Major city · Norway
Haugesund
Give Haugesund one night as a stop on the Bergen–Stavanger coast route, or two if you want Avaldsnes and Karmøy; skip it as a destination on its own.
Haugesund is a compact west-coast town of about 37,000 people and the service centre of the Haugalandet region, roughly midway between Bergen and Stavanger on the Kystbussen. The centre is walkable in an hour; the reason to stop is the Viking history at Avaldsnes, 8.5 km south, plus the August film and herring-jazz festivals. Most travellers pass through on the coastal bus or use it as a cheaper bed between the two big cities.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- NOK
- Best months
- May–Sep
- avoid Nov–Mar (wet, dark, many closures)
- Airport
- HAU
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 7Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Nordic countries ↗Decide light or dark before anything else: summer trips (June–August) and aurora trips (September–March in the Arctic) need different countries, clothes and bases.
- Nordic countries ↗Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland and the Faroes sell stronger alcohol only in state shops with short hours; buy before evening and before Sundays and holidays.
- Norway ↗Norway is not in the EU but is in the Schengen area. Check the entry rules for your passport on official sources.
- Norway ↗Wine and spirits are sold only at the state Vinmonopolet shops; supermarkets sell beer, and not in the evenings or on Sundays.
- Norway ↗The right to roam (allemannsretten) lets you hike and camp on most uncultivated land, keeping a distance from homes and leaving no trace.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Haugesund112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Haugesund, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Norwegian krone (NOK, kr); the euro is not used.Norway-wide
- SIM or eSIMEEA roaming applies: EU and EEA SIMs work at home prices.Norway-wide
- Tap waterTap water is excellent; streams in the mountains are usually drinkable, but avoid water below farms and grazing.Norway-wide
- TippingRestaurant: Included; round up or add 5–10% for good service.Norway-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Norway-wide
- SafetyHaugesund is a low-crime town; the real risks are wet, windy coastal weather, winter road closures inland and expensive taxis.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree or card-paid (NOK 10–20 (≈ US$1–2)) in towns; trailheads often have pit toilets.Norway-wide
- Emergency numbers112 police · 113 ambulance · 110 fire (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany museums close Mondays out of season; small fjord-village hotels and cafés close October–April.Norway-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportHAU Haugesund Airport, Karmøy (On Karmøy island, about 20 min by car south of town; no public bus to the terminal, so taxi or rental car.).
- Getting aroundThe centre is a walkable grid: Haraldsgata is pedestrianised, Strandgata runs one-way north and Sørhauggata one-way south.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffeekr 40–70
- Beerbar / supermarket cankr 90–130kr 30–45
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)5 km (3.1 mi) taxi3.1 mi (5 km) taxiShort rides can pass kr 150.kr 150–250
- Metro or bus rideSingle bus ticket, Haugalandet zoneOne-hour transfer included.kr 45 adult, kr 23 child or senior
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entryNordvegen History Centre adult 110 kr; combo with Viking farm 150 kr.kr 60–150
- Budget bedHostel or guesthouse bed, a night, per personNOK 350 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedHotel double room, a night, per roomNOK 1,500 (≈ US$150)
- High-end bedHotel double room, a night, per roomNOK 2,800 (≈ US$300)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget NOK 700 (≈ US$70) · Mid NOK 1,400 (≈ US$140) · High NOK 2,600 (≈ US$300)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- HAU Haugesund Airport, Karmøy (On Karmøy island, about 20 min by car south of town; no public bus to the terminal, so taxi or rental car.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
Feb
Avoid
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
Mar
Avoid
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Apr
not flagged
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
May
Best
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Jun
Best
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Jul
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Aug
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Sep
Best
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Oct
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Nov
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Dec
Avoid
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Nov–Mar. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)), coolest Feb (−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C) low), wettest Oct (19 rain days), driest May (12). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Haugesund: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
18 rd
Feb
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
15 rd
Mar
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
16 rd
Apr
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
13 rd
May
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
12 rd
Jun
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
12 rd
Jul
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
13 rd
Aug
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
15 rd
Sep
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
17 rd
Oct
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
19 rd
Nov
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
19 rd
Dec
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
19 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre is a walkable grid: Haraldsgata is pedestrianised, Strandgata runs one-way north and Sørhauggata one-way south. Kolumbus county buses cover the region; lines 201, 202 and 210 run seven days a week. Buy tickets in the Kolumbus Billett app to avoid the cash surcharge on board.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Avaldsnes and St. Olav's Church
goDoor to door: About 45–60 min
Kolumbus bus 209, 210 or X210 south, then a walk under the E134
Nordvegen History Centre and the reconstructed Viking farm at Bukkøy are here; the farm is a 15–20 min walk from the church.
