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.
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
Idyllic Accommodation in a Nordland House on Dønna
The whole extended family can fit in this beautifully maintained and cozy old Nordland house. Enjoy the summer sun, down by the water or in the large garden, or spend autumn and winter evenings in the warm, inviting living rooms.
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.
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.
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.
Brygga – Dønna
“Brygga” is nicely located in quiet surroundings on the north-eastern side of Dønna, 7 km from the ferry terminal at Bjørn. The wharf consists of 5 apartments of 60 square meters each located right next to the sea. They also offera a conference room, boathouse, grill, hot tub and a cabin (Rorbu).
