Discover Dønna: Cultural Heritage and Mountain Views

Dønna offers a range of highlights to consider when planning your trip: archaeological remains at Glein, medieval history at Dønnes Gård and mountain views around Dønnamannen. If you’re looking for a hotel for your stay, these interests can help you plan your time on Dønna.

Art and Archaeology in Glein

The Glein marble phallus is 89 cm tall, made of white marble and dates from around the year 400. It is considered the largest marble phallus in Northern Europe and stands on the largest burial mound in Northern Norway. The monument is right by the road and can be reached by car or bicycle; a short climb leads to the burial mound. It is covered seasonally during winter frosts and cold spells.

In Glein, the fertility exhibition features 26 fertility-related objects. The oldest is 25,000 to 30,000 years old. The site also includes a large burial ground from the Early Iron Age, dated to 300–600 AD; it is a short walk from the Glein attractions. Visitors are free to walk among and around the burial mounds. The burial mounds and the marble phallus are protected cultural heritage monuments.

A contemporary contrast to the archaeological finds is Dønna’s artwork “While-U-Weight Vennesirkel/kraftsirkel” by Cildo Meireles, created in 2009. It consists of a round seesaw plate set into the ground.

Churches and Historic Trading Posts

At Dønnes Gård are the medieval Dønnes Church and a mausoleum containing 22 coffins. The church is a natural stopping point on the Hålogalandsleia pilgrimage route, which runs from Northern Norway to Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim.

Nordvika Old Trading Post was once home to an inn and school, a post office, a telephone exchange and a steamboat pier. It is one of the oldest and best-preserved historic trading centres in Northern Norway. During the summer season, visitors can see exhibitions, shop at the general store or have coffee in the historic room; the wallpaper is decorated with real gold.

Sjokoladebrygga is also associated with a former trading post and a former steamboat pier. The pier was restored using the original materials. Sjokoladebrygga makes handmade chocolate from pure ingredients, which are processed gently and minimally.

Mountain Views and Trails

Dønnamannen is 858 m high and offers views of the Trænfjellene, Lovund and De Syv Søstre. The hike can start in Breivika or Einvika; trail signs point to the peaks of Panna, Nesen, Leppa and Haka. Within the wider Dønna destination, Breivika is the easiest starting point for the route up Dønnamannen.

Within the wider Dønna destination, the climb up Dønnamannen is very challenging: it follows a steep path with plenty of loose scree, can be slippery after rain and is poorly marked in places. Conditions and trail markings may change; check the latest local information before setting out. Breivika Beach lies directly below Dønnamannen and has parking, toilets and designated areas for wild camping. Check local camping and facility rules before you arrive.

Another scenic viewpoint within the wider Dønna destination is the 128 m-high Dønnesfjellet. From there, you can see the islands along the Helgeland coast and watch the sunset or the midnight sun over the sea. Dønna is promoted as an especially suitable destination for cycling tours along the Helgeland coast, thanks to its varied landscape and long country roads.

Getting Around and Getting There

The municipality of Dønna spans the islands of Dønna, Løkta and Vandve; as of 1 January 2025, it had a population of 1,447. A ferry runs from Sandnessjøen sentrum to Bjørn on Dønna. Check the latest departure times before travelling. A bridge connects Dønna to the neighbouring municipality of Herøy; it was completed in 1999.

Discover more destinations: Kopardal, Vandve.

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