This Norwegian coastal town connects to Viking history, with active shipping ports and waterfront dining. Mountains and fjords frame the city, making it a gateway to nature.
Haugesund lies on Norway's southwestern coast between Stavanger and Bergen. In August, you'll find jazz musicians performing at the Sildajazz festival and international films screening at the Norwegian International Film Festival. Walk past the town's Art Nouveau buildings with their distinctive corner towers, or visit the Viking settlement at Avaldsnes. Take a boat to spot rare birds on Utsira island, or hike to the Himakånå cliff for views across the fjords.
Getting to Haugesund
Fly into Haugesund Airport on Karmøy island, which has daily flights to Oslo and seasonal routes to European cities. Buses run to Bergen (3.5 hours) and Stavanger (2 hours). Cruise ships dock near the city center.
Walking Through City Center
The main pedestrian street, Haraldsgata, runs through downtown with shops and cafes on both sides. Look for the pink neo-classical City Hall from 1931 in the town square, and spot the Art Nouveau buildings with their distinctive corner towers. You can walk across the central area in about 30 minutes, including the waterfront, parks, and shopping streets.
Festivals and Culture
Each August, the Norwegian International Film Festival screens international and Norwegian films and hosts the Amanda Awards - Norway's equivalent to the Oscars. During the same month, about 70 bands play 200 concerts at Sildajazz, a festival named after the city's historical herring fishing industry.
Viking Sites and Museums
Visit the reconstructed Viking settlement at Avaldsnes, 15 minutes from central Haugesund on Karmøy island. Step into the underground Nordvegen History Center to see interactive exhibits about the area's Viking past. At the Viking Planet museum, you can experience Viking culture through virtual reality and 3D displays.
Coastal Nature and Islands
Take a ferry to the islands of Røvær or Utsira. On Utsira, watch for rare birds while walking past traditional Norwegian houses on green hills. Swim at the Blue Flag beaches of Åkrasanden and Sandvesanden with their white sand. The hiking trail to Himakånå leads to a viewpoint over the fjords, while Langfoss waterfall drops 612 meters into Åkrafjorden.
Local Food Scene
Many restaurants along Smedasundet sound serve fresh seafood caught in local waters, including herring - once the backbone of Haugesund's economy. Try local dishes made with fresh fish, seaweed, and clams. For dessert, look for Queen Maud Fromage, a local specialty mixing chocolate and whipped cream. Choose a restaurant with water views along Smedasundet sound.
