Your guide to Haugesund!

If you want to get to know a city that’s constantly evolving, explore the area by foot. Here, historic neighbourhoods and new impulses sit side by side.

City walk in Haugesund

A great way to start your visit is with a city walk, preferably with a local guide. On your stroll in the city center you’ll pass cafés, small shops, cultural venues and historic buildings, and it doesn’t take long before you feel the maritime pulse that has shaped the city. Cross the bridge to Risøy for a glimpse of the old shipyard environment and the industrial culture that still plays an important role in Haugesund today.

The history of Haugesund: herring, seafaring and Art Nouveau

Haugesund is a place where history remains visible in the streets. The herring industry laid the foundation for the city’s growth, and much of the maritime identity continues through today’s shipyards and seafaring traditions. At Dokken Museum you can see what life looked like around 150 years ago, with boathouses, coastal culture and traditional working life.

The city is also known for its many Art Nouveau buildings – more than any other town in Norway. As you wander through the centre, look out for the corner buildings, turrets and architectural details. Much of this style can be traced back to architect Einar Halleland, who also designed the city’s main church, Vår Frelsers Kirke.

Museums in Haugesund city centre

Haugesund’s museums add extra depth to your visit. Karmsund Folk Museum tells the story of life along the coast and the people who shaped the region. Haugesund Art Gallery offers changing exhibitions in a beautiful building designed by architect David Sandved, while The Viking Planet provides a modern and engaging introduction to Viking history through film and interactive installations.

Parks and green spaces

If you need a break from the bustle of the town centre, Haugesund has several pleasant green spaces. The Library Park and Byparken are ideal for a breather, and the Library Park has a water mirror, play elements and a slide that make it especially popular with families. Bring a coffee from Hos Carlos at the library and enjoy it outdoors.

As you head towards Rådhusplassen, you’ll see one of the city’s best-known landmarks. Haugesund Town Hall is considered Norway’s finest example of neoclassical architecture – and has been voted the country’s most beautiful town hall.

Shopping and local design in Haugesund

Haraldsgata and the surrounding streets are the place to go if you enjoy small, independent shops and local finds. Here you’ll find local niche stores and speciality stores side by side. Den Lille Bokbutikken (The Little Bookshop) and Krimz Kramz are both worth a stop, and in Kirkegata you can visit Formbar Glasstudio to see glassblowing up close and buy handmade gifts.

At Garnkroa you can pick up everything you need for your next knitting project or bunad accessories, and at Haugesund Tourist Information you’ll find local souvenirs, Marius-pattern items and handmade knitwear.

If you’re into interior design, Crush Concept and Bruno Interiør are good places to browse. Lervik Ur stocks both exclusive watches and the local brand Bruvik, and Amundsen Spesial has a tempting selection of edible gifts. Music lovers should stop by Shabby Records – a cosy treasure trove for vinyl enthusiasts.

Cafés and places to eat in Haugesund

Along Smedasundet you’ll find bars, restaurants and cafés lined up along the waterfront, making it a natural gathering point for both locals and visitors. Here you can enjoy everything from a simple coffee to a good meal with views across the strait.

Other local favourites in the city center include Lothes Mat og Vinhus, To Glass, Naustet Restaurant and Dattera til Lothe, while Oxe Burger is the place to go if you’re after a really good burger. For excellent sushi, head to Sabi Sushi in the centre, and for Mediterranean flavours, try Carlos Bistro in Haraldsgata.

Start the day with fresh pastries from Naturbakst, or grab a well-made coffee from Carlos Kaffebar at Gamle Slaktehuset. If you’re after something sweet, Jåblom Bakst Cupcakehuset – the city’s colourful cupcake house – is the perfect stop. For locally brewed beer, visit Garasjebryggeriet, and in summer Allmenningen Bybad is a great place for a cold drink with a touch of “holiday feeling” in the middle of town.

Activities in Haugesund city centre

From the city centre, you can join activities that take you beyond the main streets and into the surrounding area. Viking Adventure offers RIB tours from Smedasundet, as well as guided e-bike tours in and around Haugesund. It’s a great way to see the city from the sea or explore the nearby landscapes from the saddle. Haugesund City Train, Hop-On Hop-Off and Strømma’s hop- on hop-off sightseeing tours are also easy ways to discover more of the city and the wider area.

Culture and entertainment in Haugesund

Haugesund has a vibrant cultural scene with events throughout the year. Haugesund Theatre produces its own high-quality shows, and at Festiviteten you can experience everything from concerts and dance performances to visiting productions and local events. This is also where the Amanda Awards are presented during the annual Norwegian International Film Festival – one of the city’s big highlights.

If you’re in the mood for live jazz, Høvleriet hosts Saturday jazz sessions from September to Easter. Quality Hotel Maritim also features cultural events throughout the year.

August is a particularly lively month, with Sildajazz, the Norwegian International Film Festival and Vangenfestivalen bringing life to the whole region. The dedicated group behind the Vangen Festival also runs the volunteer-driven music bar Vangen Pling Plong in the city centre – check their social media for opening times.

For a full overview of what’s on, take a look at the event calendar for the Haugesund region.

Explore the nature around Haugesund

Nature surrounds Haugesund in every direction, making it easy to combine city life with short trips to the coast, forest or hillside. From the centre, you can walk across the bridges to Risøy and Bakarøy for a gentle stroll among boathouses, local maritime life and coastal scenery. If you want to venture further out, boats run to Vibrandsøy, Røvær and Utsira – islands known for their peace, views and great atmosphere.

North of the centre, the Coastal Path follows the shoreline through a historically rich area. Here you’ll find Haraldshaugen - Norway’s only national monument, the art installation The Rising Tide and the wild sheep that keep the landscape open. Kvalsvik and Asalvika are lovely bathing spots along the way if you fancy a dip.

If you prefer woodland and sheltered trails, head to Haraldsvang. From here you can continue into Djupadalen for a longer walk through varied terrain.

Saunas in Haugesund city centre

After a walk along the coast or through the nearby woodland, it’s easy to warm up again. Haugesund has a growing sauna scene, and several of them are located right in the city centre with direct access to the sea. Heit Haugesund Sauna and Maritim Badstuer sit directly on Smedasundet, offering views of harbour life and the waterfront. At Allmenningen Bybad, you can move straight from the heat of the sauna to a refreshing dip – a simple and energising way to enjoy the coastal atmosphere, whether you’re starting the day fresh or winding down.

Local tips and advice

Haugesund is a city that’s easy to get to know, whether you’re drawn to culture, architecture, food, nature or simply the maritime atmosphere. With city streets, short hikes, island trips and outdoor experiences all close by, there’s plenty to enjoy at any time of year.

If you’d like personal recommendations or help finding your way around, drop by the Tourist Information office in the city centre. Here you can get local advice, practical guidance and a free city map covering walks, museums and experiences across the region.