Alstahaug

Alstahaug is a municipality in Nordland county, Norway. It is located on the Helgeland coast, with a significant portion of the municipality situated on the island of Alsta. The administrative center of Alstahaug is the town of Sandnessjøen, which is also the largest settlement. The municipality covers an area of approximately 220 square kilometers and is home to a population of around 7,300 people.

Historically, Alstahaug is most famous for its association with the poet Petter Dass, who served as a priest in the Alstahaug church from 1689 until his death in 1707. The Alstahaug church, a medieval stone church, is a significant landmark and a popular tourist attraction, often referred to as "Petter Dass's church." The Petter Dass Museum is also located in Alstahaug and is dedicated to his life and work, as well as the history of the region.

The economy of Alstahaug is largely based on fishing, aquaculture, and maritime industries. Sandnessjøen serves as a hub for these activities and also has a regional airport providing air connections. The municipality encompasses a varied landscape, including mountains, fjords, and numerous islands. The Seven Sisters mountain range, a prominent natural attraction in Helgeland, is partially located within Alstahaug, with the mountain Botnkrona being the highest peak within the municipality. The region offers opportunities for outdoor recreation such as hiking and boating.