A Legacy Spanning Over 230 Years

 

Havnnes Trading Post, located at the southern tip of Uløya in Nordreisa Municipality, is the northernmost preserved trading post in Norway still in operation. Its story began in 1795, when Tomas A. Lyng established the business after receiving royal permission. His wife, the legendary “Mor Lyng,” gave birth to 12 children—all of whom sadly died young. Instead, she fostered 32 children, and her care and dedication left a lasting mark on the region’s local history.

 

From Tenant System to Ownership

After Mor Lyng’s death, the estate was sold to the cooperative “Foreningen til Ophævelse af Leilendingsvæsenet i Skjervø” (The Association for the Abolition of the Tenant Farming System in Skjervø). This gave tenant farmers the opportunity to buy the land they occupied on favorable terms.

 

The Giæver Family Legacy

In 1868, Johannes Holmboe Giæver took over the business and founded Johs. H. Giæver. He expanded the trading post into a significant hub for trade and fish reception and also developed the farm operations extensively. After his death, his sons Carl Holmboe Giæver and Thorvald Hoseth Giæver continued the business. Thorvald also led Skjervøy Sparebank for 55 years and was awarded the King’s Medal of Merit in Gold in 1947 for his public service.

 

War Years and Preservation

During the forced evacuation of 1944–45, most buildings on Uløya were burned. Havnnes, however, was spared thanks to signs posted by German forces with the message “Künstlerisch wertvoll – daher nicht zerstören!” (“Artistically valuable – therefore not to be destroyed”). These original posters are still preserved at Havnnes.

 

Carrying the Legacy Forward

Johannes Holmboe Giæver (b. 1913) became sole owner in 1956 and was knighted with the Order of St. Olav in 1982 for his societal contributions. His son, Einar Giæver (b. 1945), took over in 1979 and developed the business further, focusing on the production and export of stockfish.

 

Recent Developments

Following the passing of Einar Giæver in March 2025, his son, Thorvald Havnnes Giæver (b. 1968), assumed leadership of the trading post. The business now also includes rental of small boats for fishing tourists and offers around 30 beds across various houses at Havnnes.

 

In April 2025, Ole Birger Giæver and his wife Sissel opened Lodge Havnnes, a luxury lodge with eight double rooms, a spa area, and a spectacular view of the Lyngen Alps. The lodge was designed by architect Odd Thommesen and built using Norwegian materials such as natural stone from Alta and slate from Oppdal. It is part of an initiative to develop Havnnes as an exclusive destination for international guests. [See more here!]

 

A Living History

Havnnes is not just a historic trading post but a living museum. Inside the Gammelbrygga from 1893, you’ll find a museum featuring artifacts from the old general store and a unique photo exhibition with images taken by Annie Giæver between 1900 and 1955. The exhibition documents everyday life along the coast and includes rare images from the reindeer raids between Kautokeino and the coast.

 

Visitors can also stop by the general store, which offers groceries, daily newspapers, and souvenirs from 09:00. The store also includes a post office counter, where you can send and receive packages, letters, and cash-on-delivery mail. Both cash and card payments are accepted.

 

The fuel station offers 95-octane gasoline and off-road diesel.

 

Looking Ahead

With a history spanning over 230 years, Havnnes continues to evolve. With new initiatives like Lodge Havnnes and expanded tourism services, it will be exciting to see how this unique trading post continues to blend tradition and innovation in the years to come.