History

Painting by I. C. Dahl, 1820Before this church there was a wooden church on the same place. That church is assumed to have been built by Olav Trygvason, and it is possible that the present stone church is built around this church originally.

This church has been a landmark for the seafarers passing through the strait of Karmsund for 750 years. King Håkon IV Håkonsson gave permission to build a church around the year 1250. It was not completed until nearly 1320, and was then the fourth largest in the country. The church was dedicated to St. Olav and received the status of ”Royal Chapel”. During the same period it became one of four ”college-churches” ( it appointed a council of theological and juridical scholars). Probably there was a group of four scholars, and it could be there was an octagonal house of stone in close proximity to the quire. This is assumed to have been mentioned by Peder Clausen Friis in 1599. Remaining walls were visible as late as 1840, but are now completely gone. «Kapittelhus» are common for english cathedrals.

photo credit: -Kj.

The history of the church depicts a fine cross-section of Norway`s history. Being one of the largest churches along the coast of Norway, it is certainly to have been visited by many travelers on their pilgrimage to St. Olav`s shrine in Trondheim.

The decay started with the Black Death in 1349-1351. This disaster was followed by 400 years of Danish supremacy. In this period, the church gradually fell into a state of ruin due to lack of repair. In the 17th century a little wooden church was built inside the stone walls. This one was used for more than 200 years.

The first restoration work began in 1830. The old steeple was demolished, the nave was rebuilt, and a small wooden steeple was erected on the top.

In the 1920’s the church was once again restored in a manner which was more similar to its original architecture. A new stone steeple was built and the interior renewed.

The German occupation in World War II became dramatic for the church. The Germans asserted that the high steeple was used as a landmark for allied planes, coming in over the strait of Karmsund to drop bombs in the water. German authorities demanded the steeple to be demolished. Many people were engaged in the task of saving it, and they persuaded the Germans to let them camouflage the whole church with timber! This was to be done in 5 weeks, but the whole job lasted a year.

photo credit: Frans & all

The 700th anniversary of the church in 1950 was a big event for the community, with concerts and a historical outdoor play which pictured the Viking history of the place.

The stained glass windows were ordered for the anniversary. They were made by Bernhard Greve, a Norwegian painter, and present the most important events in the life of Christ : Baptism, passion, ascension and resurrection.

Design and architecture

The pointed arches, but thick walls and no pillars, suggest an early Gothic design. The walls are composed of ordinary gray stone in thickness about 1.2–2.0 meters. The corners and frames around the doors and windows are of steatite (soapstone) from ”Tolgetjønn” near Haugesund.

The sewing needle of Virgin Mary

photo credit: Skygge

The sewing needle of Virgin Mary (Norwegian:Jomfru Marias synål) is the only one remaining of several monumental stones which once stood around the church area. The stone has been somewhat taller, but, towering at 7.2 meters it is still the next largest of its kind in Norway. The stone leans in towards the church wall—the distance to the wall is in fact only 9.2 cm. A saga tells that “the day of Judgement will come when the stone comes into contact with the church wall”. A popular story tells us about the minister in the old ages climbing up the monument and cutting off a piece from the stone when it came dangerously near the church wall!

photo credit: olillevik

Experience this country of majestic mountains, picturesque fjords, spectacular waterfalls and ancient glaciers. Inland, abundant farmlands dot the landscape, where trout and salmon rivers or lakes offer a taste of the great outdoors. At the coast, feel the exhilaration of wild foaming seas during a storm, or wide sandy beaches on a calm summers’ day.

Haugesund, the “capital” of Haugalandet, has become a major tourist centre in Norway. Not that it was unknown previously! The sound, Karmsundet – also known as the old King’s Highway, was also called the Highway to the North. Nordvegen, Norwegen, Norway. Thus was our nation’s title derived.

But this was not just circumstance, for here in Haugesund rests Harald the Fairhaired, Norway’s first king, buried at Haraldshaugen – Norway’s national monument. Having unified the country, Harald placed his seat at Avaldsnes on Karmøy and which can rightly claim to be Norway’s first capital.

photo credit: MGSpiller

There are many traces of the fine Vikings who were domiciled here. The characteristic Olavskirken was built some 750 years ago by Håkon Håkonsen and consecrated to Saint Olav. The cross, Krosshaugen, has stood here for a thousand years. The burial mounds are from the iron age. At Etne is a viking ship. And along the nature trail i Utbjoa you can see the rock carvings dating back to the age of the great migration.

