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Skudeneshavn

Haugesund & Haugalandet

The Haugesund region offers historical and cultural experiences in an impressive natural landscape, including evidence of its past kings and Viking inhabitants. Find out how Norway became united as a single kingdom.

The region offers an amazing opportunity to experience Norway’s diverse countryside, with everything from rocky heather moors to mountains, fjords and waterfalls. The region also hosts many vibrant festivals. It offers fascinating cultural experiences, is excellent for fishing, boating, swimming, golf and extreme sports, and has a bustling city centre with great shopping.

History

Haugesund is the regional centre for 100.000 inhabitants and is one of Norway’s foremost trading towns. The abundance of herring on the west coast initiated the development of Haugesund into an important town for the export of herring, and later into one of the largest maritime towns in Norway. The shipping industry is still prevalent in Haugesund, which is home to the National Maritime Directorate.

The region was a major centre of power during the Viking Age and it is from this region that Norway got its name. The shipping lane that passed by Avaldsnes was named the Way to the North – North Way, which has today become Norway. It was here that Norway's first king, Harald Fairhair, built his castle and was later buried. The traditions and connections to Viking culture remain strong in the Haugesund region. The world's largest Viking ship – the Dragon Harald Fairhair - was built in 2012 here. Visiting the region will give you a real insight into Viking history.

Great adventures

Fascinating Avaldsnes – Norway’s Birthplace

Imagine walking in the footsteps of King Harald Fairhair, exploring the royal seat dating back from when Norway became united into a single kingdom. Visit the fascinating Nordvegen History Centre at Avaldsnes where the kids can dress up as real Vikings. From the History Centre, it's just 15 minutes walk to Bukkøy, where you can see a beautifully reconstructed Viking farm and learn more about the Vikings and their way of life. Remember to get a map at the History Centre so you can take a stroll and find the monument at the medieval church, discover burial mounds and more.

Åkrafjord - and one of the world's most beautiful waterfalls

Åkrafjord is narrow with steep cliffs on either side. Langfoss waterfall, with over 600 metres of freefalling water, is truly impressive and is actually one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world according to CNN. You can enjoy the best views of the waterfall from a boat. Take a fjord cruise, a tractor safari to a goat farm, a guided hike, or try bungee jumping and climbing in this wild and awesome landscape.

Old Skudeneshavn - a quaint sailing town

The charming sailing town of Skudeneshavn can be found on the southern tip of Karmøy island. Its history dates back to the 1800s when the herring fisheries were in full swing. Skudeneshavn town gradually emerged and today comprises over 100 well-preserved wooden houses. Wander around the town, feel the atmosphere of a bygone age and maybe visit the museum in Mælandsgården, which gives a fascinating insight into life here in the 1800s. "The quest for the lady of the park" is a puzzle adventure that lasts for about 1,5 hours and is suitable for the whole family. A map and diploma can be obtained from the Tourist Information Centre in Skudeneshavn.

Take a trip to the islands of Utsira and Røvær

Just a short boat ride from Haugesund are the idyllic islands of Utsira and Røvær, with their welcoming inhabitants of 215 and 110, respectively. Jump aboard the boat and breathe in the fresh North Sea air, maybe even go for a refreshing swim? Utsira's rich birdlife is widely regarded - if you are lucky you might see a rare species.

The maritime and cultural city of Haugesund

The heart of the town can be found on the quayside by Smedasundet strait, with the bustling of the city’s lively residents and its visitors. It’s fun to wander around the many restaurants and pubs that line the city’s harbour. From the quayside you can take a ride in a traditional wooden boat along Smedasundet strait, between the beautiful islets of Risøy, Hasseløy and Vibrandsøy. The region also offers great festivals including Sildajazz, The Norwegian Film Festival, Havnedagene boat festival, Etne market, Vikedal Roots music festival and Skude Festival.

How to get here

By plane

Haugesund Airport, Karmøy, is western Norway’s low price airport. There are direct flights from Oslo, Bergen, Copenhagen, London and other cities. For more information on aircraft operators and prices, go to Avinor.no

By bus

For a comfortable and simple journey, Bus4you and Kystbussen provide bus services from Bergen and Stavanger to Haugesund. Haukeli Express has a bus service from Oslo to Haugesund. Some companies offer wireless internet access.

Car

Take highway E39 from Bergen and Stavanger, or highway E134 from eastern Norway, for easy access to the Haugesund region.

Destination Haugesund & Haugalandet - homeland of the Viking Kings!

Accommodation

Things to Do

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Number of results: 500

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
196 reviews
Odda Camping

Address

Jordalsveien 29
5750 Odda

Odda camping is situated between to national parks. Surrounded by beautiful nature, quiet water, high mountains with peaks covered in snow, impressive waterfalls and a glacier, all within a few kilometres from the camping ground!
The camping is...

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
155 reviews
Trolltunga Hotel

Address

Vasstun 1
5750 Odda

Trolltunga Hotel was completely renovated 2017. A modern and stylish extension was opened in 2016. All 42 rooms have great view. Chose between PLUS rooms (dated 2016), standard rooms or budget options; rooms with shared bathroom or bed in our mixed...

