Haugesund is considered by many to be the birthplace of Norway, thanks to the well-preserved Avaldsnes site & the monument commemorating the place where Harald Fairhair unified Norway. Haugesund is also an important fishing port, particularly for herring. The oil industry is massive here, but there’s still a lot of interesting things to see and do in 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
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Haugesund.
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.
There’s a Marilyn Monroe memorial here, as her father was from Haugesund. The monument is next to the Scandic Maritime Hotel.
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.
The lively waterfront is the heart of Haugesund, lined with restaurants, bars, colourful timber houses, and fishing boats. It’s perfect for an afternoon wander or sunset drink.
An engaging local museum covering fishing, shipping, and daily life in the region, with exhibitions spread across historic buildings.
A small family-friendly wildlife park just outside the city, ideal for a relaxed couple of hours with children.
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!
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.
Located just out of Haugesund is the island Utsira, a beautiful place to go birdwatching.
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.
An easy walk or drive to one of the region’s best viewpoints; perfect for sunrise or sunset.
Lush forest trails, lakeside swimming, picnic areas, and gentle bushwalks suitable for most fitness levels.
Often listed among Norway’s best beaches; white sand, turquoise water, and coastal paths.
One of Norway’s best-preserved old towns, full of narrow lanes and white wooden houses; a brilliant half-day trip.
Follow our road-trip guides for scenic trips around Haugesund.
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 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.
Follow one of our self-guided walks around Haugesund.
Watch our YouTube videos featuring Haugesund.
Here are some things that you must try in 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 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.
Fly: Haugesund Airport has flights to Oslo and Bergen, plus some flights to Copenhagen and London.
Drive: Around 2 hours from Stavanger, or 3 hours from Bergen (including ferries or bridges, depending on the chosen route).
Train: No train access.
Ferry: No ferry access.
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.
Amanda Storsenter – the region’s main shopping mall with fashion brands, electronics, books, and groceries.
Cafes & Bakeries
Dattera til Lothe – stylish café serving brunch, soups, and homemade sweets near the harbour.
Casual Eateries
Lothes Mat & Vinhus Bakery Café – cosy spot with fresh cakes, lunch plates, and a warm Scandinavian vibe.
Hos Carlos – tapas, sangria, and a welcoming vibe right on Smedasundet.
Egon Haugesund – broad menu with some elevated plates in a stylish setting.
High End & Unique Eats
To Glass is a high-end Scandinavian restaurant.
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
Haraldshaugen Camping – close to the Haraldshaugen monument and the coastline; cabins and tent/caravan sites.
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
Banken Hotel – boutique-style hotel in a historic former bank.
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