Haugesund

Haugesund, Norway, is nestled between the larger cities of Stavanger and Bergen on the country's magnificent fjord coastline. This lovely waterfront city, once home to prominent Viking kings, is nestled between rocky mountains, silky fjords, and the brisk North Sea. Haraldshaugen, Norway's striking obelisk national monument, is located in Haugesund and was erected in 1872 to commemorate 1,000 years since the country's unification. Haraldshaugen is thought to be the final resting place of Norway's first king, Harald Fairhair.

However, what lies just outside of Haugesund is one of the city's main draws. To the southwest are tiny islands and islets, and to the northeast is the vast Boknafjorden with its dozens of smaller offshoots. To explore, there are waterfalls, mountains, and a rugged coastline. During the spring and summer months, many tourists visit this region to experience the small, idyllic communities. In August, film and jazz fans should attend the Norwegian International Film Festival and the Sildajazz festival, respectively.

Google rating: 4.5/5.0
Location: Rogaland, Norway