The best cultural experiences in Ryfylke and Haugesund

The Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke - a drive out of the ordinary

Are you on a road trip and want more than just asphalt and roundabouts? The Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke offers both spectacular scenery and exciting cultural experiences – perfect for those who want to combine driving with substance. This is not just a road, but an adventure route with plenty of places to stop. Take the time to visit Allmannajuvet, Svandalsfossen and Høsebrua – here you will find both dramatic landscapes and architecture. See more experiences along The Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke here.

Oversiktsbilde over utsiktspunktet og Lysefjorden.

Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke

The Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke through Ryfylke is one of the longest of Norway's 18 Scenic Routes. The route through Ryfylke – from Oanes by the Lysefjord to Hårå in Røldal – is 260 kilometres long and travels Rv. 13 and Fv. 520.

Høsebrua bridge and Sandsfossen at Sand

Høsebrua is a pedestrian bridge across the Suldalslågen river at Sand in Ryfylke, designed by Rintala Eggertsson Architects.

Historic Avaldsnes – where the Viking kings lived and ruled

Did you know that Avaldsnes is Norway's oldest royal seat? It was actually here that the Viking kings lived and ruled, and Harald Fairhair himself had his centre of power right here. From Avaldsnes, he controlled the shipping traffic through the sound that gave Norway its name: Norðvegr – Nordvegen – Norway. Would you like to learn more about this exciting history? Then take a trip to the Nordvegen History Centre and the Viking farm at Avaldsnes this summer.

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.

Hebnes Vingard in Ryfylke

Are you a little surprised? Yes, there is actually a vineyard in Ryfylke! The farm that produces wine is located in Hebnes, in surroundings that few people associate with grape growing. In summer, you can take a tour of the vineyards, gain an insight into the winemaking process and, of course, taste the finished product. So why pay a fortune to go to France or Italy when you can visit Hebnes Vingard in Ryfylke?

To personer som holder klaser med blå drue mellom vinrankene.

Wine tasting at the vineyard Hebnes vingard in Ryfylke

Hebnes vingard is idyllically located by the fjord at Hebnes, Ryfylke. Here you can visit the farm, take a guided tour and taste Norwegian wine.

The herring town of Haugesund

A lot has happened in Haugesund since herring laid the foundation for the town, but it is both interesting and nice to get a glimpse of how it once was. At the Museum in Dokken, located on Hasseløy in the centre of Haugesund, you can learn more about life in Haugesund 150 years ago. What did a shop look like in the old days? What did people eat? How did they live, and what was everyday life like in this small coastal town? Guided tours of Dokken are also offered throughout the summer – well worth a visit.

Experience Dokken – the Herring Museum in Haugesund – Haugalandmuseet

The open-air museum on the island of Hasseløy takes you back 150 years to the infancy of the herring town. Take a guided tour or explore the museum for yourself!

Museumsvert i Sildemuseet i Dokken — © Grethe Nygaard/Haugalandmuseet

Ryfylke through several hundred years

The Ryfylke Museum has branches throughout the region and gives you an insight into how life in Ryfylke has developed over several hundred years. Here you can learn about everything from lobster fishing and industry to old farmsteads, school buildings and everyday life as it once was. Start your visit at Nesjasjøhuset in Sand, which is the main site of the Ryfylke Museum and a good starting point for further exploration. After all, it's not a bad idea to come home from holiday with some new knowledge in your luggage, is it?

Unger som leker eventyret om Kvitebjørnen

Nesasjøhuset in Sand (Ryfylkemuseet)

The Nesasjøhuset (wharfhouse) at Sand in Ryfylke houses exhibitions, a museumshop, a café and the internactive childerns exhibition "Kvitebjørnen.

Charming Skudeneshavn

Skudeneshavn oozes summer idyll and has a relaxing, small-town charm that is easy to fall for. Stroll among white-painted wooden houses with an ice cream or coffee in your hand and soak up the wonderful atmosphere here. Visit Skudeneshavn Museum, Mælandsgården to learn more about the history of the place, and why not stay a night or two at one of the charming places to stay in the town? Did you know that the houses and boathouses in old Skudeneshavn are a listed heritage site?

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.

Flor & Fjære – an explosion of colours and flavours

Join a journey to this enchanting island filled with exotic flowers, beautiful gardens and white beaches. Flor & Fjære is a place unlike any other, far removed from what you would normally associate with the rugged climate of Western Norway. Here, lush nature and flavourful meals merge into an experience that will delight both your eyes and your taste buds.

Flere stoler og bord omringet av fargerike blomster og havutsikt

Have dinner among palm trees at Flor & Fjære

Flor & Fjære is a colourful and thriving restaurant and garden located on the island of Sør-Hidle in Ryfylke.

Kaktuser, grønne busker og fargerike blomster i hagen. — © Visit Ryfylke

Cultural experiences that add substance to your holiday

You don't have to travel far to experience culture, history and small-town charm. In Haugesund and Ryfylke, great cultural experiences are close at hand. So add a museum, a guided tour or a little detour to your holiday. It is experiences like these that give your trip substance.

More tips for experiences in Haugesund and Ryfylke

Accommodation you won't forget!

Here you will find accommodation in Haugesund and Ryfylke that is worth extending your holiday for – by a day or two!

Food experiences in Haugesund and Ryfylke you shouldn't miss

Good food is part of any holiday whether you're looking for local specialities, fresh seafood or a good cup of coffee with a view. In Haugesund and Ryfylke, you'll find several places that are worth a detour, for more than just the taste.

Nature experiences you will remember

You cannot visit Fjord Norway without filling your holiday with wonderful nature experiences. In Haugesund and Ryfylke, you can experience the iconic Preikestolen, hike to the top of Langfoss or enjoy the sunset from a SUP board.

Activities for the whole family in Haugesund and Ryfylke

Spice up your holiday with activities that children will actually want to join in! In Haugesund and Ryfylke, you can experience everything from Europe's largest mini golf course to mine tours, salmon safaris and Viking history.