Haugesund Cruise Port: Viking Farm Excursion Review
Cruising the Norwegian Fjords and wondering whether the Viking Farm excursion in Haugesund is worth your time? The Haugesund Cruise Port surprised me in the best way. Between the scenic boat ride, the immersive Viking village, and the slow‑paced storytelling, it became one of the most memorable stops on our Sky Princess sailing.
The Sky Princess behind the Viking Adventure Desk
We checked in at the booth and were told where to wait for our guide.
If you’re traveling with seniors, cruising with kids, or simply looking for a cultural experience that isn’t rushed or overly commercialized, this guide walks you through exactly what to expect—and how to plan your day for a smooth, stress‑free visit.
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Haugesund Cruise Port at a Glance
Best excursion: Viking Farm (boat + reconstructed village)
Excursion length: 3–3.5 hours
Accessibility: Easy walking on the island; steep pedestrian bridge near port
Good for: Seniors, families, history lovers
Independent booking: Yes — available through GetYourGuide
Included extras: Digital Viking Museum
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How to Book the Viking Farm Excursion
You can book this excursion directly through your cruise line, but we chose to book independently through GetYourGuide, which offered flexible cancellation and clear meeting instructions.
What to Expect on the Viking Farm Excursion
1. Short Walk to the Boat
Once you disembark, it’s a 5–10 minute walk to the boat. The path is flat and easy, and the meeting booth is clearly marked.
Boat Ride
My dad (back), my son and me on the boat ride to the Viking Farm
2. Scenic 30‑Minute Boat Ride
The boat ride was one of the highlights of the day. Elevated seating gave us panoramic views of the fjord, and it was smooth enough for my parents in their mid‑70s.
3. Guided Tour of the Viking Village
When we arrived on the island, a guide dressed in Viking attire greeted us and led a 30‑minute walking tour through the reconstructed farm. We learned about Viking daily life, building techniques, and the history of the region.
4. Free Time to Explore
After the guided portion, we had 30 minutes of free time to wander the village, take photos, and let my dad and son live out their Viking fantasies with replica weapons.
5. Optional Digital Viking Museum
The boat drops you off near the Digital Viking Museum, which is included in the ticket. We personally didn’t love it and chose to skip most of it.
Important Note About Accessibility
This is the one thing I wish I’d known ahead of time.
The tour drops you off on the opposite side of the water from the cruise terminal, which means you must cross a large pedestrian bridge to get back. It’s long and steep, and with limited taxis and no Uber available, it was challenging for my parents.
If you’re traveling with seniors or anyone with mobility concerns:
Allow extra time to walk back
Skip the museum to avoid rushing
Bring walking poles if needed
Viking Village
We were given about 30 minutes free time to explore the small village on our own
What We Loved (and What We Skipped)
Loved
The peaceful boat ride
The authentic Viking village
The slow pace—great for seniors
The meaningful “heritage moment” for my dad
The beautiful scenery
Skipped
The Digital Viking Museum (not our style)
Spending extra time in the village (we wished we had more!)
Is the Viking Farm Excursion Worth It?
Yes—especially if you enjoy:
Cultural experiences
Scenic boat rides
Family‑friendly excursions
Slower‑paced days in port
Learning about local history
It’s not an adrenaline‑packed adventure, but it’s authentic, peaceful, and memorable, and it works beautifully for multi‑generational travel.
Tips for Visiting Haugesund Cruise Port
Wear layers—Norway weather changes quickly
Bring a waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes
Plan extra time for the pedestrian bridge
Book independently for more flexibility
Bring a portable charger for all the photos you’ll take
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Haugesund Cruise Port FAQ
How long is the Viking Farm excursion?
About 3–3.5 hours, including the boat ride and free time.
Is the Viking Farm good for seniors?
Yes—walking is minimal and the pace is gentle. The only challenge is the pedestrian bridge near the port.
Can you book the Viking Farm tour independently?
Yes. Many cruisers book through GetYourGuide for flexible cancellation.
Is the Digital Viking Museum included?
Yes, but it’s optional.
Is Haugesund walkable from the cruise port?
Yes, but be aware of the large pedestrian bridge if your tour drops you off on the opposite side.
Final Thoughts
If your Norwegian Fjords itinerary includes Haugesund, the Viking Farm excursion is a wonderful way to experience Norway’s history in a hands‑on, scenic, and accessible way. Whether you book through Princess Cruises or independently, it’s a memorable stop that adds depth and meaning to your fjords adventure.
Planning a Norwegian Fjords cruise? Don’t miss my full Princess Cruises Guide—packed with insider tips, excursion reviews, and travel hacks to help you cruise smarter with points and perks. From scenic sail-ins to spa days and casino offers, I cover it all.
👉 Explore the Princess Cruises 2026 Guide
About the Author
Julie is a travel‑hacking expert and the founder of NO POINT LEFT BEHIND, a resource for families who want to turn everyday spending into unforgettable trips. She shares practical guides, points strategies, and real‑life travel experiences to help you maximize every dollar. Stay connected — follow Julie on Facebook for fresh travel tips and join the Travel Hacking Moms Facebook Group to be part of a supportive community of travelers learning together.
