Vik: Sømna Church, bygdetun and circular route

Vik is the administrative centre of the municipality of Sømna. The Sømna Church is located in the village, right next to the Gamle Vik open-air museum.

Cultural history at Gamle Vik

The Sømna bygdetun presents local cultural history, focusing on the daily life of farming and fishing families between 1800 and 1950. The open-air museum comprises twelve buildings. Gamle Vik consists of buildings from the late 19th century; individual structures offer further historical points of reference: Sømhovdstua dates from 1812 and was moved to the museum grounds in 1982. Mikkelborghuset dates from 1899.

Today, Mikkelborghuset is used as a museum shop, café and office. The Sømna bygdetun also has a kitchen garden with old grain varieties, heritage crops, herbs and vegetables. Together, the buildings, their different construction dates and the garden provide a tangible insight into local cultural history.

Sømna Church: location and construction history

The church site in Vik dates back to the Middle Ages; the Sømna Church was completed in 1876. The nave has a cruciform layout and seats 600 people. This makes it possible to distinguish the long history of the site from the present-day church building. The church is located 100 metres off the main road, Kystriksveien (RV17). The cruciform layout describes the shape of the nave, while the figure of 600 seats refers to its capacity. The two details answer different questions: how the space is arranged and how many seats it offers.

Circular route, haymaking and visiting hours

The easy Vik–Bjøru–Knyk circular route is associated with Vik. A traditional haymaking event takes place at the Sømna bygdetun in mid-July: the programme includes scythe mowing and turning the hay, and everyone can take part. If you plan to attend, check the programme for the current year.

The Sømna bygdetun has set opening hours in summer and before Christmas. Visits are also possible by appointment throughout the year. Arrange your visit before you arrive.

Accommodation and getting here

Sømna Kro og Gjestegård offers accommodation and meals in Vik, in peaceful surroundings close to nature and the cultural landscape.

The main road, Fv. 17, runs through Vik along the coast to the north, towards Brønnøysund and Bodø. In the Sømna destination, Sundshopen is a rest area and viewpoint on the Helgelandskysten National Tourist Route. Kvennvika is the starting point in Sømna for the hike to Sørfjellet. The municipal fishing harbour of Viksjøen is close to Vik. It has a pier for fishing boats and smaller cargo vessels; the harbour area is used by fishing and leisure boats. The ferry from Holm to Vennesund makes it possible to travel to Sømna from Bindal; check the timetable for your travel date in advance.

Discover more destinations: Sømna

Back to the main travel guide: Sømna.