The municipality was created by the division of the municipality of Flakstad on 1 July 1916, at which time Moskenes had a population of 1,306. On 1 January 1964, the two municipalities were reunited, this time under the name Moskenes. However, Flakstad broke away again on 1 January 1976 to once again form a separate municipality.
Moskenes is among the most scenic municipalities in all Norway, and the picturesque fishing villages of Hamnøy, Reine, Sørvågen, Moskenes, Å, and Tind have a dramatic backdrop of jagged peaks rising above the Vestfjord.
Between Lofotodden, the southwestern tip of the Lofoten chain, and the offshore island of Mosken, there is the tidal current of Moskstraumen. This is better known internationally as the Maelstrom, feared by all sailors. On the isolated north western coast of the island, there are also interesting stone age cave paintings. The highest mountain is Hermannsdalstinden at 1,029 metres (3,380 ft).
