Making the most of Haugesund
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
The Homeland of the Viking Kings is located between Stavanger and Bergen in the heart of Norway’s south-western cruise region, and nestling among countless small islands and the mighty, almost endless, fjords such as Åkrafjord, Hardangerfjord and Lysefjord.
The town center is 1.5km from the cruise pier, walk or take the shuttle bus. Bus tickets and timetables are obtained through the Kolumbus app, as well as options for city bikes and ferries.
NB: The walk to town is steep and goes through the industrial part of the port. The shuttle is 7 Euro which takes you to the foot of the church and is a short walk to the pedestrian mall.
Bus timetables
Haugesund is a vibrant and historic town dating back to Viking times. This is where, a thousand years ago, King Harald Fairhair united Norway into a single kingdom, and it was from this area that the Viking Kings ruled Norway for more than 500 years. The region has laid claim to the title of Norway’s Birthplace – the Homeland of the Viking Kings.
Getting around
The Viking farm at Bukkøy is a reconstructed farm at Avaldsnes. The museum provides knowledge about the lives of our ancestors. In the museum courtyard you will find a traditional longhouse as well as smaller dwellings, a Viking boat and plants and animals. During the summer people are dressed in Viking clothes as they display the Vikings’ way of life. You get here by walking from St. Olav’s Church, through the open beautiful landscape before getting to the tree-covered island.
Nearby places
Langfoss Waterfall: A bit further afield, but worth the trip, Langfoss is one of Norway's most beautiful waterfalls, cascading down a mountainside into the Åkrafjord. It's about an hour's drive from Haugesund.
Food and shopping
The city center has a large variety of shops, especially along Haraldsgata, a mainly pedestrian street. Be aware that many shops close on Sunday, though.
Money
The Norwegian currency is the Norwegian crown (Norske krone), abbreviated kr. A 1/100th krone is called øre. 1.00 EUR = about 9 NOK. Norway is one of the most expensive countries in the world!