Haugesund – the all-embracing town by the sound. Approximately 31 000 people live here, in the middle of a region that is home to 160 000 inhabitants, making Huagesund a natural regional centre. Haugesund is also a cultural centre, brimming with diverse arrangements to suit all tastes. The Sildajazz Festival and The Norwegian Film Festival are probably Haugesund’s most well known cultural events.

Even though Haugasund is a relatively young town, the origins of the town have been known since Viking times.

In 2004, Haugesund celebrated its 150 years jubilee.