Once home to the Viking kings, Haugesund is a historically-rich town overlooking the North Sea in Norway’s Rogaland county. It’s on the doorstep of one of Norway’s most impressive waterfalls and the spellbinding landscapes of Åkrafjorden. It’s also a short boat ride from the fishing island of Røvær.
Things to do in Haugesund
Spend a day discovering the sights of Haugesund, with this important shipping and industrial hub originally established as a herring fishery. Stroll along the Smedasundet harbour and relax in Byparken while taking note of the town’s Art Nouveau architecture and Neoclassical City Hall. If you’re after a retail fix, the main shopping street of Haraldsgata features fashion and homeware stores.
You can learn about the region’s fascinating history at Avaldsnes from where the Viking kings once controlled the Nordvegen strait (the shipping lane after which Norway is named). Admire the mid-13th-century Olav’s Church and journey 3,000 years into the past at the Nordvegen History Center before wandering between the reconstructed 9th-century buildings at the Viking Farm.
Haugesund serves as a base for visiting the dramatic waterfall of Langfoss, which plunges 600 metres down a steep mountainside into Åkrafjorden. Listen to its thundering roar from the lookout at the top or feel the waterfall’s spray on a boat cruise through the fjord. Horseback riding adventures are also available in the mountains surrounding Åkrafjorden and explore the lake-dotted rural landscapes of Vikastølen.
Getting around Haugesund
Haugesund Airport, Karmøy is a 15-minute drive from Haugesund and has flights to destinations across Europe. Regular buses connect Haugesund to Oslo, Bergen and Stavanger while the town centre is compact enough to explore on foot. Taxis are also available for getting around and boats connect to the surrounding islands.