Haugesund
Discover Haugesund
Haugesund is a city in the county of Rogaland, in the West Norway region of Norway. The town offers a much wider range of goods and services than might be expected from a city of its size (approximately 37,000 inhabitants in 2020), due to its position as the definite centre of its relatively populous region. The historical village of Avaldsnes, sometimes known as Norway's birthplace, is 8.5 km south of Haugesund. Stavanger, two hours south of Haugesund, and Bergen, three hours north of Haugesund, have larger airports with more domestic and international connections. The lengthy drive, both including a ferry journey, may be worth it if you can avoid a flight connection.
What to Experience in Haugesund
Taste of Haugesund...
There are several pubs and clubs in Haugesund. However like the rest of Norway these places only come alive on a weekend and late at night, in many cases after 22:00, most have pretty good live music and cater for all ages, the big drawback is the crippling price of alcohol, US$11 for Guinness, $10 for local lagers, and up to $20 for spirit and mixer. The staff are usually very friendly and all speak good English, in fact many staff speak 2-3 languages. There are several hotels in Haugesund. All of them are in the city centre unless otherwise noted There are also two hostels in the region, but both are located away from the city centre. If you are coming with a caravan, there is also a camping ground just north of the city centre. In addition to the two islands which make up part of the city centre (Risøy and Hasseløy), there are numerous islands off the coast of Haugesund which are popular destinations for day excursions, especially during the summer.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsThere is no bus to the airport but car rentals and taxis are available. Stavanger, two hours south of Haugesund, and Bergen, three hours north of Haugesund, have larger airports with more domestic and international connections. The lengthy drive, both including a ferry journey, may be worth it if you can avoid a flight connection. The boat service in Haugesund goes to the islands of Røvær and Feøy, while a passenger and car ferry operates to the island of Utsira. Cruise ships to Haugesund dock at the Garpeskjærskaien Quay , on the west side of Risøy island just southwest of the town center, which welcomed its first cruise ship in 2013. Free bus shuttle service from the pier to Our Savior's Church (Vår Frelsers Kirke) is provided, but the 800 m distance to the town center is also walkable. The main road connection to eastern Norway is via the E134 road over Haukeli; another option is along route 7 across Hardangervidda....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
The city center of Haugesund is compact; the streets are on a grid and easy to navigate by foot. The main north-south street is Haraldsgata, which is for pedestrian only from Skjoldavegen (north) to Åsbygata (south). The parallel street Sørhauggata is one way south, while Strandgata is one-way north. The two blocks of Torggata between Sørhauggata and Strandgata is also pedestrianized. If you want to travel further out, there is a local (county) bus system. The tourist information centre is the 59.4144525.2656392 Bytunet (Strandgata 171, 5525), one block west of the main pedestrian street Haraldsgata at the northern end. They have a wide variety of free tourist brochures and schedules and also sell passes for the local bus system. The local buses are managed by Kolumbus, which manages the buses for the entire Rogaland county. The bus routes for North Rogaland, which includes Haugesund, are available online.
Where to Stay
There are several hotels in Haugesund. All of them are in the city centre unless otherwise noted There are also two hostels in the region, but both are located away from the city centre. If you are coming with a caravan, there is also a camping ground just north of the city centre. In addition to the two islands which make up part of the city centre (Risøy and Hasseløy), there are numerous islands off the coast of Haugesund which are popular destinations for day excursions, especially during the summer.
Money & Budget
As the main center of the Haugaland region, Haugesund has several shopping opportunities, and you will find everything you need and more. There are several pubs and clubs in Haugesund. However like the rest of Norway these places only come alive on a weekend and late at night, in many cases after 22:00, most have pretty good live music and cater for all ages, the big drawback is the crippling price of alcohol, US$11 for Guinness, $10 for local lagers, and up to $20 for spirit and mixer. The staff are usually very friendly and all speak good English, in fact many staff speak 2-3 languages. There are several hotels in Haugesund. All of them are in the city centre unless otherwise noted There are also two hostels in the region, but both are located away from the city centre.
Safety Information
Glimpses of Haugesund
Houses on the Island Risoy, part of the town Haugesund, located on the west coast of Norway, between Bergen and Stavanger. Scandinavia, Europe. Cranes of a shipyard in the background.
Haugesund, Norway
A classic car engine bay is on display.
Christmas
Two classic orange cars in a close-up shot.
Boathouse
a row of houses
Wind turbines near Haugesund, Norway
Rocky Shore
Norwegian flag, 17 of may, 17 mai,
Houses on the Island Risoy, part of the town Haugesund, located on the west coast of Norway, between Bergen and Stavanger. Scandinavia, Europe. Cranes of a shipyard in the background.
Haugesund, Norway
A classic car engine bay is on display.