10 Things to Do in Haugesund That You Shouldn't Miss

This is a great hike along the nature and heritage trail that runs from the village of Akra to the village of Ferkingstad. Cultural and historical monuments lie in abundance between Akra and the boathouse ruins at Hop. The hike starts in the north end of the beach at Akra. From here you can enjoy the view of the white Beaches stretching along the shore. The hike follows a natural path, and along here you can see and sense a rich fauna and birdlife. On the south end of the beach the tour continues over to a historical area, dating back to the Viking Age. Here you will see stone monuments symbolizing the two daughters of King Augvald, one of our Viking kings. The tour continues to Ferkingstad beach, another beach worth seeing. Afterwards you will walk to the charming boat harbour, built in the 1960’s. You will also visit the boathouse ruins, used by the Vikings to drag their ships ashore. The tour finishes at Fisherman’s Memorial, a monument symbolizing local fishermen who lost their lives at sea.

Take the Skjoldavegen Road to Eivindsvatnet Lake. The area consists of lush plantation Forests, bathing area and good fishing grounds. Circular walking route stretching 8 km from Haugesund to Kattanack, Haralsvang and back to Haugesund. The trails are suitable for ordinary footwear and are also accessible by bicycle. Lighted trail at night.

Viewpoint 227m above the sea. Panorama views over Haugalandet and the North Sea. Drive to the top and park 100m from the peak.

Nordvegen History Centre – one of Norway’s most important areas within national history!For 3000 years chieftains and kings controlled the strait Karmsundet – Nordvegen – the shipping lane that gave Norway its name. At Nordvegen History Centre you can learn about the sovereigns that controlled the coast of Norway from Avaldsnes. Some of them are known from kings’ sagas and old songs. Others are known from archaeology.You will also get a glimpse of the magic world that people once believed to be real. You’ll meet sorcerers, female warriors and Norse gods.At the History Centre we will tell stories using instruments of our own time – it is a grand, informative and very exciting place to visit!Sells local literature, large and small Viking souvenirs. You can also purchase a selection of locally produced goods such as mittens and socks, and creams and soaps made from heather. Nordvegen History Centre also sells Viking jewellery, including Snorre jewellery. The Viking settlement is situated in beautiful natural surroundings on the island of Bukkøy and is accessible on foot with a 10 minute walk from St. Olav's Church. Here it is possible to see and experience how the Vikings lived. Every aspect of the day-to-day life of the Vikings, from work to celebrations including farming, fishing, handicrafts, commerce, art and culture are on display here. Many buildings typical of Viking times are re-constructed using original techniques and of special interest is the granary and round house from the pre-Christian era. The other buildings are replicas from around 900 AD. Adjacent to the settlement is a pier with a capacity for large boats complete with service building including modern toilet facilities. The Viking Hall is also available by private rental for diverse social arrangements.

Snorre's sagas of the kings mention the site where Harald Fairhair is buried. In the nineteenth century it was believed the place described by Snorre had been located. This is where the national monument of the unification of Norway was erected in 1872, during the millennial celebrations of Norway's unification into one kingdom. The monument is located 2km north of the town centre.

Located at the innermost point of Førresfjorden, arquebus War history Museum is one of norway’s largest museums dealing with the theme of the Resistance during WWii. Covering more than 2000 m2, the museum takes the visitor through the dramatic history of the occupation on april 9th 1940 through to liberation in 1945. experience everyday life, the contribution of the mer- chant marine navy, the home front, weapons drops, and secret radio transmissions. the museum features 125 mannequins dressed in full wartime regalia, fully equipped coastal defence, and the german defeat in Berlin. arquebus War history Museum has its own shop that sells collectors’ items and military effects. Café. Groups:Guided tours outside normal opening hours, contact us for booking.

Experience a night on the North Sea island of Utsira! Learn about theisland community living on Utsira. Daily ferry connection from Haugesund (Garpaskjærdkaien Quay). Situated 18 km west from Karmøy, Utsira is Norway’s smallest commune with approximately 218 inhabitants. Adventures to explore are many: preserved coastal heritage landscape, marked hiking trails, a museum and the world’s first wind and hydrogen energy power plant. It is also possible to “hunt” (with field glasses) new bird species in one Norway’s most beautiful ornithological environments with over 317 different species discovered so far. Last but not least, we must also mention Norway’shighest situated lighthouse with its 68 m.a.o..Utsira Lighthouse is the most visited attraction on Utsira. These Lighthouses are Norway’s only remaining twin Lighthouses. Utsira Lighthouse has collected weather data for the Meteorological Institute since 1867 and is Norway’s oldest weather observation station still in continuous operation. By visiting the lighthouse station during the summer months, it is possible to gain good insightinto lighthouse life as it once was.Sørevågen features a sandy beach, bathing jetty and grill. There is also a guest harbour with Freshwater and WC. Sildaloftet has a guest pier housing a shower, toilet, washing machine and wireless Internet, as well as a fitness studio that is open to guests.

Haugesund Town Hall was a gift from shipowner Knut Knutsen OAS and his wife Elisabeth. The town hall was designed by architects Gudolf Blakstad and Hermann Munthe-Kaas and was officially opened in 1931. The park was opened in 1949. The town hall is one of the most famous buildings in the country and contains a wealth of artistic decorations. The building and its surrounding areas have been preserved. In the book Norges kunsthistorie, (The History of Norwegian Art) Leif ostby describes the town hall in connection with the classical trend among architects in the 1920s: One of the movement's most important works is Haugesund Town Hall - with its magnificent, outstandingly striking corner section embellished with double pillars.

We are located at Bytunet at the north end of the pedestrian street. The city has approximately 30.000 inhabitants and is a regional centre with a diverse choice of cultural, trade and service amenities.