Hafen
Haugesund

OVERVIEW

Hike a heritage trail along a stretch of sand often voted Norway’s most beautiful beach and pause at Viking memorials and historical sites along the way. The scenery will change from urban to rural as you cross the bridge to Karmoy, one of the largest islands in southwestern Norway. Much of the island has remained wild and undeveloped, especially its white beaches facing the North Sea. At beautiful Akra Beach, you will experience the serenity of nature on a leisurely hike along a coastal trail to the village of Ferkingstad. The guide will point out the beach’s distinctive dune flora and how it supports a variety of wildlife. There are also cultural and historical monuments on the trail, such as the stone memorial said to symbolize the warrior daughters of a Viking king and the ruins of a Viking longboat house. The hike will end at Fisherman’s Memorial, a simple stone cross commemorating fisherman lost at sea.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Hike a coastal trail through the wild countryside on Karmoy Island.
• Watch for wildlife, especially birds such as geese, gulls and kingfishers.
• Stop at a Viking memorial and at the ruins of a Viking longboat house.
• Finish the hike at a memorial that commemorates the fishermen lost at sea.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Cruise up a gorgeous fjord and see one of Norway's most photographed waterfalls. Visit a rural farm and the workshop of a renowned folk artist.

Settle in for an immensely scenic 90 minute drive through the mountainous countryside to Akrafjorden, home to Langfoss waterfall. Upon arrival, you'll board a boat and cruise for approximately 45 minutes up the fjord to the foot of this spectacular waterfall. t's a breathtaking sight.

Your boat will then proceed to Eljervik Farm. This bucolic, family-owned property has changed little over the centuries. Sheep graze freely on the grassy hillsides, the views are stunning in every direction, and lengthy Langfoss waterfall roars in the distance.

Following a buffet style lunch, you will board your coach and travel to the workshop of Unni Marie, an artist considered a master in rosemaling, a type of decorative painting. The folk art of rosemaling originated in rural Norway in the mid-1800s and it remains a distinctive style of expression. While browsing the workshop, you will see some of Unni Marie's most recent creations, which may include hand-painted, one-of-a-kind bowls, plates and chests. Feel free to simply admire the detailed work or purchase a favorite item.

On your return drive to the pier, enjoy a panoramic drive through Haugesund that includes a brief photo stop.

Delve into the history of Norway by visiting a revered World War II museum and a monument dedicated to Norway's first king, who united the country in the 9th century.

Drive inland through the lake-dotted countryside to the Arquebus War Museum, which is located at the head of a beautiful fjord. One of Norway's largest museums, this former chair factory building now holds thousands of artifacts that detail the events of World War II in Norway, starting with the Resistance movement.

As you browse the exhibitions, you will gain a better understanding of everyday life during the German occupation, the valiant efforts of the merchant marine, and the secret radio transmissions that helped defeat the Germans. The museum is named for a partisan radio operator whose codename was arquebus, a type of 15th-century gun. Many of the museum's dioramas feature mannequins dressed in authentic uniforms in wartime situations, so they truly come to life. A large collection of tanks, cannons and smaller weapons is also on display.

Not far from the museum, you will find a display of natural beauty at Steinsfjellet, an elevated lookout with panoramic views of the North Sea, where you’ll make a photo stop.

Nearby is Haraldshaugen monument; erected in 1872 to mark the 1,000-year anniversary of Norway's unification, this national monument looms over the supposed burial site of Harald Fairhair, the first king of Norway. After a brief stop at this monument of obelisks, you will return to the pier.

Discover the highlights of Skudeneshavn, a fishing town that was established in the 19th century and has retained its historical atmosphere through preservation.

Enjoy a picturesque drive to Ferkingstad, a village on the western shore of the island of Karmøy. Near the harbor, you will pause for photos of the memorial that commemorates the island's fishermen that lost their lives at sea.

Then it's on to the Mælandgården Museum in Skudeneshavn. It is located in a meticulously kept wooden house that a prosperous merchant built in the 19th century. The museum is decorated with period furnishings and objects that provide an accurate picture of life during a time when herring was king.

