HAUGESUND

Homeland of the Viking kings

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Haugesund .
Photo: Grim Berge

Smedasundet in Haugesund .
Photo: Nordic Drone

Come along on a journey to a land where chieftains ruled for centuries and cultural traditions stand strong.

Nestled between mountains, islands and the North Sea, the Haugesund region in Fjord Norway holds a special place in the country’s history.

The region’s landscape is often compared to environments in famous TV-shows like Game of Thrones and Vikings, with the latter being more spot-on than any.

Haugesund .
Photo: Visit Haugesund

You see, this used to be the home of the Viking kings and the base of power for Harald Fairhair when he united Norway into a single kingdom.

It is also where Norway’s national monument, Haraldshaugen, stands proud on what is believed to be Harald Fairhair’s burial site.

Haraldshaugen near Haugesund .
Photo: Nordic Drone

One of the best places to experience the Viking Period is Avaldsnes, Norway’s oldest royal throne, located on the island Bukkøy.

During the annual Viking Festival, Avaldsnes has 200 Vikings visiting from all over Europe, living in tents, performing re-enactments …

… and selling handicraft made with tools and techniques from that time.

In the region of Haugesund, locals preserve traditions so they can live on outside the pages of a storybook. But it is not limited to the Viking Period.

Vikings at Avaldsnes .
Photo: Scott Sporleder

They’ve continued the tradition of creating local food, with flavours from the surrounding land and ocean.

Try everything from seaweed, clams and herring to the region’s special dessert, Queen Maud Fromage, with chocolate and kogel mogel.

Food at Skaarnesheimen .
Photo: Skaarnesheimen Raw Ocean Lodge

On a stroll through the charming town Haugesund, you can also experience traditions picked up in countries far away.

From the lovely aroma of coffee …

Hos Carlos in Haugesund .
Photo: Tina Signesdottir Hult

… to the art of glassblowing.

Glassblowing in Formbar glassverksted .
Photo: Kristoffer Vincent Hansen

Glassblowing at Formbar Glassverksted .
Photo: Kristoffer Vincent Hansen

And not to mention movies on the big screen during the Norwegian International Film Festival and music at the annual Karmøygeddon Metal Festival.

Karmøygeddon Metal Festival in Haugesund .
Photo: Gunnlaug Broshaug

The region’s coastal landscape is another well-preserved attraction.

Get a bird’s eye view from the top of Himakånå, Trolltunga’s little sister, or enjoy the coastal culture up close in the idyllic seaside town Skudeneshavn.

Himakånå at Haugalandet .
Photo: Mattias Fredriksson