The Stair Way

Pack both your hiking and city shoes, and come along to the café city of Mosjøen. Here, you’ll experience the historic Sjøgata, the food and atmosphere at the venerable Fru Haugans Hotel, and the magnificent journey up the mountains stairs of Helgelandstrappa, the world’s longest mountain staircase and one of Helgeland’s most popular natural attractions.

It may look modest where it lies, at the innermost part of the Vefsnfjord, with Øyfjellet towering above and the broad mouth of the Vefsna river in between. But the industrial city of Mosjøen has a rich history, and it’s not without reason that it’s one of the oldest cities in Nordland. In this two-day package from The Trail Way, you’ll learn just that, experiencing the city and the stunning nature that surrounds it.

Day 1 – Guided City Walk and a Hike in Helgelandstrappa

After a lovely train journey through the beautiful landscape on the way to Mosjøen, you’ll be greeted at the station, and your luggage will be taken to Fru Haugans Hotel. You’ll then set out on foot, as from the train station, you can walk straight to Vefsn Bygdetun, where you’ll receive a guided tour and a little lesson in baking flatbread. Afterwards, you’ll embark on a delightful city walk, with an audio guide from Voice of Norway, which will take you through the history of the Sámi people, the church, and especially the story of how English salmon fishermen and a growing timber industry led to a little “gold rush,” laying the foundation for the city you’re strolling through today.

The tour ends at Fru Haugans Hotel, where you’ll be staying. Fru Haugans first opened its doors and rooms to hotel guests back in 1794, and although today it’s a modern hotel with the comfort one expects, the old story has been preserved, including its own hotel museum.

Before dinner, you can choose what to do, but our recommendation is clear: Take a trip up the mountain stairs Helgelandstrappa! This is the world’s longest stone staircase, leading you to the top of Øyfjellet. The more than 4000 steps are a bit large, and it’s 818 meters of elevation to the top, so you’ll meet some resistance. Take it as a trial and a challenge, step by step bringing you closer to the goal. But don’t despair, there are many great resting spots along the way, and if you can’t make it all the way, it’s a nice hike just to go part of the way.

Renee Bjerregaard / Hi North

If you’re ready to challenge yourself even more, you can book a zipline back to the hotel! Mosjøen Zipline is 700 meters long, starting about 70 meters up the mountainside, high above the tallest spruce trees. You’re securely fastened with harnesses and ropes, but taking the leap can still be a threshold to cross for some. This is a perfect challenge to accomplish together, and a memory for life.

The zipline lands almost in the garden of Fru Haugans Hotel, where the next item on the agenda is a good dinner. The hotel has a very good kitchen, and the evening’s three-course meal consists of international dishes made from local ingredients. In this way, Fru Haugans combines the best of the local and international, just as the city of Mosjøen has always done in its own way.

Day 2: Guided Tour in Sjøgata

After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, you’ll learn more about the city’s history, through a guided tour in the hotel’s museum and the historic Sjøgata. Sjøgata consists of quays, boat houses, and wooden houses down by the river, dating back to when the city grew around the large timber industry, with trading places, cafés, quays, and booths. Together with the guide, you’ll walk through alleys and out onto the quays, getting to know Sjøgata as it is now, and Sjøgata as it once was. Back when the street was the heart of a city, in the heart of Helgeland.