Top 9 attractions in the Haugesund region

The island community of Utsira

The island community of Utsira is situated out at the ocean’s edge, a 70-minute boat trip from Haugesund. Wander around the island that, despite having no streets, nonetheless features world-class street art. Enjoy a delicious meal made from local produce at Dahmsgård restaurant. Who would have thought seaweed could be transformed into the most delicious dishes? And there are several options if you would like to spend the night there. The locals will tell you that you have to stay over to really get a sense of island life.

Lighthouse holiday on Utsira

Fancy a holiday out of the ordinary? Go on holiday to Utsira, where you can stay overnight in the old lighthouse keeper's house or the cosy cabin Nyperosa.

Dahmsgård Utsira

The small and intimate Dahmsgård restaurant is located on Utsira. With a focus on fresh seafood and local produce, they serve delicious dishes all year round.

Dalanaustet – restaurant and bar on Utsira

Dalanaustet is a bar and restaurant serving lunch and dinner in historic premises on Utsira. Dalanaustet also offers co-working for individuals and groups.

Street art at Utsira

On Utsira, you'll find small and large-scale artworks from recognised street artists from all over the world. Experience the street art on your own or with a local guide.

The island of Utsira | © Tove Grimsby

Avaldsnes – Viking royal seat

Experience Avaldsnes where the Viking kings once lived. For 3,000 years, chieftains and princes, and later Vikings, controlled the ships that entered and left Nordvegen, the way to the north, and which would subsequently give its name to the kingdom of Norway. Avaldsnes is considered to be Norway’s oldest royal seat, and was an important chieftain’s residence and royal seat long before the Vikings. St. Olav’s Church, the Nordvegen History Centre and the Viking Farm at Avaldsnes are important places to visit if you’re interested in Viking history. And if you weren’t interested in it before, you will be after your visit!

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.

The Viking farm at Avaldsnes

The Viking Farm is situated on a small island about a 20 minute walk from Nordvegen History Centre, which takes you through a fantastic cultural landscape.

St. Olav's church at Avaldsnes

St. Olav's Church is situated next to Nordvegen History Centre at Avaldsnes. It is strategically positioned on a hilltop, from where it was easy to watch over ships travelling through the Karmsundet strait.

Langfoss waterfall and the Åkrafjord

Visit the idyllic Åkrafjord and experience Langfoss waterfall, previously ranked one of the ten most beautiful waterfalls in the world. Nature is the star of this fjord! The accommodation providers and activities in the area provide an opportunity to embrace the surroundings and admire the landscape. You can climb one of Norway’s toughest Via Ferrata routes, hire a kayak or a canoe, go canyoning, go to the top of Langfoss waterfall or to the potholes at Rullestad. There are activities to suit everyone in the Åkrafjord, whether you’re looking for a rush of adrenaline or peace and quiet!

Langfoss Waterfall

Langfoss is located in the Åkrafjord, 1.5 hours from Haugesund and 40 min. from Hardanger. Experience the waterfall on a hike or on a fjord cruise for groups.

Via Ferrata Kyrkjeveggen

Via Ferrata Kyrkjeveggen is perhaps one of Norway's toughest? The route is about 900 metres long, and you'll be rewarded with beautiful views of the Åkrafjord on the climb.

Dame på tur til Jettegrytene i Rullestad

Guided tour to the giant potholes at Rullestad

The giant potholes at Rullestad are a spectacular natural phenomenon that dates back more than 10,000 years. These naturally sculpted potholes in the rock have been shaped by water and ice across millennia. The area has recently been granted UNESCO status and is part of Geopark Sunnhordland.

Fivelandsneset Fjordhytter in Åkrafjorden

Fivelandsneset Fjordhytter offers accommodation with fantastic views of the Åkrafjord. Here are two micro cabins that let you get close to nature.

Guided horse ride to Vikastølen in the Åkrafjord

Smiedal farm is located in the Åkrafjord and offers horseback riding tours on an Icelandic horse with a local guide.

Stemningsfylt på glamping i Åkrafjorden.

Åkrafjorden Glamping

Åkrafjorden Glamping, a unique place to stay in the wild, beautiful and untouched nature of Western Norway. They have two domes.

Utsikt over Åkrafjorden — Åkrafjorden|© Espen Mills

Condensed urban vibe in Haugesund

Haugesund is not all that big, but the town nonetheless offers small gems that are worthy of a much bigger city. Everything is in walking distance in Haugesund; nature, culture, shopping, restaurants and cafés. Visit charming niche shops, restaurants and cafés, learn more about the town’s history at a museum and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the coast. For many people, Haugesund is synonymous with the Sildajazz jazz festival and the Norwegian International Film Festival. But the town has lots more to offer, with cultural events all year round.

Haugesund Tourist Information

Haugesund Tourist Information is situated in Haugesund town centre, and is open all year round. The friendly staff can provide tips and practical information.

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.

Utsikt fra Thon Partner Hotel Saga i Haugesund

Thon Hotel Saga

Thon Hotel Saga is centrally located near Haraldsgata, close to the city's best experiences, dining, shopping and attractions.

Produksjon av glasskunst på verkstedet til Formbar Glassverksted.

Discover the Unique Glass Creations of Formbar Glassverksted in Haugesund

Formbar is a glass studio with a gallery and outlet in Haugesund city. Here you can experience glassblowing up close and buy local handmade glass and art.

Krimz Kramz, Haugesund

Krimz Kramz is an adventure of a shop in the centre of Haugesund. The shop offers a unique mix of new and vintage items, all treasures discovered by Benny on his global hunts.

