Haugesund Postcard

Enjoy an orientation tour of Haugesund with photo stops at two of its most notable points.

The name of Haugesund as a settlement goes back at least to the year 1217 when it was mentioned in the Norse Sagas’, but it did not get its town rights until 1854 by King Oscar I of Sweden/Norway. Today the town has a population of approx. 35000. It is the natural capital of the region, situated between the Boknafjord, north of Stavanger and the Hardangerfjord. Haugesund is inseparably linked to the sea and owes its prosperity to the rich herring fisheries which took place mainly in the 19th century.

Drive through the central parts of the town - past the pink Town Hall erected in 1931 as a gift from a local ship owner and his wife. Continue towards Haraldshaugen, a national monument celebrating the unification of Norway into one kingdom. It commemorates the Battle of Hafrsfjord where King Harald Fairhair won over the chieftains of 29 historic counties and gathered Norway into one kingdom in 872 A.D. The monument was raised here as it is believed to be the site where King Harald the Fairhair was buried.

Your panoramic drive also takes you to the Steinsfjellet viewpoint. Although only 744 ft. above sea level, it offers a wide view to Haugesund, the fjord and surrounding islands. Steinsfjellet is one of the favorite starting points for nature walks and hikes for the locals.

Thereafter continue the sightseeing through the close surroundings and back to the starting point.