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Haugesund: when your ship stops here

A king's monument from the Viking age, a harbor town on a sheltered strait, and a film festival.

Facts checked Nov 6, 2026, each with its source. No prices on this page.

Haugesund is a town on the west coast of Norway, on the Smedasund strait. The port operator says the cruise quay, Garpaskjaer, is 297 meters long, sits at the northern entrance to the town and is 1 km from the center, 2 minutes by car.

Sources: Wikipedia: Haugesund; Karmsund Havn (the port): Garpaskjaer

Top 3 things to do

  1. 1. Haraldshaugen

    A national monument raised in 1872 for the 1000th anniversary of the Battle of Hafrsfjord in 872. The mound beside it is believed to be where Harald Fairhair, the first king of Norway, was buried after his death around 940.

    Tip: Wikipedia puts Avaldsnes, the home of Harald Fairhair, about 8 km from the town. Our sources give no travel time, so plan for a tour or a taxi.

    Source: Wikipedia: Haugesund

  2. 2. The town by the Smedasund

    Wikipedia says the sheltered straits of Smedasund and Karmsund helped the town grow in fishing and shipping. The town center lies on the strait, 1 km from the cruise quay.

    Tip: Our sources give no walking time. The port operator gives only 2 minutes by car.

    Sources: Wikipedia: Haugesund; Karmsund Havn (the port): Garpaskjaer

  3. 3. The film festival town

    The Norwegian International Film Festival has been held in Haugesund since 1973, and the Amanda Award, Norway's equivalent of the Oscars, has been held there since 1985.

    Tip: The festival is a yearly event, so check the dates against your call.

    Source: Wikipedia: Haugesund

What to skip

  • Counting on a long list of sights in town

    Our sources name little to see in the town itself. The best known place, Haraldshaugen, is out of town, so decide on a tour before you leave the ship.

    Source: Wikipedia: Haugesund

Before you go ashore

You do not have to book a tour: you are free to go ashore on your own. Royal Caribbean sets the all aboard time about 30 minutes before the ship sails, posts it near the gangway, and says the ship does not wait for guests touring on their own.

Source: Royal Caribbean FAQ: Do I need to book a shore excursion?

Back-to-backs that stop in Haugesund

Back-to-back cruises from these home ports have a stop in Haugesund, from the Royal Caribbean sailings we track:

Sources

Read on Nov 6, 2026. Opening days, hours and rules change: check with the place itself before you go. legtolegcruises.com is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by Royal Caribbean International or any place named here.

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