Scenic stop: The Marble Phallus on Dønna
Hilde Johansen
The Marble Phallus at Glein on Dønna is the largest of its kind in Northern Europe, standing on the largest burial mound in Northern Norway. Located conveniently near the road, it’s an ideal destination for both cyclists and drivers.
Key info
Accessibility: Easy. The phallus is just off the road, with a short uphill path leading to the top of the burial mound.
Get directions with Google Maps
Season: Approximately May to September. The phallus is covered during winter and periods of frost.
Parking: Parking area with benches is available right by the road.
Find the parkering with Google Maps
Special considerations: Marble is relatively soft and susceptible to wear, so touching or climbing on the phallus is not allowed.
On the top of Valhaugen, one of the largest burial mounds in Northern Norway, stands Northern Europe’s largest marble phallus. This 89 cm tall symbol, carved from white marble, may have represented power and fertility. Dating back to around the year 400—near the end of the early Iron Age or Migration Period—it is believed the phallus could be associated with the ancient Norse fertility goddess Nerthus or the Norse god Njord. The burial mound itself may be even older.
Originally excavated and taken to the Historical Museum in Bergen in 1831, the phallus remained there until it was returned to Valhaugen on Dønna in 1993.
Nearby, you can explore an interesting fertility exhibit, and a few hundred meters to the east, you’ll find additional burial mounds from the early Iron Age.
Find accommodation, food and activities in the area
3 Kalver – Hearty dining at a farm restaurant
The farm restaurant called 3 Kalver (Three Calves), situated on the island of Dønna, offers satisfying dining in distinctive surroundings. The menu proudly features dishes based on quality local ingredients.
Course Stay at HeimeHosKatrine on Dønna
For groups: Accommodation, course
A 4-day course for small groups. Motivating, hands-on, and exploratory learning about a more sustainable lifestyle.
Fertility Exhibition at Fallosen on Dønna
At Glein on Dønna, you can see Northern Europe’s largest marble phallus and take a tour of the Fertility Exhibition, a collection of fertility symbols from around the world dating back 25,000 to 30,000 years.
Idyllic farm retreat on Dønna
3 Kalver is located on the scenic island of Dønna along the Helgeland coast, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a peaceful place to stay and dine surrounded by idyllic, quiet farm life, with Dønna’s stunning coastal nature right at your doorstep.
Dønnes Skolestua – Accommodation and RV parking
In 1922, the old schoolhouse was built to provide a safe and warm shelter for children who had a long way home. Now, a hundred years later, it welcomes those who wish to experience the tranquility and beautiful nature in the northern part of Dønna, right on the Helgeland coast.
