Population 37,500 / 59.2 degrees north

Haugesund, Norway

A known Viking hangout, today Haugesund is an important fishing port and harbour. The oil industry is massive here, but there’s still a lot of interesting things to see and do in Haugesund.

Fun Facts About Haugesund

Latitude: 59.2 degrees north

Population: 37,500

Founded: 1855

Hottest Month: August

Coldest Month: February

Wettest Month: November

Windiest Month: January

Haugesund Municipality

Things to See & Do

Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Haugesund.

Haraldshaugen

Haraldshaugen is the burial site of King Harald Fairhair, the first king of unified Norway. The obelisk memorial commemorates the Battle of Hafrsfjord, which led to Harald’s conquest in western Norway.

Hikes, Day Trips & Experiences

Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are our recommendations!

Please note – the links provided are affiliate links. We only recommend experiences that we have researched and/or tested and focus on providing unique, local things to do!

Guided Zodiac Tour

Join a guided zodiac tour around to all the different islands of Haugesund.

I recommend the tour “Haugesund: RIB safari and visits to the island communities” on GetYourGuide.

Utsira Island

Located just out of Haugesund is the island Utsira, a beautiful place to go birdwatching.

Avaldsnes

Avaldsnes is a historic site just out of Haugesund. This is where the Vikings lived, and remains of a settlement can be seen. St. Olav’s Church is a medieval church on the site. Some refer to Avaldsnes as the birthplace of Norway.

You can join a guided half-day tour to Avaldsnes.

Road-Trips

Follow our road-trip guides for scenic trips around Haugesund.

The E39 from Kristiansand to Bergen

The E39 from Kristiansand covers the south-western coast of Norway, passing the southernmost tip and then continuing along some important coastal cities.

The E134 from Oslo/Drøbak to Haugesund

The E134 follows one of the historic routes between east and west Norway. It provides a nice alternative to taking the E16 (the main highway) between Bergen and Oslo. On this drive you pass a number of historic churches, most notably Heddal Stave Church, as well as the UNESCO World Heritage region of Notodden-Rjukan. As you approach the mountains, you can see some of the original roads that the earliest travellers used – and even drive on them in the summer! This drive ends at Haugesund, a known Viking settlement located halfway between Bergen and Stavanger.

Self-Guided Walks

Follow one of our self-guided walks around Haugesund.

Haugesund on YouTube

Watch our YouTube videos featuring Haugesund.

Uniquely Haugesund

Here are some things that you must try in Haugesund!

Marilyn Monroe Memorial

There’s a Marilyn Monroe memorial here as her father was from Haugesund. The monument is next to the Scandic Maritime Hotel.

Visnes Mine Museum

I know, that doesn’t sound so unique at first. But, copper from Visnes was used on the Statue of Liberty in New York and there’s a version of the statue at Visnes.

History of Haugesund

Haugesund is a young town, but the area around it is very historic. The lands around Haugesund were seats of power during the Viking Age. Harald Fairhair, the first King of unified Norway, had his home at Avaldsnes, today an important Viking Age site. After his death, it was believed that he was buried at Haraldshaugen. The site is the namesake for the town of Haugesund.

Haugesund as a town developed around the sea and especially the herring fishing. In its earlier years, the coastal waters of Haugesund were a huge source for herring. The protective strait called Karmsund gave the town potential for growth and even today Karmsund is one of Norway’s busiest waterways.

Haugesund Today

Haugesund has a hospital that services the whole region.

Haugesund is also a cultural centre and is home to the Norwegian International Film Festival and Sildajazz, an international jazz festival with approximately 70 bands and 200 concerts.

The Haugesund University College is the main higher education centre.

Travel Information

Getting Here

Fly:Haugesund Airport has flights to Oslo and Bergen, plus some flights to Copenhagen and London.

Drive: Haugesund is on the E39 between Bergen and Stavanger.

Train: No train access.

Ferry: No ferry access.

Getting Around

The city centre of Haugesund is compact. The streets are on a grid and it’s easy to get around. Some attractions do require a bit of travel, however.

The local buses are managed by Kolumbus.

Shops

Places to Eat

Cafes & Bakeries

Quick Bites

Reasonable Restaurants

Brasserie Brakstad is a lovely place to eat along the harbourfront.

High End & Unique Eats

To Glass is a high-end Scandinavian restaurant.

Places to Stay

All our hotel recommendations are based on research and experience. We don’t recommend somewhere unless we think it is wonderful! The Hidden North focuses on accommodation that provides good quality for price or offer local or unique experiences.

Campgrounds & Hostels

Guesthouses & BnBs

Chains & Mid-Range

Clarion Hotel Banken is the best place to stay in Haugesund. The building is beautifully designed and in a great location.

Click here to view rates & book

The Scandic Maritim Hotel is a lovely hotel close to bars and restaurants by the harbour.

High End & Unique Properties

Sunrise/Sunset & Weather Averages

January

Sunrise: 9:22am

Sunset: 4:13pm

Average Temperature: 3 (37F)

February

Sunrise: 8:16am

Sunset: 5:30pm

Average Temperature: 2C (34F)

March

Sunrise: 6:54am

Sunset: 6:42pm

Average Temperature: 3C (38F)

April

Sunrise: 6:23am

Sunset: 8:56pm

Average Temperature: 6C (43F)

May

Sunrise: 5:04am

Sunset: 10:07pm

Average Temperature: 9C (48F)

June

Sunrise: 4:21am

Sunset: 10:57pm

Average Temperature: 12C (54F)

July

Sunrise: 4:48am

Sunset: 10:39pm

Average Temperature: 15C (59F)

August

Sunrise: 5:56am

Sunset: 9:28pm

Average Temperature: 15C (59F)

September

Sunrise: 7:08am

Sunset: 7:58pm

Average Temperature: 13C (55F)

October

Sunrise: 8:17am

Sunset: 6:30pm