Alstahaug

Alstahaug is a church site on the island of Alsta, among the islands and sheltered waters of Helgeland. Its stone church dates from around the end of the twelfth century, and the parish long served a large area of northern Norway. The sea linked its scattered farms and islands to the church and to the fish trade with Bergen.

In 1689 the poet and priest Petter Dass became parish priest at Alstahaug, an office he held until his death in 1707. His parish was exceptionally extensive, reaching from the coast into the inland valleys. Dass also owned vessels that carried fish south to Bergen. His poetry included religious songs and descriptions of northern life; his celebrated Nordlands Trompet was published after his death.