Discover Haugesund and Ryfylke with People of the North

What happens when adventurous people like Arne Hjeltnes and Stig Bareksten set course for Western Norway with People of the North? You get a journey that has it all: history, nature, culture, and flavors.

Norway's birthplace and the Vikings' royal seat

When most people hear the name Norway, the image of Vikings often comes to mind first; tough men with swords and ships. But the truth is that the Vikings were much more than warriors. They were traders, farmers, and craftsmen, and women held a stronger position than many might think.

One of the best places to experience Viking history is Historic Avaldsnes, just outside Haugesund. This is Norway's oldest royal seat, and it is here that Harald Fairhair, the man who united Norway into one kingdom, had his royal seat. Avaldsnes is located by the shipping route that gave the country its name. Norway is not named after a country or a people, but after Norðrvegr – Nordvegen – “the way north,” the route that has connected the coast for thousands of years.

At Avaldsnes, you can visit the Nordvegen History Center, the Viking Farm, and the beautiful Olavskirken. Here you get a special feeling you get a real sense of standing in the middle of history, surrounded by places that were important long before America was discovered. Tim from People of the North is often here, and he is happy to share his knowledge about the Vikings and their everyday life.

And you? Once you are at Avaldsnes, you should also take a trip to the Visnes Mining Museum, which is nearby. Here you will find a mini version of the Statue of Liberty in New York, the copper used for the original statue came from here. In the 1800s, Visnes was Europe's largest copper mine and the first in Norway to have a telephone. Today, you can wander among old buildings, learn more about mining history, and see how a small place on Karmøy made its mark on world history.

In Sig Hansen's footsteps

From the Viking Age to modern-day sailors: many people know Sig Hansen from the TV series The Deadliest Catch. But did you know that he actually comes from a small coastal town outside Haugesund? Åkrehamn, or Åkra as the locals say, has a long tradition of fishing and seafaring, and is today known for one of Norway's most beautiful sandy beaches.

Here, Sig Hansen has bought and restored the old herring salting factory Mortholmen. For him, this is more than just a building, it is a piece of living family history. His own grandmother worked here during the great herring period, when herring was the lifeblood of the region. Now Sig wants to open the doors to more people and let visitors experience this maritime gem in the ocean. Visiting Åkrehamn is to see Norwegian coastal culture up close, and for anyone who has followed Sig Hansen on TV, this is a unique opportunity to experience the place he still calls home.

Island vacation to Norway's smallest municipality

From Åkra, the journey continues even further out into the ocean – to Utsira, Norway's smallest municipality and a place with an incredible amount of soul. For Arne Hjeltnes, the island was the final stop on his journey to visit all of the country's municipalities, and for People of the North, the encounter with the island was very special. It says a lot that over half of the inhabitants turned up when they arrived, a level of hospitality that is rarely experienced.

Utsira can only be reached by boat from Haugesund, and even for those of us who live in the region, the trip feels exotic. Locally, they call themselves Sirabuer, and they are happy to share stories about what it’s like to live out in the North Sea, on an island that feels like a world of its own.

Newcomers also fall head over heels. At Dahmsgård, you can sample locally sourced, homemade food at Daniella's, who moved here from the Netherlands with her husband. As she says: “This is the best island in the world to live on!” And she knows what she's talking about. For her, a random Google search was the start of a whole new and different life. On a small island, far out in the Norwegian Sea.

Jazz and “komle” in perfect harmony

When the boat takes you back to Haugesund, a completely different atmosphere awaits you: city life with shopping, cultural events, and festivals all year round. Perhaps best known is the Sildajazz festival, where both national and international artists fill the streets with music in August. A regular (and important) tradition on the program is Komlejazz on Røvær. Here, jazz is combined with komle, the traditional dish with potato ball from Western Norway. As Arne Hjeltnes says: “Not partucularly fancy, just pure comfort food!”

From coast to fjord - accommodations that will take your breath away

A trip to Norway is not only about what you see, but also where you stay. Accommodation can be an experience in itself, and few places offer the peace and closeness to nature that you find here in Western Norway.

Near Haugesund you will find Panoramahyttene, where you stay close to the coastal landscape, surrounded by sea and wild nature. In Ryfylke, you can stay at The Bolder, spectacular cabins that seem to float above the fjord. Here you wake up to silence, fresh air, and breathtaking views.

The combination of fjord and coast gives you the best of both worlds, and both promise experiences you’ll dream about long after you’ve returned home. These are not just places to sleep, but unforgettable experiences to fill your memory book with.

Fjord cruise on Lysefjorden - a bucket list experience

After experiencing both coastal and island life, a completely different side of Western Norway awaits: the fjords. With Helgøy Skyssbåt, you can join a journey through Norwegian nature; deep fjords, cascading waterfalls, and steep mountains. The highlight is the iconic Preikestolen, which rises 604 meters straight up from the fjord. From the boat, you get a unique perspective of the mountain plateau that is known throughout the world.

The fjord cruise is available all year round, and the light and atmosphere change with the seasons. Summer brings long, luminous evenings, autumn paints the mountains in warm colors, while winter and spring offer dramatic contrasts between snow-capped peaks and green valley sides.

A taste of Norway in Ryfylke

After taking in the many impressions from the fjord trip, it's time to experience Ryfylke in a slightly different way: through its flavors. As we say in Norway: “Uten mat og drikke duger helten ikke (without food and drink, the hero is no good)”. And in Ryfylke, you're never far from a good meal. The region abounds with local producers who supply high-quality ingredients, everything from salmon and cheese to cider, wine, and halibut – all proudly made in this region.

Among the best known is Sterling White Halibut, farmed in Ryfylke. This halibut is in demand far beyond Norway's borders and is often referred to as the best you can get. It is delivered to selected hotels and restaurants all over the world, but here you can actually taste it on home turf, or buy it from selected stores.

For those who want to combine nature experiences with local flavors, there are several farm shops, small restaurants, and cider producers in the area. Here you can meet the people behind the products, hear their stories, and perhaps take a little taste of Ryfylke with you home.

At one with the salmon at Mo Laksegard

The journey continues to Suldal, and to an experience that few can brag about: swimming side by side with wild salmon in the river. At Mo Laksegard, you’ll slip into a wetsuit and mask, then let the current of the Suldalslågen River carry you downstream. If you are lucky, the salmon will swim alongside you. It is quiet, wild, and surreal all at the same time.

When you come out of the river, the warmth of a campfire and freshly made pancakes await, the perfect ending to an adventure you’ll be talking about for a long time.

In addition to salmon safaris, Mo Laksegard offers river expeditions, guided salmon and trout fishing, sauna, and accommodation.

A design gem in Suldal

The journey ends in Suldal, where hydropower and design history meet at the Energihotellet. The hotel, run by husband and wife Gunhild and Olav, was designed in the 1960s by the renowned architect Geir Grung. The building is an early example of modernist architecture in Norway and has since become a small icon.

Here you will find several original design classics, a restaurant serving delicious meals made from local ingredients, and, last but not least, the wild Norwegian countryside right outside the door. Energihotellet is a place where history, architecture, and nature experiences merge, offering a truly unique setting for the final destination of your journey.

Follow in the footsteps of the People of the North

From Viking history to fjords, island life, and modern design, this journey through Haugesund and Ryfylke showcases some of the very best Norway has to offer.

And now it’s your turn! Travel to Norway and follow in the footsteps of People of the North. We promise you an unforgettable journey filled with nature, culture, and true Norwegian hospitality.