TUNTREET
Haugesund in brief
- A travel letter from a tough Haugesundar Anne Tove Græsdal Tornes Våge Journalist
Nora Helgeland Translator
Like many others in this quarantine era, I dragged myself home to my family and hometown; Haugesund. The city where well known artists such as Susanne Sundför, Lido Lido, Vamp and a whole two (if not more) Tuntreet- editors were raised. The city has become a famous attraction for cruise ships in recent years. Now I am going to guide you on a tour of the hidden treasures that Haugesund - the city with only one traffic light - has to offer.
The City Hall According to a municipal report, the town hall in Haugesund was named Norway’s most beautiful town hall in 2010. The town hall was built in the 1920s and was given as a gift by shipowner Knut Knutsen. The style of the building is neoclassical, and it is referred to as an Italian dream, since the architects were inspired after a trip in Italy.
Haraldsgata Main-, pedestrian- and shopping street; Haraldsgata is Norway’s longest continuous street, and together with the quay, the main meeting points in the city centre. Along the street there are some nice shops, both local and big chain stores. Unfortunately, it must be said that crime and drugs are not unknown phenomena in the city. Thus, you can also see graffiti tags around the city, along with the shops. The most famous tags are among others ”Olga”, which is everywhere, and the phrase ”E det no liv?”.
Haraldstøtta Haugesund is known for its jazz / film festival, herring and most importantly, Haraldstøtta. Surrounded by all the old Norwegian counties, lies none other than Harald Hårfagre. The National Monument has been a local attraction since 1872. As a child, school trips went to the gravestone, where we ran around and played and never really understood why there was a gravestone right here, or what the history behind the gravestone was.
The City Park Like many other cities, Haugesund is not an exception when it comes to city parks. After having bought coffee and possibly a cupcake from one of the local bakeries in the pedestrian street, one can go to the city park, sit down and simply enjoy life.
Coffee Quality Coffee is something that is taken seriously in Haugesund, if you hang out with the right people. There are especially two coffee bars that are on another level compared to the rest; “Hos Carlos” and “Totalen”. If you want good coffee, nice people and a ”really nice atmosphere” (to quote my good friend Jardar), then I highly recommend these two coffee bars. In addition to good coffee bars, Haugesund recently got its own coffee roastery which is located at the end of Haraldsgata to the north; the coffee lab. Here you can buy freshly roasted coffee, as well as discuss life with a pleasant man with a handlebar moustache.
28 Issue 05 Year 75
