Haugesund tourist information
Haugesund was first heard of when Snorre Sturlasson mentioned it in 1217 in connection with the death of Harald Hårfagre (in the year 930). The Norwegian National Monument, Haraldshaugen, commemorates the unification of Norway under Harald Hårfagre.
Haugesund was granted town status by King Oscar 2 and will celebrate its 150th anniversary on 26 August 2004. At present the town has a population of 30,000 and is a regional centre with a lot to offer in the fields of culture, commerce and services. The surrounding area served by the regional centre has a population of 160,000 people and comprises Haugalandet, Sunnhordaland and parts of Ryfylke and Hardanger.
With the North Sea as its closest neighbour Haugesund is strongly dependent on the earning potential provided by the sea, a fact that leaves its mark on the town. Oil, gas and maritime activities and courses and conferences are important to the town's economy in addition to commerce.
The large population base in the region puts Haugesund at the top of the league as regards retail-trade turnover per head of population. The town has a much bigger selection of goods and services on offer than you would normally expect of a town the size of Haugesund. Its small-town charm and an exciting range of shops in the town centre as well as modern shopping centres just outside the central area, assure you of a good "haul" in Haugesund.
For large-scale events, Haugesund has 5 modern hotels with Rica Maritim Hotel as the flagship. Maritim Hall can hold 870 guests. The town's hotels with more than 1,000 beds are centrally placed in relation to the town centre, the airport, the express passenger boats and the road network. The region also has much of interest to offer in connection with courses and conferences.
Haugesund hosts the Norwegian Film Festival and the well known Sildajazzen, Norway's International Tradjazz Festival, every year. There are many festive and cultural events throughout the summer. "Haugesund in August" is an exciting experience in the context of Norwegian summer festivals.
Haugesund is a pleasant town for a holiday. It has beautiful walking country and places for bathing and fishing just outside the town centre. The district around Haugesund has an amazing number of places for outings, whether you are looking for historical attractions, beauty spots or organised activities. The islands of Røvær, Utsira, Feøy and Espevær are also very inviting destinations for those who enjoy sea trips.
If you choose to take your holiday at sea, perhaps on your own boat, the guest marina at Smedasundet right in the centre of town is worth a visit. The marina has won prizes and is very popular, with 6 - 7,000 visiting boats from home and abroad in the summer.
The sea, the lakes and the rivers in our area provide plenty of opportunities for angling. You can hire a boat yourself or you can take a fishing trip on one of the fishing boats for tourists.
West Norway is well known for changeable weather. It can change from terrific summer weather one day to bad and stormy weather the next. We stand by our words when we say Haugesund is best in the Sou'west(er). How to get to Haugesund Flights from Oslo, Bergen, Copenhagen, Billund and Aberdeen. Express boats and/or ferries from the neighbouring towns of Stavanger and Bergen. Ferry connection with Fjord Line to Newcastle.
Haugesund aerial map
Please click on any icon on the Haugesund aerial tourist map, to find close by places, offering hotels and tourist information. You can zoom in and zoom out our touristical map as well as switch between satelite and map view of Haugesund.
Haugesund weather forecast
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