10 Best Things To Do In Haugesund, Norway: Nature & Knowledge Escapes

1. 1. Visit Norway’s national monument of the Haraldshaugen

To witness an important site not just to Haugesund but to the entire country of Norway itself, visit the Haraldshaugen. It is Norway’s national monument, depicting a commemoration of Norway’s first king, Harald Hårfagre. From the monument location, you can access a variety of pathways leading you to spectacular views of the beach, seafront, and lighthouse.

Haraldshaugen

Phone: +47 52010830

Address: Haraldshaugen, Haugesund 5515, Norway

2. 2. Enjoy the clear waters and white sands of the Karmoy Beaches

The Karmoy Beaches in Haugesund are known for their dazzling beauty with crystal clear waters and white sandy shores. You can take a swim in these waters during the summertime, and appreciate the view of the horizon when the weather does not permit for swimming. For a relaxing day in the hot or cold, stroll on the shores of this outdoor gemstone of Haugesund.

Karmoy Beaches

Phone: +47 52857500

Address: Akrehamn, Haugesund, Norway

3. 3. Witness the several stunning vistas of the Djupadalen hiking trail

The Djupadalen hiking trail is essential for anyone wishing to take sight of the stunning vistas in Haugesund. There are many animals you might witness during this hike, such as deer, hares, minks, and a vast variety of birds. The hike may be a bit difficult for beginners, but the view is certainly worth the effort! For those wishing to spend some quality time with nature, try the Djupadalen hiking trail.

Djupadalen hiking trail

Phone: +47 52010830

Address: Djupadalen, Haugesund 5527, Norway

4. 4. Browse through battle artifacts at the Arquebus War History Museum

Spend a few hours at the Arquebus War History Museum to discover Haugesund’s interesting past. This is a fairly moderate sized museum with plenty of exhibits displaying the war history of Norway and the local history of Haugesund. One of the most impressive exhibits will showcase to you many aspects of daily life during the year of occupation in 1940 to Norway’s liberation in 1945. There is also a gift shop and café located on the premises.

Arquebus War History Museum

Phone: +47 52770100

Address: Forresfjorden, Haugesund 5563, Norway

Website: Arquebus War History Museum

5. 5. Escape to the natural beauty of the Utsira Island

To get a taste of a truly local small town, visit the Utsira Island. It is Norway’s smallest municipality, with only 200 residents. The island is an incredibly relaxing place to visit for a taste of Norwegian hospitality. There are many beautiful sights of the beach and horizon, so make sure you spend a few hours on the island exploring its trails.

Utsira Island

Phone: +47 52750100

Address: Utsira, Haugesund 5547, Norway

6. 6. Go shopping at the various venues on Haraldsgata Street

Aside from history and nature, one of the things Haugesund is known for is having an impressive array of shopping options on Haraldsgata Street. There is a nice assortment of interesting shops on both sides of the street, as well as quaint coffeehouses along the way. In the summertime, this road is also bustling with street fairs and festivals, so make sure you visit Haraldsgata Street even if you are not shopping!

Haraldsgata Street

Address: Haraldsgata, Haugesund 5501, Norway

7. 7. See a film at the Tysværtunet kulturhus center

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

About 15 minutes away from the center of Haugesund, you can visit the Tysværtunet kulturhus center to experience Norwegian culture through film and art exhibitions. The cultural center includes a great hall, black box, movie theater, rehearsal rooms, gift shop, café, library, water park, climbing hall, and dancing hall. This place is always bustling with activity, make sure you stop by during your next trip to Haugesund!

Tysværtunet kulturhus center

Phone: +47 52757500

Address: AKS Dals Road 157, 5570 Melbourne, Norway

Website: Tysværtunet kulturhus center

8. 8. Broaden your understanding at the Nordvegen History Centre

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

There are so many areas in Haugesund where you can expand your knowledge about Norwegian history, and the Nordvegen History Centre is one of them! You will be greeted by individuals dressed in authentic Viking apparel as they lead you through the history of Norway. You will witness Viking villages and grazing sheep to give you the sensation of time traveling to Norway’s early settlement days. This is the ideal place to visit for a taste of the past!

Nordvegen History Centre

Phone: +47 52812400

Address: Kong Augvaldsvei, Haugesund 5528, Norway

Website: Nordvegen History Centre

9. 9. Drive up the Steinsfjellet trail for an unforgettable view of town

A brief drive up the Steinsfjellet trail will gift you with a most breath-taking landscape. You will not be disappointed at the sight of the beautiful region, including surrounding islands of Haugesund and important landmarks. There are many signs along the trail that will point you in the right direction to witness whichever sights you are most interested in.

Steinsfjellet

Phone: +47 52010830

Address: Steinsfjellet, Haugesund 5533, Norway

10. 10. Learn about Norwegian culture at the Karmsund Folkemuseum

Here is another place in Haugesund where you can experience Norwegian life as it was in the past. At the Karmsund Folkemuseum, you can browse through exhibits depicting much of Haugesund’s local history of fishing, shipping, and daily life in the old days. There is even an exhibit where you can try on authentic Norwegian clothes and take a photo! There is a multitiude of interesting antique items such household items, clothing, farming tools, and more. Make sure to visit this museum for an enjoyable and informational time!

Karmsund Folkemuseum

Phone: +47 52709360

Address: Skaaregata 142, Haugesund 5527, Norway

Website: Karmsund Folkemuseum

11. Time travel to the past in Haugesund, Norway

Haugesund is truly a gem of a city in Norway where you can experience past history foretold in a variety of places. Whether it’s in a museum, a viking history center, or outside on a hiking trail, you will certainly see traces of the past seeping through everywhere you go. For a feeling of nostalgia and reminiscence, visit Haugesund and explore the past.