Haugesund region

In the southwest of Norway where the fjords flow out into the North Sea you will find Haugalandet. The geographical region is flanked by the Folgefonna Glacier  to the north and the mountain formation of Preikestolen  in the south.

Surrounded by a spectacular coastline and inviting fjords, are picturesque mountains and lush valleys, meandering rivers and placid lakes, lively towns and charming country villages.

• Area: 23,000 square kilometres
• Population: 105,000 inhabitants
• Municipalities: Haugesund, Utsira, Karmøy, Tysvær, Bokn, Vindafjord, Etne, Sauda and Sveio

Haugesund

Haugesund (population 35,000) is the regional centre of Haugalandet. It is a young, vibrant city, and one of Norway's most popular congress and festival towns.

History

For more than 3,000 years chieftains at Avaldsnes, on the strait between Karmøy and Haugesund, levied tolls on passing ships. It is these chieftains or kings, from the time before written records began, that have endowed us with a history told through monumental burial sites, carved stones and other treasures.

Following the battle of Hafrsfjord in 872 AD, it was at Avaldsnes that Harald the Fairhaired established Norway's first throne, and the strait of Nordvegen – the way to the north, gave its name to Norway.