Things to do in Haugesund on a cruise

Haugesund offers a great mix of Norwegian nature, culture, history and small-town life – all within easy reach when you come ashore from your cruise ship. Below you’ll find an overview of the most popular things to do in the region, whether you prefer exploring on foot, joining a guided tour, diving into Viking history, experiencing genuine west coast scenery or simply enjoying the town centre.

Top attractions in Haugesund

Haugesund and the surrounding area have several highlights that cruise visitors love;from Viking history at Avaldsnes to the powerful Langfoss waterfall in Åkrafjorden. If you want a quick overview, take a look at “Top 9 reasons to visit Haugesund and Haugalandet”, which gives a good impression of what the area is known for.

Viking history in Haugesund

The Viking Age is strongly rooted in the Haugesund area. Several Viking kings lived and ruled here, and you can still see traces of their presence today. Popular places to visit include:

Avaldsnes – Norway’s oldest royal seat
The Viking Planet Haugesund – modern storytelling and Viking experiences
Haraldshaugen – Norway’s national monument

For more inspiration, you can read about Viking experiences in Haugesund here.

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 Planet Haugesund

The Viking Planet is a digital museum in the centre of Haugesund that tells the local Viking history. Suitable for both children and adults.

Popular hiking trails and nature experiences

If you want to explore west coast nature, there are many excellent walking and hiking options, from short strolls to longer day trips:

The Coastal Path with The Rising Tide and Haraldshaugen
Djupadalen and Haraldsvang – scenic nature close to the town centre
Himakånå – often called "Trolltunga's little sister”
Langfoss hike – a spectacular hike to the viewpoint along one of the world’s most beautiful waterfalls
Åkrasanden to Ferkingstad - a hike along the beach
Kringsjå – available through organised tours with Viking Adventure

Kyststien (coastal path)

The coastal path, north of Haugesund, is popular for walks. Experience Norway’s only national monument, Kvalen Lighthouse and The Rising Tide sculptures.

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.

Guided tour to Kringsjå and ‘The Rising Tide’ - Viking Adventure

Join a guided tour to Kringsjå farm in Haugesund, followed by a stop at Haraldshaugen and The Rising Tide. Suitable for both children and adults, and lasts approximately 3 hours.

Sightseeing in Haugesund and the region

If you want to see as much as possible in a short time, there are several sightseeing options that take you around Haugesund and the nearby area without long walks. Viking Adventure offers a range of popular tours for cruise passengers, available for pre-booking or directly at the cruise pier. You can also join Hop-On Hop- Off Strømma, City Train Haugesund, Hop-on Hop-off, or experience Haugesund from the air with Scandinavian Seaplanes.

City Train Sightseeing in Haugesund

Sightseeing for the whole family! Experience Haugesund's history and sights with the City Train. Audio guide in 8 languages.

Hop on - hop off buss parkert foran Haraldstøtta i Haugesund.

Hop On Hop Off - sightseeing Haugesund

See more of Haugesund’s attractions on the Hop on Hop off bus. The buses are equipped with an audio guide and operate on days when cruise ships call.

Hop On-Hop Off Bus in Haugesund

Experience Haugesund and Karmøy with Hop On-Hop Off. The bus stops at Avaldsnes, Visnes mining museum, Haugesund Town Hall and Haraldshaugen.

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.

Guided e-bike tour in Haugesund - Viking Adventure

Guided electric bike tour to Norway's national monument Haraldshaugen and The Rising tide. The tour is with a local guide and lasts approximately 2 hours.

Things to do in Haugesund – always updated

If you’d like to see what is open exactly while you are ashore, the tool “Things to do in Haugesund” is very helpful. It automatically shows experiences that are open during your stay.

Day trips – explore the town and the surrounding region

Local experts have put together several day trip suggestions, suitable both for those who want to stay in Haugesund and for those who want to see more of the region. You can filter the tours by themes such as photography, outdoor experiences, art, shopping or architecture , and by how much time you have ashore.

Destinations include:

Museums and culture in the Haugesund region

The region is home to a wide range of museums; presenting art, local history, Viking heritage, WWII history and the charming wooden town of old Skudeneshavn. Some museums have seasonal opening hours, so remember to check before you 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!

Experience visual art at Haugesund Museum of Fine Arts - Haugalandmuseet

The art museum, within walking distance of Haugesund city centre, gives you older art and contemporary art in one place!

Miljøskildring på Arquebus krigshistorisk museum

Arquebus War History Museum - Haugalandmuseet

Welcome to one of the largest war museums in Norway! The museum has many and varied exhibitions that presents the occupation of Norway in 1940-1945.

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.

Shopping in Haugesund town centre

Haugesund has a lively town centre with many independent shops and passionate owners. Some recommended stops include:

Den Lille Bokbutikken - English books
Formbar Glassverksted - local glass art and products
Den Lille Barnebutikken - childrens clothing, toys and accessories
Krimz Kramz - a world of vintage items and new treasures, also has a museum.
Garnkroa - handicraft shop (knitting, bunad and embroidery)
Lie 1899 - clothes and accessories
Lervik Ur - watches and a watch workshop

If you enjoy vintage and second-hand shopping, you’ll also find several great shops in town.

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.

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.

To damer gjør en hyggelig handel hos Garnkroa

Garnkroa - in the centre of Haugesund

Large handicraft shop in the centre of Haugesund. Here you will find most things in yarn, national costume (bunad) and embroidery.

