Sennesvik: Taen Cemetery, Skaftnes and Cycling Route

Three distinct points of interest come into focus for a stay in Sennesvik: Taen Cemetery in the village, Skaftnes between Sennesvik and Ure, and a cycling route whose longer option may lead here. Each offers a different perspective: local cemetery history, insights into fishing and farming, and a cycling option. When looking for a hotel, you can decide whether to focus on Sennesvik itself, its immediate surroundings, or other topics across the wider destination of Vestvågøy.

Taen Cemetery: History in Sennesvik

Sennesvik Cemetery was established in 1869 as an auxiliary cemetery and named “Taen.” It is centrally located next to the road to Ure; the ground slopes down from the road toward the sea. Its founding year and name give the cemetery a clear historical connection, while the road and slope place it within the village.

Skaftnes between Sennesvik and Ure

Skaftnes lies between Sennesvik and Ure, and between the sea and the green mountains of Lofoten. The farm includes a residential house with authentic interiors, a quayside warehouse with a fish landing station, and an old general store. The large boathouse has stone walls and a collection of Nordland-type boats. Skaftnes also includes a forge with authentic tools and a unique bellows. The buildings and furnishings offer different insights into the historic site, rather than highlighting just one aspect of life there.

A visit to the Vestvågøy Museum, Skaftnes, offers a glimpse into how a family could make a living from fishing and farming in the 19th century. A guide is available in summer to explain the site's history. Check the current summer arrangements for this seasonal offering before your trip.

The longer cycling route to Sennesvik

The longer option on the “Cycle from Stamsund to Ballstad” route can take you by bicycle to Sennesvik, Ure, Pettvika and Mortsund. The connection to Sennesvik therefore applies to this longer option. If you are including the area in your cycling plans, the distinction between the route options is a useful point of reference.

Vestvågøy as the wider setting

The wider destination of Vestvågøy offers other historical themes. Stamsund Church, built in 1937, is an example of 1930s functionalist architecture. In Borg, the Lofotr Viking Museum includes an 83-metre-long reconstruction of the largest longhouse from the Viking Age discovered to date. Architectural history in Stamsund and the reconstruction in Borg represent different historical themes from the depiction of life through fishing and farming at Skaftnes.

The landscape also offers different perspectives: from the summit of Himmeltinden, views stretch in every direction. At Uttakleiv Beach, sand meets large pebbles. In summer, you can see the midnight sun there, and in winter, the northern lights. These viewpoints and seasonal phenomena are features of the wider destination of Vestvågøy, not of the cemetery or Skaftnes.

The region's character also reflects a tradition of local food production and culinary experiences featuring ingredients from the area. Aalan Gård's farm shop sells farm-made cheese, tea and spices; its selection may vary by season. The farm café serves simple meals, coffee and cake in summer. So, alongside history and landscapes, the wider destination offers a culinary focus with a café that is explicitly seasonal.

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

Back to the wider travel overview: Vestvågøy.