Why live in Haugesund?

Haugesund is a vibrant coastal city that serves as the regional hub for trade, culture, and industry in Haugalandet. Known for its rich maritime heritage, thriving job market, and dynamic cultural scene, the city offers a high quality of life. Its compact size blends the convenience of urban living with the charm of a smaller community, surrounded by scenic coastal landscapes.

With a population of approximately 37,000, Haugesund balances work opportunities with an exceptional focus on work-life balance. Key industries include shipping, fishing, and tourism, alongside a growing emphasis on renewable energy. The lively city centre, with its bustling pedestrian streets, diverse restaurants, and festivals like Sildajazz, adds vibrancy to daily life, while nearby islands and fjords provide endless outdoor adventures. Whether you're a professional, a family, or an outdoor enthusiast, Haugesund has something for everyone.

Living in Haugesund

Living in Haugesund means enjoying a vibrant city life with access to Norway's stunning natural beauty. The city centre is the heart of activity, featuring cultural venues like Haugesund Theatre and the Picture Gallery, as well as waterfront promenades and the picturesque Smedasundet strait. Residents can explore the area's diverse dining options, boutique shops, and engaging festivals, which bring energy and creativity year-round.

Families benefit from excellent educational institutions, safe neighbourhoods, and ample parks and playgrounds. Housing options cater to a variety of lifestyles, from modern apartments in the city centre to family homes in suburban areas like Skåredalen. Public schooling is free, with after-school facilities available for younger students, creating a supportive environment for raising children.

Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of nearby hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and the chance to explore islands by boat. Haugesund’s central location also makes it easy to visit neighbouring attractions like Karmøy and the Hardangerfjord. Affordable living costs and excellent transport options, including walking and cycling-friendly infrastructure, make Haugesund an appealing place to call home.

Places to live in Haugesund

Activities in Haugesund

Haugesund offers a wide range of activities, from outdoor adventures to cultural experiences and shopping opportunities. Whether you’re exploring the city’s natural surroundings, immersing yourself in its cultural life, or indulging in retail therapy, there’s always something to do.

Outdoor activities
The natural surroundings of Haugesund provide endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking trails like Djupadalen offer serene walks and picnic spots by Eivindsvatnet, while Steinsfjellet provides panoramic views of the city and fjords. The Kyststien trail lets you explore coastal landscapes and visit landmarks such as Kvalen Fyr and The Rising Tide art installation. For water-based adventures, you can kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or take a fjord cruise to see the dramatic Åkrafjorden and Langfoss waterfall.

Cultural experiences
Haugesund’s cultural life is rich and varied. Festivals like the Norwegian International Film Festival and Sildajazz bring international and local talent to the city each year. Art lovers can visit Haugesund Billedgalleri to enjoy a mix of historical and contemporary works or explore Formbar Glassverksted to see glassblowing in action and purchase unique designs. For history enthusiasts, the Dokken Museum provides fascinating insights into Haugesund’s heritage as a herring and shipping hub.

Family-friendly fun
Families will find plenty to enjoy in Haugesund. Rush Trampoline Park offers hours of fun for children and adults alike, while Escape Haugesund is a great way for families to work together to solve puzzles in an engaging and exciting environment. For winter activities, Haugesund Ishall provides skating fun, and Byparken and Haraldsvang are perfect for picnics and play in the warmer months.

Shopping
Shopping in Haugesund is an activity in itself, with options ranging from charming boutiques to large retail centres. Haraldsgata, the city’s main shopping street, is a pedestrian-friendly area lined with independent shops, cafes, and well-known stores. Here, you’ll find unique places like Lervik Ur, a watch store offering premium brands, and Krimz Kramz, a boutique filled with vintage and modern finds.

For larger-scale shopping, Raglamyr offers big-box stores like Power and Elkjøp, as well as Amanda Storsenter, the region’s largest shopping centre with over 60 stores. It’s a convenient destination for everything from fashion to electronics. The city centre also boasts speciality shops like Formbar Glassverksted for handcrafted glassware and Den Lille Bokbutikken, a delightful bookshop.

Dining experiences
Haugesund is a fantastic city for food lovers, offering a variety of restaurants to suit all tastes. For fine dining, visit Lothes Mat og Vinhus, known for its seasonal dishes and exceptional wine pairings. Dattera til Lothe provides a more relaxed atmosphere with modern dishes, while To Glass serves Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. If you’re in the mood for casual dining, Oxe Burger is the go-to for gourmet burgers, and Biff og Burger offers hearty meals with a local twist. Other options include Carlos Bistro for European classics, Il Forno for authentic Italian pizza, and Naustet Spiseri for traditional seafood by the harbour.

Local flavours
Haugesund is home to excellent food producers that celebrate Norwegian traditions. Amundsen Spesial in Haraldsgata offers gourmet treats, locally roasted coffee, and artisanal chocolates. For premium meats, H. Bruns Slakterforretning is a trusted butcher shop with a long-standing tradition of quality.

Study in Haugesund

Haugesund provides a strong educational framework that caters to families, professionals, and international residents. The city’s offerings range from primary and secondary schools to higher education and specialised language courses, making it an excellent place for learners of all ages.

