In Haugesund and Ryfylke, you can swap the hustle and bustle of everyday life for "hygge" and relaxation, which we believe are the key features of every good holiday!
Spice up your holiday with accommodation that’s worth the journey in itself, such as The Bolder on the Lysefjord and the Panoramahyttene cabins on Karmøy. The Bolder is beautifully situated overlooking the fjord, giving you a sense of complete seclusion. It’s a wonderful place to enjoy a good book and nice drink as you relax and unwind.
As you journey from fjord to coast, you can experience all the contrasts of Fjord Norway. The Panoramahyttene cabins at Sandhåland bring you close to the ocean and offer an unforgettable experience no matter the weather. The cabins’ huge windows are tilted towards the sea, and the summer sunsets provide all the entertainment you need.
Getting close to nature is the best way to relax, so if it’s fun and relaxation you want, you’ll find plenty of accommodation options that offer just that.
There are a number of places to go glamping – a luxurious version of camping. They all offer the chance to unwind and will instantly give you that holiday feeling. Åkrafjorden Glamping, Handeland Lodge, Kleppa Gard & Glamping, North Sea Dome at Raw Ocean Lodge, Nordlodge and Tveita Adventure are well worth checking out. If you can't stay in all of them this time around, make a note of the others for your next visit.
If staying a night in a design hotel is more your idea of fun and relaxation, you should visit Energihotellet in the village of Nesflaten. The hotel stays true to the style of the 1960s and boasts a number of pieces of original furniture from that period. Energihotellet also serves delicious food in its own restaurant.
Relaxation is also guaranteed at Haukali 333, Fossane Gard and the Mikrohyttene cabins by the Åkrafjord.
It's wonderful to have a few lazy days on holiday, but a little activity is no bad thing either. Experience the unique tranquillity of exploring the coastal islets and skerries on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP). SUP boards can be rented at Raw Ocean Lodge at Sandve and at Saltråk in Skudeneshavn, both of which also offer guided tours.
Saunas are a fabulous place to relax, and you’ll find a range of saunas in Haugesund and Ryfylke. Preikestolen Basecamp, Moskjelenin Sand, Ryfylke Fjordsauna, Heit Haugesund, Heit Åkrafjorden and Bade-Olena in Skudeneshavn are all open throughout the summer. We can't promise that the refreshing dip will be quite as relaxing, but it's delightful nonetheless!
Ryfylke is home to world-class ciders and wineries, and many of them have won awards for their exquisite beverages. Apal Sider, OmCider, Eiane Gard and Fuglestein Fruktgard are all open to visitors in the summer and offer tastings of their products. Did you know that Apal Sider's Sølvsider cider won the title of world’s best sparkling cider at the Cider World Award 2020? Or that OmCider has won eight awards for its products in international competitions? It may also surprise you that there is a winery in Ryfylke! Hebnes Vingard is beautifully situated by the fjord and offers farm visits, guided tours and tastings.
You can also enjoy award-winning drinks in Haugesund, or more specifically at Hiernagla Brenneri distillery in Sveio. They produce world-class whiskey and gin, and you can also book a tasting tour for groups of all sizes.
In addition to exquisite drinks, you can also enjoy award-winning local food on your journey. At Ryfylke Gardysteri you can try Ryfylkeosten cheese, silver medal winner at this year's World Championship Cheese Contest. Mikals Laks smokehouse has also won a number of awards for its products, and Strand Gård supplies quail and quail eggs to the Michelin Star restaurant Renaa in Stavanger.
If you really want to venture off the beaten track and find inner peace as the boat slowly chugs out to sea, you should take a trip to the island community of Utsira. Few than 200 people live on the island, and one thing the locals are famous for is their hospitality. Perhaps you’ve heard about Norway’s smallest municipality donating the most to TV fundraisers? The municipality also elected Norway's first female mayor.
Geographically, it may not be the biggest island, but Utsira has no shortage of experiences. Street art, delicious seafood, beautiful scenery and the area around the lighthouse – and of course the people living there – are just some of the things that make the island worth visiting. Although if you really want to immerse yourself in island life and find true relaxation, it's best to spend at least one night on the island.
From one relaxing island to another island that’s equally tranquil. Røvær is only 25 minutes by boat from the centre of Haugesund and has been home to generations of fishermen. Just under 100 people now live on the island, which has its own school and kindergarten. Røvær is famous for the well-known Western Norwegian dish Komle (potato dumplings), also known as raspeball, which attracts locals and visitors alike. The island also boasts a hotel, museum and aquaculture centre. In summer, it’s the perfect place to sunbathe with a good book on the smooth coastal rocks, go for a swim if the weather permits, and just enjoy the peace and tranquillity. Doesn’t just reading about the island make you feel relaxed?
Why not visit a roadless village to find your inner peace? Flørli is beautifully situated next to the Lysefjord and is a paradise for anyone seeking tranquillity. Stay overnight in the charming and secluded Radiobua Mini-Suite and spend the evening in a hot tub overlooking the fjord.
