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 between Stavanger and Bergen, holds a special place in the country’s history.
This area offers everything from a rich Viking heritage and lively festivals to seafood delicacies, mighty waterfalls, and cosy seaside towns.
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The region’s landscape is often compared to the places you see in famous series like Game of Thrones and Vikings.
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.
One of the best places to experience the Viking Period is Avaldsnes, Norway’s oldest royal seat, located on the island of Bukkøy.
During the annual Viking Festival, Avaldsnes is visited by over 200 Vikings visiting from all over Europe, who camp in tents and perform re-enactments …
… and sell handicrafts made with tools and techniques from that time.
Using the new Time Travel app, visitors can also experience Karmøy and learn about characters from times past on a digital historic walk.
Don't miss these highlights.
In the Haugesund region, locals preserve more than just Viking traditions, as they’ve also kept their culinary traditions alive, using local ingredients from the surrounding land and ocean.
Sample everything from seaweed, clams, and herring to the region’s local dessert speciality, Queen Maud Fromage, made with chocolate and whipped cream!
Taste delicious local food and book a table at a fine restaurant.
On a stroll through the charming streets, you can also experience traditions picked up in countries far away.
From the lovely aroma of coffee …
… to the art of glassblowing.
Not to mention films on the big screen during the Norwegian International Film Festival and music at the annual Karmøygeddon Metal Festival.
The region’s coastal nature is another well-preserved attraction.
Get a bird’s eye view from the top of Himakånå, Trolltunga’s little sister, or enjoy coastal culture up close in the idyllic seaside town of Skudeneshavn.
Feel the ocean breeze on a visit to islands like Utsira and Røvær, experience the power of the waves by surfing, …
… or witness the power of cascading water at the mighty Langfoss waterfall in Åkrafjorden.
CNN has named this 612-metre-high waterfall one of the ten most beautiful in the world.
After a long day of sightseeing, what better way to unwind than with a fireplace and this view?
Book comfy hotels or cosy cabins. Find your home away from home.
In the Haugesund region, you will also find chalk-white beaches that look like they belong much further south in the world. They are favoured spots for swimming, surfing, and kiting.
Both Åkrasanden and Sandvesanden beaches have been awarded Blue Flag environmental certification.
Nature. Culture. History.
It all comes together in the Haugesund region!
Find more information on Haugesund’s official website.
Plan your trip to Haugesund and Haugalandet with Entur, Norway's official travel planner.
There are no train stations in Haugesund, but you can take the train from Oslo via Kristiansand to Stavanger. From here, you can go by bus to Haugesund.
There are daily bus departures to Haugesund from cities like Oslo, Bergen, Kristiansand, and Stavanger.
Travel time is around 2 hours from Stavanger, 8 hours from Oslo, 6.5 hours from Kristiansand, and 3.5 hours from Bergen.
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From Denmark, you can travel by ferry from Hirtshals to Stavanger and continue your journey to Haugesund by car or public transport.
If you’re driving, follow E39 from Bergen and Stavanger, and E134 from Oslo.
Travel time is around 7 hours from Oslo, 2 hours from Stavanger, and 3 hours from Bergen.
Plan your route, check traffic alerts, ferry information and more at the Norwegian Roads Administration website.
Haugesund Airport has daily flights from Oslo, as well as direct routes from other European cities.
From the airport, you can take the airport bus or a taxi to Haugesund city centre. You can also rent a car and drive.
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