Haugesund: Herring History, Art and Coastal Trails

Herring history, art and waterside trails give a stay in Haugesund a range of different themes. The Dokken museum offers an introduction to the city’s early history as a herring town and to life and everyday routines 150 years ago. Those interested in culture will find a tangible starting point for exploring Haugesund’s past; those who prefer the outdoors can explore hiking trails, viewpoints and the possibilities around Eivindsvatnet.

Museums from the Herring Town to Agriculture

The Dokken museum’s summer exhibitions include period living quarters, a herring saltery, a cooper’s workshop and a general store. The exhibitions bring different aspects of everyday life to life. As these details are seasonal, check which ones will be on display during your visit.

At the Karmsund folkemuseum, the permanent exhibition “Fra jord til bord” tells the story of agriculture in Haugaland between 1650 and 1900. Visitors can follow the journey from sowing grain and potatoes to the finished meal on the table. The exhibition thus traces the journey from cultivation to mealtime. Another permanent exhibition at the museum is called “Byen som gikk i land”.

Art also has a prominent place in Haugesund: Haugesund billedgalleri is the region’s art museum and also serves as an exhibition venue for Haugesund kunstforening. Its extensive collection of Norwegian art spans the 19th to the 21st century. This makes it possible to consider art from different centuries alongside the museums’ historical themes.

Architecture and Art in the Cityscape

Haugesund’s city hall is considered Norway’s finest example of neoclassical architecture. Vår Frelsers kirke offers a different style: built of red brick in the Gothic Revival style, it was consecrated on 6 March 1901. Krosshaugen, a stone cross from Norway’s early Christian period, takes visitors further back in history.

In Kvalsvik, just north of the city centre, “The Rising Tide” by Jason DeCaires Taylor is on display. As the location of public art can change, check it before your visit. Those comparing Haugesund’s art offerings will find a range of points of interest: a regional art collection, architecture and an outdoor artwork.

Hiking, Cycling and Time by the Water

The Lionsløypa loop around Eivindsvatnet is about 4.5 kilometres long and takes approximately one hour and 30 minutes. At about six kilometres, Kyststien is a little longer and is rated an easy, green trail. It lies north of the city centre and is used for hiking year-round; it can also be cycled. Comparing the trail lengths can help you choose between the two routes, while the time given for Lionsløypa provides an additional point of reference.

Steinsfjellet combines a hiking area with a viewpoint and panoramic views over Haugesund and the surrounding area. It can be reached on foot from the city centre in about one hour and 30 minutes; walking time may vary depending on the route and conditions. Steinsfjellet is also accessible by bicycle, but the final section is a steep climb. Djupadalen is used for hiking and recreation year-round.

Canoes and SUP boards are available for hire at Eivindsvatnet; check availability before your trip. Haraldsvang has a swimming area with a diving tower. The Røyrvatnet wetland in Haraldsvang also has a birdwatching hut and a rich variety of birdlife, which varies with the seasons. Haraldsvang Nature Park is easy to reach by bicycle.

More Things to Do in Haugesund

The Viking Planet is a digital museum in the city centre that explores local Viking history. It has a children’s area for children aged zero to five, with activities such as rune writing and drawing. As visitor offerings can change, check the latest details before your visit.

Formbar Glassverksted is a glass workshop with a gallery and retail area in the centre of Haugesund. Visitors can experience glassblowing up close. Groups of at least ten people can make their own glass baubles by prior arrangement; check availability before your trip. For a guided tour, Viking Adventure offers an approximately two-hour e-bike ride that includes stops at Norges Riksmonument Haraldshaugen and “The Rising Tide”. A guided minibus tour of Haugesund is also available and takes about an hour and a half. Availability and tour itineraries may change, so check in advance.

A Day Trip to Røvær

The boat to Røvær departs from Indre kai in Haugesund city centre and takes about 25 minutes. It runs several times a day, making a day trip possible. Timetables and prices may change; check the timetable before your trip.

On Røvær, Hiltahuset is the oldest house and also the island’s museum. It showcases local housing and building traditions, as well as an exhibition about the Røvær disaster of 1899. The museum’s public opening arrangements are seasonal. If you plan to visit Hiltahuset during your day on the island, coordinate your plans with the seasonal opening hours and the boat timetable.

Discover more destinations: Haugesund, Røvær, Strand, Gjesdal, Klepp, Finnøy, Tysvær, Forsand.

Go to the regional travel overview: Rogaland.