A hiking adventure: Tjuvtrappa (The Thief Stairs)

“Tjuvtrappa” is one of Mo i Rana’s most popular urban hiking destinations. It’s a short hike on forest roads and trails, offering a splendid view of the city and the fjord.
Key info
Degree of difficulty: Easy
Season: Year round
Distance one way: 3,3 kilometers
Ascent one way: Around 250-meter elevation
Duration one way: 30 – 60 minutes
Trailhead: The hike begins at the parking lot where the forest track starts, about a 10-minute drive from the center of Mo i Rana.
Find the trailhead in Google Maps
Special precautions: In winter, there are generally well-trodden tracks in the snow. On days with heavy snowfall, snowshoes or skis can make it easier to get around. In early spring, the snow may become hard and icy, and in such cases, using good ice grips is necessary.
On this hike, you can also use a bike, but remember that it’s a popular hike, so be careful and alert when you’re going downhill.

The hike starts on a good forest road that you follow almost all the way to the destination. After approximately 1.9 kilometers, the road splits, and you should continue straight ahead. After this point, most of the elevation gain is done, and the hike continues in flatter terrain. The final part follows a well-defined path through the forest. There are several paths toward the end, but they all lead to the same destination.



When you reach Tjuvtrappa, you’ll have a stunning view of Mo i Rana and Ranfjorden. If you turn your gaze northwards, you can also catch glimpses of parts of Svartisen. The hike is family-friendly, but be aware that there is a steep slope at the viewpoint, so make sure to keep a close eye on the children in that area.
Tjuvtrappa got its name from a woman who stole a cow from Loftfjellgården, the farm you can see below from the viewpoint. She hauled it up the mountainside to the top before continuing down to Selfors.
You can easily take a bus from the center of Mo i Rana to start the hike. Just take the bus to Selfors Sykehjem. From there, it’s a short distance to the forest road where the hike begins. There is also a parking lot at the starting point.
See trailhead in Google Maps
See timetables for the bus on ReisNordland.no
Find accommodations, dining options, and activities nearby.

Mo Gjestegård – guesthouse
Mo Gjestegård offers cosy accommodation that make you feel right at home in the town centre of Mo i Rana. Within walking distance are restaurants, shops and attractions such as the science museum Vitensenter Nordland, the harbour with its Merman statue, and cultural arenas such as Nordland Theatre and Park 22.

To Elise from Marius – From farm to table
In the village of Utskarpen, between Mo i Rana and Nesna, Elise and Marius established a culinary attraction that is drawing a steady stream of foodies. They offer a dining experience where every dish is made from ingredients fresh from the farm and pasture. They also offer accommodation – charming rooms in a countryside setting.

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.

Onkel Oskar – Pub, Food, and Beer Tasting
Step inside Onkel Oskar, where new faces are met with the same warm hospitality as the regulars. Here you can enjoy hot meals and cold drinks, live sports on the big screen, and a relaxed, friendly vibe. Or join in on the monthly beer tasting, where you can explore new flavours from a well-stocked and varied selection.

Rana Climbing Center
Experience the challenges and excitement of the climbing wall at Rana Climbing Center. Whether you are a beginner who just wants to test something new, or an experienced climber on your way to new heights; here you will find routes that suit your level.