A heritage spanning more than 230 years

Havnnes Handelssted, located at the southern tip of Uløya island in Nordreisa municipality, Northern Norway, is the world’s northernmost preserved historic trading post still in operation. Set by the Lyngenfjord, Havnnes offers an exceptional blend of Arctic coastal culture, Norwegian heritage, and living tradition. The story begins in 1795, when Tomas A. Lyng established the trading post after receiving a royal license. His wife, the legendary “Mother Lyng,” gave birth to 12 children who all died young. Instead, she devoted her life to caring for 32 foster children, leaving a lasting legacy in local history.

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After her death, the estate was sold to the association “Foreningen til Ophævelse af Leilendingsvæsenet i Skjervø,” enabling tenant farmers to buy their holdings on favourable terms.

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The Giæver family era

In 1868, Johannes Holmboe Giæver took over the trading post and founded Johs. H. Giæver AS. He developed Havnnes into a central hub for trade and fisheries and significantly expanded the farm operations. After his death, his sons Carl Holmboe Giæver and Thorvald Hoseth Giæver continued the work. Thorvald also led Skjervøy Savings Bank for 55 years and was awarded the King’s Medal of Merit in gold in 1947 for his service to society.

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War years and preservation

During the forced evacuation of 1944–45, most buildings on Uløya were burned. Havnnes was spared, thanks to German signs stating “Künstlerisch wertvoll – daher nicht zerstören!” (“Artistically valuable – therefore not to be destroyed”). These signs are still preserved at Havnnes today, highlighting how close this heritage site came to being lost.

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Carrying the legacy forward

Johannes Holmboe Giæver (b. 1913) became the sole owner in 1956 and was appointed a Knight of the Order of St. Olav in 1982 for his contribution to society. His son, Einar Giæver (b. 1945), took over in 1979 and further developed the business with a focus on producing and exporting stockfish (Norwegian dried cod).

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Recent development

Following Einar Giæver’s passing in March 2025, his son Thorvald Havnnes Giæver (b. 1968) assumed leadership. Today, Havnnes Handelssted also offers small-boat rentals for fishing tourists and provides around 30 beds across several historic houses on the site.

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In April 2025, Ole Birger Giæver and his wife, Sissel, opened Lodge Havnnes, a premium lodge with eight double rooms, a spa area, and panoramic views of the Lyngen Alps. Designed by architect Odd Thommesen and built with Norwegian materials such as Alta stone and Oppdal slate, the lodge is part of a long-term vision to position Havnnes as a distinctive Arctic destination for international guests.

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Olavsrosa – a hallmark of authentic Norwegian heritage

Havnnes Handelssted was awarded Olavsrosa (St. Olav’s Rose), the Norwegian Heritage Foundation’s leading quality label for cultural-heritage experiences across Norway, in 2014. The award is reserved for sites that preserve historic environments through active use and high-quality interpretation, offering visitors truly authentic experiences. For guests, Olavsrosa is a trusted signpost that Havnnes is exceptionally well-preserved, professionally managed, and open to the public.

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At Havnnes, heritage is not displayed behind glass — it is lived. The protected buildings, the historic store, the museum, and everyday activity together tell a continuous story of Arctic trade and coastal life.

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Member of Visit Lyngenfjord

Havnnes Handelssted is also a proud member of Visit Lyngenfjord, the official destination organisation for the Lyngen region. Through this partnership, we are part of a strong regional network that highlights the best experiences in Lyngenfjord and Northern Troms — from cultural history and Arctic nature to activities, local food traditions, and unique accommodation.

Staying at Havnnes gives you a natural base for exploring the region: historic surroundings at Norway’s northernmost preserved trading post still operating today, combined with immediate access to fjords, mountains, and year-round adventures.

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A living history

Havnnes is not only a historic trading post, but a living museum. In the Old Pier Warehouse (Gammelbrygga, 1893), you will find a museum collection from the former general store and a remarkable photo exhibition featuring images taken by Annie Giæver between 1900 and 1955. The exhibition documents everyday coastal life and includes rare photographs of reindeer caravans travelling between Kautokeino and the coast.

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Visitors can also stop by the historic general store, open from 09:00, which offers groceries, newspapers, and souvenirs. The store includes a postal service, allowing guests to send and collect parcels and letters. Both cards and cash are accepted.

The fueling station provides 95 octane petrol and diesel for machinery.

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Looking ahead

With more than 230 years of history, Havnnes Handelssted on Uløya continues to evolve. Through new initiatives such as Lodge Havnnes, expanded accommodation, boat rentals, and curated experiences in the Lyngenfjord, Havnnes remains a rare place where tradition and innovation coexist, ensuring this extraordinary Arctic heritage site stays vibrant for generations to come.