Sennesvik: Taen, Skaftnes and the Lofoten Landscape

The history of Sennesvik can be explored at two distinct places: Taen Cemetery in the village and Skaftnes between Sennesvik and Ure. Skaftnes Farm lies between the sea and the green mountains of Lofoten; its buildings and collections tell the story of life based on fishing and farming. When choosing a holiday apartment, you can weigh this connection to local history against a possible cycling route and the other cultural and landscape themes on Vestvågøy.

Taen: the cemetery of Sennesvik

Sennesvik Cemetery was established in 1869 as an auxiliary cemetery and named “Taen”. It is centrally located beside the road to Ure; the ground slopes down from the road towards the sea. This place thus links a specific chapter of local history with a clear sense of place: the road, cemetery and sea together define its setting.

Skaftnes between Sennesvik and Ure

A visit to Vestvågøy Museum, Skaftnes, offers a sense of how a family could make a living from fishing and farming in the 19th century. Skaftnes includes a dwelling house with authentic interiors, a quay warehouse with a fish landing station, and an old country store. The large boathouse with stone walls houses a collection of Nordland-type boats; the smithy has authentic furnishings and a unique bellows.

Skaftnes is a fishing village that is the only one in Lofoten to have been preserved in its entirety from the previous century in its original style, with furniture, tools, boats and other fittings. Its various buildings and collections provide a tangible setting for the history of fishing and farming. A guide is available in summer to explain the history of the place. Check the current summer arrangements before travelling.

A cycling option to Sennesvik

The village also has a specific connection for cyclists: the longer option on the “Cycle from Stamsund to Ballstad” route can take you by bicycle to Sennesvik, Ure, Pettvika and Mortsund. This makes cycling an option to consider alongside the cultural and historical themes when planning your trip. You can decide how it fits into your stay based on the focus you want.

More themes on Vestvågøy

As a wider travel destination, Vestvågøy offers other distinct cultural themes. Stamsund Church, built in 1937, is an example of 1930s functionalist architecture. Vestvågøy is also home to Northern Europe’s largest nausttuft, as well as graves and other cultural heritage sites from the Iron Age and Viking Age. The Lofotr Viking Museum in Borg is the only place where an actual chieftain’s farmstead has been confirmed; the museum includes an 83-metre reconstruction of the largest longhouse from the Viking Age discovered to date.

The landscape of Vestvågøy also reveals different seasonal sides: Uttakleiv Beach combines sand with large pebbles; in summer you can see the midnight sun there, and in winter the northern lights. Haukland Beach on Vestvågøy has a service building with a café, toilets and storage space for local activity equipment, as well as marked trails and an expanded car park for about 100 cars. Visitor facilities can change, so check the latest information before your visit. Vestvågøy’s food culture includes a proud tradition of local food production and culinary experiences featuring regional ingredients.

For families planning a trip, this offers a clear comparison: Sennesvik and Skaftnes bring together local history and themes of fishing and farming; the cycling route can take you to Sennesvik. A broader look at Vestvågøy adds churches, archaeological remains, seasonal coastal scenery and regional food culture.

Discover more destinations: Vestvågøy, Bøstad, Ballstad, Gravdal, Valberg, Leknes, Stamsund

Return to the main travel overview: Vestvågøy.