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.
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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.
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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
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.
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 island hopping by bike to Dønna and Herøy.
Take a guided bike ride from Sandnessjøen to the scenic islands of Dønna and Herøy, with stops at charming cafés and unique local shops along the way.
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.
Exhibition: The Life and Work of Ole Edvart Rølvaag
Ole Edvart Rølvaag emigrated from Dønna to the USA in the late 1800s. There, he wrote several novels about emigrating from Norway and being an immigrant in the USA during that time. At the Dønna exhibition, you can learn more about the author’s life and work and see the complete collection of Ole Edvart Rølvaag’s first editions.
