Alstahaug Church and Petter Dass

Looking toward the mainland, you now see the bay where both Alstahaug Church and the Petter Dass Museum are located. This is where the poet, author, and priest Petter Dass lived and worked. He was born on the island of Herøy, just across the fjord, in 1647, with family roots tracing back to Scotland. He was laid to rest here at Alstahaug Church in 1707. The beautiful stone church dates back to the 12th century and was a major religious and cultural center in the region. In the 1600s, this is where Petter Dass preached the word of God — not only from the pulpit, but through his own hymns and writings. His poetry wove together faith, nature, and everyday life, offering comfort and identity to coastal communities facing the harsh northern elements. His most famous work is The Trumpet of Nordland, a lyrical tribute to the region and its people. Next to the church stands the Petter Dass Museum, designed by the renowned architectural firm Snøhetta and seamlessly integrated into the landscape. The museum is both a cultural venue and a place for reflection, with permanent and temporary exhibitions about poetry, faith, and the history of the coast. If you're curious to learn more, consider visiting the Petter Dass Days, usually held in June, where you can experience art, literature, and music in this scenic and meaningful setting.