Local cafés and restaurants

There are many cosy local cafés and restaurants in Haugesund – and several offer free Wi-Fi. Popular places include:

Jåblom Bakst Cupcakehuset – a local and cruise guest favourite for sweet treats
Hos Carlos Kaffebar (at Gamle Slaktehuset and the library)- known for the best coffee in town
Tre Stuer, Dattera til Lothe, To Glass, Sabi Sushi, Carlos Bistro, René, MM Café & Bar – great lunch spots

Jåblom Bakst Cupcakehuset Haugesund

Jåblom Bakst is known for its tasty cupcakes and cakes. The café is located in what must be Haugesund's most colourful building, Cupcakehuset.

Tre stuer café - Haugesund

Tre stuer, Haugesund’s most colourful café! Delicious, healthy dishes with a focus on plant-based food, often gluten-free and vegan.

Sabi Sushi Haugesund

Sabi Sushi Haugesund offers fresh, delicious sushi for dine-in or takeaway. Conveniently located in Haugesund city centre, open daily.

Dattera til Lothe

Dattera til Lothe, situated in the heart of Haugesund, offers spectacular views of Smedasundet strait and serves delicious dishes made with love.

To Glass Restaurant Haugesund

To Glass is a cozy restaurant in the center of Haugesund. On the lower floor, you can see an original Pushwagner work, created when the artist was visiting.

Family-friendly experiences

Travelling with children? These articles highlight activities suitable for families:

Viking history for the whole family - Viking Adventure

Travel back to the Viking Age - a perfect experience for the whole family that includes the Viking Farm at Avaldsnes, boat transport and The Viking Planet Haugesund.

Bathing spots and saunas near Haugesund town centre

There are several bathing spots within walking distance of the town centre – perfect on warm days, or for a refreshing dip year-round (a popular Norwegian activity). Easy to combine with one of the town’s saunas.

Maritim Saunas in Haugesund

With stunning views of the Smedasundet strait, you can combine wellness and a refreshing sea bath in the two floating saunas next to Quality Hotel Maritim.

Allmenningen Bybad Sauna in Haugesund

In the centre of Haugesund, right by Smedasundet, you will find Allmenningen Bybad Sauna. Open all year round and with a capacity of 10 people.

Heit Haugesund Sauna – Viking Adventure

Heit Haugesund Sauna is beautifully located by Smedasundet in the centre of Haugesund. Here you get a real wood-fired sauna, and the opportunity to jump into the sea every day of the week.

Festivals and cultural events

Haugesund is known for several festivals, including:

Sildajazz (music festival), held every August
The Norwegian International Film Festival, also held in August

In addition, there are many other festivals and cultural events throughout the year. The event calendar gives you a full overview of what's happening on the day of your visit.

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.

Mennesker i kinosalen som venter filmvisning

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.

Football fan? Visit Haugesund Sparebank Arena

FK Haugesund (FKH) plays at Haugesund Sparebank Arena, just a short walk from the town centre. There is a supporters’ shop with varying opening hours, and some visitors are lucky enough to watch the men’s team training during their visit.

Make the most of your day in Haugesund

Haugesund offers plenty to see and do within walking distance or a short journey from the centre. Whether you're interested in Viking history, nature, small-town charm, museums or shopping, there’s lots to fill your day when visiting Haugesund on a cruise. If you have questions or want help planning your time ashore, feel free to contact Haugesund Tourist Information at info@visithaugesund.no – our hosts are happy to assist.

FAQ – Things to do in Haugesund on a cruise

Can I explore Haugesund on my own? Yes, absolutely. Visit the tourist information centre for personalised tips to make the most of your time ashore.
Is Haugesund safe to explore? Yes, Haugesund is generally a safe and calm town, also for solo visitors.
What are the most popular attractions for cruise passengers? Avaldsnes, Skudeneshavn, Langfoss, The Rising Tide (Coastal Path) and Haugesund town centre.
How do I get to Avaldsnes and the Viking Farm? By taxi, Hop-on Strømma or local buses 209 and 210 from Sørhauggata terminal. Note that it is about a 20-minute walk from the bus stop.
How do I get to The Rising Tide? On foot (approx. 1 hour), by bus 201 from Strandgata terminal (then about 40 minutes’ walk), or on an organised tour with Viking Adventure. Hop-on Hop-off and Bytoget stop at Haraldshaugen; from there it’s about a 30-minute walk.
How do I get to Åkrafjorden and Langfoss? With an organised cruise excursion (recommended), by taxi or by rental car.
How do I get to Visnes? By taxi, rental car or Hop-on Hop-off Strømma.
How do I get to Skudeneshavn? By taxi, rental car, organised tour or local bus 210 from Sørhauggata terminal.
How do I get to Åkrasanden? By rental car, organised tour or local bus 210 from Sørhauggata terminal.

More about Haugesund:

Haugesund cruise guide – Practical information for cruise passengers

A practical guide for cruise visitors to Haugesund: where ships dock, how to get into town, and practical tips for your day in Haugesund, Norway.

Your guide to Haugesund!

Haugesund is a perfect city to explore on foot. Between the streets of the city centre and the Smedasundet strait, you’ll find history, architecture, culture and a surprisingly lively café and shopping scene – all within easy walking distance.