Haugesund is one of Norway's most popular cruise destinations.
Located on the southwest coast of Norway, Haugesund is a historic town recognized as one of the country’s premier cruise ports. As a cruise port, it appeals as a gateway to exploring Norway's coastal landscapes and rich Viking heritage.
In 2023, the city welcomed 125 cruise ship visits, accommodating more than 370,000 passengers, thanks to its ability to handle some of the world’s largest vessels.
Among these, Iona, one of Britain’s largest ships with a capacity of 5,206 passengers, makes regular stops here as part of its P&O Cruises Norwegian fjords tour. European focused lines AIDA and Costa Cruises make occasional calls at Haugesund, as do Cunard and Fred Olsen Cruise Lines.
Visitors can explore ancient monuments like the Haraldshaugen, stroll along the bustling waterfront, or venture into the surrounding countryside to discover serene trails and traditional farms.
Despite the rising number of visitors, there's no shortage of unique activities to explore on your own, away from the typical cruise line excursions.
Discover the Vikings at Avaldsnes
For 3,000 years, nearby Avaldsnes was a pivotal Viking power center, dominating the essential "Nordvegen" sea route.
Actors play the roles of Viking Age people at the Avaldsnes Viking Farm.
Today, the Nordvegen History Center delves into its storied past, revealing rulers known from sagas, archaeological discoveries, and tales of the Norse gods. History here is preserved in an underground museum, brought to life through modern storytelling techniques.
A short walk from the visitor center, the Viking Farm transports you back to the Viking Age with live demonstrations inside and out of reconstructed buildings. The site is particularly engaging for families, offering a range of activities that bring history to life.
Local bus routes 209 and 210 serve Avaldsnes on Karmøy Island from the center of Haugesund, with a journey time of approximately 25 minutes. The history center is a 10-15 minute walk from Avaldsnes.
Download the Kolumbus app to pay the 45 kroner fare ($4) or pay by card at one of the ticket machines in the downtown area. Check timetable information with Kolumbus.
Visit Norway’s National Monument
Extend your Viking Age experience with a visit to Haraldshaugen, also known as the National Monument of Norway. This site commemorates the 9th-century unification of Norway under King Harald Fairhair, and is believed to be his burial place.
According to the medieval book of Norwegian royal sagas, King Harald Fairhair is said to be buried ... [+]
A scenic 45-minute walk from the cruise port through central Haugesund and its northern suburbs, the monument offers panoramic views of the North Sea and surrounding landscapes.
The area is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a quiet picnic, absorbing the region’s historical significance at your own pace. On the way, be sure to stop by the statue of King Harald Fairhair, staring out to sea opposite the city park.
If time is short, you can take the five-minute ride on local bus 231 from central Haugesund to the ‘Gard A’ bus stop, just a few minutes walk from the monument.
Enjoy a Boat Trip to Røvær
Escape the crowds of your cruise ship and downtown Haugesund by taking an enjoyable boat trip to the islands of Røvær to discover Norwegian island life.
Several daily ferries make the journey easy, allowing you to explore the island's diverse natural beauty on foot.
Climb to Bråvarden, the island’s highest point, for breathtaking views, or stroll along ‘Proposal Road’ to the Bridge of Love, where couples leave padlocks as tokens of affection. For a more relaxing day, unwind at the small beach or visit the Viking Age graves at Grønasvika.
Røvær is a small group of picturesque islands, home to just over 100 people.
Ferry tickets cost just 70 Norwegian kroner ($6.50) each way. Just be sure to double check the ferry timetable with Kolumbus to make sure you can get back to Haugesund in good time.
Downtown Haugesund
If you find yourself wandering through downtown Haugesund with time to spare, make sure to visit Viking Planet. Here, Haugesund’s Viking Age history is brought to life through immersive virtual reality, 3D presentations, and other digital experiences.
Of course, there’s more to Haugesund’s history than just its Viking roots. Karmsund Folkemuseum reveals the stories of the city’s involvement with shipping, fishing, and agriculture, in the 1,000 years since the Viking Age.
Elsewhere in the city, Our Savior’s Church is a striking red-brick, new Gothic church with a notable tower and room for more than 1,000 people inside. The church is usually free to enter on cruise days, although donations are appreciated.
