Haugesund - Discovering Norway

Travelling to Haugesund

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Haugesund, a pretty good destination in Norway (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Haugesund and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Haugesund, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Norway, here's everything to know about Haugesund for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Haugesund

Haugesund is a town located on the west coast of Norway, in the Rogaland county. It has a population of around 40,000 people and is known for its cultural heritage and beautiful fjords. It is often referred to as the birthplace of Norway due to its historical significance in the unification of the country in the late 9th century. Haugesund is also known for its seafood and maritime industry, with fishing being a major part of the local economy. Additionally, it hosts several cultural events throughout the year, including the Norwegian International Film Festival and the Sildajazz Festival.

What to visit in Haugesund

Here are some tourist attractions in Haugesund, Norway: 1. Haraldshaugen - This is a monument that marks the burial site of King Harald Fairhair, the first King of Norway who united several small kingdoms into one. The monument is located on a hill, giving a scenic view of the surrounding area.
2. Karmoy Beaches - Karmoy is an island near Haugesund with several beaches that offer scenic views. The most popular beaches are Åkrasanden, Ferkingstad, and Sandvesanden.
3. Norwegian Museum of Scouting - This museum exhibits the history of scouting in Norway. It features various scouting-related artifacts such as uniforms, badges, and scout literature.
4. The Archeological Museum - This museum showcases the history of early settlements in the Haugesund area. It displays artifacts from the Viking age and bronze age.
5. Festivals - Haugesund hosts several festivals throughout the year. The most popular festival is the Norwegian International Film Festival which takes place in August and is one of the biggest film festivals in the Nordic countries.
6. The Folgefonna National Park - A short drive from Haugesund, the Folgefonna National Park is a stunning area with snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and beautiful natural scenery. 7. The Hauge Church - A charming rustic church built in wood around 1250, the Hauge Church was recently restored and is now a preserved historical building.
8. Visnes Mines - an abandoned copper mines, now a museum and an important historical site.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Norway, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Haugesund.

When to go on holiday to Haugesund

The best time to visit Haugesund depends on your interests and what you want to do during your trip. If you are looking to enjoy the warm weather and participate in outdoor activities like hiking and biking, then the best time to visit would be during the summer months of June to August, when the temperatures average around 15-20°C (59-68°F).
If you are interested in festivals and cultural events, then visiting during August when the annual Viking Festival takes place could be a great option.
However, if you don't mind cooler temperatures and want to experience the stunning Northern Lights, then the winter months from November to February would be the best time to visit. Just keep in mind that daylight hours are shorter during this time, so you will have less time for outdoor activities. Overall, the best time to visit Haugesund largely depends on your personal preferences and what you want to do during your trip.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Haugesund

There are several ways to get to Haugesund, Norway: 1. By plane: Haugesund has its own airport, Karmøy Airport, which is located about 9 kilometers from the city center. There are regular flights to/from Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, and several other destinations.
2. By train: Haugesund is connected to the national railway network through the airport train station. From Oslo or Bergen, you can take a train to Stavanger and then change to a local train to Haugesund.
3. By bus: Several bus companies operate routes to/from Haugesund. From Oslo or Bergen, you can take a bus to Stavanger and then change to a local bus to Haugesund.
4. By car: Haugesund is well-connected by roads to other cities in Norway. From Oslo, take E18 to Kristiansand, then E39 to Stavanger and Haugesund. From Bergen, take E39 south to Haugesund.
I hope this information helps you plan your trip to Haugesund!
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Haugesund, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Haugesund

