Another important part of the project is Hermes II The Shop in Kystens Hus – The Coastal Seafood Centre in Northern Norway, which is located right beside Torghuken, where Hermes II has its permanent berth.
Authentic coastal experiences
The Hermes II concept consists of various cruises with Hermes II, private safaris with our exclusive RIB Talaria – also whale safaris November-January – and our shop and booking point in Kystens Hus.
Hermes II was purchased back by the Hermes fishing company in 2016, after beeing owned by the company from 1952 to 1990. The goal of the repurchase is to preserve this gem of a wooden boat for future generations, and use it to allow guests to experience genuine northern Norwegian coastal culture and hear about the boat’s history. 
Shop and boat trip booking
Daily operation and booking of the boats is carried out by the same team that runs the shop. Here, the public can get more information and book the various trips & cruises we offer on both Hermes II & Talaria RIB. The products in the shop are mainly Scandinavian design and unique for this shop; our own specially designed Hermes II products.
Traditional craftsmanship
Local craft companies were used during both the building of the shop and the refurbishment of the boat. First, the North Norwegian Ship Preservation Centre in Gratangen carried out the hull work on the boat, before building the side of a boat inside the shop following historically correct principles for building wooden boats such as Hermes II. The side of the boat serves both as an important element in the shop’s interior design and in the narrative of the boat’s history.
Hand-painted décor
The shop windows are decorated by Sign-painter Gundersen. He often ventures out into the world with his brushes from his home in Tromsø, where he has carried out numerous fine decorating projects. You are just as likely to see his work on restaurant façades in the global metropolis of Tokyo as on a small shop at the very end of Lofoten. Kristian Gundersen is a great example of artisans who really strive to maintain old crafts.
Modern shop design
Traditional craftsmanship meets modern design impulses in shop premises. Here, designer and architect Mads-Emil Garde has taken inspiration from fish crates stacked as if in a fish market, as well as by the woodwork on the helm of Hermes II. The interior of the shop is custom built according to his drawings. The side of the hull, with built-in changing room and storage, was also his idea. His combination of modern and historical features gives the shop a very distinctive, Scandinavian expression.
Stop by and have a look
The shop was opened in August 2019, and with diverse Scandi-design products and unique Hermes II collections in place, the mix of tradition and modernity works really well. Here, designers and craftsmen have ensured that Hermes II The Shop also will give you an exiting experience!