Follow your guide on a walk through the town’s narrow streets. More than 200 homes and boathouses from that time still remain, lending Skudeneshavn a wonderfully authentic atmosphere. You will also enjoy some free time to further explore on your own. The main street, Søragada, is a great starting point, as it's lined with boutiques and restaurants. Fresh seafood is always an excellent choice if you stop for a snack.

The return to Haugesund will be along the island's eastern side, an extraordinarily scenic area with few villages. Nature rules here and the coastal views are truly stunning.

Visit with local couple Anne and Leif Bjarte, who will welcome you into their harmonious home and garden to discuss daily life in rural Norway and their passion for gardening. As lovely as their 19th-century wooden house is, the grounds are even more spectacular. Anne is a garden designer, while Leif is a landscape architect. Together, they have created a house and garden that exudes harmony and serenity. It is an exceptional setting to learn about life in the shadow of Forresfjord waterway. In the garden, you will find perennials and roses in bloom and all sorts of other fragrant plants. You will also browse the greenhouse where vegetables and fruits are cultivated. Herbs and spices have their places, too. Besides being added to dishes to enhance their flavors, they are picked for tea, a cup of which you will be served. Traditional Norwegian waffles and jam will be offered as an accompaniment.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Visit a local couple; one a garden designer, the other a landscape architect.
• Explore their garden and greenhouse to learn about the plants’ characteristics.
• Discuss daily life, especially during winter in the shadow of Forresfjord waterway.
• Snack on traditional Norwegian waffles and jam.

OVERVIEW

Reap the benefits of Nordic walking on a delightful hike through Haugesund and on into the outskirts by following a picturesque mostly coastal trail. At the onset, you will be briefed on how to walk Nordic-style, using specially designed poles that help to maximize the benefits. This method of walking tones the body, burns nearly 50% more calories than traditional walking and puts less pressure on the knees and joints. Best of all, Nordic walking is easy to do. The gently winding route will pass architectural highlights such as Our Savior’s Church – a Gothic-style building with red-facing brick – and Haraldshaugen, a national monument to Harald I, the first king of unified Norway, who was supposedly buried there in the 10th century. You will also see the haunting Rising Tide sculptures that are part horse and part oil-drilling machinery before pausing for a traditional trail snack of brown cheese and bread.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Hike along a coastal trail that passes through Haugesund and on into the countryside.
• Walk Nordic-style, a method that burns more calories and is less stressful on joints.
• See churches, a monument to Norway’s first king and an unusual sculpture park.
• Stop for a traditional trail snack of bread and caramel-flavored brown cheese.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

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.

Immerse yourself in Norway's intriguing past by visiting Avaldsnes, where the country's first king lived in the 9th century, and a reconstructed Viking farm.

A scenic drive across Karmsund Sound takes you to Karmøy Island, where you will soon reach the village of Avaldsnes. The past comes alive here, as you will discover at the Nordvegen History Centre, an attraction located where King Harald Fairhair lived after unifying Norway in 872. While browsing the exhibits, you will learn about Norway's early kings and warriors, who have been immortalized in Norse sagas and songs. Archaeological digs have added even more insight, giving you a clear picture of Norway's fascinating history.

Stop to visit St. Olav's Church, which was constructed of stone in the 13th century. Outside, you will see an obelisk known as Virgin Mary's Sewing Needle because according to one legend, it is the needle she lost while sewing in heaven. Another legend claims the obelisk is a petrified magician, while still another claims that the apocalypse will occur if the leaning obelisk ever touches the church. It's dangerously close.

A short walk from the church will bring you to a replica Viking farm with several buildings constructed based on various archaeological finds in Rogaland County and using original techniques. There is a longhouse, granary and boathouse; all of which show how the Vikings lived more than a thousand years ago. Costumed Viking hosts will welcome you and offer further understanding of Norway's past.

Discover the stunning natural splendour of the Akrafjord and its surrounds during this panoramic, full-day sightseeing excursion.

