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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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Number of results: 843

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
18 reviews
Bømlo Hotell

Address

Søresjøvegen 2
5420 Rubbestadneset

Modern hotel with a bright and pleasant colour scheme. Its pleasant staff and excellent home-made food guarantees that your stay will be a pleasant one.

Price from
Price fromNOK990.00 Bed & Breakfast to NOK1,390.00 Double room with breakfast

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
216 reviews
Trolltunga Camping

Address

Jordalsveien 29
5750 Odda

Trolltunga camping is situated in Odda between two 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…

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
191 reviews
Trolltunga Hotel

Address

Vasstun 1
5750 Odda

Sleep comfortably in beautiful surroundings at Trolltunga Hotel in Odda, Hardanger. The hotel has been recently upgraded and offers rooms in all price ranges.

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
36 reviews
Haugesund Town Hall

Address

Rådhusgata 66
5528 Haugesund

Haugesund town hall, once voted Norway's most beautiful town hall, was designed by the architects Gudolf Blakstad and Hermann Munthe-Kaas. It is known for its somewhat untraditional color - the town hall in Haugesund is pink!
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
106 reviews
Norway's national monument Haraldshaugen

Address

Haraldshaugen
5515 Haugesund

Experience Norway's national monument Haraldshaugen, slightly north of Haugesund City Centre.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
93 reviews
Djupadalen

Address

Djupadalen
5532 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 in Tysvær

Address

Sandbekken
5570 Aksdal

Sandbekken is a popular outdoor area with a small sandy beach in fresh water. There is a leanto and picnic area located at the beach. On the village yard by the «Cleng Peerson house» there are many historical buildings.
Quaker House, Stakland

Address

Stakland
5567 Skjoldastraumen

The Quaker House on Stakland is the only one that has been preserved in its original condition and in its original place. The Quaker House is therefore an unique cultural monument.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1 reviews
Nedstrand Church

Address

Hindereåvåg
5560 Nedstrand

Nedstrand Church, consecrated on July 15, 1868.
The Five Wayward Virgins

Address

Norheim
5542 Karmsund

Five standing stones beneath the high arch of the Karmsund Bridge.
Sandholmen

Address

Syre
4280 Skudeneshavn

Sandholmen, at Syre. A brief jaunt from the yacht harbour at Syre. The path leads through a little wood to an attractive, natural bathing beach. The ideal place to be on a warm summer’s day.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
35 reviews
Historic Skudeneshavn

Address

Skudeneshavn
4280 Skudeneshavn

At the extreme southern tip of Karmøy, with lighthouses guiding ships into Skudefjorden and across the North Sea, lies the charm and olde-world flavour of Skudeneshavn, home of the sailing clippers. Founded on the incredible success of the early…
Stødle Church

Address

Stødle
5590 Etne

Few villages in the west of Norway have so many rich pre-historic burial mounds as the municipality of Etne. Contours of one of the largest burial grounds in the area are visible beside Stødle Church.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1 reviews
Grindheim Church Etne

Address

Grindheimsvegen
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.
Bokn Rural Museum

Address

Hålandsvegen 70
5561 Bokn

Bokn Local museum gives us a multitude of insights at the life from 1850 till 1900 in the community of Bokn. In the old house, previously used for youth activities, on the westside of Bokn you will find the treasure trove of Bokn Local museum.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
3 reviews
Boknafjellet

Address

Boknafjellet
Bokn
5561 Bokn

Boknafjellet Mountain is in the municipality of Bokn, and it is a landmark with its 294 metres above sea level.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
271 reviews
Egon Haugesund

Address

Smedasundet 93
5527 Haugesund

I the heart of Haugesund, close to Smedasundet strait you will find Egon Haugesund. Egon is a family friendly restaurant who offers a varied menu and a good atmosphere.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
33 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 is open all year and is run somewhat unconventionally compared to other hotels.

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
29 reviews
Kyrping Camping

Address

Sævareidsvik 8
5590 Etne

Kyrping Camping in a picturesque location by Åkrafjorden. It is a typical family campsite for those interesting in outdoor life by the fjord or hiking in the mountains.

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
11 reviews
Ryvarden Lighthouse and Cultural Centre - cafe

Address

Mølstre
5550 Sveio

Artgallery, café and lighthouse history – Ryvarden; an exiting destination.