Skúsenvik

Skúsenvik is a coastal village and parish in Vestland county, Norway. Located on the southern shore of the sheltered Skarvikfjord, it lies within reach of larger towns by road and seasonal ferry services. The village centers on a small harbour with a working fishery, a quay for small vessels and a modest fish-processing facility. As of 2022, Skúsenvik has about 870 residents. The surrounding economy combines fishing, aquaculture, small-scale tourism, and local services.

The settlement appears in records dating to 1643, when it was listed as a fishing hamlet. It expanded in the 19th century with the cod fisheries and coastal trade, and experienced modernization after World War II. In recent decades the population has fluctuated, with younger residents often moving to larger towns, while tourism-related jobs have grown alongside traditional livelihoods.

Local life centers on Skúsenvik Church (built 1871) and the adjacent community hall. The Maritime Museum (opened 1989) documents the village’s seafaring history, and the nearby Skúsenvik Lighthouse (1870) continues to draw visitors. An annual Sea Festival in August is the village’s main cultural event, featuring boat parades, music and local seafood.

Transportation options include a regional bus service and a seasonal ferry link to a neighboring municipality. The harbour supports fishing boats and charter trips, while a public school serves primary students and older youths attend secondary school in the regional town, about 25 kilometers away.