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
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.
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.
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.
Guided mountain tours on Dønna and the Seven Sisters
Join a guided mountain tour to three of the finest hiking destinations in Dønna and Sandnessjøen. Herøy Kayak & Bike can guide you on an easy hike to Åkvikfjellet or Markvollkulpen, or join us to the top of the spectacular mountain Dønnamannen.
Nordvika Old Trading Post, on Dønna
The old trading post at Nordvika is one of the oldest and most intact in all of Nordland County. The museum is beautifully situated between towering mountains on the island of Dønna, just a ferry ride from its nearest town, Sandnessjøen.