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
33 reviews
Haugesund Town Hall

Address

5528 Haugesund

Haugesund Town Hall was a gift from shipowner Knut Knutsen OAS and his wife Elisabeth. The town hall was designed by architects Gudolf Blakstad and Hermann Munthe-Kaas and was officially opened in 1931. The park was opened in 1949. The town hall is...
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
88 reviews
Norway's national monument

Address

Haraldshaugen
5515 Haugesund

Snorre's sagas of the kings mention the site where Harald Fairhair is buried. In the nineteenth century it was believed the place described by Snorre had been located. This is where the national monument of the unification of Norway was erected in...
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
60 reviews
Steinsfjellet, 227 m.a.s.

Address

Steinsfjellet
5533 Haugesund

Viewpoint 227m above the sea. Panorama views over Haugalandet and the North Sea. Drive to the top and park 100m from the peak.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
72 reviews
Djupadalen

Address

Djupadalen
5527 Haugesund

The recreational area Djupadalen is located close to the centre of Haugesund. The area is often used for hiking and recreation throughout the year. In summertime you can swim in Eivindsvannet, a small lake in the middle of this recreational area...
Sandbekken Bygdetun/Village

Address

Sandbekken
5570 Aksdal

Sandbekken Bygdetun village is a small collection of old build- ings, which includes the Cleng Peerson house. the house was moved here in 1975 in conjunction with the 150-year commem- oration of emigration to america. Cleng Peerson from tysvær led...
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
2 reviews
Jettegrytende i Rullestadjuvet

Address

Skromme
5590 Etne

Marked path from Skromme. 30 minute walk from the bridge by the E-134 highway. Steep but fenced on the uppermost stretch. A deep hole in the rock face measuring up to 3-4 metres in diameter, carved out by ice and stones in the tumultuous river...
Grindheim Church

Address

Grindheim
5590 Etne

In Grindheim, as at Støle, we are able to observe the connection between the church, the cemetery and a pre-Christian burial ground. This was the largest burial site in Etne with more than 200 burial mounds. Today most of it is cultivated farmland...
Memorial to the M.V. Folgefonden

Address

Kaien
Skånevik
5593 Skånevik

The monument was erected in memory of the 26 passengers that were lost when the M. V. Folgefonden capsized on 22nd August 1908. The memorial is located at the ferry terminal in Skånevik.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
30 reviews
Folgefonna National Park

Address

Etne
5590 Etne

Norway's third largest glacier. In 2005 Folgefonna National Park was opened, which at the time was Norway's twenty fifth national park. Folgefonna is known for its dramatic and beautiful scenery. Here you will find fjords, mountains, lakes, rivers...
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
222 reviews
Egon Restaurant

Address

Smedasundet 93
5527 Haugesund

Feel at home at Restaurant Egon. Lunch - Appetizers - Steaks - Fish dishes - Pizza - Kebab - Taco - Hamburgers -Salads - Dessert. Menu in 7 languages.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
26 reviews
Fugl Fønix Hotel

Address

Etnesjøen
5590 Etne

Fugl Fønix Hotel, Cafe and Gallery is a cultural oasis located in picturesque surroundings in the village Etne in the innermost part of Haugalandet.
The hotel has 54 beds in 24 rooms and 1 junior suite. The rooms have 23” flatscreen TV, balcony,...

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
23 reviews
Kyrping Camping

Address

Kyrping
5590 Etne

Kyrping Camping is situated in the South West of Norway between Haukeligrend and Haugesund. It is situated in a picturesque location by Åkrafjorden, 2 Km from E-134. The junction is by the Best gas station, 15 Km south east of the Langfoss waterfall...

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
132 reviews
Radisson BLU Hotel Haugesund

Address

Ystadveien 1
5538 Haugesund

Fantastic views of the North Sea The Radisson Blu Hotel Haugesund boasts an enviable location along Norway's picturesque North Sea coast and just four kilometers from the city centre. The location is a naturalist's dream—filled with stunning...

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
119 reviews
Nordvegen History Centre - Experience Norway’s Birthplace

Address

Kong Augvaldsvei 103
4262 Avaldsnes

For 3000 years chieftains and kings controlled the strait Karmsundet – Nordvegen – the shipping lane that gave Norway its name. At Nordvegen History Centre you can learn about the sovereigns that controlled the coast of Norway from Avaldsnes. Some...
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
7 reviews
Grindafjord Holiday Centre

Address

Grinde
5570 Aksdal

One of the west coast’s best developed camping sites, Grindafjord Feriesenter, is situated next to the road to Nedstrand (Rv 515), only a few minutes drive from Aksdal (E39/E134)
This is a family camping site that is open all year round, and it is...

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
44 reviews
Haraldshaugen Camping

Address

Krossveien 5
5515 Haugesund

Haraldshaugen Camping is a big and spacious camping site situated close to the sea. It is also next-door neighbor to Haraldsstøtten (Norway’s National Monument) and Krosshaugen. The camping site is 3 kilometres from Haugesund town centre. Here you...

Price from
Price fromNOK150.00 to NOK450.00 One night

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
65 reviews
Park Inn Haugesund Airport

Address

Helganesveien 24
4262 Avaldsnes

A five-minute shuttle ride brings travellers to this spacious and modern hotel at Haugesund Airport, offering 115 quiet rooms and a full restaurant and bar. The Park Inn by Rezidor Haugesund Airport also features the district’s most modern...

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Kleivå Farm Camping

Address

Lodavegen 323
5561 Bokn

Kleivå Farm Camping is a moderate sized camping centre pleasantly situated in the middle of the island of Vestre Bokn in Rogaland. Being only 3,5 km from the E-39 highway, Kleivå Farm is ideal for day trips to places such as Bergen, Stavanger and...

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