Den Lille Bokbutikken (the little bookshop) in Haugesund

Charming independent bookshop in the centre of Haugesund. Here you will find a good selection of English books, and a magical universe of Harry Potter products.

The island community Røvær

The island community Røvær is a short boat trip from Haugesund. With a permanent population of just under 100, Røvær is a small community with a lot of community spirit and even more hospitality. You can visit Røvær Aquaculture Centre and learn more about Norway as a seafood nation, and the oldest house on the island, Hiltahuset, which is now a museum. The house provides an insight into the island’s history, and there is an exhibition in one of the rooms about the tragedy that befell the island in 1899. Røvær Kulturhotell, the only hotel on the island, offers accommodation and hosts teambuilding activities and cultural events. And, if that’s not enough, Røvær Sjøhus serves traditional dumplings throughout the summer. Surely worth noting!

Røvær Kulturhotell

Røvær Kulturhotell has 16 rooms. In addition to single and double rooms, you can also book a family room with a kitchen and cook your own meals.

Røvær Havbrukssenter

Røvær Havbrukssenter is located 25 minutes by boat from Haugesund city centre, on the island of Røvær. It's free to visit the centre, which gives you an insight into Norway as an ocean nation.

RIB - tours Røvær Havbrukssenter

Join an exciting RIB trip to the salmon farms at Røvær and get a unique insight into the Norwegian aquaculture industry. The tours run from April to September.

Enjoy sauna on the seaside at Røvær

Enjoy a refreshing sea bath and a warming sauna at Røvær. With its beautiful location right next to Røvær Kulturhotell, this is the perfect place to relax and unwind!

A string of white sandy beaches

The white sand dunes and the crystal clear water give you a sense of being far away in exotic climes. Both the Åkrasanden and Sandvesanden beaches are reminiscent of the Bahamas, but the bracing weather along the coast will quickly tell you otherwise. As well as being great places for a swim, the beaches are also perfect for walks. The weather in Western Norway also means the beaches are popular surfing and kiting destinations.

Åkra beach - Blue Beach

Åkrasanden, with an eco-labelled blue flag, is an elongated and child-friendly beach. In addition to swimming, it is also a popular spot for kiting and hiking.

Sandvesanden

Sandvesanden is one of Karmøy's finest beaches, at Sandve, north of Skudeneshavn. The beach is a popular spot for swimming and surfing.

Idyllic Skudeneshavn

At the southern tip of Karmøy lies the small town of Skudeneshavn. Stroll among white wooden houses and narrow streets, feel the sea breeze and the scent of salt air as you visit charming galleries, cafés, restaurants and the Skudeneshavn Museum. The town also offers several inviting places to stay – whether you prefer modern comfort or accommodation with history and character.

Skudeneshavn Museum, Mælandsgården

Skudeneshavn Museum, Mælandsgården, is situated in the beautiful Old Town of Skudeneshavn surrounded by wooden houses from the 1700s and 1800s. This old town grew in the 1800´s due to the great herring fishery.

Lundins Hotell - Skudeneshavn

Experience the perfect combination of historic charm and modern comfort at Lundins Hotell in Skudeneshavn - a historic hotel from 1853 with 3 double rooms.

Havn Hotell in Skudeneshavn

Havn Hotell is located in the centre of Skudeneshavn and has a total of 7 rooms and its own restaurant attached to the hotel.

Guided stand up paddle board (SUP) tour in Skudeneshavn with Saltråk

Guided SUP tour along the seafront of old Skudeneshavn.

Søragatå i Skudeneshavn. Vaskehuset. — Skudeneshavn|© Ørjan B. Iversen

Himakånå

Would you like to do a walk that offers great views? In such case, Himakånå is where you should head. Himakånå is often called the Trolltunga Rock’s little sister. This rock formation is, in many ways, reminiscent of the iconic Trolltunga, but this walk is more easily accessible, easier in general and more family friendly. The walk up only takes around an hour, and you can enjoy panoramic views of Lysevatnet lake, the Nedstrandsfjord and farms surrounded by lush forest. And remember to pack some tasty snacks in your rucksack to enjoy at the top!

Hike to Himakånå in Nedstrand

Himakånå, often called Trolltunga’s little sister, is a great hike that suits most people. The hike to the summit takes around one hour.

Ryvarden Culture Lighthouse

On the west coast of Norway, not far from Haugesund, you’ll find Ryvarden Lighthouse – a former lighthouse that now serves as a cultural venue and café. Situated right on the edge of the ocean, it invites visits in all kinds of weather. Come on a calm summer day when the sea is still and sailboats pass on the horizon, or arrive when the wind is howling and you can truly feel the power of the coast. You can visit on a day trip, or stay overnight either in the former lighthouse keeper’s house or in the popular Flokehyttene, operated by the Haugesund Trekking Association.

Ryvarden Lighthouse - accommodation

Spend the night at Ryvarden Kulturfyr in the lighthouse keeper's residence, with living room, kitchen, bathroom and 5 bedrooms. A unique coastal retreat!

Ryvarden Lighthouse and Cultural Centre - cafe

Ryvarden cultural lighthouse in Sveio has a café, art gallery, and shop, open Sundays and public holidays from March to November. The walk takes 30 minutes.

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.

More inspiration from the Haugesund region!

Find out more about the Haugesund region

Viking History in Haugesund

Discover Viking history in Haugesund, Norway – from Avaldsnes and Haraldshaugen to runes, daily life and the Viking Festival. Explore Norway’s oldest royal throne.

Unique places to stay in the Haugesund region

Planning a weekend or a longer holiday? The Haugesund region offers a variety of places to stay - from fjordside accommodation, historic houses and cabins by the sea.