Alstahaug church on the beautiful island Alsta (also written Alsten) on the coast of Helgeland in Nordland, where the town Sandnessjøen is situated. On this island we also find the mountains the Seven Sisters. The oldest part of the church seems to have been built around 1200. It is best known because the poet and hymn writer Petter Dass (1647–1707) was parish priest here from 1689 till his death. His memorial stone is seen behind the left end of the church.

(2008-06-05 late afternoon)

[Please note that there is another old church on Alstdhaug (with a 'd') in Levanger, Nord-Trøndelag.]

Alstahaug church in the morning light.

(2008-06-06)

The Petter Dass memorial on a small hill at the Alstahaug church, visible from the fairway outside the island. Petter Dass (1647–1707) was parish priest here from 1689 till his death. He wrote about the nature and the life on the coast of Nordland – on rhyme, and he wrote beautiful hymns – with multiple rhymes – some of which are still sung in our churches. Some may find it strange that he did no write about the northern lights. Sadly, most likely he never saw the aurora. It is caused by solar activity, which in some periods is low, and his life largely coincided with what is called the Maunder minimum.

(2008-06-05)

The entrance of the Peter Dass museum, which opened in 2007. It is a 'modern' building in an artificial crevice cut through the rock close to the church. A school class is visiting.

(2008-06-06)