Four peaceful winter getaways
When the days turn cold and clear, and nature slows down for a while, it’s the perfect time to take a relaxing break from everyday life. Here are four winter weekends for anyone looking to slow down and simply enjoy the moment.
A taste tour in the world heritage
The coastal town of Brønnøysund, in the southern part of Helgeland, is the ideal getaway if you’re in need of a break. The crisp sea air and soft winter light beneath the wide-open sky create a true sense of space and calm. Take it slow — visit the legendary mountain Torghatten, stroll through town, or take a day trip to the island of Vega to explore the UNESCO-listed cultural heritage.
The winter light is especially beautiful along the coast. Here, we see the island of Søla just off Vega.
In the areas around Brønnøysund and Vega, both farmers and fishermen thrive. From fertile soil and rich seas come outstanding ingredients that local restaurants turn into memorable meals. Here, you can go from one culinary experience to the next — from the cosy Hildurs Urterarium and the urban Svang Restaurant & Wine Bar to the elegant Vega Havhotell, just to name a few.
Winter in Sjøgata
Where the great salmon river Vefsna flows into the fjord, a town once began to grow. From salmon fishing and timber trading, the small church settlement slowly blossomed — with hotels, trading posts, cafés and wharves. A hundred and fifty years ago, it had become a small town. Many of the old buildings and boathouses still stand along the historic street of Sjøgata, now home to cafés, shops and places to stay. Walk down the street, stop for a coffee, and watch the river flow by at its own gentle pace — it’s a place that reminds you life doesn’t always have to move so fast. Sometimes, you really do get to set your own tempo.
Sjøgata is especially cosy and charming in winter.
In 2025, the town turns 150. Mosjøen will celebrate as any proud jubilar should — and everyone’s invited. Expect performances and storytelling evenings, café talks and dance concerts. It’s the perfect occasion to enjoy all the culture, cafés and restaurants Mosjøen has to offer. And between coffee and culture, you can head out on small or big winter adventures — take a slow walk along the river, enjoy the snowy forest on cross-country skis, explore the mountains by dogsled, or end the day with dinner on a guided snowshoe walk beneath the stars..
Finn roen i Sandnessjøen kystbyen under de Syv Søstre
With their seven peaks rising 1,000 metres above sea level, towering over the low-lying landscape below, the legendary mountains of the Seven Sisters are a striking sight. A popular attraction in summer, they may be at their most beautiful when dressed in snow. In the soft winter light, the peaks almost glow in pastel hues — and it’s hard to imagine a more majestic backdrop for a winter visit. This is a wonderful time to experience the Helgeland coast, from the coastal town of Sandnessjøen and the neighbouring islands of Dønna and Herøy.
The Seven Sisters are especially striking in winter white, glowing in soft seasonal light.
How about a relaxed café-to-café tour? Start with a good cup of coffee at the hotel, then visit the striking Petter Dass Museum before catching the ferry to the scenic Herøy islands and stopping by the incredibly charming Skolo café on Seløy. In Sandnessjøen, you’ll also find the Kulturbadet — a cultural hub with a water park, cinema, theatre stages and a library, located right next to the Scandic Syv Søstre hotel. In other words, a perfect setup for families with children: activities during the day and a good meal in the restaurant come evening.
Experience Mo i Rana — the little “big city” of Helgeland
Head a bit further north in Helgeland, all the way to the end of the Ranfjord, and you’ll arrive in Mo i Rana; Helgeland’s little big city. Here, you’ll find cosy cafés and great restaurants, wine bars and coffee bars, a cinema, theatre, climbing centre and science centre and more. Strolling through the town centre feels like a small-scale city break, while still being just 30 minutes away from stunning mountain hikes, Northern Lights outings, and beautiful winter adventures.
There’s something special about taking shelter from the winter weather and enjoying a good concert.
As the sun and daylight gradually return to this town just south of the Arctic Circle, it’s lit up even more by the Winter Light Festival each February. For seven days, the city comes alive with cultural events of all sizes, for audiences of all ages. Expect theatre and dance, films and shows, monologues and conversations — with moments of humour, reflection, and everything in between. In short, it’s the perfect time to experience winter life and winter light in the north.
Book your experience
Moheia Bad – a modern swimming facility in Mo i Rana
Moheia Bad is a popular meeting place for people of all ages who want to swim, play, exercise, or simply relax. With four different pools, a water slide, saunas, and a café, everything is in place for an enjoyable experience – all year round.
Kulturverkstedet Mosjøen – A cultural workshop
The cultural workshop in the old town, Sjøgata in Mosjøen, is a unique environment where past and present blend together.
Skillevollen Sports Park
At Skillevollen Sports Park there’s so much to do for you who love being active outdoors, either if you’re coming by yourself or together with your family, and bring your cross-country skis, ice skates, or sleds. Here you can also find alpine slopes and a biathlon stadium.
The Petter Dass Museum
At Alstahaug you will find a museum and a church that highlight centuries of the cultural and architectural history of Northern Norway. Moreover, the area is rich in cultural monuments and is a popular hiking area for both locals and tourists. The Petter Dass Museum and Alstahaug were chosen as Nordland County’s venues to celebrate the dawning of a new millennium.
The Mosjøen Christmas village
Sjøgata is beautifully decorated for the holidays, and the christmas town Mosjøen welcomes you to enjoy the festive season throughout December with Christmas workshops, concerts, performances, and—most notably—the world’s longest Christmas porridge table, spreading holiday cheer for all ages.
Thon Partner Hotel Mo i Rana
At Thon Partner Hotel Mo i Rana, you stay comfortably by the fjord — right in the heart of Mo i Rana town centre.
Audio guide Brønnøysund – a walk through 10,000 years of history
Brønnøysund is more than a beautiful coastal town – it’s a living map of history, with traces of people, trade, and life along the coast over 10,000 years. This audio guide lets you explore the town’s rich past and present at your own pace, right in the heart of a landscape scattered with thousands of islands, islets, and skerries.
Velfjordferie – A holiday stay for guests who love fishing!
Velfjordferie is beautifully situated by the fjord, with great fishing spots and hiking trails nearby! The area lies just south of the Arctic Circle, which means you have daylight virtually round-the-clock, from mid-May to the end of July. Fishing is especially popular at “night”, when the wind dies down and the sea often is calm as a mirror.
Ski touring gourmet weekend with Til Elise and MAD Mountain Guides
Join a first-class ski touring weekend with guided ski tours in the snow-covered Helgeland mountains, relaxing afternoons in the sauna, and exceptional culinary experiences.
Restauranthuset Tipperary
Tipperary actually consists of three different establishments in a restaurant house that stands on a pleasant pedestrian street in the heart of Mosjøen.
