Haugesund (Norway)

Haugesund is a port town in Rogaland county, Norway. The city has population around 37,000 and covers a total area of approx 73 km2 (28 mi2). Haugesund is located between Stavanger and Bergen, and among numerous small isles and often visited by cruise liners Norwegian fjord destinations (Akrafjord, Hardangerfjord, Lysefjorden).

The pink city hall has been elected the most beautiful building in Haugesund. It was built in 1931 and designed by Herman Munthe-Kaas and Gudolf Blakstad. The hall is one of Norway's finest neo-classical buildings.

In the 21st century, the town established its position as a major trading center and principal port (locode NOHAU) for Hordaland County. It has several relatively big shopping centers, considering the city's size. However, this led to a decline of trade and shopping activity.

Sildajazz (the Norwegian Trad-jazz festival) is held every August here. It features live performances by around 70 bands (both international and Norwegian musicians), with around 200 concerts.

The town also hosts the Norwegian International Film Festival.

"RockFest" is an annual rock festival held here annually since 2004. It attracts many famous international, national and local pop and rock bands. This festival started as part of the celebration of the town's 150 year anniversary. The last Rockfest was in 2009, as since 2010 it was replaced by the new "Haugesund Live" series of concerts.

In December 2021, the Norwegian company Havnekraft AS (joint venture of Karmsund Port Authority and Haugaland Kraft) contracted Zinus to develop, deliver and install "Shore Power Cruiser" - a mobile shoreside power supply (high-voltage renewable electricity/max capacity 16 MVA) for ships docking at Port Haugesund's Garpeskjaerskaien Pier. By the time the deal was signed, the Port had booked for 2022 a total of 120 cruise berthings, with ~90% of the vessels being fitted to receive shore-power. Zinus' system was previously installed in Por Bergen. In February 2022, Havnekraft contracted PSW Group's Power & Automation subsidiary for the shore power project. The contract also included developing an electrical infrastructure to allow low-voltage power to other types of ships during off-season.

Haugesund cruise terminal