Mo i Rana

Introducing Mo i Rana

Mo i Rana (just plain Mo to those who know her) is the third-largest city in the north and gateway to the spruce forests, caves and glaciers of the Arctic Circle region. Its friendly reputation is often attributed to its rapid expansion due to the construction of the now-closed steel plant, which in its time employed over 1000 workers; nearly everyone here knows how it once felt to be a stranger in town.

Although Mo’s predominant architectural style is boxy, the town is becoming lighter in tone now that heavy industry has given way to a tech-based economy.

The staff at the tourist office (75 13 92 00; www.arctic-circle.no; Ole Tobias Olsens gate 3; 9am-8pm Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm Sat, 1-7pm Sun mid-Jun–mid-Aug; 9am-4pm Mon-Fri rest-of-year) are exceptionally helpful. There’s free internet access and they can make reservations for activities around the region, such as visits to the Svartisen glacier and nearby caves.

Last updated: Oct 27, 2008