This dramatic monument just outside Haugesund remembers Harald Fairhair, the king who united Norway more than 1,000 years ago. Here's how to visit.
Norway is packed with Viking history, but few places bring it all together quite like Haraldshaugen.
Perched on a windswept hilltop just north of Haugesund, this striking monument commemorates King Harald Fairhair, the man credited with uniting Norway under one crown in the late 9th century.
I first came across Haraldshaugen more or less by accident. I’d arrived in Haugesund on a cruise ship and, to be honest, I hadn’t done much research. It’s one of those lesser-known ports, and I wasn’t sure how to spend the few hours I had ashore.
After wandering through the town centre, I spotted Haraldshaugen marked on Google Maps and figured I’d stretch my legs and go have a look.
That spontaneous decision turned into a highlight of the whole trip. The walk was peaceful, the monument was impressive, and the views out to sea were memorable.
Best of all, I came away with a deeper appreciation for one of Norway’s most important Viking figures, and a renewed respect for the unassuming coastal town of Haugesund.
Who Was Harald Fairhair?
Harald Fairhair, or Harald Hårfagre as he’s known in Norwegian, is often described as the first king of a united Norway. According to the sagas, he brought together the many petty kingdoms of the region following his victory at the Battle of Hafrsfjord, sometime around the year 872.
Of course, as with much Viking Age history, it’s hard to separate fact from legend.
But the broad strokes are widely accepted: Harald was a powerful chieftain who managed to do what others couldn’t: consolidate control over the scattered and often squabbling coastal territories.
That made him a central figure in early Norwegian history, and the symbolic founder of the nation as we know it today.
The tales go a step further, too. One story has it that Harald vowed never to cut or comb his hair until he had conquered all of Norway, hence the nickname. Whether or not that’s true, the image of a wild-haired warrior-king has stuck, and it’s one Norwegians still learn about in school.
Harald reigned for decades and is believed to have died in the early 10th century. His legacy lived on through his descendants, who continued to rule parts of Norway for generations.
Although the exact details of his life are wrapped in myth, there’s no denying his significance in the story of this country.
Why Haugesund?
You might be wondering: if the big battle that united Norway took place near Stavanger, why is the national monument up here in Haugesund?
Well, local legend claims that this is where King Harald Fairhair was laid to rest. According to Snorre Sturlason, the Icelandic saga writer who recorded much of what we know about early Norwegian kings, Harald was buried in a mound in this area after his death.
Now, historians are divided on whether this burial site is authentic. There’s no definitive archaeological evidence to confirm it. But the belief has endured for centuries, and in the 19th century, it gained momentum as Norway sought to build a stronger sense of national identity.
In 1872, on the 1,000-year anniversary of the Battle of Hafrsfjord, Haraldshaugen was unveiled by King Oscar II as Norway’s official national monument. Its placement here wasn’t just about historical accuracy, it was symbolic.
Haugesund represented a connection to the roots of the Norwegian kingdom, a physical place where people could reflect on the country’s Viking past and the man who helped shape it.
And today, whether or not it’s truly Harald’s final resting place, standing at the top of the hill with the sea breeze in your face, it certainly feels like the kind of place where a Viking king would be buried.
The Monument
Haraldshaugen is a striking sight, even if you stumble across it with no context. At its centre stands a tall granite obelisk, surrounded by 29 smaller stone pillars arranged in a semicircle.
Each of those pillars represents one of the historic counties of Norway. It's a symbolic nod to the unification that Harald Fairhair is said to have achieved.
The monument is simple in form, but powerful in message. There’s no glitzy museum or multimedia experience here. Instead, you get open sky, salt air, and a commanding view of the sea, a setting that feels timeless and very, very Norse.
It’s easy to imagine Viking ships setting sail from the nearby coastline. The grassy hill on which the monument stands has a quiet, contemplative atmosphere, especially if you visit early in the day or outside the summer season.
There are also a few information boards nearby that explain the significance of the site, and if you walk a little further beyond the monument, you’ll come to the shoreline where waves crash against the rocks below.
If you’re already making the walk to Haraldshaugen, it’s worth taking a short detour to the statue of Harald Fairhair. You’ll find him standing tall and windswept, gazing out to sea near the city park. It’s a great photo spot and ties the whole story together nicely.
The surrounding area is also ideal for a peaceful stroll. You’ll pass through quiet residential streets and patches of green space, with glimpses of the coastline along the way. On a sunny day, bring a snack or sandwich as there are plenty of benches and grassy spots perfect for a quick picnic.
How to Get to Haraldshaugen
Despite its lack of famous attractions, there are plenty of things to do in Haugesund. If you're arriving in Haugesund by cruise ship, good news. You can easily reach Haraldshaugen on foot.
It’s about a 45-minute walk from the cruise terminal, depending on your pace, and the route takes you through the compact city centre and quiet northern suburbs. From the downtown area, the walk is closer to 30 minutes.
Prefer not to walk? a local bus runs from central Haugesund to a nearby stop, which is just a few minutes’ stroll from the monument. The ride takes about five minutes and is a handy option if the weather isn’t on your side.
If you’re driving, there’s limited parking available near the monument, but note that the area is mostly residential. It’s best to avoid peak times in summer if you're hoping to park close by.
