City Guide Haugesund

Looking for a city break in a smaller town, close to nature? In Haugesund you will find everything you may wish for within walking distance; shopping, entertainment, restaurants - and nature. Simply put on your sneakers and explore the city´s historical monuments, the industrial part of Haugesund and its city life. Start by strolling down town and visit some of the cafés and shops along the way.

Explore by foot

Haugesund is known as a shipping and industrial town on the west coast of Norway, situated between Bergen and Stavanger. The city was built on fishing for herring, and the maritime industry is still important to Haugesund. To learn more about the towns history visit Karmsund folkemuseum and Dokken Museum (open during the summer). To explore this part of the town, take a walk on the harbour side, Smedasundet, and then cross the bridge to Risøy. This is what once was the heart of the town.

Smedasundet @ Jone Torkelsen

When it comes to architecture, art nouveau has made a big impact on Haugesund. In fact, Haugesund is the town in Norway most influenced by this style. Make sure to take a look at the corner houses and towers found spread out in the city centre.

The city parks Byparken, Biblioteksparken (the park in front of the town´s library) and Rådhusplassen may be worth a visit, too. You will find a small market at Rådhusplassen, which is open every weekday. Don’t forget to take a closer look at the pink historical building behind. This is the City Hall, which in fact is considered Norway’s premier example of neo classical architecture and has been awarded Norway’s most beautiful town hall.

Haugesund City Hall - Photo: Tove Bråthen

Local design and shopping

Shoppers should head to Haraldsgata, the main shopping street in town, as well as its side streets. Small local shops, clothing stores, interior concepts and a goldsmith are located here. A visit to Krimz Kramz and Den lille Bokbutikken is highly recommended!

Further up the street you will find Lervik Ur, which displays the local watch brand Bruvik, in addition to other luxury brands. lervik Ur is recognized beyond Haugesund for its knowledge and service. At Formbar Glassverksted you can watch glassblowing live and get local glass art and design. If you’d like to bring home some edible gifts, stop by at Amundsen Spesial. Music lovers will be happy to know there is a record store in Haugesund too, named Shabby Records.

Where to eat in Haugesund

Looking for a place to eat? Down at the harbour you will find several restaurants serving both international and local cuisine, as well as bars and a nightclub. Lothe’s is considered the town's best restaurant and To Glass and Naustet Restaurant are great options too. For lunch, you can stop by at Dattera til Lothe’s, or the local bakery Naturbakst. The best burger in town is found at Oxe Burger up town, while Sabi Sushi serves Japanese cuisine.

Looking for a place to go for good coffee? Hos Carlos at Gamle Slaktehuset and at Haugesund library is said to have the best coffee in town at the moment. For a sweet treat you have to pay a visit to one of the most colorful buildings in town; Jåblom bakst - Cupcakehuset. You will find locally brewed beer at Garasjebryggeriet at Høvleriet by the Harbour. Looking like something you’d might find in Brooklyn, it offers Haugesund an almost international feel.

Entertainment

The local couple Pia Noreger and Pål Jackman has turned the old chapel into a home and a place for venues, such as concerts, movie nights and other cultural events. At the cultural building Festiviteten, you may enjoy a wide range of cultural events all year round, and this is also where the famous Amanda Award ceremony takes place during the annual Film Festival in Haugesund. Other festivals you should mark off in your calendar are Sildajazzen and Den festival in Vangen - both take place every year in August. Check out our What's on calendar so you don't miss out on the fun. In for a fright? Check out Escape Room to get locked in. Hopefully you will find your way out, too.

Sunday stroll

Spending a Sunday in Haugesund? Act like a local: go for a Sunday stroll, as nature is never far away. Head for the seaside for fresh air directly from the North Sea or take a hike in the woods close to town.

If you wish to spend the day at sea, you can take a boat ride to Vibrandsøy or Røvær. You can get to the closer islands, Risøy and Bakarøy, on foot, as there are two bridges crossing Smedasundet to the islands from the town centre.

Norway’s national monument, Haraldshaugen - Photo: Nordicdrone

Learn about local history as you stroll along Kyststien, the coastal path passing Norway’s national monument, Haraldshaugen. Along the path you may encounter a wild sheep or two. If you want to go for a swim in the fresh North Sea, Kvalsvik and Asalvikå are recommended. And for those who prefer hiking amongst trees, may go for a stroll in Haraldsvangen. From there, you can also reach the slightly wilder woods of Djupadalen.

Haraldsvangen - Photo: Jone Torkelsen