Cycling from Haugesund to Stord – Coastal Heritage and Highland Views.
Leaving Haugesund, the route offers a mix of urban- and viking history and wartime landmarks. Don’t miss the Harald Hårfagre statue and the Haraldshaugen monument, both connected to Norway’s Viking roots. A short detour takes you to the Nordheim coastal fort, a preserved WWII site that adds historical depth to the journey. The ride out of the city is fairly well signposted, but not perfect. The stretch along the main road has separate bike lanes for the most, but for a couple of km you’ll share the road with high volume traffic with moderate speeds. The landscape is slightly hilly with a few scenic lookout points along the way, but keep in mind that there are no cafés or shops until the ferry.
The ferry across the fjord at Buavåg after 27 km is short, and after disembarking, it’s a quick spin to a small center with a café and grocery store — perfect for a snack break before the climbing begins. The terrain soon opens into a more rugged, highland-like landscape, with heather-covered hills, marshland, and sweeping views toward the sea. Traffic can be a bit present at times, but there are a few alternative side routes — some worthwhile, others just take you down and up again. A convenient stop is at Kulleseidkanalen, where there’s a small shop to stock up on essentials.
The final section is a winding ascent with tight curves, some traffic, and stunning coastal panoramas — arguably the highlight of the day. Though a bit demanding, the combination of elevation and scenery is worth the effort. Crossing the bridges can be tough if it´s windy, but you cycle on separate bikelanes. The cycling today requires a moderate level of fitness and a bit of confidence in traffic, but it offers a great mix of history, nature, and rewarding views. In Leirvik, center at Stord, you´ll find accomodations, food and stores.
Hovdavika
Storddøra, Leirvik