Haugesund

In the footsteps of the Vikings

This exciting Haugesund region extends from the open sea in the west to the fjord and mountain landscape in the east. A host of nature-based adventures await visitors who want to experience the contrasts in the fantastic scenery of Western Norway. You can walk in the Vikings’ footsteps, visit the islands of Røvær and Utsira and see perpendicular mountains and cascading waterfalls in the beautiful Åkrafjord.

Festivals in Haugesund and Haugalandet

Haugesund, which is the regional centre for more than 100,000 people, has everything you need for a blast of urban life; culture, shopping, restaurants and charming cafés. Festivals and cultural events are organised all year round for people of all ages. The two biggest festivals, Sildajazz jazz festival and the Norwegian International Film Festival Haugesund are held every August.

Meetings, conferences and events

Are you planning a meeting, conference, or event in Haugesund and the Haugalandet region? Click here for more information about the support we can offer, venues, technical assistance, activities, team building, accommodation, as well as dining options and catering for large and small groups.

The Viking destination in Fjord Norway

If you want to learn more about the Vikings, Haugesund and the region is the place to visit, because this is where the Viking kings lived and had their royal seat. Explore Viking history and find your inner Viking through exciting experiences.

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Activities in Haugesund & Haugalandet

What to do in Haugesund? Fill your stay with exciting experiences, everything from action-packed activities, relaxation in beautiful scenery or interesting cultural events.

The Rising Tide by Jason DeCaires Taylor

The Rising Tide by Jason DeCaires Taylor is located in Kvalsvik just north of Haugesund. The Rising Tide was originally set in the Thames in London.

RIB safari in Haugesund - Viking Adventure

Join a fun Rib tour in Haugesund with Viking Adventure. Experience Haugesund's beautiful coastline and discover hidden gems. Duration approx. 2 hours.

Nordvegen History Centre

Avaldsnes is home to the Nordvegen History Centre, St. Olav’s Church and the Viking Farm. Explore the cultural landscape on your own or join a guided tour.

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Recommended places to visit

Check out the highlights of the Haugesund region, from Viking history to idyllic island communities.

Haugesund, located between Bergen and Stavanger, offers spectacular scenery, rich history and exciting experiences. Plan your visit to Haugesund here.

Avaldsnes

Avaldsnes is a village of great historical importance, on the island of Karmøy just off Haugesund. Avaldsnes may be best known as the main seat of the Viking and first King of Norway, Harald Fairhair. However, kings and chieftains lived at Avaldsnes for thousands of years, all the way back to the early Bronze Age and throughout the Viking Age.

Åkrafjorden and Langfoss

Åkrafjorden is a hidden gem in Western Norway, perfect for fjord adventures. Just 1.5 hours from Haugesund and under 2 hours from Stord, nature, activities, and unforgettable experiences await!

Utsira

Utsira is an island west of Haugesund, and it is Norway’s smallest municipality in terms of population. The island is known for its rich birdlife and world-class street art.

Skudeneshavn

Skudeneshavn - a coastal town with wooden houses and an idyllic atmosphere about 50 minutes by car from Haugesund. Perfect for both day trips and longer stays!

Røvær

Røvær is a group of islands 25 minutes by boat from the centre of Haugesund. The island has no cars and a population of around 80.

Ryvarden

Ryvarden lighthouse is situated in Sveio municipality, 25 minutes by car from Haugesund and 40 minutes from Stord. The lighthouse itself is a half-hour walk from the car park, on a headland facing the piece of water known as Sletta in the North Sea.

Åkrasanden and Åkrehamn

Åkrasanden is an area of beaches on the west coast of Karmøy, just off Haugesund. It has been voted the most beautiful beach in Norway several times.

Karmøy

Karmøy is a municipality and an island in Rogaland county. The island is home to three small towns: Kopervik, Åkrehamn and Skudeneshavn.

Etne

Etne Municipality is in the south of Vestland county and is known for its rich cultural heritage and beautiful scenery. Experience Langfoss waterfall, Åkrafjorden and endless hiking possibilities in the Etne mountains!

Sveio

In Sveio, the conditions are perfect for an active holiday. Experience Ryvarden Lighthouse and Cultural Centre, Flokehyttene cabins and one of Norway’s most beautiful 18-hole golf courses!

Tysvær

Tysvær is known for its many fjords, mountain tops and idyllic rural communities. Experience Himakånå mountain, the Arquebus War History Museum and visit the Tysværtunet Cultural Centre!

Bokn

The Bokn archipelago consists of three inhabited islands and many small uninhabited islands. Three bridges connect the three main islands to the mainland in the north, and is reminiscent of Haugalandet's very own Atlantic Road.

Vindafjord

Vindafjord is a municipality in Haugalandet consisting of 9 lively villages. Vindafjord has countless areas to hike, most notably the area around Olalia Fjellstove mountain lodge, which attracts many visitors all year round!

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What’s on in Haugesund?

A complete overview of what’s on in Haugesund region!

Karmøygeddon Metal Festival 2026

Karmøygeddon Metal Festival is an annual festival that takes place in Kopervik on Karmøy.

The Norwegian international Film Festival

The Norwegian Film Festival in Haugesund is a showcase for national and international film, and is held every year in August.

Sildajazz in Haugesund

Sildajazz is an annual music festival organised in Haugesund in August. 5 eventful days are filled with music from national and international artists.

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Plan your visit to Haugesund & Haugalandet

You can find an overview of accommodation in the Haugesund region here.

Panoramahyttene - Karmøy

The Panoramahyttene cabins at Sandhåland offer accommodation with spectacular views of the sky, sea and elements. They can sleep up to four adults.

Flokehyttene

Experience stunning seaside architecture at Flokehyttene in Sveio, just north of Haugesund. Get close to nature and feel its raw power in this unique setting.

Quality Hotel Maritim

Quality Hotel Maritim is located by Smedasundet in the centre of Haugesund. With 311 rooms, restaurants and well-known venue for conferences and events.

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Be inspired

We have gathered some articles together here written by people who know the Haugesund region well. Browse through the pages for inspiration and put together the perfect trip to Haugesund for you. Maybe you’ll even discover some hidden gems?

Christmas Viking style

The fire in the longhouse was lit, and friends and family gathered to enjoy good food and drink. Christmas, or Jòl as it was called, was one of the Vikings’ most important festivals.

Step into Norway’s storybook: Nature and myth still sit side by side in Haugesund and Ryfylke

If you ask Norwegians why their country looks the way it does, you won’t just get geology. You’ll get tales of giants, musicians hidden behind waterfalls and trolls caught by sunrise. Here on the west coast, especially around Haugesund and Ryfylke, nature and myth still sit side by side.

Langfoss sett fra båt på Åkrafjorden, mann og dame på tur.

Nine good reasons to visit Haugesund & Haugalandet

Haugesund & Haugalandet is a region full of contrasts that extends from the ocean in the west to the Åkrafjord in the east! Here are nine good reasons to visit the region!

Your guide to Haugesund!

Experience Haugesund on foot, and see historical monuments, learn about industrial history and enjoy a rich cultural and café scene.

Try our travel planner!

Find activities and accommodation and put together your itinerary. Use the map to navigate, find activities that match your interests, and view the route in the map. Download our app and carry your itinerary in your pocket, and find experiences along the way.

Would you prefer it on paper? Print out your itinerary, and you’ll have it handy at all times!

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