Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The burial site of Viking King Harald Hårfagre, who died of plague at Avaldsnes on
nearby Karmøy, is 1.5km north of Haugesund. The obelisk, erected in 1872, commemor-
ates the decisive 872 battle.
Rådhus
HISTORICAL BUILDING
(Town Hall)
Haugesund has retained many of its historical buildings and this impressive salmon-tinted,
neo-classical pile is a highlight.
Marilyn Monroe Memorial
MONUMENT
Bizarrely, Haugesund claims to be the ancestral home of Marilyn Monroe, whose father, a
local baker, emigrated to the USA. This monument on the quay, next to the Rica Maritim
Hotel, is suitably coquettish, if not a great likeness. It commemorates the 30th anniversary
of her death.
Tours
The
tourist office
organises a comprehensive range of tours, from guided walks around the
town hall, to coastal boat trips to view historic lighthouses and visit remote island com-
munities.
Festivals
Silda Jazz
MUSIC
(Haugesund International Jazz Festival;
www.sildajazz.no
;
early-mid-Aug)
Well-respected music festival with international jazz, soul, folk and indie acts.
Norwegian International Film Festival
FILM
(
www.filmweb.no/filmfestivalen/
; mid-late Aug)
Norway's major film festival, considered to be the Nordic Cannes.
Sleeping
