Gravdal combines distinctive church architecture with cemetery history and designated outdoor recreation areas. For getting your bearings locally, Buksnes Church and its surroundings are just as central as the recreation areas around Gravdal. Further cultural, nature and culinary destinations are part of the wider destination of Vestvågøy.
Buksnes Church and cemetery
Buksnes Church is located at Buksnesveien 450 in Gravdal and is a protected building. The wooden long church in the Dragon style was built in 1905 and restored between 1965 and 1967. The terms describe different architectural reference points: “long church” names the building form, while “Dragon style” describes its stylistic classification. The year of construction and the restoration period mark different phases in the building’s history.
Buksnes Cemetery is centrally located next to the rectory and church. It is the largest cemetery on Vestvågøy; its oldest gravestones date from the 19th century. The historical time references therefore range from the oldest gravestones to the church built in 1905 and its restoration in the 1960s. If you are interested in cultural history, you can consider these different time periods separately when planning your visit.
Outdoor recreation in Gravdal
Municipal planning designates Løkta and Trolldalen in Gravdal as very important outdoor recreation areas. Løkta is also designated as a very important hiking area in municipal planning.
Municipal planning designates Klokkarvika-Trollskogen in Gravdal as a state-secured outdoor recreation area. Klokkarvika is considered a typical local recreation area near Gravdal and is easily accessible via County Road 818. If you plan to visit this area, check the latest access information in advance.
Trolldalsvannet is located in the area around Gravdal and is a popular swimming spot for children. Swimming conditions and facilities can change; check them before visiting for a swim. This distinguishes the site from the designated recreation areas and Løkta as a hiking area.
More things to do on Vestvågøy
The wider destination of Vestvågøy has further cultural and historical attractions. Lofotr Viking Museum in Borg is the only place where an actual chieftain’s farm has been confirmed. The museum also includes an 83-metre-long reconstruction of the largest longhouse from the Viking Age discovered to date. In Stamsund, the church built in 1937 is an example of 1930s functionalist architecture. These examples represent different eras, but are located in Borg and Stamsund on Vestvågøy, not in Gravdal.
The landscapes on Vestvågøy also offer different points of interest. The Haugheia hike is 9.5 kilometres long, runs mostly through flat heathland and reaches its highest point at 131 metres above sea level. The trail is well maintained and easy to access even when wet; conditions can change with the weather. Uttakleiv Beach alternates between sand and large pebbles. In summer, you can see the midnight sun there; in winter, the northern lights. From the summit of Himmeltinden, there are views in all directions. Thus, the Haugheia hike is defined by its distance and terrain, while Uttakleiv is known for its beach and seasonal views.
Vestvågøy also has a proud tradition of local food production and culinary experiences featuring regional ingredients. Aalan Gård’s farm shop sells farm cheese, tea and spices; the shop’s availability may vary by season. The farm café serves simple meals, coffee and cake in summer.
Discover more destinations: Leknes, Vestvågøy, Bøstad, Ballstad, Sennesvik, Stamsund, Valberg.
Back to the wider travel overview: Vestvågøy.
