Tucked out on the islands west of Haugesund, Haugaland Zoo is a small, family-run animal park that blends exotic birds and friendly farm animals with coastal Norwegian scenery. It’s the sort of place where you actually hear parrots chattering over the wind in the pines, and kids can get close to animals without feeling rushed. If you’re planning a road trip around Norway’s southwest coast or looking for an easy family outing from Haugesund, this guide is your practical playbook.
In short: Haugaland Zoo is cozy and hands-on, best for families with children, animal lovers who appreciate smaller parks, and travelers who enjoy slow travel days between fjord drives and lighthouse walks. It’s not a mega-zoo, so set expectations for quality time with a modest collection rather than a full-day blockbuster.
If that sounds like your speed, keep reading. I’ll walk you through timing your visit, getting there, what to bring, how to pair it with nearby stops, and a few local tricks to make the day smoother.
Where the zoo fits into a Norway itinerary
For most visitors, Haugaland Zoo is a half-day stop that pairs well with a morning in Haugesund, an afternoon on Karmøy’s beaches, or a loop that includes Avaldsnes (Viking history) and the old wooden town of Skudeneshavn at the island’s southern tip. If you’re road-tripping between Stavanger and Bergen, it’s a gentle family break that won’t chew up your schedule.
Best time to visit
Norwegian coastal weather writes its own script, but you’ll have the easiest visit late spring through early autumn when the paths are dry and daylight is generous. Mornings are usually quieter; animals are more active and you’ll have space at the enclosures. On breezy days, bring an extra layer. Even in July, the wind can nip.
If you’re visiting outside peak months, always check current opening days before you go. Smaller parks in Norway often run seasonal schedules, and special events or private bookings can shift things around.
What to expect inside
Haugaland Zoo is compact and walkable, with a strong focus on birds like parrots and other exotic species, plus a rotating cast of friendly crowd-pleasers such as alpacas, emus, meerkats, and small mammals. You’re here for proximity rather than spectacle. Paths meander between aviaries, small paddocks, and a simple playground area that gives kids a breather.
Because this is an intimate park, animal encounters feel personal: you’ll often find staff nearby, and you can observe feeding and care at close range. That said, remember Norwegian norms around animal welfare and privacy. If an area is roped off or signs ask for quiet, it’s for the animals’ benefit. A little patience goes a long way.
Getting there like a local
If you’re staying in Haugesund, the drive to Karmøy is straightforward; allow 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic and ferry timing on your broader route. Parking on-site is usually simple. If you’re traveling without a car, regional buses run across Karmøy, but schedules can be lean on weekends and holidays. Plan your return bus before you leave town so you’re not marooned after closing.
Navigation tip: Search for “Haugaland Zoo” rather than the common typo “Haugeland.” Your map will thank you.
How long to budget
Two to three hours is a comfortable window for most families. That gives you time to circle the park at kid-pace, revisit a favorite enclosure, and grab a snack without rushing. If you’re making a day of it on Karmøy, add time for a beach walk or coffee stop nearby.
Tickets, payments, and passes
Norway is happily cash-light. Bring a card for tickets and snacks. If you’re local or staying in the region for a while, look at season passes; these smaller parks reward repeat visits, and it’s nice to drop in for an hour on a sunny evening.
If you’re visiting with a large family or group, ask about family bundles or group pricing. In my experience, staff at small Norwegian parks are approachable and transparent about what’s best value for your situation.
Food, drink, and the Norwegian picnic habit
You’ll typically find simple kiosk fare: ice creams, waffles, hot dogs, and coffee. That said, Norwegians are shameless picnickers. Pack a small matpakke (sandwiches, fruit, chocolate) and a thermos, and you’ll be set. The coastal breeze makes hot coffee taste better, and you’ll appreciate having your own snacks if lines spike at peak times.
Pro tip: Bring refillable water bottles. Tap water in the region is excellent, and keeping drinks cold in the wind isn’t hard even on warm days.
What to bring
- Layers: a light rain jacket and a warm mid-layer, even in summer
- Sturdy shoes: paths are easy, but this is still Norway; wet grass happens
- Compact stroller if you’re with toddlers; the park is pram-friendly
- Binoculars for kids who love birds; it turns aviaries into little safaris
- Wet wipes for post-petting clean-ups
Accessibility and comfort
Paths are mostly level and short, with benches dotted around. If you’re visiting with mobility needs, this is one of the more manageable outings in the region: short distances, few steep sections, and easy parking. If you need specific assistance, reach out ahead of time; small teams here tend to be responsive and willing to help.
Pairing the zoo with nearby stops
You’re in a sweet pocket of the west coast. A few easy add-ons:
- Avaldsnes: Norway’s oldest royal seat, with a compact Viking farm and church area. Good storytelling for kids who like swords and sagas.
- Åkrasanden: white-sand beaches that surprise first-timers. On calm days, the water glows turquoise.
- Skudeneshavn: a photogenic wooden town at the southern tip of Karmøy; ideal for an ice cream stroll and harbor watching.
- Haugesund waterfront: grab fish soup, walk the bridges, and let the kids burn energy at the quayside play areas.
Plan your loop so you’re not doubling back. On sunny days, I’ll do zoo in the morning, beaches midday, Skudeneshavn late afternoon, then back to Haugesund for dinner.
Etiquette and animal welfare
Norwegian parks take animal welfare seriously. Teach kids the basics: no tapping on glass, no feeding animals unless signs say so, and use quiet voices around sensitive species. If something looks off, tell staff rather than posting online; small teams genuinely want to know and fix things.
Weather game plan
Coastal showers can be brief and frequent. If rain rolls in, duck into an indoor exhibit or kiosk, then resume the loop when it passes. On bright days, the wind can still chill. Keep a spare hat or buff for kids, and sunscreen for the nose and cheeks. The reflection off pale sand and light gravel can sneak up on you.
Sample day plan from Haugesund
- 09:30 Depart Haugesund after breakfast
- 10:00 Arrive, slow loop of the zoo while it’s quiet
- 11:15 Snack break and a second pass at favorite enclosures
- 12:00 Drive to Åkrasanden for a beach walk and picnic
- 14:00 Coffee stop, then continue to Avaldsnes or Skudeneshavn
- 17:30 Back in Haugesund for dinner on the waterfront
Responsible travel notes
These smaller parks operate close to the margins in Norway’s climate and cost structure. Your entry fees and kiosk purchases help fund animal care and maintenance. If you want to support more, ask about season passes or gift cards for local friends. Pack out your litter, close gates behind you, and give the animals space when they’re resting.
Final sanity checks before you go
- Confirm opening hours for your date; shoulder seasons can shift
- Check roadworks or ferry notices if you’re combining the visit with longer drives
- Charge your phone for maps and photos; reception is fine, but power banks save the day
- Bring patience: you’re here for a slow, close-up animal day, not a sprint
Haugaland Zoo won’t try to do everything, and that’s its charm. If what you want is fresh air, curious kids, and a few hours where parrots steal the soundtrack from the sea breeze, you’re in the right spot.