Scenic stop: Petter på Skjæret
Kristoffer Møllevik / Visit Helgeland
“Petter on the Skerry” eller “Petter på Skjæret”, is a 10-metre-high statue of the poet-priest Petter Dass, depicting the legend of his ride across the sea on the Devil himself. The statue stands on a skerry between Herøy and Sandnessjøen and can only be reached by boat or kayak.
Key info
Accessibility: Moderately challenging. The statue is located on the skerry Raudholmgalten, approximately 3.5 km from the ferry quay in Herøy and 4.6 km from the village of Silvalen in Herøy.
View Raudholmgalten on Google Maps
Season: Year-round.
Special considerations: Pay attention to weather conditions, wind, and boat traffic in Herøysundet and around the ferry terminal.
As a guided tour: Contact Herøy Kayak and Bike.
“Petter on the Skerry” is a 10-metre-high bronze statue on the tidal skerry of Raudholmgalten in Herøy. It depicts the poet-priest Petter Dass from the legend The Devil as Ferryman, in which the parish priest rode the Devil himself across the sea in order to reach a sermon in Copenhagen. Holding a Bible in his hand, the priest is said to have shouted: “Higher and farther ahead, Satan!”
The statue was created by artist Frode Lillesund. It stands on Raudholmgalten, surrounded by sea and weather, with the mountain range De Syv Søstre on the island of Alsta forming a striking backdrop. The statue stands well offshore and must be approached by boat or kayak to be seen up close.
- The sculptor and artist behind the statue is Frode Lillesund.
- The project was initiated by Alf Knutsen.
- The project is owned by Herøy Municipality and operated through Petter på Skjæret AS.
- It is part of both European Capital of Culture Bodø 2024 and the National Jubilee 2030.
- Hans Erik Dyvik-Husby and Per Heimly served as models for the depiction of Petter Dass.
- The islet Raudholmgalten, where the statue stands, is part of the Nord-Herøy farm estate, where Petter Dass grew up.
- Artistic consultants for the project are Elena Engelsen and Ørnulf Opdahl.
- The historical consultant is Professor Ronny Spans of the University of Oslo.
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.
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