Plan your cruise holiday in Haugesund

Here are our tips on what you can do in Haugesund. We have also put together some practical information that will make it easier for you to plan your trip to Haugesund.

Smedasundet Haugesund
Smedasundet Haugesund|© Nordicdrone

Popular places to visit in Haugesund and the surrounding area

The main attractions in the Haugesund area range from fascinating Viking history to natural phenomena such as Langfoss waterfall in the Åkrafjord. Nine good reasons to visit Haugesund and Haugalandet, and our main attractions are:

Free city map with great suggestions for walks and hikes

Download the free city map and familiarise yourself with the centre of Haugesund, as well as find suggestions for walks that start in the town centre. The map includes the main attractions in the Haugesund town centre, toilets, pharmacies and bus stops. The nearest kiosk to the cruise ship port is Risøykiosken, which you get to just before you cross the bridge to the centre (about a 10-minute walk).


The Rising Tide av Jason DeCaires Taylor
© visithaugesund.no

To do in Haugesund

Suggestions for day trips in Haugesund

We have put together a number of suggestions for day trips in Haugesund that allow you to explore the town on foot. The day trips are organised by theme, such as outdoor activities, photography, art, nature, shopping and architecture. You can also filter the trips by duration, so that you only see the day trips you can do in the time you have available.
An overview of day trips in the region can be found here:

Things to do in Haugesund – a useful tool during your visit!

Want to know what's open when you’re in Haugesund, or how far it is to walk to the museum you want to visit in the town centre? Check out the Things to do in Haugesund feature on our website, which only shows you the activities that are actually available.

Get to know the homeland of the Viking kings

There is a lot of Viking history in the area – the Viking kings lived and had their royal seat there. If you want to follow in the footsteps of the Vikings, you should visit Avaldsnes, the Viking Planet in Haugesund and Norway’s only national monument, Haraldshaugen.

Popular walks

There are a number of amazing walks in Haugesund and the surrounding area, including the coastal path with The Rising Tide sculptures and Norway’s national monument Haraldshaugen, Djupadalen valley, Haraldsvang nature area, Himakånå (Trolltunga's little sister) and Langfoss waterfall.

Sightseeing in Haugesund

Below are a few tips on different ways to experience the town without having to be on your feet the whole time! Viking Adventure has several different tour offers for you to see the best of Haugesund and the region.

Fascinating museums

There are a number of fascinating museums in the region, whether you want to learn more about art, Haugesund’s history, World War II history, the Viking Age, Norway as a seafood nation or old Skudeneshavn. Some museums are only open to the general public at certain times of the year, so check the opening hours of the museum you want to visit.

Shopping in Haugesund town centre

Haugesund is known for its authentic town centre and niche shops. Meet the people who not only work there, but are passionate about what they do. Shops you absolutely must not miss are Den Lille Bokbutikken (the little bookshop) (only English books), Formbar Glassverksted glass workshop, Den lille Barnebutikken (children's shop), Krimz Kramz, Garnkroa, Bruno, Lille Jacobi, Crush Concept, Lie 1899, Condor, Icon and Noor By M to name a few. Most of them can be found on the town’s main street, Haraldsgata. If you are looking for good vintage finds, here is an overview of second-hand shops.

Local cafés, eateries and bakery

In addition to shops, you will also find a number of local cafés and eateries in Haugesund. If you're looking for something sweet, stop by Jåblom Bakst Cupcakehusetand Lutchfood, or visit Naturbakst and Haugli Bakeri (tea salon) for traditional baked goods. The town’s best coffee is served at Hos Carlos at Gamle Slaktehuset or the library, and lunch can be enjoyed at Dattera til Lothe, Brasserie Brakstad, Cafe Rene or Tre Stuer.

Football fan and going to Haugesund?

Haugesund Sparebank Arena is the home ground of the local football club FK Haugesund (FKH) and is within walking distance of the town centre. The stadium has a supporter shop that is usually open on Tuesdays from 15:00 to 18:00 and Thursdays from 12:00 to 15:00 (check the opening hours before visiting). If you’re lucky, you might even be allowed into the actual stadium during your visit to watch the men’s team training. The men’s team plays in the top division (Eliteserien) in Norway, while the women’s team plays in the first division.

Festivals and cultural events in Haugesund and the surrounding area

Haugesund is especially known for its two major festivals, Sildajazz and the Norwegian Film Festival, which both take place every year in August. A number of other large and small festivals are held in the region throughout the year. Overview of festivals in Haugesund and the surrounding area.There’s also no shortage of cultural events in the region, and our event calendar abounds with concerts, theatre productions and various shows. You may well find an event to attend when visiting Haugesund?

Are you on a cruise with children?

Here we have put together articles focusing on child-friendly activities in Haugesund and the surrounding area.

