Three hours exploring Mo i Rana

Do you have a few hours in the town of Mo i Rana but are unsure what to do? Here are ten excellent suggestions for a rewarding time. In the list below you will find everything from scenic and cultural highlights to entertainment and shopping. If you’re spending more than a few hours in town, just select additional activities or attractions from our menu!

1. Vitensenter Nordland – an interactive science museum

This centrally situated science museum attracts visitors of all ages. Children can delight in exploring various natural phenomena; learn about science, our environment and climate, our human body and outer space. The interactive exhibits are designed to be explored with all your senses. Visitors can take part in a wide variety of activities and gain many new insights. Helgeland Museum and its fine exhibitions are situated in the same building.

2. Panoramic view from Appelsinhaugen

This is the place to go for a great view of our town and its surroundings! From the town centre, this walk along Finnsetveien road and up the hill called Appelsinhaugen is ideal for the whole family. The view really does make you feel you’re on the “roof” of Mo i Rana. Starting from Fageråsen, the walk takes about 15 minutes each way. Directions are easy: just proceed in the direction of the ski-jump facility at Fageråsbakkene. Pack a lunch or snack, coffee and other beverage and enjoy a relaxed outing. By the way, you will find some surprising things in the lean-to shelter at the top of the hill.

3. Enjoy a good meal

Mo i Rana also offers a variety of great food experiences, with a good mix of quality restaurants and cosy cafés. You might treat yourself to a nice dinner at Restaurant Sjyen, Brasserie 8622, or Meyergården—or simply settle into a welcoming café or bakery for a good cup of coffee and a sandwich, while the buzz of conversation flows around you.

4. The ski jump: Fageråsbakkene

As you drive into Mo i Rana, you will see Fageråsbakkene, a ski-jumping facility that perhaps surprisingly is in use year round. Norway’s national team comes here for the training camp, and locals use the facility for some serious stair climbing. But rather than repeatedly running up and down, you may be content with ascending the stairs once to enjoy the lovely view from the top.

PS. We also challenge you to try ski jumping! Incredibly enough, you can do so safely from ground level, even from your living room couch. The largest jump at Fageråsen is available virtually through their computer game, Ski Jumping 4.

Emilie Solbakken / Visit Helgeland

5. Rana Climbing Centre

Just minutes from the town centre, you’ll find Rana Climbing Centre inside Max Arena. This large facility offers challenges for all ages and skill levels—whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced climber. The centre features three floors of bouldering, a Kilter Board, plenty of routes with auto-belay, and a spacious area designed for young children.

6. Klokkerhagen river park

Klokkerhagen, a park situated by the river near Mo Industrial Park, is a large recreation area that attracts local and visitors alike. You can come here to relax, play ball games with friends or walk the nearby trails. There is an extensive network of well-marked hiking trails, for instance to Revelfossen falls and up along Tverråga river. The park also features a large grass-covered football pitch, a sand-volley pitch, a play park, and a picnic area with barbecue pits. And if it gets too hot, just dive into the river!

On the last weekend of August, thousands gather here for the popular Verket Music Festival.

7. A city of culture

In the town of Mo i Rana you will find Nordland Theatre, Meyergården Spektrum, Byscena (the town’s “main stage”), Kinoteatret (the cinema theatre), and various other stages large and small for the performing arts. While the town has had a strong focus on its ironworks and other industry, and its surrounding scenic delights, it has also found the energy to develop its considerable cultural attractions. When you visit Mo i Rana, it’s well worth checking out its cultural calendar. And in fact, as you stroll through town you are bound to notice colourful street art and fine sculptures.

8. Stenneset open-air museum

At Stenneset you can wander amongst 20 historic buildings dating from 1750–1890, which have been brought to the open-air museum from all over Rana. Through the wavy glass of their old windows you can enjoy the view over the Ranfjord. The main house and centrepiece of the museum is a white vicarage from the 1780s that also originally stood here. It houses fascinating exhibitions. Stenneset is situated along route Fv12, just a few kilometres from the town centre of Mo i Rana. The museum’s outdoor areas are accessible year round. If you’re eager for hiking, there are trails to Båsmolia and Båsmomarka. Afterwards, you can relax with a good meal at Stenneset Mat & Vin.

9. The fjord promenade

In the town centre, you can stroll the fjord promenade and stop to gaze at the merman statue. This tall granite sculpture that stands vigil near the harbour is part of Artscape Nordland. The promenade is a great place to meet and chat with the locals, and it’s a great place to enjoy the sunset. If you continue along the shore promenade, you will reach Moholmen, a neighbourhood of well-kept wooden houses that provides a window into the town’s past. During an evening walk on the fjord promenade, you can enjoy the glowing view of the Ranfjord long after the sun sinks behind the mountains to the west.

Kristoffer Møllevik / Visit Helgeland

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