Scenic Drive, City Hall, Akrafjord and Visjer

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 1.5-hour drive to the Akrafjord. En route, pass by City Hall, voted the most beautiful in Norway, then drive from the city through the lovely countryside. After a comfort stop at Åkrafjordtunet, re-board your coach for the short drive to Visjer. Here, embark a sightseeing boat for a panoramic, approximately 45-minute cruise from Visjer to Eljervik.

Akrafjord Cruise, Langfoss Waterfall and Eljarvik Farm

The Åkrafjord is home to the majestic Langfoss Waterfall, voted by CNN to be one of the ten most beautiful waterfalls in the world. This renowned waterfall is visible from land and water, and your vessel takes you right up to the waterfall to marvel at its awe-inspiring beauty first-hand. Following your cruise, disembark at the Eljarvik Farm, which offers the finest view of the Langfoss Waterfall. During your farm visit, relax with an homemade traditional Norwegian lunch. Afterward, re-board your coach and drive to the Langfoss Waterfall for another look at this spectacular natural wonder, before returning to the ship.

This is a magnificent hike along the nature and heritage trail that runs from the village of Åkra to the village of Ferkingstad.

Akra Beach HIke

Board the coach for a scenic 45 minute drive to Åkra. The hike starts in the north end of the beach at Åkra, along the way you will see many cultural and historical monuments lie in abundance between Åkra and the boathouse ruins at Hop. From here you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the white beaches stretching along the shore.

Ferkingstad Beach, Fisherman's Memorial

The hike follows a natural path, and along here you can see and sense a rich fauna and birdlife. On the south end of the beach the tour continues over to a historical area, dating back to the Viking Age. Here you will see stone monuments symbolizing the two daughters of King Augvald, one of our Viking kings. The tour continues to Ferkingstad beach, where you will have a break. Afterwards you will walk to the charming boat harbour, built in the 1960's. You will also visit the boathouse ruins, used by the Vikings to drag their ships ashore. The tour finishes at Fisherman's Memorial, a monument symbolizing local fishermen who lost their lives at sea.

Travel back in time to experience the place in Norway that was first ice-free area, Avaldsnes, the site is also home to the first king - Harald Fair-haired.

Nordvegen History Center

Depart the pier by coach for a scenic sightseeing tour of the city. At the Nordvegen History Center you will be given the history with modern instruments, where the senses are stimulated to enhance the overall experience. With both audio, lights, images and movie - Harald Fair-haired himself will guide us on a journey through 3,500 years.

St. Olav's Church

Outside the history centre is St. Olav's Church, built by king Haakon Hakonson around 1250 AD. Visit inside the church to learn more about how important this church is to Norway. Norway's power was then at its greatest and the church therefore can be seen as a symbol of the unification of the Norwegian Kingdom completed by Håkon Håkonson.

An interesting standing obelisk is located behind the Church, it's the sewing needle of Virgin Mary which is the only one remaining of several monumental stones which once stood around the church area. The stone leans in towards the church wall and a saga tells that "the day of Judgement will come when the stone comes into contact with the church wall"

Explore the seafaring history of Karmøy Island during this picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion through Haugesund and its surrounds.

Haugesund, City Hall, Ferkingstad and Fishermen's Memorial

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 40-minute drive to Ferkingstad. En route, pass by City Hall, voted the most beautiful in Norway, then proceed through the old, posh area where the town's ship owners lived in the 1800s. Upon arrival in Ferkingstad, a photo stop is made at the Fishermen's Memorial, a monument commemorating Karmøy fishermen lost at sea.

Skudeneshavn and Mælandsgården Museum

Next, re-board your coach and continue on to Skudeneshavn. Upon arrival, take a guided stroll through this charming old town. Along the way, learn about its history and the locals that lived here, and stroll past 130 white, wooden houses erected in the 1800s, a time when herring-fishing was at its peak. A visit is also made to the Mælandsgården Museum for a unique insight into the town's history, trades, industries and craftsmen. Afterward, some free time is made available to explore the town at your leisure. Following your visit, re-board your coach for the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier via the east side of Karmøy.