Primary and lower secondary education

Haugesund has numerous well-regarded primary and lower secondary schools, providing education for children aged 6–16. These schools are known for their high academic standards, safe environments, and active engagement with the local community, ensuring a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

Upper secondary education

Haugesund and the surrounding region provide a range of upper secondary schools with programmes designed to meet diverse academic and vocational interests.

Vardafjell Upper Secondary School offers options for general academic studies, including media and communication. It is also home to the internationally recognised International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme and provides a pathway for students to gain university admission through supplementary courses.

Skeisvang Upper Secondary School focuses on general academic studies and has a specialised programme in music, dance, and drama, catering to students with artistic and creative ambitions.

Haugaland Upper Secondary School emphasises vocational training with opportunities in fields such as building and construction, electrical and computer technology, health and social care, and technology and industrial sciences. Students can also explore information technology and media production or prepare for university admission with supplementary courses.

Karmsund Upper Secondary School offers vocational programmes in areas like restaurant and food services, health and social care, service and transport, and technology and industrial sciences. A supplementary course for university admission is also available.

These schools collectively provide students with a broad spectrum of educational pathways, supporting both academic and vocational ambitions.

Higher education

The Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (Høgskulen på Vestlandet) has a vibrant campus in Haugesund, offering bachelor’s and master’s programmes in key fields:

• Engineering: Focus on sustainable solutions, preparing students for careers in energy, infrastructure, and technology.
• Maritime Studies: Comprehensive programmes that align with Haugesund’s position as a maritime hub, equipping students for roles in shipping and offshore industries.
• Health Sciences: Training in nursing, physiotherapy, and related fields, addressing local and national healthcare needs.
• Economics and Business Administration: Courses designed for aspiring business professionals and entrepreneurs.

The university collaborates with local industries, providing students with hands-on learning opportunities and internships, ensuring they are well-prepared for their future careers.

Haugesund International School

Located in nearby Torvastad, Karmøy, Haugesund International School offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP). Its international curriculum is ideal for expatriate families and those seeking a global education for their children.

Learning Norwegian

For newcomers, learning Norwegian is essential for integration. Haugesund offers several opportunities to learn the language:

• Municipality classes: Haugesund Kommune organises Norwegian courses for immigrants, focusing on practical language skills and cultural integration.
• Lingu: A private language school that offers structured courses for learners of all levels.
• Language café: The Haugesund Library hosts regular Språkkafé sessions, where participants can practise conversational Norwegian in a welcoming and informal setting. These events often include cultural exchanges and are an excellent way to meet locals and other newcomers.

Work in Haugesund

Haugesund offers a dynamic job market across a variety of sectors, with significant opportunities in energy, maritime industries, healthcare, municipal services, technology, and more. The city’s strategic location, thriving industries, and vibrant cultural scene make it an attractive place for professionals.

Energy and maritime industries

Haugesund plays a leading role in Norway’s maritime and energy sectors. The city is home to key shipping companies like Knutsen OAS Shipping, Østensjø Rederi, and Edda Wind, operating in areas such as liquefied gas transport, offshore wind, and subsea services. Companies like Aibel specialise in engineering and construction, supporting both traditional oil and gas operations and renewable energy initiatives.

The offshore wind sector, highlighted by the Utsira Nord floating wind farm project, is driving sustainable development in the region. Suppliers and technical firms, such as Jatec, Tess Haugesund, and Saga Subsea, play a critical role in supporting these industries. Additionally, the Karmsund Port Authority strengthens the region’s logistics and trade capabilities as one of Norway’s largest shipping hubs.

Health and care

Healthcare is a major sector in Haugesund, with leading employers such as Helse Fonna HF and Haugesund Municipality.

Helse Fonna HF operates Haugesund Hospital and other healthcare facilities, serving a population of 180,000 across western Norway. With approximately 4,000 employees, the organisation provides diverse career opportunities in medical, nursing, and support roles, prioritising professional growth and patient care.

Haugesund Municipality employs around 2,500 staff and offers roles across a broad spectrum of services in areas such as healthcare, education, urban development, and cultural management. The municipality values diversity and inclusivity, creating a supportive environment for all employees.

Technology and innovation

Haugesund is a hub for technological advancement, offering roles in fields such as subsea technology, automation, and digital transformation. Companies like Reach Subsea and Remota are at the forefront of innovation, leading developments in remote operations and robotics.

Atea, a prominent IT company with a local presence, supports businesses and institutions in adopting cutting-edge digital solutions. From cloud services to cybersecurity, Atea plays a vital role in driving Haugesund’s digital transformation, creating job opportunities for IT specialists and engineers.

The region’s focus on technology also extends to artificial intelligence and data analytics, ensuring Haugesund remains competitive in an evolving global market.

Hospitality, retail, and catering

Haugesund’s vibrant city centre is home to bustling shops, restaurants, and cafes, providing employment in retail, hospitality, and catering. The tourism sector, supported by events like the Norwegian International Film Festival and Sildajazz, creates seasonal opportunities in event management, customer service, and cultural activities.

Commitment to sustainability

Haugesund’s industries are united by a commitment to sustainability. Green initiatives, such as offshore wind development and circular economy projects, ensure the region’s long-term economic and environmental health.

With its varied job opportunities and supportive work environment, Haugesund is an excellent place for professionals across diverse fields to build their careers.