Haugesund Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

Haugesund is well-connected by road, with the E39 coastal highway providing easy access from both Bergen (approximately 3 hours north) and Stavanger (about 2 hours south). The city has its own regional airport with connections to Oslo (45-minute flight), and regular bus services link the airport to the city center and ferry terminal. If traveling by rail, the nearest train station is in Stavanger, from where you can take a direct bus to Haugesund. For those arriving by car, ample parking is available near the ferry terminal, though it's advisable to book in advance during summer months.

Nestled between Bergen and Stavanger on Norway's stunning western coastline, Haugesund offers visitors a perfect blend of maritime heritage and modern Norwegian culture. This vibrant coastal city serves as a key ferry hub for exploring the breathtaking fjords and islands of the region. With its picturesque harbor, rich Viking history, and welcoming atmosphere, Haugesund provides an authentic Norwegian experience without the crowds of larger cities.

The summer months of June through August bring mild temperatures (15-20°C), extended daylight hours, and the most frequent ferry departures, making this the prime time to visit Haugesund. July hosts the renowned Norwegian Film Festival, transforming the city into a cultural hotspot. Spring (May) and early autumn (September) offer pleasant conditions with fewer tourists and slightly lower prices. Winter visits from November to March bring shorter days and cooler temperatures, but reward travelers with stunning coastal winter landscapes and the possibility of Northern Lights sightings, though ferry schedules may be reduced during this period.

Haugesund serves as an excellent jumping-off point for exploring Western Norway's coastal treasures. The historic island of Karmøy is just a short 30-minute ferry ride away, offering beautiful beaches and the Viking settlement at Avaldsnes. Venture further to the dramatic landscapes of Utsira (75 minutes by ferry), Norway's smallest municipality and a paradise for birdwatchers. The stunning Hardangerfjord region can be accessed via a combination of ferry and road travel (about 2 hours total), rewarding visitors with breathtaking waterfalls and fruit orchards. The journey itself is half the pleasure, with many ferry routes cutting through spectacular fjord scenery and past traditional fishing villages.

Immerse yourself in Viking history at the Nordvegen History Centre and the nearby Viking settlement at Avaldsnes, just a short journey from the city center. Stroll along the charming Smedasundet strait with its colorful wooden houses and bustling waterfront restaurants serving fresh seafood, particularly the local specialty of 'smalahove' (sheep's head) for the adventurous eater. The pink granite Haraldshaugen monument, commemorating Norway's unification, offers both historical significance and beautiful surrounding parkland. For nature enthusiasts, the hiking trails on nearby Karmøy island provide breathtaking coastal views, easily accessible by a quick ferry trip from the harbor.

Despite its modest size, Haugesund proudly calls itself the 'Homeland of the Viking Kings,' as the nearby Avaldsnes was the royal seat of Harald Fairhair, Norway's first king who unified the country in 872 AD. The city was founded relatively recently in 1854 as a herring fishing port, transforming from just five houses to a thriving maritime center in a remarkably short period. Haugesund's waters are part of the historic 'Herring Road,' a maritime trade route that brought significant wealth to the region in the 19th century. Surprisingly, Haugesund hosts Norway's national jazz festival each August, bringing world-class musicians to this coastal gem.