This tour is the perfect introduction to Haugesund and the surrounding area.

Haugesund

The area of Haugesund as a settlement dates back to at least 1217, when it was mentioned in the Norse Sagas. However, it wasn't until 1854 that town rights were awarded by King Oscar I of Sweden and Norway. Today the town has a population of approximately 35,000 and is the natural 'capital' of the region, situated between the Boknafjord, north of Stavanger and south of the Hardangerfjord.

Town Hall

Haugesund is inseparably linked to the sea and owes its prosperity to the successful herring industry, which thrived throughout the 19th century. Drive through the central parts of the town, past the pastel pink Town Hall, built in 1931 as a gift from a local ship owner and his wife.

Haraldshaugen'

Continue towards 'Haraldshaugen', raised in 1872 as a national monument commemorating The Battle of Hafrsfjord where King Harald Fairhair won over the chieftains of 29 historic counties and gathered Norway into one kingdom. The monument is believed to be the site where King Harald Fairhair is buried.

Steinsfjellet viewpoint

Proceed towards the Steinsfjellet viewpoint, a well-loved area of the locals and known as a picturesque starting point for nature walks and hikes. The viewpoint lies 227 metres above sea level, with impressive panoramic views of Haugesund and the surrounding areas.

Bilderbuchkulisse: An der Südspitze der Insel Karmøy wartet ein wahres weißes Juwel. Mit engen Gässchen und schmucken weißen Holzhäusern, erbaut in vergangenen Tagen und jetzt liebevoll restauriert, begeistert das Städtchen Skudeneshavn. Im dortigen Mælandsgården-Museum erfahren Sie mehr über das Leben in früheren Zeiten, vor allem über die Heringsfischerei in der Blütezeit der Kleinstadt.

Der Ausflug, kurz zusammengefasst:

• Knapp 1,5-stündige Landschaftsfahrt nach Skudeneshavn mit kurzem Fotostopp am Fishermen’s Memorial
• Rundgang durch den Ort und etwa 45-minütiger Besuch des Mælandsgården-Museums
• Rückfahrt nach Haugesund entlang der malerischen Ostküste der Insel Karmøy, ca. 1 Stunde

Entdecken Sie Haugesund und die vorliegenden Inseln von der Wasserseite. Nach kurzem Fußweg und einer Sicherheitseinweisung starten Sie in Ihr Paddelabenteuer. In Einer-Kajaks folgen Sie Ihrem Guide durch die atemberaubende Landschaft. Frische Seeluft sowie grandiose Aussichten garantiert.

Der Ausflug kurz zusammengefasst:

• Kurzer Fußweg zum Ausgangspunkt, ca. 15 Minuten
• Sicherheitseinweisung und Anziehen der Wetsuits
• Etwa 1,5- bis 2-stündige Kajaktour in kleiner Gruppe durch Haugesunds Schärengarten

Mit dem Schlauchschnellboot geht es durch die malerischen Meerengen um Haugesund, die Norwegen ursprünglich seinen Namen gaben. Diese waren der Weg in den Norden - der Nor-way! Während Sie bei dem rasanten Ritt über das offene Meer den Wind in Ihren Haaren spüren, geht die Fahrt rund um die Inseln Feøy und Røvær etwas gemächlicher zu. Hier bleibt Zeit in die spektakuläre norwegische Natur einzutauchen und den Geschichten Ihres Kapitäns über die Heringsfischerei und die Menschen, die in dieser rauen Küstenlandschaft leben, zu lauschen.

Der Ausflug, kurz zusammengefasst:

• Kurzer Fußweg zur Anlegestelle des RIB und Sicherheitseinweisung
• Etwa 1-stündige Fahrt im Schlauchschnellboot inklusive Verkostung von Hering

Die schönsten Plätze und markantesten Monumente Haugesunds entdecken Sie bei einer bequemen Busfahrt. Dazu zählt Haraldshaugen-Monument, errichtet zum Gedenken an den Wikingerkönig Harald Schönhaar, der Norwegen zu einem Reich vereinte. Vom Steinsfjellet-Aussichtspunkt erblicken Sie die Handelsstadt, die sich bis zur Nordsee erstreckt.

Der Ausflug, kurz zusammengefasst:

• Etwa 2-stündige Panoramafahrt durch Haugesund und Umgebung
• Währenddessen: Kurze Fotostopps am Haraldshaugen-Monument und dem Steinsfjellet-Aussichtspunkt
• Optionaler Ausstieg am Rathaus von Haugesund bei eigenständiger Rückkehr zum Schiff

Während Ihres Helikopterfluges genießen Sie den Anblick auf Mein Schiff ®, die Stadt Haugesund sowie die raue Landschaft und hellen Sandstrände der Insel Karmøy. Entlang der wildromantischen Fjordlandschaft fliegen Sie südwärts bis zum Lysefjord, wo Sie einen traumhaften Blick auf das berühmte 25 x 25 m große, flache Plateau des Preikestolen haben. Auch die Stadt Stavanger erspähen Sie von oben.

Der Ausflug kurz zusammengefasst:

• Kurzer Fußweg oder Transfer zum Helipad und Sicherheitseinweisung
• Etwa 1-stündiger Helikopterflug

Als Norwegens erste Fahrwassermarkierung an Land gilt eine Steinpyramide, die durch den Wikinger Floke Vilgerdson auf der Landzunge bei Ryvarden, errichtet wurde. Mitte des 19. Jahrhunderts durch ein Leuchtfeuer ersetzt und seit 1984 automatisch betrieben, ist der weiße Leuchtturm von Ryvarden aufgrund seiner Historie heutzutage Kulturmuseum und Galerie. Besonders gut lässt sich im dortigen Café aber die Aussicht auf die raue See und die zerklüfteten Felsen genießen.

Der Ausflug kurz zusammengefasst:

• Fahrt zur Landzunge Ryvardsneset nördlich von Haugesund, ca. 30 Minuten
• Jeweils etwa 30-minütiger Spaziergang zum Leuchtturm und zurück zum Busparkplatz
• Vor Ort gut 1 Stunde Zeit für eine gemütliche Kaffeepause oder den Ausblick zu genießen
• Rückfahrt zu Mein Schiff ® inklusive Orientierungsfahrt durch Haugesund

Bereits um das Jahr 870 ließ sich Wikingerkönig Harald Schönhaar auf der Insel Karmøy nieder. Beim Anblick der imposanten Steinkirche St. Olav und des rekonstruierten Wikingerdorfs, in dem Sie Einblicke in das damalige Leben der Wikinger, ihren Alltag und ihre Bräuche bekommen, fühlen Sie sich wie in eine andere Zeit zurückversetzt.

Der Ausflug, kurz zusammengefasst:

• Kurzer Transfer ins Nordvegen Historiesenter; dort ca. 1-stündiger Aufenthalt
• Kurzer Spaziergang zur Steinkirche St. Olav und rund 20-minütige Besichtigung
• Etwa 30-minütiger Spaziergang zum Wikingerdorf
• Rund 1-stündiger Einblick in das damalige Leben

Erwandern Sie den Langfoss-Wasserfall, der aus einer Höhe von 612 m die Felsen des Åkrafjords herabstürzt. Zunächst führt der anstrengende, steil ansteigende Weg durch den Pinienwald, aber besonders nach Überqueren der Baumgrenze ergeben sich immer wieder fantastische Aussichtspunkte über den reizvollen Fjord. Vom über dem Wasserfall liegenden Plateau genießen Sie den atemberaubenden Panoramablick auf einen der schönsten Wasserfälle der Welt.

Der Ausflug kurz zusammengefasst:

• Gut 1,5-stündige Landschaftsfahrt zum Ausgangspunkt der Wanderung
• Anspruchsvoller Aufstieg zum Felsplateau mit Blick auf den Langfoss-Wasserfall, je nach Gruppenkonstellation etwa 1,5 Stunden
• Zeit zum Picknicken und Ausblick genießen
• Abstieg und Rückfahrt nach Haugesund über den gleichen Weg