The North Pole is truly a faraway place of fantasy, with enchanting ices capes, otherworldly caverns, and mystifying bodies of water. The third largest city in the Arctic Circle, Mo i Rana encompasses all of these natural wonders and more. A visit to Mo i Rana will reveal to the traveler that there is magic to be found in the outdoor beauty of the city, but also in its indoor galleries and museums. A city of fascinating natural and man-made art, this Norwegian gem will awe the traveler with the charms of the Arctic circle. Read below to discover the best ways to spend time in the delightful city of Mo i Rana.
1. View panoramic sights of Norway on the Hauknestinden hiking trail
For one of the best views in the city, a visit to the Hauknestinden hiking trail is of paramount importance. The hike itself is only a brisk one hour way up, and it is steady enough for beginners. Best of all, it features a breath-taking view of the Mo i Rana city from above, including the fjord, mountains, and cityscape. After the hike, head to a nearby restaurant, the renowned No3 – an ideal place to enjoy wholesome burgers and Norwegian beers.
Hauknestinden
Address: Holmforsveien | Hauknes, Mo i Rana 8618, Norway
Phone: +47 75018000
No3 restaurant
Address: Lars Meyers gate 3, Mo i Rana 8622, Norway
Phone: +47 73188333
Website: No3
2. Learn about Norwegian culture at the Rana Museum
Containing exhibitions about rich Norwegian history, the Rana Museum is an excellent place to expand your knowledge of the area’s culture. One of the most prominent exhibits is a model of the old Mo i Rana city by Helge Monsen, displaying the city before its history of ironworking. Located in the center of Mo i Rana, this museum offers permanent historical exhibits as well as changing art exhibits in its gallery. It is a quaint museum to visit to get a taste of the culture and history of Mo i Rana.
Rana Museum
Address: Fridtjof Nansens gate 22, Mo i Rana 8622, Norway
Phone: +47 75110133
Website: Rana Museum
3. See the stunning geological formations at the Marmorslottet park
To get a genuine look at what makes the Arctic Circle such an intriguing, fantastical location, a visit to the Marmorslottet park in Mo i Rana is crucial. Here, you will witness awe-inspiring geological formations such that you have never seen before. Featuring curiously shaped silver rocks strewn across celestial waterfalls, this park is a must-see in the city. Allow yourself at least 3 hours for this hiking and nature experience to fully appreciate the natural beauty of this “marble palace”.
Marmorslottet
Address: Langvassveien, Mo i Rana 8615, Norway
Phone: +47 75018000
Website: Marmorslottet park
4. Enjoy serenity at the beach of Alterenstranda
Apart from all of the hiking adventures to be embarked upon in Mo i Rana, there are also places to visit for a sense of harmony. The Alterenstranda beach is a wonderful place to unwind in the white sand, enjoy the view of the horizon, and dip your feet in the water. During the summertime, the Alterenstranda beach will provide you with the marvelous experience of gazing out into an ocean of blissful waters surrounded by majestic mountains.
Alterenstranda
Address: Nesnaveien | Alteren, Mo i Rana 8616, Norway
Phone: +47 75018000
5. View the fascinating multicolored body of water at the Ranelva River
The Ranelva River in Mo i Rana features water of infinitesimal colors, with stunning shades of turquoise, cerulean, and aquamarine. Many people frequently visit this area to go fishing, but it is a perfectly tranquil site just to witness. A trip to Ranelva will surely present you with another unforgettable experience of basking in the city’s otherworldly natural beauty.
Ranelva
Address: E6, Mo i Rana 8622, Norway
Phone: +47 75018000
6. Find works of purchasable art at the Anne Gundersen Gallery
While Mo i Rana certainly excels in its selection of outdoor voyages, it is also a place with wondrous indoor charms as well. The Anne Gundersen Gallery is an exquisite art venue featuring affordable, original works of art to purchase and keep as memoirs of your visit to the city. The works are created by Norwegian artist Anne Gundersen, who is occasionally present in the gallery to answer questions and provide more insight about her art.
Anne Gundersen Gallery
Address: Buvik veien 5, Mo i Rana, Norway
Phone: +47 97736140
Website: Anne Gundersen Gallery
7. Experience Mo i Rana nightlife at KOKs bar
Daytime activities in Mo i Rana may consist of unforgettable hiking expeditions or museum trips, but save some time at night to visit the KOKs bar. For those who would like to experience a stark contrast from the usual calmness of the city, a trip to KOKs bar will grant you with a more exciting alternate atmosphere. With live musical performances, occasional movie screenings, and a futuristic ambiance, KOKs will give you a genuinely exhilarating sensation of city nightlife.
KOKs
Address: Nytorget 1, Mo i Rana 8622, Norway
Phone: +47 97475544
Facebook: KOKs Bar
8. Visit the Arctic Circle Motorcycle Museum
For another indoor activity, the Arctic Circle Motorcycle Museum is an excellent place to spare an hour visit. It features motorcycle exhibits of varying models and makes. It will provide the traveler in Mo i Rana with a swift, fascinating indoor experience to balance between the numerous outdoor activities that the city has to offer.
Arctic Circle Motorcycle Museum
Address: Malmgata | 11, Mo i Rana 8630, Norway
Phone: +47 90651410
Website: Arctic Circle Motorcycle Museum
9. Go skiing at the Skillevollen Alpinsenter
It is imperative that a trip to the Arctic Circle includes a skiing expedition. What better place to experience skiing than in the slopes of Northern Norway? The Skillevollen Alpinsenter in Mo I Rana includes two large-sized slopes as well as a 5 km (3 mile) long cross-country skiing trail. The skiing center also includes a cafe near the bottom of the slopes for warm coffee and other refreshments during a ski break.
Skillevollen Alpinsenter
Address: Oeyjordsveien 1, Mo i Rana 8616, Norway
Phone: +47 91181100
Website: Skillvollen Alpinsenter
10. Take a refreshing swim in the waters of Tortenkota
Another scenic space in Mo I Rana, an approximately 4 km (2.4 mi) hike up the Tortenkota will land you in an oasis of natural pools consisting of melted water. The pools are naturally heated by the warm, sunlit rocks, and a swim through the waters of Tortenkota will satisfy an adventure-seeking spirit. As the area can be reached by an upwards hike, the view at the top is also spectacular to witness, providing a phenomenal end to a Mo i Rana visit.
Tortenkota
Address: Fylkesvei 17, Mo i Rana 8725, Norway
Phone: +47 75018000
Adventure awaits in Mo i Rana, Norway!
Mo i Rana is a treasured city in the Arctic Circle with a vast variety of natural gems to revel at, as well as a myriad of indoor areas to experience the city’s artistic and cultural history. Venture out to Northern Norway and stay in Mo i Rana for at least a week to experience all of the magical places the city offers. A visit to this city will gift you with picturesque photographs, and even more magnificent memories.