Cosiness and raw nature - discover Haugesund and the region in winter

City life, culture and nature in Haugesund

Haugesund offers a perfect balance between city life and nature experiences, all within short distances. Take a stroll along the Coastal Path, a fresh walk that offers wildlife, nature and cultural experiences. The fresh sea air and coastal landscape make for a great start to the day. For those looking for a bit of history on the tour, Haraldshaugen, Norway's only national monument, is a recommended stop. Further along the route, you can also discover art in the open air, with the sculptures ‘The rising tide’ standing at the water's edge, a great sight in any weather. If you want to do as the locals do, you can go for a winter swim in Kvalsvik and get warm again in front of the fire in the on-site bathing hut (note: you must bring your own equipment to light the fire).

Once you're back in Haugesund city centre, be sure to check out the many niche shops in town. Treasure hunting at Krimz Kramz, local glass art at Formbar and the charming Lille Bokbutikken should definitely be on your to-do list. For a cultural pick-me-up, visit the town's gallery, Haugesund Billedgalleri.

When evening falls and a good meal is in order, enjoy sushi from one of the world's best sushi chefs at Sabi Haugesund, fresh seafood at Naustet, or take a journey through local produce at Lothes Mat & Vinhus. With its coastal location, fish and seafood naturally characterise the menu at several of the city's restaurants, and at this time of year seafood is at its best! An overview of several restaurants can be found here.

After an eventful day, you can sleep well at Quality Hotel Maritim or Thon Hotel Saga, both centrally located. Start the day with a tasty breakfast before setting off on new adventures.

Historical refuelling in the kingdom of the Vikings

A trip to Haugesund is not complete without experiencing the region's rich Viking history. Visit Nordvegen History Centre at Avaldsnes and The Viking Planet in Haugesund city centre for a historical refresher. If you're at Avaldsnes outside opening hours, you can dive into the exciting Viking history with the help of the app Tilbakeblikk. Although the buildings at the Viking farm are closed in winter, we still recommend a walk in historic surroundings to Bukkøy (where the Viking farm is located).

Skudeneshavn in winter colours

A short distance south of Haugesund, you'll find Skudeneshavn, a charming place on Karmøy. Known for its white wooden houses and intimate streets, this small town is well worth a visit. Although the town is often associated with summer, it's definitely worth a visit in winter too. Here you can stroll through old Skudeneshavn and be charmed by the atmosphere and history. It's recommended to book a city walk and be served the rich history of the place by a local guide. City walks can be booked through Skudeneshavn Museum or GuideCompaniet. Remember to do this well in advance when planning your trip.

If you're the adventurous type, try something out of the ordinary - a refreshing winter swim followed by a sauna, or a leisurely SUP (stand-up paddle) ride along the coast. Rent a Twizy and head to Sandvesanden, a hidden gem a short drive from Skudeneshavn. Afterwards, enjoy a great meal at Havn Restaurant or Smiå Bistro and stay comfortably at Havn Hotell, Norneshuset or Gamlekaien. From here, you can enjoy sea views in cosy surroundings, while the winter darkness descends outside.

A short distance to Åkrafjorden - a secluded fjord gem

For those who want to get even closer to nature, a trip to Åkrafjorden is a must. From Haugesund, it only takes 1.5 hours by car to reach Åkrafjorden. Here you can experience Norwegian nature at its best, led by Langfoss, one of Norway's most beautiful waterfalls. You can also enjoy the fresh mountain air on a guided tour of the fjord or snowshoeing in the mountains with a local guide.

If you want to combine the nature experience with something extra, you can stay in the Microcabins in Åkrafjorden, which can accommodate 4 people. Here you can enjoy your morning coffee and a delicious breakfast overlooking the fjord. Alternatively, you can spend the night at Åkrafjorden Nature B&B, located in Fjæra. Whatever you choose, you'll have the nature experience of a lifetime!

A winter trip full of great experiences

Haugesund and Haugalandet offer a winter experience that is as relaxing as it is invigorating. For those who want to experience something other than skiing and snow, this is the place where you can find peace and quiet, enjoy good food, and at the same time experience magnificent coastal landscapes and the tranquillity of the fjord. From coastal trails to culinary experiences, from fjord saunas to historical walks - here you'll find a holiday full of great experiences.