Discover Skjerstad: Church Art and Winter Ski Trails

Skjerstad brings together traces of the past at the old church site and a winter activity. If you are looking for a hotel in Skjerstad, the area's church and cultural history or its ski trails, groomed in winter, can be the focus of your trip. The present-day church, on a hill overlooking the surrounding landscape, is another highlight.

Gravestones and the present-day church

Three gravestones with raised crosses stand at Skjerstad's old church site. They date from the 12th century and are considered the oldest grave monuments in Northern Norway. Remains of a soapstone sun cross were also found there. It is considered the only one of its kind north of Ålesund. The gravestones and sun cross are distinct reminders of the area's history.

Skjerstad's present-day church was designed by Arnstein Arneberg in a medieval style and consecrated in 1959. It stands on a hill with a view of the surrounding landscape. Its medieval-style design and year of consecration give the present-day church a different historical context from the 12th-century grave monuments. Together with the sun cross at the old site, it paints a picture of the area's layered church history.

Graddholmen and the saga play

Graddholmen is also connected to Skjerstad's cultural history. The island was selected in 1999 as the venue for the saga play “Ragnhilds drøm” and designated the Millennium Site of the then municipality of Skjerstad. Today, Graddholmen is part of Bodø. Its connection to the saga play and its designation as a Millennium Site give the island a distinct place in the history of the former municipality. The saga play is another cultural point of interest, alongside the finds at the old church site.

Winter ski trails and directions

In Skjerstad, local clubs and organizations maintain ski trails that are groomed in winter. Trail grooming is therefore tied to the winter season. If skiing is important to your trip, this seasonal schedule can help you plan your stay.

To reach Skjerstad, follow Route 812 along Kulturveien to the turnoff for Skjerstad. This sequence of roads provides clear directions. It adds a practical travel-planning element to the area's cultural and winter attractions.

More to explore in the wider destination of Bodø

The wider destination of Bodø offers other, distinct points of interest for planning your trip. The Kyststien in Bodø stretches 6.5 kilometres from Bodøsjøen to Mørkvedbukta. Along the way, there are viewpoints, picnic areas and benches; the Kyststien is designed to be accessible. Bodø therefore offers its own way to enjoy a longer trail with designated places to stop and rest.

The Norwegian Aviation Museum is located in Stormyra in Bodø, near the city centre. Across 10,000 square metres, it presents the history of military and civil aviation, including the U-2, Starfighter and Spitfire aircraft. In the interactive “Bli pilot” exhibition, visitors can get involved and compete against family or friends.

Bodø's transport connections are another useful point of reference: the airport offers domestic and international flights, and Bodø is the northern terminus of the Nordland Railway. Bus route 400 runs several times a day between Bodø city centre and Kjerringøy; the journey includes a ferry crossing. If you plan to use this bus service, check the timetable before travelling.

The destinations offer different points of focus to consider when planning your trip: in Skjerstad, church history, Graddholmen and winter trail grooming shape the local character. Bodø broadens your travel horizons with its own walking trails, aviation museum and transport connections.

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

Back to the wider travel overview: Bodø.