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You are here Places to go Haugesund & Haugalandet

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!

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Destinations in Fjord Norway

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Sand in Suldal

Address

4230 Sand

The Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke passes through Sand. The old village, beautifully situated on the Sandsfjord, has preserved much of its historic character, with clusters of charming, white wooden houses.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
3 reviews
Nesasjøhuset (Ryfylkemuseum)

Address

Nordenden 14
4230 Sand

The Nesasjøhuset (wharfhouse) in Sand in Ryfylke houses exhibitions, a museumshop and a café. An internactive childerns exhibition, based on an adventure about a white bear from a local writer, is the main attraction.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
30 reviews
Fargeriet Kafé

Address

Gata 12
4230 Sand

Fargeriet Kafé is a charming café on the main street of Sand in Ryfylke.
Enjoy good homemade specialities served in pleasant and intimate surroundings. We take pride in our “Food from Ryfylke”, which means the freshest quality ingredients and…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
2 reviews
The Flesåna waterfall in Brattlandsdalen

Address

Nesflaten
4230 Sand

On its way through the valley of Brattlandsdalen, the Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke, Rv 13, passes the scenic area known as Flesåna. The waterfall here is particularly striking. It is best viewed from the rest area in the valley. The volume of the…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
6 reviews
Industrial Workers Museum and Åbøbyen (Ryfylkemuseet)

Address

Håkonsgaten 51
4200 Sauda

Åbøbyen or Amerikanarbyen (the American town), as it is also called, is one of the best-preserved residential areas for industrial and office workers built during the establishment of energy-intensive industry in Norway.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
51 reviews
Svandalsfossen falls

Address

4200 Sauda

As you drive The Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke, Fv. 520 and Rv. 13, you pass the impressive Svandalsfossen waterfall just before you reach Saudasjøen in Ryfylke. If you park your car, you can walk under the bridge for a close-up view.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1 reviews
Stranddalen from Øvre Moen

Address

Stranddalen
4230 Sand

Stranddalshytta mountain lodge is the pearl of the SVR Ryfylkeheiane nature reserve. It lies beautifully on the shores of a high mountain lake. In the summer months, it is fully serviced and a good bed and warm meal await you!
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1 reviews
Stranddalshytta

Address

Stranddalen
4230 Sand

Stranddalshytta mountain lodge is the pearl of the SVR Ryfylkeheiane nature reserve. It lies beautifully on the shores of a high mountain lake. In the summer months, it is fully serviced and a good bed and warm meal await you!

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
21 reviews
Sauda Ski Centre

Address

Svandalsvegen 243
4208 Saudasjøen

Sauda Ski Centre in Ryfylke is situated approx. 8 km from Sauda town centre.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
36 reviews
Kløver Hotel

Address

Skulegata 1
4200 Sauda

Kløver Hotel is ideal for your fjord holiday in Ryfylke. Our hotel is situated in the heart of Sauda, a town at the head of the Saudafjord. The hotel has 50 rooms, including the four suites/apartments in "Mette`s Little Hotel". Special offers year…

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
79 reviews
Energihotellet

Address

Øvre Kilen 1
4244 Nesflaten

The hotel enjoys a beautiful southern view that comprises Suldalsvatnet lake and the village of Nesflaten. The hosts and staff do their utmost so that you can enjoy good dining on local fare, explore the colourful culture of Ryfylke, and learn the…

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
36 reviews
Kløver Hotel - restaurant

Address

Skulegata 1
4200 Sauda

Kløver Hotel is ideal for your fjord holiday in Ryfylke. A lovely restaurant with both Norwegian and Chinese dishes. Buffet every Sunday.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
11 reviews
Haraldsvang

Address

Haraldsvang
5528 Haugesund

Vangen is surrounded by beautiful walking paths and right beside Skeisvannet Lake, which features a diving board tower. With swings, climbing frame, and sandbox, this is a popular location for families with young children where they can spend the…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1340 reviews
Trolltunga

Address

Skjeggedal
5770 Tyssedal

At the western edge of the Hardangervidda plateau, you’ll find Trolltunga – the most spectacular rock formation in Norway. Trolltunga is a rock jutting into space 700 metres above Ringedalsvatnet lake! The hike through high-mountain terrain up to…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
89 reviews
Ryfylke Fjordhotel

Address

Verven 9A
4230 Sand

Ryfylke Fjordhotel is a family- run hotel which attaches great importance to personal service, good food and pleasant surroundings for its guests.

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
40 reviews
Brovingen Mat & Vin

Address

Åsbygt. 3
5528 Haugesund

A restaurant that gives your senses an experience of Haugalandet. Fresh ingredients from fertile soils and salty oceans, put together on your plate after their short travels from the local farmer and fisherman. Small details that give great, local…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
181 reviews
Tyssedal Hotel

Address

Gamle Oddaveg 3
5770 Tyssedal

Intimate Hotel with a special history closely connected to the history of The Norwegian Museum of Hydro Power and Industry nearby. This historical hotel is home to a spectacular collection of original art. Nils Bergslien, Christian Krogh, Askvold,…

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
31 reviews
Lilletopp - short and steep

Address

Skjeggedalsvegen
5770 Tyssedal

Lilletopp - short and steep - great reward
Starting point Tyssedal at Tyssohallen
About the trail Enjoy a hike to the top of Tyssedal’s pipe trench. Follow Route 13 from Odda towards Kinsarvik to Tyssedal. Follow signs to Skjeggedal for…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
31 reviews
Kraftmuseet

Address

Naustbakken 7
5770 Tyssedal

The beautiful power station at the fjord is a monument of the hydropower adventure that started in 1906. Today it is a museum with guided tours, films and exhibits. Museum shop and cafe. Tailored programs for groups, meetings and seminars…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
163 reviews
Hardanger Hotel

Address

Eitrheimsveien 13
5750 Odda

Hardanger Hotel is situated in the centre of Odda within walking distance from the bus station, shops and restaurants. The hotel has 50 rooms with fjord view, or a view towards the mighty mountains surrounding Odda. The hotel has a breakfast…

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