Svanøy 

Manor 

is 

being 

prepared 

for 

the 

future

Svanøy Manor is one of the most historic places in the region. For several centuries, the estate served as an administrative centre, a large farm and an important gathering place. It later also became a key centre of the Haugean movement.

Today, this history is preserved by the Svanøy Hus Foundation, which was established in 1972 to safeguard the property and ensure its continued use. The aim has always been not only to preserve Svanøy Manor as a historic monument, but to maintain it as a vibrant place in active use.

A long-standing partnership

Botnaneset Industriselskap, BIS, has maintained a long-standing partnership with the foundation since 1991. Through this collaboration, BIS, and later Fjord Base Group, has been an important supporter of the work to preserve the buildings and facilitate activities at the property.

For Fjord Base Group, this is about more than supporting an individual building or institution. Svanøy Manor is an important part of the cultural heritage of the municipality and the wider region. At the same time, it is a place that generates activity, experiences and local value creation.

“We are extremely grateful for the support we receive from local and regional partners. For a place like Svanøy, these partnerships are essential to our operations and development, and to our ability to keep this cultural heritage in active use,” says General Manager Synnøve Fluge.

Major investment in maintenance and development

In recent years, the foundation has faced important decisions concerning the future development of its properties. The board has therefore decided to launch an extensive renovation and maintenance project. Around NOK 26 million has been invested so far. By the time the project is completed, the total investment will exceed NOK 40 million.

The upgrades will provide essential maintenance of the manor and the Culture Barn, while also creating a foundation for increased activity. The aim is for Svanøy Manor to become an even more important meeting place for the local community, businesses and visitors to the region.

The Culture Barn will play a central role

Much of the development work in recent years has focused on the Culture Barn. Since 2017, the barn has been used for concerts, events and weddings. It is now being further modernised with a new kitchen, changing rooms, a gallery, a multi-purpose room and upgraded facilities.

When the work is completed during 2026, the aim is for the Culture Barn to become an important regional venue for cultural activities, conferences and events.

“We want to develop Svanøy further as a cultural venue, destination and meeting place, while preserving its distinctive historic character. The property should remain in active use, rather than simply being preserved as a museum,” says Fluge.

A new general manager with an appreciation of history

Synnøve Fluge is relatively new in the role of general manager. She comes from the education sector and was drawn to the combination of cultural heritage, history, value creation and development.

“What attracted me to Svanøy was the opportunity to develop a place that already has a strong identity and great significance in the region,” she says.

She sees considerable potential in raising the profile of Svanøy Manor as a venue for culture, tourism and business. At the same time, it is important that development takes place with respect for the history and distinctive character that make the property unique.

A vibrant place for everyone

Today, Svanøy Manor offers accommodation, courses and conferences, weddings and private functions, concerts and cultural events, meetings and gatherings for businesses and organisations, as well as food- and experience-based events.

The manor is also part of the Coastal Pilgrimage Route and works closely with local and regional partners.

With a new maintenance project, the continued development of the Culture Barn and a general manager in place, Svanøy Manor is entering a new phase. The objective is clear: to preserve its history, create new activity and ensure that the property remains a vibrant part of the region for many years to come.

Facts about the Svanøy Hus Foundation

• The foundation was established in 1972 to preserve and further develop Svanøy Manor.
• The property has served as an administrative centre, a large farm and a centre of the Haugean movement.
• BIS, and later Fjord Base, has supported the foundation since 1991.
• Around NOK 40 million will be invested in upgrades and maintenance.
• The Culture Barn is being modernised and will become an important venue for cultural activities, conferences and events.
• The property offers accommodation, courses, conferences, weddings, private functions, concerts and meetings.
• The aim is to maintain a vibrant historic property in active use for the local community, businesses and visitors.