Discover Håvik: Animals and Tunnels

Håvik can be explored through two specific themes: animal encounters at Snurrevarden Gård and the underground connection of the Karmøy Tunnel. There are also local landmarks and the option of a bus journey to Stavanger. When planning a trip, you can distinguish between experiences in Håvik and the nature and culture of the wider destination of Karmøy.

Animal Experiences at Snurrevarden Gård

At Snurrevarden Gård, visitors can see goats, sheep, horses, rabbits, guinea pigs, miniature pigs and chickens. Playing, jumping on the trampoline, a sand area and barbecuing at the fire pit add to the family activities. For families who want to include animals and time playing together in their travel plans, these are practical ideas for a visit.

The farm also hosts children’s birthday parties for ages 5 to 12. The birthday package includes horseback riding, carriage rides, animal encounters and playing in the straw. This age range applies to the birthday package. If you are planning such an event, check the current details with the provider.

Transport and Orientation in Håvik

The Karmøy Tunnel runs beneath the Karmsund from Håvik to Fosen. One branch runs beneath the Førresfjord from Fosen to Mjåsund in Tysvær Municipality. Including this branch, the tunnel is 8,900 metres long in total. This underground connection is a distinctive part of the transport geography around Håvik.

You can take a bus from Håvik bus terminal to Stavanger through the Karmøy Tunnel. Check the timetable before travelling. Håvik sports hall is the home arena of Avaldsnes Idrettslag and is another local landmark.

The Wider Destination of Karmøy

Looking beyond Håvik, the destination of Karmøy offers a broader range of themes: the municipality is known for its coastal culture, varied nature and strong industrial base. Karmøy has ten nature reserves, most of which are seabird breeding areas. The coastal zone also includes seagrass meadows, kelp forests, rare plants and a diverse range of seabirds.

Coast, Trails and Water

On Karmøy, Åkrasanden is used for walking and surfing; windsurfing and kitesurfing are also suitable activities there. A nature and cultural trail connects Åkrasanden with Stavasanden and Hop near Ferkingstad. Swimming, canoeing and kayaking are permitted at Fotvatnet. The options described vary by landscape and activity: a coastal trail and surfing at Åkrasanden, and water sports at the lake.

Culture and History

Karmøy’s museums and historic sites offer different ways to explore the past. The municipality has four museums and a history centre that present the region’s history over the past centuries. The Nordvegen History Center presents the history of Norway and the royal seat of Avaldsnes over a period of 3,500 years. Olavskirken in Avaldsnes was built around 1250 by Håkon Håkonsson and was an important stop for pilgrims travelling to Olav’s tomb in Nidaros.

Vikinggarden also offers several points of interest: the site includes a longhouse, a Leidang boathouse, a roundhouse and other buildings; outside, several hiking trails lead through the forest. When Vikinggarden is open during the summer season, visitors can try Viking tasks and games, use an activity booklet and learn to shoot a bow like a Viking. The site is also used for guided tours and Viking festivals; check the dates in advance. Skudeneshavn offers a different historical perspective, with a history of sailing ships that dates back to the herring fishery of the 19th century. The town is one of Norway’s twelve protected cultural landscape areas.

Choose Accommodation to Suit Your Plans

If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Håvik, prioritise your specific plans: animal encounters at Snurrevarden Gård and the option of a bus journey to Stavanger are local points of interest. The coastal, water and cultural themes belong to the wider destination of Karmøy. Base your choice on the experiences you want and include the exact address of your accommodation in your plans.

Discover more destinations: Kopervik, Skudeneshavn, Kvalavåg, Ytraland, Røyksund, Vormedal, Åkra, Eike.

Return to the main travel overview: Karmøy.