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.
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.
Find accommodation, food and activities in the area
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.
Dønna Rorbuer Bøteriet – A charming restaurant and accommodation
Dønna Rorbuer Bøteriet, situated on the quay in beautiful surroundings on the island of Dønna, offers good dining in charming surroundings, accommodation and guided boat trips.
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.
Sjokoladebrygga on Dønna
Visit “the world’s smallest chocolate factory” by the sea on Dønna and experience how delicious chocolate can be when made with care and attention to exclusive, organic ingredients.
Dønnes Gård – Accommodation in historical surroundings
Dønnes Gård on the island of Dønna, offers a holiday stay in a former vicarage. The historical surroundings actually date back to the 13th century. Guests here can dine on traditional dishes made from locally-sourced ingredients. To hear the colourful history, take a guided tour of the vicarage and the neighbouring medieval church.