Practical information when you come to Haugesund on a cruise

How far is it from the cruise ship port to the town centre and how do I get there?

It's about 950 metres from the cruise ship port to Haugesund town centre, and it takes around 20 minutes to get there on foot. The walk takes you across one of the bridges in Haugesund, offering fantastic views of Smedasundet strait, so be sure to stop and take photos! Crossing the bridge may be relatively difficult for wheelchair users.

If you are a wheelchair user or would prefer not to walk, a shuttle bus service is available for all arrivals. The shuttle bus runs all day while the boat is docked. Taxis are also available at the port.

Public transport in Haugesund and the surrounding area

Kolumbus operates most of the bus services in Haugesund and the surrounding area. The buses run from the centre of Haugesund, not from the cruise ship port. Bus tickets can be purchased in the Kolumbus app, which you can download here, at the Narvesen kiosk in Haraldsgata (near Haugesund Tourist Information), or in Norwegian currency on board the bus. If you are travelling on public transport with children, note that children under the age of six travel free of charge with an adult, and that most buses have spaces for prams and pushchairs etc. Read more about practical information and bus services to popular attractions here.

Kolumbus also offers electric bike rentals through the app. The bikes are parked at several sites around the town centre, and you can find the nearest bike on the map in the app. More information about bike rental is available here.

The Tourist Information Centre in Haugesund

When you arrive in Haugesund on a cruise, you will find a tourist information centre and souvenir shop at the port, which are open during all cruise ship calls. In addition to a wide range of souvenirs, they also sell postcards and stamps. There is a post box at the entrance to the shop, making it easy to send a greeting to your loved ones. The tourist information desk is on hand to give you good tips and practical information about the region.

In addition to the tourist information at the cruise ship port, you will find our main tourist information centre in Haugesund town centre, at Haraldsgata 131, 5527 Haugesund. If you would like advice and tips ahead of your visit, you are welcome to contact us by email: info@visithaugesund.no.

Overview of taxi companies and car rental

If you want to book a taxi in advance or rent a car, you have a number of different options. Sixt car rental can deliver the car to you at the cruise ship port, while Bookbil is located in Haugesund town centre and you can collect the car from there. Are you travelling with children and need a car seat? Remember to tell us when you book.

Haugaland Taxi and Karmøy Taxi are both available for cruise visitors. You can book a taxi in advance or when you arrive in Haugesund. There are usually several taxis at the cruise ship port, and the staff there can help you to book one.


In addition to regular taxi services, Haugaland Taxi offers trips to well-known attractions such as Langfoss waterfall, Avaldsnes and Skudeneshavn at a fixed price. Contact Haugaland Taxi or info@visithaugesund.no for more information and prices.

Universal design – Getting around Haugesund in a wheelchair?

The bridge to the town centre is relatively steep for wheelchair users, so it may be a good idea to take a shuttle bus or another means of transport. There are some areas in the town centre with cobblestones, but other than that, it’s easy to get around in a wheelchair. All public buildings are universally designed, and most shops and cafés (with some exceptions) are wheelchair-accessible.


If you want to use public transport in Haugesund and the surrounding area, most of the buses operated by Kolumbus are adapted for wheelchairs.

Can I pay in foreign currency in Haugesund?

In Haugesund, you can only pay in Norwegian currency. As in the rest of Norway, people generally pay by card, whether it’s in a shop, restaurant, taxi, museum etc. If you need to withdraw cash, there is an ATM at the cruise ship port as well as in the town centre.

Tax-free refund when Haugesund is your last port of call

If you would like a tax-free refund, it's important to keep a few things in mind/check:

  • Is the shop authorised for tax-free sales?
  • Have you spent more than NOK 315 on a single purchase?
  • Make sure you inform the cashier before you pay that you would like a tax-free refund so you get the right receipt.

You can claim a tax-free refund when Haugesund is the last port of call on your trip. We recommend you check how your ship’s operator handles this process, as it varies from ship to ship. A Global Blue representative will be on board the ship for a few hours before departure. The Tourist Information Centre at the port accepts Planet tax-free when Haugesund is your last port of call in Norway.

Free WiFi at the cruise ship port

There is free WiFi at the port. The network is called ‘Haugesund Cruise Port’ and does not require a password. There is also free WiFi at the Tourist Information in Haraldsgata, as well as at many cafés and restaurants in the town centre.

Vertskap på turistinformasjonen.
© Jone Torkelsen

Do you have any questions about your visit to Haugesund?

If you are planning a trip to Haugesund and have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Haugesund Tourist Information at info@visithaugesund.no. The staff will answer you as soon as they can, and their extensive knowledge of the region will ensure you have a memorable stay.

More inspiration can be found here: