Haugesund City Guide
Image by Rob Barber via unsplash

Norway

Haugesund City Guide

Rogaland

Haugesund, on Norway's southwest coast, blends Viking history with modern charm. Known for shipping and fishing, it's got everything from urban comforts to natural wonders like fjords and mountains. Ideal for remote workers, the city offers a laid-back pace, good infrastructure, and plenty of outdoor fun.

Lifestyle🍽️

🍽️
Food Scene
Good
7

Seafood is a highlight, with dishes like cod and shrimp. International cuisines and vegan/vegetarian options are on the rise, mainly in cafes.

Local Dishes:
Cod, Salmon, Kjøttkaker
International Cuisine:
Italian, Asian
Vegan FriendlyVegetarian Friendly
🌙
Nightlife
Good
6

Nightlife is centered around a few pubs and bars in the city, offering a more relaxed vibe than the larger cities.

Coffee Culture
Good
7

Good mix of traditional and modern coffee spots, with a growing third-wave coffee scene.

💰
Tipping
Not Required

Tipping is not expected, but rounding up for good service is appreciated.

Top Attractions
Haraldshaugen
Historical
National monument commemorating Norway's unification.
Viking Adventure
Cultural
Visit Viking Farm at Avaldsnes for historical insights.
Dokken Museum
Museum
Explore this open-air museum for local history.
SIM Cards

SIMs are available at kiosks like Narvesen, electronics stores, and provider shops. Telenor and Telia are popular providers.

Available at:
Narvesen
7-Eleven
Elkjøp
Telenor
Telia
Recommended Apps
Kolumbus(Transportation)
Vipps(Finance)
Yr(Weather)
Too Good To Go(Food & Drink)
Google Maps(Navigation)

Services & Infrastructure

Street Cleanliness
Excellent
9

Haugesund maintains high cleanliness standards. Waste collection and recycling are effective.

24/7 Services
Limited
4

24/7 options are limited. Some supermarkets have extended hours, and minimarts like 7-Eleven are open late.

Groceries
Kiwi
Rema 1000
Coop
Meny

Groceries include international products, though choices might be fewer compared to big cities. Common supermarkets like Kiwi, Rema 1000, Coop, and Meny supply most needs.

Cashless Payments
Widely accepted

Norway is highly cashless. Cards are accepted almost everywhere, including small shops and public transport. Cash is rarely needed.

ATMs

ATMs are common in city centers and at banks in Haugesund. Major banks include DNB and SpareBank 1. Fees for Norwegian ATM withdrawals are low, but check with your home bank for international fees.

Schools
Local only

Haugesund offers several local schools with Norwegian instruction. International options require looking into larger cities like Stavanger.

Available Schools:
Haugesund Skole
Saltveit Skole

Work & Digital💻

Coworking Spaces
Available
5
Available Spaces:
Haugesund Vekst
Offers office spaces and possibly co-working options.
Innovasjonspark Haugesund
Focuses on innovation with potential shared facilities.
Work-Friendly Cafés
Good
Lothes Mat & Vinhus
Comfortable, good for working with free Wi-Fi.
MM Cafe & Bar
Central spot ideal for quick work sessions.
Tre Stuer Café
Cozy with a great atmosphere, focusing on plant-based options.
Alternatives:
Haugesund Folkebibliotek
Quiet spaces with free Wi-Fi, perfect for remote work.
Digital Nomad Community
Poor
3

The digital nomad scene is growing slowly. Main networking through expat groups or local events.

Nature & Activities🌿

Green Spaces
Excellent
8

Plenty of parks and paths for runners and walkers, along with natural surroundings.

Running
Excellent
8

Several scenic routes for running, including the city's parks and waterfront. Air and route safety are high.

Gyms
Available

Gyms and fitness centers are available for those looking to stay fit.

Available Gyms:
SATS Haugesund
Fresh Fitness Haugesund
Treningssenteret Puls
Tennis
Good
6

Tennis courts available at sports clubs. Book in advance as facilities might be limited.

Padel
Good
6

Padel courts are popping up in more sports clubs, easy to access online booking.

Yoga
Good
6

Yoga studios are present with various styles, though smaller in number compared to bigger cities.

Martial Arts
Good
7

Available clubs for BJJ, Karate, and more. Usually welcoming to new members.

Skiing
Poor
3

No ski facilities in Haugesund. Nearest skiing is over two hours away in Røldal.

Water Sports
Good
7

Activities include kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing. Rentals and tours are available, especially in summer.

Surfing
Good
6

Karmøy island is a go-to with spots like Åkrasanden, though water is cold. Offers both beginner and advanced experiences.

Diving
Good
6

Diving is possible in coastal areas, with shipwrecks and marine life making for engaging dives.

Health & Safety🏥

Healthcare
Excellent
9

Haugesund Hospital is the main medical facility, featuring English-speaking staff. Norway's public healthcare system is high quality, with private clinics also available.

Hospitals:
Haugesund Hospital
Pharmacies:
Apotek 1
Vitusapotek
Tap Water Safety
Safe to drink

Tap water is safe and of excellent quality. Occasionally, boil notices may occur, but they are rare.

Common Scams
Petty theft is rare but possible in crowded areas.

Community & Family

Family Friendly
Excellent
8

Family-friendly with parks, playgrounds, and child-friendly cafes. Key attractions include Viking Farm and Dokken Museum.

LGBTQ+ Friendly
Excellent
9

High LGBTQ+ acceptance, with legal protection and a welcoming atmosphere.

Pet Friendly
Good
7

Pets are welcome in many outdoor areas and several accommodations. Check in advance for pet policies.

Communities
Expats in Norway (Social)
International Community Haugesund (Social)

Quick Facts

Population
45,040
Power Reliability
Excellent
10/10

Norway, including Haugesund, benefits from excellent power reliability due to well-maintained infrastructure and hydropower reliance.

Beach Access
Available

Nearby Karmøy island offers lovely beaches like Åkrasanden, ideal during summer for swimming.

Mountains
Available

Surrounding hills and smaller mountains allow for enjoyable hikes. Nearby fjord landscapes add to the natural beauty.

Languages
Norwegian(100%)
English(90%)
Emergency
113
Ambulance
112
Police
110
Fire

⚠️Natural Disasters Risk

🌊
Tsunami
Very Low Risk
1
🏔️
Earthquake
Low Risk
3

🌦️Seasonal Issues

Cold temperatures
November, December, January, February, March
Winter brings cold weather and snow with shorter days.
Long daylight
June, July, August
Summer boasts long daylight hours, perfect for outdoor activities.

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