Visit Haa-land!
Explore Erling Braut Haaland's hometown
Yes, we love Haaland!! Tourists and journalists from all over the world are flocking to the small town of Bryne in the district of Jæren in southwestern Norway – the home of one of the biggest football players of our time, the Norwegian 'Viking' Erling Braut Haaland! Take a tour in his footsteps.
Not Holland (in the Netherlands). Not Halland (in Sweden). There is only one true Haaland, and that is actually Håland, in Bryne in the Stavanger region!
One of the greatest living players in the world grew up in a very small town with around 12,500 residents in southwestern Norway. In May 2023, Haaland was named the Premier League's Player of the Season, after a record-breaking debut campaign in which he has delivered no less than 36 goals, as Manchester City claimed their third straight league title. After their victory in the Champions League, they secured 'The Treble', a historic achievement for the club. Not bad for a 22-year-old from the Norwegian countryside!
Now tourists and international press alike flock to the town of Bryne to visit the stadium where Haaland laced up his first pair of football boots and developed the most feared right (and left!) foot in football.
Haaland fever in Bryne
"We have had a lot of interest from international media lately, including British media like the BBC, and the Israeli press, and there was also a big article about Bryne in The Athletic. We have also been contacted by CBS broadcasting in the USA, who were interested in doing something on our area," says Frode Hagerup. He is the head of Opplev Jæren, (Experience Jæren), and a huge football (and Haaland) fan.
At first glance you might mistake Hagerup for another, far more famous person, as he strolls around town in his light blue T-shirt with his long, blonde hair pulled back in a ponytail. You might spot him accompanying the newest group of tourists in town – the Haaland fans!
"Right now I am actually at Bryne Stadion where Haaland started his career, together with two British Manchester City fans who stopped by on their way to Lofoten to see Erling's hometown. In general, we are spotting more and more tourists around town, taking pictures of the street art and dining in the restaurants that Erling used to go to," he says.
The Bull from Jæren
The town of Bryne lies in the district of Jæren. Haaland is often referred to as ‘The Bull from Jæren’ because there’s a bull on the logo of the supporter club of the local Bryne FK team, where Haaland started his career.
"And of course, because Erling is as strong as a bull," adds Hagerup.
The Jæren district is a very important agricultural area, and is especially famous for its dairy and meat production.
"There are many farm shops in the area, and many of them are open 24-hours a day. They are reporting more sales and visits – thanks to Erling's social media activity. For example, when he posts things like 'Me and my magic potion', alongside a photo of him drinking a glass of milk, or the popular Christmas soda from Egersund, Julebrus," says Hagerup.
Top tourist attractions
We can't promise that the local food will make you a football hero, but we can assure you that the produce of Jæren is recognised throughout Norway, and even further afield for its high quality and great taste.
Scroll down for tips for a tour around Bryne in the footsteps of Haaland! You should set aside some time to explore the surrounding area as well, as Bryne happens to be smack in the middle of some of Norway's top tourist attractions!
Chasing Haaland
Join Gary and Barry on their journey to Bryne in Norway to experience a dream holiday in Haa-land.
Explore Erling Haaland's hometown:
The international sign for farse!
- Take a selfie in front of the two street art art images of Haaland, one by Anette Moi and the other one by Pøbel.
- Visit Bryne stadion, the home pitch of Erling's first club, Bryne FK.
- Taste Bryne's speciality: Farse at Pylsebuå te Håland (Håland's hot dog stand). Farse is minced beef sprinkled with flour, milk, eggs, and spices and shaped into a large meatball served in bread like a hamburger. No wonder Haaland has gotten so strong!
- Dine at the Chinese restaurant When Hua House, where Haaland used to eat, and where a signed Haaland football shirt is on display.
- Stop by Hole Gard at Voll or Jerseymeieriet at Herikstad to get a taste of Haaland's "magic potion", fresh cow's milk!
- Visit Håland and the place that shares his middle name, Braut – a six-minute drive from the centre of Bryne.
- Hotell Jæren has a special Haaland room with a picture of him and a quote by him above the bed that says "I wanted to score a hat-trick, so I did"!
Top five tourist attractions around Bryne
When you are done with Bryne, Jæren and the surrounding areas also offer several world class tourist attractions!
1. Mile-long beaches: Do like Haaland and let your hair fly in the wind at some of Norway's longest white beaches in Jæren. Sign up for a surfing course or a kiting lesson.
2. The Troll's cock: Haaland is not the only thing that's big in this part of the country. Trollpikken, literally the Troll's cock, is a unique stone formation near Egersund. A short and easy hike will lead you to this popular tourist attraction.
3. Viking country: Haaland's Viking-inspired braids and costume went viral! Follow Haaland's viking roots all the way into Haugesund – the homeland of the Viking kings.
4. Personal goals: Replace your football boots with mountain hiking boots and feel like Haaland when you reach the top of... Preikestolen, by the glittering Lysefjord!
5. A Norwegian city break: The cosmopolitan city of Stavanger might not be as big as the city of Manchester, but it is much cosier! Be sure to visit the football pubs and traditional white wooden houses of the old town.