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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: 627

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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. It is a good base from which to explore Bømlo and all it has to offer. Rubbestadneset is in a…

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Price fromNOK990.00 Accommodation with breakfast/weekend to NOK1,290.00 Double room with breakfast

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
214 reviews
Odda Camping

Address

Jordalsveien 29
5750 Odda

Odda camping is situated 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 camping is…

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
185 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
36 reviews
Haugesund Town Hall

Address

Rådhusgata 66
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
104 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
67 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
92 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

Address

Sandbekken
5570 Aksdal

Sandbekken Bygdetun 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 commemoration of emigration to america. Cleng Peerson from Tysvær led the first…
Sandholmen

Address

Syre
4280 Skudeneshavn

Sandholmen is the ideal place to be on a warm summer’s day. The small beach has areas of grass and sand and the water is shallow. A great starting point for a paddling trip to Skudeneshavn (2,7 km) if you take along a canoe or kayak. The beach is…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
31 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…
The Five Wayward Virgins

Address

Norheim
5542 Karmsund
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1 reviews
Grindheim Church

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. Today most of it is cultivated farmland…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
38 reviews
Folgefonna National Park

Address

Etne
5590 Etne

Folgefonna is Norway's third largest glacier, and is known for its dramatic and beautiful scenery. Here you will find fjords, mountains, lakes, rivers and water falls. There are lots of things to see in the park, and this makes the area one of the…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
267 reviews
Egon Restaurant

Address

Smedasundet 93
5527 Haugesund

Feel at home at Restaurant Egon - the perfect place for families or a group of friends who wants to enjoy a great meal. Enjoy a lunch or dinner and choose from an exciting and varied menu. Menu in 7 different languages.
Welcome!
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
32 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. The hotel…

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
28 reviews
Kyrping Camping

Address

Sævareidsvik 8
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. It is a typical family camp site for those interesting in outdoor life by the fjord…

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

Address

Mølstre
5550 Sveio

Ryvarden was built in 1849 and lies by the sea. After the lighthouse became automatic in 1984, the buildings have been used as a cultural centre. Here one can find a gallery, café and museum. During the period from Palm Sunday to the New Year the…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
137 reviews
Nordvegen History Centre

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
56 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 Haraldstøtten (Norway’s National Monument) and Krosshaugen. The camping site is 3 kilometres from Haugesund city centre, and here…

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Price fromNOK150.00 to NOK450.00 One night

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
71 reviews
Park Inn by Radisson 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 Radisson Haugesund Airport also features modern conference facilities with a…

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