Kyststien (coastal path)

The coastal path starts at Skillebekkgata at the entrance to Killingøy and goes north to Kvalsvik, or you can start at the national monument Haraldshaugen. The coastal path runs along the sea if you start from the south. The terrain rises slightly when the asphalt ends, and the vegetation gets thicker for a short stretch. As you approach Haraldshaugen Camping, you can walk through this terrain to Haraldstøtta monument, or turn left, up a steep slope and then onto rock and moorland with great views of the sea, islands and islets. You can see Tonjer Lighthouse, Røvær and Vibrandsøy from here, and you can take a break at the top.

On the way north, you come to grazing land west of Haraldshaugen. As you continue north, the path winds down towards the sea and inland. The path then continues up, across Veste, with Kvalen Lighthouse to the left, through coastal landscape. Here, you can take a detour down towards Kvalen Lighthouse, but note this can be dangerous during autumn and winter storms.

From the highest point, where there is a path down to Kvalen Lighthouse, the path turns inland, behind some wharfside warehouses, and then takes you to the pavement along Kvalsvikvegen road. This is also where you’ll find the popular swimming spot at Kvalsvik, which children and adults flock to in summer. You can see The Rising Tide sculptures by Jason DeCaires Taylor slightly further along the coast. The sculptures, previously situated in the Thames in London, have become a popular attraction in Haugesund.

The coastal path itself is about a 6-km round trip and takes around 1 hour. If you start from Haugesund town centre, you need to add about 30 minutes each way.

This trip is graded ‘green’ (easy), and is suitable for most people. The walk is on a gravel road in slightly hilly terrain.

There are car parks at Haraldshaugen national monument and Kvalsvik Badeplass.

Take bus 201 from Strandgata terminal or Bytunet in Haugesund to Bleikemyr. Get off at Gard. More information about public transport in Haugesund and the surrounding area is available here.

This is a great walk any time of year.

You can start the walk in Haugesund town centre, but you have to allow an extra 30 minutes each way. Visit Haugesund Tourist Information in Haraldsgata 131 for directions and a free city map.

There are toilets at Haraldshaugen Camping, which is beside Haraldshaugen national monument. There are also public toilets at Kvalsvik Badeplass (at the other side of the monument).

You can cycle the coastal path. If you don’t have your own bike, you can hire an electric city bike from Kolumbus, or join Viking Adventure on a guided e-bike tour(must be booked in advance).

The closest shop is the Kiwi grocery shop at Gardsenteret (Nygårdsvegen 6). Note: closed on Sundays. If you walk from Haugesund town centre, we recommend that you buy something to eat and drink before you start the walk. You pass both Lutchfood and Jåblom Bakst on the way (both open on Sundays).