Here are some typical foods from Haugesund, Norway along with a brief description: 1. Herring: A staple in Norway, herring is a small, oily fish that is commonly served pickled or smoked. The Haugesund region is known for its smoked herring, which is often served with boiled potatoes and sour cream.
2. Kjøttkaker: Kjøttkaker are meatballs made from ground beef or pork, potatoes, breadcrumbs and milk. They are typically served with steamed vegetables and a brown gravy.
3. Raspeballer: Also known as klubb, this is a traditional Norwegian dish made from grated potatoes, flour, and salt. The potato mixture is rolled into balls and boiled. It is often served with bacon, sausages, and lingonberry jam.
4. Fårikål: Fårikål is considered to be Norway's national dish. It is a lamb and cabbage stew that is typically made with potatoes, carrots, and whole black peppercorns. It is often served with flatbread or rye bread.
5. Trollkrem: Trollkrem is a traditional Norwegian dessert made from whipped cream and cloudberries. It is often served with a sprinkle of sugar and cinnamon.
6. Brunost: Brunost, which translates to "brown cheese", is a unique Norwegian cheese made from a combination of cow's milk and goat's milk. It has a slightly sweet and nutty flavor and is often served sliced on bread or crackers.
7. Lefse: Lefse is a traditional Norwegian flatbread made from potatoes, flour, and milk. It can be served sweet (with butter and sugar) or savory (with meat or cheese). In Haugesund, lefse is often served with smoked salmon.
You can find general info about typical foods in Norway here.

Is Haugesund an expensive destination for tourists?

Compared to some other destinations in Norway, Haugesund can be considered relatively reasonably priced. However, Norway as a whole is known for being expensive, with high prices for food, accommodation, and activities. In Haugesund, expect to pay around 120-150 NOK for a meal at an inexpensive restaurant, and upwards of 200 NOK for a mid-range meal. Accommodation can also be pricey, with hotel rooms starting at around 700 NOK per night. That being said, there are budget options available, such as hostels and camping grounds. It is also worth noting that Haugesund has many free, outdoor activities to enjoy, such as hiking and exploring the scenic coastline.

Where to find accomodation in Haugesund

In Haugesund, some of the best areas to find accommodation include the city center, Haraldsgata, and the waterfront area around Smedasundet. These areas offer easy access to many of the city's main attractions, such as the Haraldshaugen National Monument, the Nordvegen History Centre and Viking Settlement, and the Gamle Haugesund historic district. Additionally, staying in these areas puts you within walking distance of a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as public transportation options for exploring further afield.
You can check hotel prices at Haugesund here:
Booking.com

Is Haugesund a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Haugesund is generally a safe place for tourists. Norway, in general, has a low crime rate and Haugesund is a small and peaceful city with friendly residents. However, as with any city, tourists should still take basic precautions to ensure their safety such as keeping an eye on their belongings and staying aware of their surroundings, especially late at night. It's always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the local emergency services and to have travel insurance that covers any medical needs.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Norway here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Haugesund.

What type of travelers will enjoy Haugesund the most?

Haugesund, Norway is a beautiful destination that can be enjoyed by different types of travelers. Couples will enjoy the romantic atmosphere of the city, especially during the summer months when they can take romantic walks along the beach, enjoy a sunset cruise or explore the city's cultural attractions.
Young people looking for fun can explore the vibrant nightlife of Haugesund, with its lively bars and nightclubs. They can also engage in adventure activities such as hiking, fishing, or sailing.
Families will enjoy the city's kid-friendly amusement parks, museums, and family-friendly activities. There are also several parks and playgrounds where children can play and interact with other kids.
Overall, Haugesund is a great destination for anyone looking for a relaxing and peaceful retreat, as well as for those who want to engage in exciting activities and explore the Norwegian culture.

How to get around Haugesund

The best way to get around Haugesund is by bus, as the city has a well-developed bus system that covers most of its urban areas. Taxis are also available in the city, but they can be expensive. If you prefer to explore the area on your own, you can rent a car or a bicycle. Haugesund also has ferries that connect the city to nearby islands and towns.

What to see around Haugesund

Here are some nice places you can visit in a day trip from Haugesund: 1. Karmøy Island: Explore the fishing village of Skudeneshavn, visit the Viking Farm at Avaldsnes, or simply enjoy the scenic views of the island.
2. Utsira Island: This small island is perfect for a day trip, with beautiful landscapes, charming fishing villages, and a variety of bird species to observe.
3. Stavanger: This historic city is only a short ferry or car ride from Haugesund, and offers a variety of attractions, including the famous Pulpit Rock.
4. Preikestolen: This iconic cliff formation is one of Norway's most popular tourist destinations. The hike to the top takes a few hours, but offers stunning views of the surrounding fjords.
5. Lysefjord: This fjord is another popular destination for visitors to Norway. You can take a boat tour to see the steep cliffs and scenic waterfalls up close.
I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.
For every travel information about Norway you can click here.

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