Why live in the Haugesund region?

The Haugesund region is a thriving area known for its strong maritime heritage, innovative industries, and diverse living environments. From the vibrant city of Haugesund to the serene island of Utsira and the picturesque fjords of Vindafjord, this region offers a high quality of life with excellent education, career opportunities, and access to nature. Whether you prefer a bustling urban setting or a peaceful rural lifestyle, the Haugesund region provides a balanced and fulfilling environment to call home.

Living in the Haugesund region

With well-connected towns and villages, commuting is straightforward, and the region’s natural surroundings encourage outdoor exploration. Residents enjoy hiking trails in Sauda’s dramatic mountain landscapes, cycling along Karmøy’s scenic coastal paths, or taking ferry trips to the idyllic islands, including Vibrandsøy and Røvær. Haugesund adds vibrancy with its bustling cultural scene, hosting renowned festivals like the Norwegian International Film Festival and lively concerts.

The region also focuses on sustainability, with its industries actively transitioning to green energy solutions. Residents benefit from high-quality public services, clean air, and safe neighborhoods, making the Haugesund region an appealing choice for families, professionals, and anyone seeking a well-rounded lifestyle.

Places to live in the Haugesund region

Activities in the Haugesund region

Culturally, Haugesund is a vibrant hub. The Haugesund Concert Hall hosts a variety of performances year-round, while local libraries and community centers frequently offer events, workshops, and activities for families. The Haugaland Museum and nearby Nordvegen History Center provide engaging insights into the region’s Viking and cultural heritage, making them popular destinations for learning and inspiration.

Everyday life in the Haugesund region is enriched by farmers’ markets and local food traditions, offering fresh, locally sourced produce. The thriving café culture and growing restaurant scene add to the richness of life here. Whether it’s participating in organized sports, attending cultural events, or simply enjoying the region’s natural surroundings, daily life in Haugesund offers a balanced and fulfilling experience.

Study in the Haugesund region

Primary and secondary education

In Norway, education is managed at two levels: municipalities oversee kindergartens and primary education (grades 1–10), while county authorities handle upper secondary education (grades 11–13). The Haugesund region offers diverse options for both general and vocational studies at the secondary level, including:

• Haugaland Upper Secondary School
• Karmsund Upper Secondary School
• Kopervik Upper Secondary School
• Skeisvang Upper Secondary School
• Vardafjell Upper Secondary School (offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme)
• Ølen Upper Secondary School
• Åkreham Upper Secondary School

These schools provide a strong foundation for students pursuing academic or vocational pathways.

International education

For families seeking international education, the Haugesund region offers options tailored to global learners:

• Haugesund International School: This school offers an internationally focused curriculum for students aged 6–16, with an emphasis on fostering global competence and language skills.
• Vardafjell Upper Secondary School: In addition to being a public high school, Vardafjell offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme for upper secondary students.

Learning Norwegian

For individuals and families looking to learn Norwegian, Haugesund provides several opportunities to develop language skills at various proficiency levels:

• AOF Haugaland: Offers flexible Norwegian courses for beginners and advanced learners, designed to support integration and career development.
• Folkeuniversitetet Haugesund: Provides language courses from A1 (beginner) to C1 (advanced) with flexible schedules, including evening classes and online options.
• Språkkafé Haugesund Library: Hosts regular language cafés for informal Norwegian practice, encouraging conversational skills and community engagement.

Higher education

The Haugesund region is home to esteemed institutions that cater to local and global educational demands:

• Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL): HVL’s Haugesund campus offers bachelor’s and master’s programs in key fields such as maritime studies, engineering, health sciences, and business administration. HVL emphasizes research, innovation, and collaboration with regional industries.
• Fagskolen Rogaland (Haugesund campus): This vocational college offers specialized programs in maritime studies, health care, and technical disciplines, catering to the needs of regional industries. Flexible formats are available for individuals with vocational certificates or relevant work experience.
• AOF Fagskolen Haugaland: Offers vocational education programs tailored to regional industry needs, including health and welfare, administration, and technical training.

Supporting lifelong learning

The Haugesund region’s educational institutions are committed to lifelong learning, equipping students and professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a dynamic economy shaped by innovation, sustainability, and global collaboration.

Work in the Haugesund region

Key industries and job opportunities in the Haugesund region

The Haugesund region is a dynamic hub for innovation, industry, and sustainable development. Strategically located on Norway's west coast, it has built a diverse economy around its maritime heritage, energy expertise, and emerging technologies. The area offers a wealth of job opportunities across traditional and cutting-edge sectors, supported by strong business clusters and a skilled workforce.

Energy and renewables

Haugesund is at the forefront of Norway’s transition to renewable energy, leveraging decades of oil and gas expertise. The region is a leader in offshore wind development, supported by:

• Marine Energy Test Centre (METCentre): This facility hosted the world’s first floating wind turbine and continues to advance floating offshore wind technology.
• Norwegian Offshore Wind: Headquartered in Haugesund, this national cluster fosters innovation and collaboration in offshore wind.
• Industry leaders: Companies like Deep Wind Offshore and Aibel are prominent in renewable energy, with Aibel delivering over half of its projects in offshore wind.

Energy infrastructure, including the Haugesund Windport at Haavik, supports logistics for the growing offshore wind industry. Opportunities abound in engineering, project management, research, and operations.

Maritime industries

The maritime industry is central to Haugesund’s economy, with its strategic coastal location supporting global shipping and advanced marine operations. Key components include:

• Major companies: Firms like Solstad Offshore, Østensjø Rederi, and Knutsen OAS operate globally, focusing on shipping, offshore logistics, and vessel services.
• Subsea technology and robotics: Companies such as DeepOcean, Reach Subsea, Remota, and Kystdesign are pioneers in underwater robotics and autonomous systems, enhancing efficiency in offshore operations.
• Port facilities: The Karmsund Port Authority oversees infrastructure supporting maritime and offshore wind logistics, including the planned Haugesund Windport.

Jobs in this sector range from vessel operations and logistics to roles in cutting-edge subsea robotics and engineering.

Technology and innovation

Haugesund is a center for technological advancement, particularly in marine and energy-related innovation. Key developments include:

• Subsea robotics: The region is a leader in autonomous underwater systems, which have applications in energy, environmental monitoring, and logistics.
• Energy innovation: Local expertise supports the development of floating wind turbines, digital navigation systems, and renewable energy storage solutions.

Haugesund’s focus on collaboration between research institutions and businesses creates opportunities in research, software development, and system integration.

Agriculture and food production

The region’s natural resources and commitment to sustainability drive its agriculture and food production sectors:

• Seafood and aquaculture: Haugesund is renowned for high-quality fish and aquaculture products, creating roles in farming, processing, and distribution.
• Sustainable practices: Producers in the region are leaders in environmentally friendly food production.

Tourism and hospitality

Haugesund’s cultural and natural attractions make it a growing destination for tourism. Key features include:

• Historic and cultural sites: The region’s Viking heritage and maritime history attract cultural tourism.
• Outdoor experiences: Coastal trails, fjords, and natural landscapes provide opportunities in adventure tourism.
• Hospitality sector: The increasing number of visitors drives demand for professionals in hotels, restaurants, and events.

Workforce and business collaboration

Haugesund benefits from a skilled workforce and strong networks that connect industry, academia, and public institutions. Notable features include:

• Expertise in energy and marine industries: The region’s workforce is highly skilled in oil, gas, renewable energy, and subsea technology.
• Business clusters: Networks such as Norwegian Offshore Wind and Maritime CleanTech drive collaboration and competitiveness, fostering innovation in key sectors.