Exploring Haugesund - Our 5 Minute Port Guide

Haugesund in Norway, lies on fjord coastline between Stavanger and Bergen. It has played an important role in Norways history but today is a modern busy port city that is frequented by most cruise lines servicing the Norwegian Fjords market.

Despite the town being relatively young, the area of Avaldsnes on the outskirts is known as the Homeland of the Viking Kings, where the first king of Norway Harald Fairhair had his home.

Despite its historic significance you will find many cruise passengers who tell you this is a dull cruise port or one to do an excursion on. We cannot agree and in this video we will show you what you can do / see in the town as well as some of the more popular excursions options

If you do choose to explore the town first you’ll need to make your way from the cruise dock to the town centre. Most cruise lines lay on a shuttle bus to save passengers the 15 minute walk through the dock area and over the Risoy bridge. If you are ok the walk it though there are some fine views to be had from the bridge

Once across the bridge you’ll find Haugesund fairly easy to explore on foot. What you get out of dies depend on how far you are happy to walk.

One of the 1st places you’ll encounter is Haugesund historic waterfront area which is lined with bars cafes and restaurants. Be aware though that many do not open until 6 in the evening. But if you are lucky enough to get a late sail away these are definitely worth checking out.
There is also a statue of Marilyn monroe on the quayside. created at a time when it was speculated that Marilyn’s father originated from the town. This was later disproved but the statue is lovely and locals decided to keep it.

Behind the water front you’ll encounter Haraldgata. At 1km long this is one of Norway’s longest shopping areas. And the shopping and cafes here are excellent . Take your time to explore all the shops and buy souvenirs

At the southern end of Haraldsgata is the pretty pink town hall and square. Here you’ll also find the tourist information office. The striking building was a gift from shipowner Knut Knutsen O.A.S. and his wife Elisabeth, opening in 1931.

At the Northern end of Haraldsgata you can walk into more suburban areas where you will discover the statue of King a Harald Fair hair.

However continue following the coast path north you soon encounter the magnificent Haraldhaugen monument erected in 1872 to mark 1,000 years since the country’s unification. Haraldshaugen is believed to be the burial place of the country’s first king, Harald Fairhair.

Near to this monument is an incredible stone cross thought to be 1000 years old.

Continuing north along the coast the footpath provides beautiful coastal views and it’s possible to walk out to Kvalen Fyr lighthouse . This is about an hours walk from the cruise terminal. Walking a little further can take you to the somewhat eccentric sculptures kvalsvik sculpture park. This is lovely walking if the weather is kind.

However if you have your heart set on an excursion Haugesund does have some choice options. One of Haugesund’s biggest draws are the tiny islands and islets to the southwest and the vast Boknafjorden with its dozens of smaller offshoots to the northeast. There are waterfalls, mountains, and a rugged coastline to explore. And a popular way to do this is by Rib boat which can be boarded just outside the cruise dock …

A very popular trip is to the historic Avaldsnes and the Viking Village. It’s a 20 min ride by coach to this attraction which includes a fabulous museum of Viking life, a recreation of a Viking farm and the spectacular St Olaf’s church. Local actors bring the stories of this place to life and this settlement is located directly at the site the King Harald Fair hair and many of his successors held court and governed the fledgling country of unified Norway

Further afield coach trips to see the picturesque village of Skudeneshavn is a popular trip with its pretty fishing harbour and white timbered houses providing great photo opportunities.

About 90 minutes drive away is the spectacular Langfoss Waterfall. Whilst best seen from a boat trip in the fjord, coach trips cross the bridge across the falls and there are viewpoints for coach tours also.

In summer months guided walking tours in mountain areas are also possible including to the stunning viewpoint at Himakana rock viewpoint.

Haugesund is a really pleasant cruise port and provides options to suit different needs of cruise passengers. Historical significance and beautiful scenery both in the fjords and coastal setting mean that it’s a port we’d be happy to revisit and return too. Having taken two cruises that stopped here we’ve had two really enjoyable experiences so far and we’ll be back for a 3rd visit in 2024.

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