25/06/2026 – Haugesund to Rovaer
From Haugesund to Rovær this afternoon. An easy start to our Norwegian cruise, Rovaer is only about 5nm from Haugesund. The sea was kind and virtually every rock is marked with beacons, perches or poles. The island just looks like a lump of rock from offshore, but inside is an incredibly well sheltered and beautiful small community.
We got to within 100m of our destination to find the S. Channel was closed at the bridge, then had to sail half way round the island and enter by the main North channel. Once inside we tied up at the guest pontoons and found the owner to pay cash. No GoMarina or debit cards here, an exception to Norway’s largely cashless economy. Fortunately I had taken some NOK out at an ATM in Haugesund, though the owner will take any currency.
It was a shorts and sandals afternoon, as we had a delightful wander around this beautiful island. One surprise was the fisheries exhibition, complete with aquarium. We also got a good view from the bridge of the South channel we had not been able to enter the day before – seems they have been working on it.
The island has a Joker store, and a regular fast passenger ferry connection to Haugesund.
