Large events like jazz and film festivals are just some of the things that draw tourists from near and far to Haugesund, or “Sildabyen” (the Herring Town), as it is often called. The town also features the beautiful Norwegian coastal landscape.
August is a great time to visit the city. This is when Den norske filmfestivalen (the Norwegian Film Festival) is annually held. It is seen as one of the most important film festivals in Scandinavia. Sildajazzen, one of Norway's biggest jazz festivals, also takes place in August. This festival attracts guests from around the country.
No matter what time of year, you can start your holiday by visiting the Karmsund Folkemuseum (Karmsund Civic Museum), located in the heart of town, to learn more about old Haugesund. If you’re feeling playful, take a trip to the IQ Rooms. Your goal here is to escape the room you’re in by solving puzzles and tasks together—perfect for a group of friends on a weekend trip.
Spend an afternoon on Haraldsgata, Haugesund's pedestrian street. Haugesund residents claim it is Norway's longest pedestrian street. The summer is particularly enjoyable on the street, when many people enjoy sitting on the terraces of the myriad cafés.
Don't miss the idyllic island of Hasseløy, which you can walk to from the Haugesund city centre. This is where you will find the Dokken friluftsmuseum (Dokken Outdoor Museum), which offers an insight into life in Haugesund from 1850 to 1960, the city's main herring fisheries period. In addition to the many old buildings, the museum also includes a new building.
If you want to experience the raw forces of nature on the open sea, take a boat trip to the island of Røvær. The journey takes about 25 minutes, and boats leave regularly from Haugesund harbour. Røvær only has 110 inhabitants and a single car, which makes for a very special atmosphere. Paddle a kayak, go fishing, and visit Lothestranden beach while you're on the island.
A holiday in Haugesund is perfect for those who want to experience Norwegian nature at its best, but also want the comfort of city life during their holiday. Use Haugesund as your base and throw yourself into exciting adventures!
