out over Skudefjord and the North Sea, lies the charming harbour and fishing village of Skudeneshavn. In the early nineteenth century, herring fishing led to rapid prosperity and the growth of the historically fascinating district called the Old Town.

Fjord Walks

Fjord Walks

In Haugesund you can come close to the essence of Norway with the beautiful fjords, rivers and lakes. A variety of trails give a splendid view of the landscape that can be explored all year around.

Winter Activities

Winter Activities

Haugesund and its surroundings offer a powder paradise for both alpine and cross-country skiers within a 30-90 minutes drive. Especially the Røldal Ski Destination is famous for its frequent snow fall and good skiing conditions.

Steinsfjellet

Steinsfjellet

Steinfjellet provides an absolutely fantastic panoramic view of the city and surrounding area. Rest your eyes on Haugesund and the North Sea from a height of 227 metres above sea level.

Haraldshaugen

Haraldshaugen

The national monument of the Unification of Norway was erected in 1872. This was done during the centennial celebrations of Norway’s unification into one kingdom.

Haugesund Town Hall

Haugesund Town Hall

The Town Hall was designed by the architects Gudolf Blakstad and Hermann Munthe-Kaas and was given as a gift to the town. It opened officially in 1931 and the park opened in 1949. The Town Hall is one of the most famous buildings in Norway and contains a wealth of artistic decorations.

Krosshaugen

Krosshaugen

Krosshaugen is a stone cross dating from the earliest Christian period in Norway (about 1000 AD). This location has functioned as a Parliament site and the cross may be a monument to the farmers who converted to the Christian faith during sessions of Parliament. It is believed that Christian mass was performed beside these stone crosses before churches were built.

The Sluices in Skjoldastraumen

The Sluices in Skjoldastraumen

The only salt-water sluice in Norway dates back to 1908 and is still in full working condition. There is an annual Sluice Festival in Skjoldastraumen, as well.

Røvær

Røvær

Røvær is an idyllic group of islands situated 10 kilometres west of Haugesund that has a population of approximately 100 people. The islands are home to an abundant plant and bird life and are also a great place for fishing.

Utsira

Utsira

About an hour ferry ride from Haugesund lies the small island of Utsira. Long heralded as a wonderful place for bird-watching, it has recently emerged as a prime centre for street art, even though the island has no streets. There are about 70 pieces spread out all around the island, giving visitors yet another reason to explore it to the fullest.

Boat/Rafting Tour

Boat/Rafting Tour

To get a true feeling of the Haugalandet area, you must view it from the water. The rocky landscapes have a barren beauty to them, and navigating through fjords and stones is a unique Norwegian experience. Ravnafloke offers 1-hour boat and rafting tours, as well as all manner of outdoor activities.

Djupadalen

Djupadalen

Djupadalen is a lovely forest and recreational area located very near the city centre of Haugesund. It is a very popular place for hiking, as there is an approximately 10km track running through it, and it is also possible to swim in the small Eivindsvannet lake in the warmer summer months.

Museum Farm at Ørpetveit

Museum Farm at Ørpetveit

Travel back in time to the somewhere between 1850 and 1950 at the Museum Farm at Ørpetveit. Discover how a traditional local farm functioned by visiting the farmhouse, barn, well, hencoop and cowshed and see all the parts of a working farm.

Nordvegen History Centre and Viking Settlement

Nordvegen History Centre and Viking Settlement

At the Nordvegen History Centre and Viking Settlement you can be a viking for a day. This authentic Viking Village and the History Centre at Avaldsnes give you the opportunity to see and feel the life of the Scandinavian Vikings that lived here a thousand years ago.

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