Visnes Mine Museum, Karmøy
goDoor to door: About 30 min by car
Car or bus toward Karmøy, then local roads
Copper from here went into the Statue of Liberty; a small replica marks the link.
Haraldshaugen
goDoor to door: About 25–30 min on foot
Walk or short taxi north of the centre
National monument and burial mound, 2 km (1.2 mi) north of downtown.National monument and burial mound, 1.2 mi (2 km) north of downtown.
Ryvarden
cautionDoor to door: About 40 min by car
Car north along the coast
Small museum and coastal viewpoint; only worth it with your own car.
Stavanger
overnightDoor to door: About 2 h
Kystbussen south, with a ferry crossing
Better as the next stop than a return day trip.
Bergen
overnightDoor to door: About 3 h
Kystbussen north, with a ferry crossing
Too far to do as a day return.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Sentrum (Haraldsgata and Strandgata)
Grid of pedestrian streets, hotels and the tourist office at Strandgata 171; walk to everything.
Flotmyr
Bus station and taxi rank; practical for early Kystbussen departures.
Karmøy / Avaldsnes
Only if you have a car and want the Viking sites first thing.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- kr 700–1,100 excl. bed
- Mid
- kr 1,100–1,900 excl. bed
- High
- kr 1,900+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hotel double room1 × 1 night × NOK 1,500 | NOK 1,500 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × NOK 1,400 | NOK 2,800 |
| Kolumbus 24-hour ticket, one day2 × NOK 100 | NOK 200 |
| Kolumbus 7-day ticket2 × NOK 310 | NOK 620 |
| Røvær return boat2 × NOK 90 | NOK 180 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × NOK 250 | NOK 500 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | NOK 580 |
| Trip total≈ NOK 3,190 per person per day, bed included | NOK 6,380≈ US$650 |
2026 estimate in kroner; flights and long-distance buses excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | kr 40–70 |
| Lunch, simple | kr 120–200 |
| Beer: bar / supermarket can | kr 90–130 / kr 30–45 |
| 5 km taxiShort rides can pass kr 150. | kr 150–250 |
| Single bus ticket, Haugalandet zoneOne-hour transfer included. | kr 45 adult, kr 23 child or senior |
| Single bus ticket, local Haugesund zone | kr 20 |
| Cash ticket surcharge on board | kr 20 per ticket |
| Museum entryNordvegen History Centre adult 110 kr; combo with Viking farm 150 kr. | kr 60–150 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Cash on the bus carries a surcharge per ticket; use the app or a Kolumbus card.
- Ticket inspectors do random spot checks and fine passengers without a valid ticket.
- Winter driving over Haukeli (E134) or Hardangervidda (route 7) can be closed; carry food and warm clothing.
- Taxis are expensive: even a short ride can pass kr 150.
- Many museum and festival dates are seasonal; confirm before you build a day around them.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 112
- Ambulance
- 113
- Fire
- 110
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
HaugesundHaugesund
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Til denne adressen, takkTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police112
- Ambulance113
- Fire110
Embassy
Norway has no foreign embassies in Haugesund; most countries are represented in Oslo, with consulates in Stavanger or Bergen.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Bus, Haugalandet zone: kr 45 adult, one-hour transfer included
- Bus, local Haugesund zone: kr 20
- Kolumbus 24-hour ticket: kr 100
- Taxi, short ride: from about kr 150
- Boat to Røvær: kr 45 one way
Say or show
- Hei — Hello (hay)
- Takk — Thank you (tahk)
- Hvor mye koster det? — How much is it? (vohr MEW-eh KOS-ter deh)
- En billett, takk — One ticket, please (en bih-LET tahk)
- Hvor er bussholdeplassen? — Where is the bus stop? (vohr air BOOS-hol-deh-plah-sen)
- Kan jeg betale med kort? — Can I pay by card? (kan yai beh-TAH-leh meh kort)
Tipping is included in the bill; round up or add 5–10% for good table service.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Haugesund. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep · avoid Nov–Mar (wet, dark, many closures) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for HAU: taxi and rental-car fallback, no public bus, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters for the centre: Haraldsgata, the church and town hall, the piers, Haraldsvang.
- Place pages with verified hours and combo-ticket prices for Nordvegen History Centre, the Viking farm and Visnes.
- Festival fixtures for the August film festival and Sildajazz so the calendar can go green.
Sources
- officialVisit Haugesund (official tourism)
- officialHaugesund municipality
- officialHaugesund Airport, Karmøy (HAU)
- officialKolumbus (Rogaland bus operator)
- officialKystbussen (Bergen–Stavanger express bus)
- officialAvaldsnes — Nordvegen History Centre and Viking farm
- secondaryWikivoyage: Haugesund, revision 5241831 (CC BY-SA 4.0)