Skjerstad: Burial Monuments, Church and Ski Trails

Skjerstad brings together striking landmarks of church and cultural history with winter ski trails. At the old church site, the burial monuments date back to the 12th century; the present-day church stands on a hill overlooking the surrounding landscape. Graddholmen adds the story of a saga play and a Millennium Site. This offers different focal points when planning a trip: historical traces, architecture, landscape views or skiing.

Historical traces at the old church site

Three gravestones with raised crosses dating from the 12th century can be found at Skjerstad’s old church site. They are considered the oldest burial monuments in Northern Norway. Remains of a soapstone sun cross were also found there. The sun cross is considered the only one of its kind north of Ålesund.

The present-day church: architecture and views

Skjerstad’s present-day church was designed by architect Arnstein Arneberg in the medieval style and consecrated in 1959. It stands on a hill on the south side of the Skjerstad Fjord and offers views of the surrounding landscape. Its medieval style and consecration year of 1959 highlight different aspects of its architectural history.

Winter ski trails and directions

Local clubs and organisations maintain ski trails in Skjerstad, which are groomed in winter. The trails are therefore clearly seasonal and differ from the historical church landmarks. To reach Skjerstad, take Route 812 and follow Kulturveien to the turn-off for Skjerstad. This route provides a specific point of reference for your journey.

Graddholmen and “Ragnhilds drøm”

In 1999, Graddholmen was selected as the venue for the performance of the saga play “Ragnhilds drøm”. The island was also designated as the Millennium Site of the former municipality of Skjerstad, which is now part of Bodø. Graddholmen thus connects the history of the saga play with Skjerstad’s municipal history.

More highlights in the wider destination of Bodø

In the wider destination of Bodø, the 6.5-kilometre-long Kyststien runs from Bodøsjøen to Mørkvedbukta. The route has viewpoints, picnic areas and benches, and is designed to be accessible. Bodø therefore offers its own focus on nature and outdoor activities.

The Norwegian Aviation Museum on Stormyra in Bodø, near the city centre, presents the history of military and civil aviation across 10,000 square metres. Its aircraft include the U-2, Starfighter and Spitfire. At the interactive “Bli pilot” exhibition, visitors can try things out for themselves and compete against family or friends.

Saltstraumen adds another distinctive landscape highlight to the wider destination of Bodø: its channel is 3 kilometres long and 150 metres wide, and the current reaches speeds of up to 20 knots. RIB rafting offers a chance to experience Saltstraumen in the current. In the wider destination of Bodø, Kjerringøy combines steep mountains, white sandy beaches and protected natural areas. Kjerringøy handelssted is one of Norway’s best-preserved trading posts from the 19th century.

Choose accommodation to suit your travel interests

If you’re looking for a holiday apartment in Skjerstad, start by considering which local focus best suits your travel plans: historical finds and church architecture, or trails groomed in winter. The present-day church’s hilltop location adds views of the surrounding landscape to the cultural perspective. The directions via Route 812 and Kulturveien also give you a specific reference point for planning your journey.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Ljønes, Skivika, Kjerringøy, Breivik i Salten, Saltstraumen, Bodø, Løding, Tverlandet.

Back to the main travel guide: Bodø.