A German sailer in Karmsundet.
59°21,08’N 05°18,22’E. Avaldsnes. North of Boknafjorden lies Karmøy. If you choose to go west of the island, you can visit the impressive and charming island community of Utsira, Norway's smallest municipality. If you prefer to sail in sheltered waters, you can enjoy the outstretched Karmsundet, a pleasure at least when sailing free. If your mast rises less then 12 meters, you can enter Karmsundet from the narrow Røyksundet, 59°20’N.
Røyksund.
If you are keen on history and Norse culture, a stop at Avaldsnes is mandatory. King Harold Fair Hair made Avaldsnes his main residence after 870 AD, and due to this, the place is called Norway's oldest throne. Today you can visit a Viking farm, built on Bukkøy and a Viking festival is held each year in June. Just by Bukkøy you'll find both the new Nordvegen History Centre and St. Olav's Church, built by King Haakon Hakonson around 1250. The church is known for the Virgin Mary's sewing needle. Doomsday will be upon us when the top of this standing stone touches the church wall.
From the Viking farm.
Karmsundet and Nordvegen History Centre.
Virgin Mary and her sewing needle.
Maritornes resting at Bukkøy.
Unfortunately, one forgot to arrange for more modern sailors at Avaldsnes. The quay at the Viking farm is for use only by appointment, and there is no other decent jetty. Nevertheless, it is possible to make fast to the rocks on both sides of Bukkøy. The northern bay has a small floating jetty, but it looks like a private one. Ask at the farm, if you are staying long.
59°24,58’N 05°16,17’E. Haugesund. Visitor quay
Haugesund. The guest harbour is north of the bridge.
Ship chandlers - Haugesund.
From Avaldsnes it is not far to Haugesund, the main centre of Haugalandet with approximately 34.000 inhabitants. The town is known for both the Norwegian Film Festival in August and a popular jazz festival previous to this – Sildajazz, when 1000 yachts and boats crowd together in the harbour. Haugesund's devlopment was based on the rich herring fisheries in the 1900th century, and the town was later transformed into a shipbuilding centre. The town is still known for it’s rich maritime culture, and has a nice (but often crowded) guests harbour, situated in Smedasundet, just at the heart of the town. Haugesund is a god place to bunker, to do some shopping, eating out – or buying odds and ends to your old boat. Along the quay, the ship chandlers are lined up, one after the other. Filling up is easiest at the marina in the sound between Risøya and Hasseløya.
The Iclandic sagawriter Snorre points out Haugesund to be the place where the norwegian Viking King, Harald Hårfagre was buried. This King is considered to be the one uniting the nation, and just north of the town, you can visit Norway's National Unity Monoment, Haraldshaugen. The charming island-archipelago Røvær lies west of Haugesund, and is strongly recommended. Take your own boat - or a ferry (20 min.). Farther out in the ocean, you'll find Utsira, Norway's smallest municipality with approximately 215 inhabitants. Also recommended, at least in fair weather. The town Kopervik (No.) with 38.000 inhabitants is farther south in Karmsundet, while the fishing village Åkrehamn is situated west on Karmøy. See also beautiful Skudeneshavn, south on Karmøy.
The Iclandic sagawriter Snorre points out Haugesund to be the place where the norwegian Viking King, Harald Hårfagre was buried. This King is considered to be the one uniting the nation, and just north of the town, you can visit Norway's National Unity Monoment, Haraldshaugen. The charming island-archipelago Røvær lies west of Haugesund, and is strongly recommended. Take your own boat - or a ferry (20 min.). Farther out in the ocean, you'll find Utsira, Norway's smallest municipality with approximately 215 inhabitants. Also recommended, at least in fair weather. The town Kopervik (No.) with 38.000 inhabitants is farther south in Karmsundet, while the fishing village Åkrehamn is situated west on Karmøy. See also beautiful Skudeneshavn, south on Karmøy.
North of Haugesund you’ll meet an open stretch – Sletta – known for it’s heavy sea. In fine weather, though, you can visit nice bays along this coast. After crossing Sletta you can go north to the old, beautiful fishing village Espevær and further along the barren western shore of Bømlo. Both Bømlo and Fitjar are recommended. Or you can enter Bømlafjorden to the northeast, towards the Hardanger fjord.
Sletta, Ryvarden lighthouse (No). The lighthouse is now a cultural centre with art gallery and cafe, and offers overnight accommodation, see Sveio tourist information.
More spots on "Waters": "Haugalandet". In Karmsundet, see also: Kopervik, Visitor berths (Eng.)
