Cheap flights to Haugesund from PLN63*

The cool coastal town of Haugesund is the homeland of Viking kings and the birthplace of Norway itself, so you can feel you are in a saga of your own. Nestled between sea and mountains, it’s got fjords and waterfalls, islands and lighthouses, mountains and glaciers, sandy beaches and seafood. Haugesund is a terrific choice for a holiday full of nature, history and adventure that’s suitable for solo travellers, couples, groups and families alike.

 

A cool Viking hiking holiday

The Viking King Harald Hårfagre, or Harald Fairhair, built his castle here in 872 at Avaldsnes, one step on his way to uniting Norway. The shipping lane in the area was called Nordvegen, or the “way to the North”, which has today become Norway. Situated on the protective straits called Smedasund and Karmsund, Haugesund grew quickly as a centre for herring and shipping. To this day, Karmsund remains one of Norway’s busiest waterways. Experience the fruits of the sea and the waters of Haugesund, and pay homage to Harald at the national monument or at the history centre.

 

The birthplace of Norway

Find out the legend behind Harald’s hairy moniker, meet sorcerers, female warriors and Norse gods, and see a reconstructed Viking farm, at the Norvegen History Centre. If you’re lucky during your time in Haugesund, you’ll get a glimpse of Dragon Harald Fairhair, the largest Viking ship built in modern times with 25 pairs of oars plus a sail. It’s travelled as far as the East Coast of the US, so you may not find it at home. Be sure to visit Haugesund’s best-known landmark, the Norwegian national monument commemorating King Harald Fairhair, Haraldshaugen. From here, take in the view of the sea, or go for a stroll to the beaches, which sparkle with white sand and crystal-clear water, or to the lighthouse. To learn more about the history of this charming town, its fishing and shipping traditions, stop by the Karmsund Folkemuseum, where you can also dress in Norwegian folk costume for a photo.

 

What to eat and drink

Enjoy fish dishes such as fresh cod, or Norway’s best-known fish dish, lutefisk, which is also a traditional food in Sweden. Lutefisk is dried whitefish soaked in lye, then rinsed and salted, which is cooked and served with boiled potatoes, mashed green peas, melted butter and fried bacon. A delicacy native to Western and Northern Norway is pinnekjøtt, a hearty lamb or mutton dish with mashed rutabaga and potatoes on the side. Have some akevitt (perhaps better known by the spelling aquavit) with or after your meal. This spirit, distilled from grain and potatoes, is flavoured with spices and herbs, especially caraway and dill. The Norwegian varieties are aged in oak casks. Watch out, it usually has an alcohol content of 40 percent! Try the traditional dishes, or a delicious creamy fish soup under the wooden beams at Naustet Spiseri, in an old boathouse overlooking the harbour. Classy but cosy Lothes Mat og Vinhus is perfect for a drink by the bar next to the open hearth, or outdoors overlooking Smedasundet Sound. Located in an old Norwegian home, Lothes serves up all the Nordic classics but also has vegetarian and gluten-free options, as well as multi-course menus paired with wines for a real gourmet treat.

 

Shops and quayside pubs

Haraldsgata is the main thoroughfare of Haugesund, packed with shops and cafés, all of which spill into the street in summer for festivals. The pedestrianised area is lined with statues of local wildlife, and some shops have funny-faced trolls in front. You’ll find souvenirs here or see glass art and Nordic design pieces at nearby Formbar Glassverksted in Kirkegata Street. In the mood for a beer? Try some of the local microbrews at Garasjebryggeriet on Strandgata. It’s just a few blocks to the other heart of Haugesund, the quayside alongside the Smedasundet Sound, lined with restaurants and pubs.

 

Natural treasures

Langfoss Waterfall is a must-see among the many natural wonders of western Norway. Just an hour from Haugesund, this waterfall drops 600 metres into the fjord below. Hire a car, book a minibus tour, or take a boat trip around the Åkrafjorden to see this breathtaking sight from the water. Another must-see is Norway’s third-largest glacier, part of Folgefonna National Park. Access trails start at Rullestad in Etne, at Bergstø or at Mosnes (by boat), and you can choose hikes of varying difficulty, from “one-boot” (easy) to “five-boots” (for experienced climbers only). Enjoy the spectacular landscape, with streams and forests, animals and birds, and the ice wall. Head to Hinderåvåg, the starting point of a fairly easy hike to the top of Himakånå, for a panorama over Lysevatnet Lake as well as the fjords, lush farms and forests. Here’s you’ll also find the family-friendly climbing park Høyt og Lavt. For an extreme experience, you can go bungee jumping off Trolljuv Bridge, suspended high above the Åkrafjorden. Or book a guide to help you conquer the Via Ferrata Kyrkjeveggen, perhaps Norway’s toughest via ferrata route, 900 metres long and requiring 5-7 hours to complete. Like lighthouses? There are plenty to see and you can even stay at Utsira, on an island, Høyevarde, from 1858, or Ryvarden. For a glimpse of the real mystique of lighthouses, Røværsholmen can only be visited by boat...

 

Haugesund airport

Haugesund Airport, just 20 minutes from the city centre, is a small airport with free wifi and free fresh water, one shop and one café. Flybussen offers bus transport to and from the city, with stops at major hotels and landmarks. Regional bus company Kystbussen also has routes into the city, and taxis are readily available.

 

Haugesund weather

Haugesund may be cooler than most European destinations, but its maritime climate means winters aren’t too extreme, spring is cool and pleasant, and summer is mild – that means maximum temperatures of 18°C and a constant breeze coming off the water. The weather is most enjoyable from June through the end of September. Be prepared for all kinds of weather, though, especially on boat tours and on hikes to glaciers and lakes.