Lofoten has a strong cultural Heritage through its Christian community, which is reflected in its many churches.
Built in 1780 from Russian timber traded through the Pomor route, Flakstad Church carries the onion-tower style of 18th-century Russian architecture. Listed by the Directorate for Cultural Heritage, it is wonderfully situated in open Flakstad landscape and holds a hand-forged light boat by the Blacksmith of Sund.
The current church in Flakstad was built in 1780. The timber is Russian as a result of the pomor trade, and the building itself with it’s onion style tower is inspired by the russian architectonic style in the 18th century. There have been several churches in Flakstad prior to the current church from 1780. Flakstad and its parish is named as early as the middle ages, through the testament of Arvid Ingelsøn which was issued in 1430. The church from 1430 was damaged by storms in the 17th century.
Iconic cultural heritage
There have been two major restorations since 1780; the first in 1872 and the second and last in 1938. During the restoration in 1938, the tower blown off by a hurricane in 1874 was put back in the middle of the cross in the church roof. The way the church stands today reflects its origin from 1780.
Flakstad Church is listed by the Directorate for Cultural Heritage. «Listed» here means that it is defined as worthy of preservation and holds national value. The church is an iconic church building, wonderfully situated in the open landscape of Flakstad surrounded by mountains and white beaches, and worth a visit.
In 2019, work began on finding a suitable solution for lighting the church. The church guardian approached Smeden in Sund, and the result was a beautiful light boat, in the form of a Nordland boat.
In 2021 a boat used to light candels to remember loved ones was inaugurated. The boat, a beautiful work of art handmade by Smeden in Sund, has the form of a traditional wooden boat from North of Norway. The sand in the middle comes from the Flakstad beach.
- Included:Exterior & iconic onion-spire tower — free to view anytime
- Included:Interior visit included in admission (NOK 70 per adult)
- Included:Free entry for children under 12
- Included:Wheelchair accessible
- Not included:Interior open limited days only (Mon, Wed & Fri)
- Not included:Guided tour
