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 lies between Stavanger and Bergen in the centre of Norway's south-western cruise region, surrounded by countless small islands and imposing, seemingly endless fjords including Åkrafjord, Hardangerfjord and Lysefjord.
The town centre is 1.5km from the cruise pier, either on foot or by shuttle. Use the Kolumbus app for bus tickets and timetables, as well as city-bike and ferry options.
NB: The route into town is steep and passes through the port's industrial area. The 7 Euro shuttle drops you at the foot of the church, a short walk from the pedestrian mall.
Bus timetable information.
Haugesund is a lively historic town with Viking roots. A thousand years ago, King Harald Fairhair united Norway into one kingdom here, and Viking Kings ruled Norway from this region for more than 500 years. It therefore claims the title Norway's Birthplace – the Homeland of the Viking Kings.
Getting around
Bukkøy's Viking farm at Avaldsnes is a reconstruction that explains the lives of ancestors. Its courtyard contains a traditional longhouse, smaller homes, a Viking boat, plants and animals. In summer, costumed people demonstrate the Viking way of life. Reach it by walking from St. Olav's Church through open, beautiful countryside to the tree-covered island.
Nearby places
Langfoss Waterfall is farther away but merits the journey. It is one of Norway's most beautiful falls, cascading from a mountainside into Åkrafjord, around an hour's drive from Haugesund.
Food and shopping
The city centre has many shops, particularly on largely pedestrian Haraldsgata. Be aware that many close on Sunday.
Money
Norway uses the Norwegian crown (Norske krone), abbreviated kr. Its 1/100th unit is an øre. 1.00 EUR equals about 9 NOK. Norway is among the world's most expensive countries.