A hiking adventure: Summit hike to Dønnamannen
Kristoffer Møllevik / Visit Helgeland
The view from the top of Dønnamannen (858 m), a mountain on the island of Dønna off the town of Sandnessjøen, is quite simply breathtaking. It’s a panorama that you can enjoy for many hours. However, the summit hike is very demanding, and is only recommended for experienced mountain hikers.
Key info
Degree of difficulty: Extremely demanding. The path is very steep and can be slippery after rain. The trail is poorly marked in places; using a GPS is recommended.
Distance one way: 4.5km
Ascent one way: 858 m
Duration one way: about 3 hours
Trailhead: The route on the map (point A to B) shows the journey from Breivika, which is the easiest starting point from Dønna. If you are coming from Herøy, it’s easier to start from Einvika.
Find parking and the trailhead in Breivika in Google Maps
Find parking and the trailhead in Einvika in Google Maps
Go with a guide:
Herøy Kayak & Bike offers guided tours to Dønnamannen
UT.no / Norgeskart
Description of your hike
This renowned mountain is a tempting destination for those yearning for a challenge. Many hikers consider Dønnamannen to be just as challenging as the most difficult peaks of the Seven Sisters. This hike requires that you be used to rough mountain wilderness, and that you don’t suffer from vertigo.
From the trailhead at Breivika beach, the first kilometre of your hike passes through flat terrain, before starting a serious climb that is steep all the way to the top. The hiking trail follows a stream through the forest for 400 metres before reaching a small plateau. This is a good place to refill your water bottles.
Dønnamannen looks like the face of a man lying on his back – and indeed, according the legend, the “Dønna man” is lying on his back, taking a nap next to the Seven Sisters. The mountain actually consists of three peaks: Nasen (the nose), Leppa (the lip) and Haka (the chin), with the Lip protruding highest. The most popular peak is the Lip, but once you’re up there you might well consider visiting all three. At the summit, your reward is a stunning panorama of large swathes of the Helgeland coast.
You must exercise the utmost caution! The rock can be slippery when wet. Also note that at several points you are very close to the precipice, so be sure to stay on the trail. And do remember that here on the coast, the fog can arrive suddenly, drastically reducing your visibility.
Thank you for respecting the local communities, and for helping us preserve the natural beauty of Helgeland!
Please:
- Strive to leave no trace of your visit. Bring back all your rubbish, including used toilet paper, and discard it in the nearest rubbish bin.
- Plan your toilet visits and use the opportunity when you pass a toilet. In the wilderness, make sure you are not a nuisance to others.
- Respect the local wildlife. Keep a good distance from wildlife, livestock and birds. Keep your dog leashed.
- Respect private property. Keep a respectful distance from houses and cabins.
- Show good boating sense. Keep a good distance from shore and drive at a low speed, especially when you are close to anyone or anything on the water, including birds or animals. Avoid loud and disturbing engine noise. Be aware that some islands and nature reserves are important nesting sites, and that going ashore is prohibited during the nesting season.
- Follow the Norwegian Mountain Code (Fjellvettreglene). Plan your excursion according to the weather forecast, your skills and experience.
- Join a guided excursion or consider hiring an experienced guide, especially when you don’t have sufficient experience or knowledge to guarantee a safe trip.
When planning a mountain hike in Helgeland, it’s important to keep in mind that the trails here are often much less developed than in many other places. This means that as a hiker, you must have both the knowledge and equipment required for hiking in the mountains.
Here are links to equipment lists and safety advice from The Norwegian Trekking Association.
The Norwegian Mountain Code
Summer hiking gear list
How to dress when hiking in Norway
