Cities
Haugesund
The city of Haugesund
Haugesund has a population of just under 40,000. The town is nonetheless compact and has a strong urban vibe. It serves as regional centre for the surrounding area, which has a population of more than 100,000. Haugesund is situated off Smedasundet sound beside the North Sea to the west, and several populated islands lie close to the centre, such as Utsira and Røvær.
Haugesund, built on herring bones
Although Haugesund is mentioned in Snorre Sturlason's saga about Harald Fairhair, the first king of Norway, it was not until the 18th century and well into the 19th century that the town as we know it took shape. Like many of the towns in Western Norway, the town was built on the herring fisheries.
Norway’s maritime capital
If you visit Haugesund today, you’ll see that it still makes its living from the sea, and it is often referred to as the maritime capital of Norway. Norway’s only national monument, Haraldshaugen, erected in honour of Harald Fairhair, is in Haugesund. The town is also the proud host of the Norwegian International Film Festival Haugesund and the Sildajazz jazz festival.
Travel inspiration for Haugesund
Activities in Haugesund
Culture
The Viking Planet Haugesund
Haugesund
Finally The Viking Planet Haugesund can invite you to a unique digital museum experience based on local Viking history! Enjoy the trip to Haugalandet´s viking themed museum at Strandgaten 130, right in the city center.
Culture
The Rising Tide by Jason DeCaires Taylor
Haugesund
The Rising Tide by Jason DeCaires Taylor is located in Kvalsvik just north of Haugesund. The Rising Tide was originally set in the Thames in London.
Culture
Discover the Unique Glass Creations of Formbar Glassverksted in Haugesund
Haugesund
Formbar is a glass studio with a gallery and outlet in Haugesund city. Here you can experience glassblowing up close and buy local handmade glass and art.
Sightseeing
Hop On Hop Off - sightseeing Haugesund
Haugesund
See more of Haugesund’s attractions on the Hop on Hop off bus. The buses are equipped with an audio guide and operate on days when cruise ships call.
Culture
Edda Kino- conference venue in Haugesund
Haugesund
Edda Cinema is situated in the centre of Haugesund and has five well-equipped auditoriums that are available to rent for courses and conferences.
Shopping
Lervik Ur Haugesund
Haugesund
Lervik Ur are located at the South end of Haraldsgata, where the pedestrian street begin. A store worth visiting no matter where in the world you come from. Lervik Ur proudly carries brands such as Omega, Breitling and the local watch brand Bruvik.
Culture
Edda Kino cinema – cinema screenings in Haugesund
Haugesund
At Edda Kino, you can experience the magic of cinema every day of the year. Enjoy freshly popped popcorn and a wonderful cinema experience.
Culture
Experience visual art at Haugesund Museum of Fine Arts - Haugalandmuseet
Haugesund
The art museum, within walking distance of Haugesund city centre, gives you older art and contemporary art in one place!
Outdoor activities and nature
Guided EL-Bike tour in Haugesund and the coastal path to the sculptures “The Rising Tide”
Haugesund
Experience much in a short time with electric-bikes and local guide. This is an exceptional opportunity to take beautiful photos of the Viking city, Haugesund.
Shopping
Den Lille Barnebutikken (children’s shop) in Haugesund
Haugesund
Den Lille Barnebutikken is an independent children's store with a large selection of clothes, shoes and toys for ages 0-16. Offers Norwegian, Danish and Spanish products of high quality.
Sightseeing
Guided tour to Åkrafjord & Langfoss with GuideCompaniet
Haugesund
Join GuideCompaniet on a guided tour to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world and overlook a Norwegian fjord with a local lunch buffet.
Outdoor activities and nature
Kyststien (coastal path)
Haugesund
The coastal path, north of Haugesund, is popular for walks. Experience Norway’s only national monument, Kvalen Lighthouse and The Rising Tide sculptures.
How to get here
Would you like advice or tips on how to get to Haugesund and Haugalandet, or see how easy it is to get around Haugalandet using public transport? Here we have gathered information about transport to and around Haugesund.
How to get to HaugesundPlan your stay in Haugesund
Food and drink
Dattera til Lothe
Haugesund
Dattera til Lothe, situated in the heart of Haugesund, offers spectacular views of Smedasundet strait and serves delicious dishes made with love.
Food and drink
Naustet Restaurant Haugesund
Haugesund
Naustet Restaurant is an à la carte restaurant in Haugesund, offering a wide selection of fish and seafood. The restaurant is part of Quality Hotel Maritim.
Food and drink
Jåblom Bakst Cupcakehuset Haugesund
Haugesund
Jåblom Bakst is known for its tasty cupcakes and cakes. The café is located in what must be Haugesund's most colourful building, Cupcakehuset.
Interested in more towns and cities in Fjord Norway?
Molde
Set between the attractions Romsdalseggen, Trollstigen and Atlanterhavsvegen is the fjord city of Molde, a pleasant small city with charm and atmosphere. Here you will find a unique combination of cultural offerings, spectacular nature, sports and culinary pleasures - experience the festival Moldejazz and enjoy panoramic views of Romsdalen's 222 peaks.
Ålesund town
Ålesund municipality encompasses a large geographical area made up of islands and mountains.The island of Sula, home to Mount Sulafjellet and the Devold factory, and the island of Giske, home to Alnes lighthouse and the lovely beaches at Vigra, are also nearby.