During the period when the Norwegian shipping fleet was among the world’s largest, so was the Haugesund fleet among the largest in Norway. It is said that the local song “Amanda from Haugesund” was sung more frequently than the national anthem when the longing for home became too much.

Internationally, the Norwegian Film Festival held in Haugesund has long been renowned. Even in New Orleans, the annual “Herring Jazz Festival” (Sildajazz) in Haugesund is much respected.

photo credit: mattj

STEINSFJELLET

227 meteres above sea level. Panoramic view over Haugaland and the North Sea Cars may be driven right to the summit (use the car park 100 yards before the summit). Marked track from the summit to Kringsjå tourist cabin. Open Sundays. Coffee and waffles. About 15 minutes walk.

VARDAFJELLET

122 metres above sea level. Fine view over the town and North Sea 30 minutes walk from the town.

HAUGESUND ART GALLERY

One of the finest galleries in the country and the region’s leading exhibitor of modern art. Open all year.

THE TOWN HALL

A gift from the ship-owner Knut Knutsen OAS and his wife Elisabeth. The Town Hall was inaugurated in 1931 and the park was opened in 1949. Guided tours June – August.

KARMSUND FOLK MUSEUM

Thematic exhibition with domestic implements from the home and community, seafaring, fishing, agriculture and archeology. Open all year.

SUPER VIDEOGRAPH OF HAUGALANDET

Experience Haugalandat’s rich fauna, wild coastline and major attractions on the 5-screen super-videograph in “LILLE MARITIM” at Rica Maritim Hotel in Haugesund. An event for the whole family. Viewing hourly between 16.00-18 00 in the period 01.07 – 31.08. Subject to change without notice.

THE MOVIE “A COASTAL PEOPLE”

A triple-screen documentary depicting life along the west coast of Norway as we enter the new millennium. Learn how coastal life has changed from generation to generation as seen through the eyes of local inhabitants. The film portrays music, art and Iyrics in a naw and invigorating style. Subject to chance without notice.

DOKKEN OPEN AIR MUSEUM

Thematic exhibition depicting living end working conditions during the herring industry period of the 1800s and upwards. Exhibits include sailing and rowing boats of the period, chapel, an apartment from the 1950s and an interesting photographic collection. Guided tours daily mid-June – early August except Saturdays.

HARALDSHAUGEN

photo credit: Vegard Økland

Norway’s national monument wes erected at Harald the Fair-haired’s grave in 1872 in celebretion of the 1000 yeer enniversary of the unification of Norway.

Norway’s national monument wes erected at Harald the Fair-haired’s grave in 1872 in celebretion of the 1000 yeer enniversary of the unification of Norway.

KROSSHAUGEN

Located approximately 75 metres south of Haraldshaugen is Krosshaugen, a stone cross dating from early Christian times.

photo credit: Charlie bosmore

MUSEUM FARM AT ØRPETVEIT

Near Amanda Shopping Centre. A farm from the 1800s. Farmhouse, barns, and outbuildings in the traditionel weet coast style.

RØVÆR

photo credit: hc gilje

Røvær is an idyllic group of islands about 10 km west of the Haugesund mainland with about 100 inhabitants. The island is rich in plant and bird life with good shoreline fishing possibilitiee and a fine harbour for pleasure boats. There is a reguler boat connection between Haugesund and Røvær.

STATOIL

Statoil is one of the world’s largest crude oil traders. Statoil is operating in 25 countries world-wide. Statoil shares is trading on the Oslo Stock Exchange. Statoil operates some 2,000 service stations in nine countries. About 1,500 of these outlets are in Scandinavia, including about 490 in Norway, 570 in Sweden, and about 300 in Denmark.

The Company’s own refining capacity also makes the group a big trader with refined oil products. The business unit for NGL trading in Statoil sells liquefied natural gases (propane and butanes) as well as ethane, petrochemical naphtha and condensate internationally. As a professional player in the energy market, the group has an extensive trading business with electricity in Scandinavia.

FISHING

Enjoy the rugged coastline, the invigorating sea air and the secluded coves. Sea-fishing is unrivalled here. Try your luck casting the line from the rocky foreshore. A day at sea is an unforgettable experience, fishing either from a smack or a cutter – a bite is virtually guaranteed.

GOLF

Haugesund Golfclub is a golf course with 9 holes and a variation of difficulties. The course is located at Kolnes approximately 5 minutes from Amanda Storcenter.

Sites with more info about Haugalandet and Bukkøy: Destinasjon Haugalandet | Visit Haugesund