Dønnamannen

Look to the west. There he is Dønnamannen, or the the Dønna Man, rising like a sleeping giant along the horizon. Can you see his profile? Nose, brow, chest, and chin, as if the mountain itself has lain down to rest beneath the open sky. This peak stands 858 meters above sea level and is one of the most distinctive landmarks along the Helgeland coast. On a clear day, it can be seen from miles away, and from the summit, you’re treated to a sweeping view of thousands of islands — stretching all the way to the open ocean in the west and the Seven Sisters mountains in the east. According to legend, the Dønna Man was one of the trolls turned to stone when the sun rose. Some say he fell in love with one of the Seven Sisters and lay down to wait for her — but he waited too long, and as the sun appeared, he turned to stone. Others believe he lies there to guard the island and the sea beyond. The peak is a popular hiking destination, with a route that winds through marsh, ridges, and boulder fields. But even from the sea, it’s easy to be captivated — not just by the shape, but by the stillness it radiates. The Dønna Man is more than a mountain. He’s a figure of legend, a guardian of the coast, and a magnet for the eye and the imagination.