Presteid: Church History, Architecture and Glimma Rundt

Presteid can be explored through two different interests: architectural history and hiking. Hamarøy Church and the Hamsun Centre give the area an architectural focus; Glimma Rundt is a hiking trail around the sea inlet of Glimma at the inner end of the Presteid Fjord. Anyone planning a trip to Presteid can choose between a cultural-history focus and a marked route. The broader destination of Hamarøy also offers additional cultural and travel connections.

Church History and Architectural Heritage in Presteid

A church at the site of Hamarøy Church was first mentioned in 1589. The present church building was constructed in 1974 as a masonry structure. The two years refer to different things: 1589 is the first mention of a church at this site, while 1974 is the year the present building was constructed. This distinction is useful when placing the building’s history in context, since the history of the site goes back further than the present building. The masonry structure is the tangible reference point for the church building; the earlier mention points to the area’s older church history.

The Hamsun Centre as an Architectural Landmark

The Hamsun Centre in Presteid received the Byggeskikkprisen award in 2011. This adds another architectural reference point to the history of Hamarøy Church: the church building is defined by its construction year, 1974, and the earlier mention of a church at the site, while the Hamsun Centre’s 2011 award is a notable date. In the broader destination of Hamarøy, the Hamsun Centre is also the national centre for Knut Hamsun, the writer and Nobel laureate (1859–1952).

Glimma Rundt: Hiking by the Presteid Fjord

Glimma Rundt is a hiking trail around the sea inlet of Glimma at the inner end of the Presteid Fjord. Parking for the hike is available at the Presteid Bridge or the Hamsun Centre. In the broader destination of Hamarøy, Glimma Rundt is a marked, moderately difficult 12-kilometre loop starting at the Hamsun Centre. Its highest point is 140 metres above sea level. The route length, difficulty rating and trail markings provide different points of reference for planning the hike. Check local conditions before setting out, as they may change.

Hamarøy as a Broader Destination

Other cultural and orientation points are part of the broader destination of Hamarøy. The Straumstien passes through an area containing cultural heritage sites dating from the Bronze Age to the present day. The E6 is the main road through Hamarøy; Hamarøy also has express boat connections with Bodø and Narvik. If these connections are important to your travel plans, check road conditions and possible temporary closures in advance, as well as current express boat schedules and routes.

The options for choosing a focus for your trip differ clearly: Hamarøy Church centres on the older church site and the construction year of the present building. Glimma Rundt, on the other hand, can be assessed by its length, difficulty, trail markings and highest point. This can help you decide whether architectural history or hiking will be the deciding factor for your trip to Presteid.

Discover more destinations: Hamarøy, Innhavet, Ulvsvåg, Tranøy, Skutvik.

Back to the broader travel overview: Hamarøy.