Haugesund and Haugalandet, Norway – Festivals, Viking history

Film, jazz, and viking roots

The region of Haugalandet and its main city Haugesund can be used as a starting point for exploring the Folgefonna glacier or the Viking Period. And if you love film and music, you’re in for a treat.

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

The regional centre Haugesund (population 35,000) is a young, vibrant city which hosts several festivals every year. Amongst them is the Norwegian International Film Festival in August, one of the most important film festivals in Scandinavia. Jazz lovers might want to check out the Sildajazz festival (also in August) and its mix of local and international artists.

The Viking Period is important to the region, as it was the kith and kin of the early princes who ensured that the base of power for the Viking Harald the Fairhaired was to be at Haugalandet when he united Norway into one single kingdom.

One of the best sites to experience the viking roots is Avaldsnes at the Karmøy island, which is also known for its long and pale beaches. There are several options for getting to Haugesund.

If you want to see the surrounding nature of the region, there are plenty of opportunities. Take an excursion to the Langfoss waterfall, which has been nominated as one of the 10 most beautiful waterfalls in the world by CNN. Island hopping to Røvær and Utsira is also a popular activity, and locals will be very helpful if you ask them for advice on the best hiking trips.

Find more inspiration on Haugesund’s official website.

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visithaugesund.no

The Viking ship Draken.
Photo: Tove V. Bråthen / vestfoto.no

Langfoss waterfall.
Photo: Espen Mills

Skudeneshavn at Karmøy.
Photo: Ørjan Iversen

Vikings at Avaldsnes.
Photo: Ørjan B. Iversen / visithaugesund.no

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Getting here and around

Get in-depth travel information on Haugesund’s official website.

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By bus

There are daily express bus services that connect Haugesund with other major towns and cities in Norway, including Bergen, Stavanger, and Oslo.
By car

By car, follow E39 from Bergen or Stavanger to Haugesund. From Oslo, take E134 to Haugesund.

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By plane

There are daily flights from Oslo to and from Haugesund Airport, which is situated 20 minutes from the city centre. An Airport Coach is available on selected arrivals.

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