Located just below the Arctic Circle, Mo i Rana is a major administrative centre for the region and transportation hub on the E6 highway running the entire length of Norway. Mo i Rana is also the third-largest city in Northern Norway.
Fun Facts About Mo i Rana
Latitude: 61.4 degrees north
Population: 2,211
Rana Municipality
In this Travel Guide...
Things to See & Do
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Mo i Rana
Rana Museum
Rana Museum tells the industrial history of Mo i Rana and the main exhibition shows everything from large machines to films of the old town.
Mo Church
Mo Church is the oldest building in Mo i Rana and was built in 1724 by Thomas von Westen, a Norwegian priest and missionary who worked with the Sami.
Hikes, Day Trips & Experiences
Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are my recommendations!
MosjØen
Located just out of Mo i Rana, Mosjoen is one of the most charming little towns in Central Norway.
Road-Trips
Follow my road-trip guides for scenic trips around Mo i Rana
The E6 Highway from Trondheim to Narvik
The E6 highway is the longest highway running through Norway, beginning south of Oslo and ending at Kirkenes. This stretch of the E6 covers the long, skinny part of Norway in the middle of the country – the region of central Norway and the lower part of Northern Norway.
Here are some things that you must do and try in Mo i Rana
History of Mo i Rana
Mining, boatbuilding and hunting/fishing have been important to the area for hundreds of years. From 1730 onwards there was a Sami market here. Eventually Norwegians settled here and established trading connections with the Swedes. Many of the original trade routes are now hiking paths.
Mo i Rana grew as an industrial centre in the early 20th century and people moved from all over Norway to work here. The Iron Mill was one of the biggest employers in the area.
Mo i Rana Today
Nord University is located here. The campus has around 470 students.
The municipality is rich in iron ore and water for producing power, so Mo i Rana has always been an industrial town. Norsk Jernverk, established in 1946, produced steel for the country. Mo Industrial Park is one of Norway’s largest industrial parks.
Travel Information
Getting Here
Fly: Mo i Rana has a regional airport.
Drive: Mo i Rana is located on the E6 highway.
Train: Mo i Rana is a stop on the Nordland Line running between Trondheim and Bodo.
Ferry: No ferry access
Getting Around
Mo i Rana is walkable.
Shops
Places to Eat
Cafes & Bakeries
Munin Coffee House is an excellent local spot for coffee.
Quick Bites
Reasonable Restaurants
High End & Unique Eats
Places to Stay
All my hotel recommendations are based on research and experience. I don’t recommend somewhere unless I think it is wonderful! The Hidden North focuses on accommodation that provides good quality for price or offer local or unique experiences.
Camping
Cabins & B&Bs
Fjordgaarden Mo is located close to the train station.