Mosjoen tourist information
Mosjøen, in Vefsn borough, is the oldest town in the region of Helgeland and the second oldest in Nordland country. Vefsn has a population of about 13,500 people of which about 10,000 live in Mosjøen.
The history of the town dates back to the time when local farmers began building their seaside booths on the flat, sandy lowlands at the head of the Vefsnfjorden. In 1866 a veritable Klondike atmosphere emerged there, as a major sawmill was established just outside of town (the English mill). This turned the settlement into a rendezvous for English timber barons, forestry workers from Odalen, Sami river drivers, bartering mountain farmers from Sweden, and tailors whose inspiration came from London and Paris. The establishment of the sawmill was the spark that ignited the development of Mosjøen, culminating in its achievement of city status in 1875. You can enjoy this fascinating story retold with the help of words, pictures and exhibits at the city's own museum, the Jakobsenbrygga in Sjøgata street. Dating back to the 1800's, Sjøgata street is the oldest part of Mosjøen and is also North Norway's longest continuous terrace of listed wooden buildings. Sjøgata street is vibrant and genuine, and helps give the town its own very special atmosphere, inviting you for coffee in old-fashioned surroundings, shopping in small idyllic shops, visits to the quayside buildings, galleries and craftsman's stalls, and to pleasant evenings in distinctive restaurants.
Mosjøen is also a city of music, culture and cafe life with innumerable concerts and shows throughout the year. Both the museums and cafes offer a variety of exhibitions and the many restaurants and eating places offer excellent food and drink. Furthermore, the city's nightlife can at times be nothing short of intense.
The city is a typical industrial town where Elkem Aluminium is the major source of employment. The Cockerel in the borough's coat of arms symbolises vigilance and fighting spirit and has been painted on the rock wall of the characteristic Mount Øyfjellet (814 metres) that towers above the city. In terms of communications, Mosjøen is a nodal point in the region of Helgeland with a railway (1.5 km from the city centre), airport (Mosjøen Airport, Kjærstad, 7 km from the city centre), harbour facilities for visiting vessels and daily bus services to Hattfjelldal, Sandnessjøen, Brønnøysund and Mo.
The people of Mosjøen are very fond of their cafes, frequenting them habitually to have coffee and to socialize. Endless "world problems" are solved across the coffee tables, day and night. The people of Mosjøen may appear calm and collected, but they can also be pretty impulsive. Furthermore, they are very hospitable and appreciative of visitors, they enjoy the outdoor life and will gladly share their favourite beauty spots with you - and there is indeed no lack of beauty spots in the area. The Mosåsen Nærturområde rambling area and Øyfjellgrotta cave, are just a couple of them.
When it comes to the sights, in addition to Sjøgata street, we simply have to draw your attention to the charming octagonal cruciform church that dates back to 1735 and the folk museum with its 12 buildings from the 17-1800's. Kippermoen Idrettspark, 1.5 km from the city centre, is one of the biggest sports centres in the country and includes a swimming pool, tennis courts, football pitches, sand volleyball courts and a climbing wall, to mention but a few of the facilities. Furthermore, you can drive go-carts there and go bowling or golfing.
Mosjøen has also nurtured two celebrated artists, the composer David Monrad Johansen and the poet Andreas Haukland. Monrad Johansen, born in 1888, spent 15 years of his life in Sjøgata street in Mosjøen. Andreas Haukland, born in 1873, spent the first 7-8 years of his life in Sjøgata street, but later moved to Fustvatn, 15 km north of Mosjøen. A bust of David Monrad Johansen can be seen in Sjøgata street, whereas Andreas Haukland has been given a place in the city park.
Mosjoen aerial map
Please click on any icon on the Mosjoen aerial tourist map, to find close by places, offering hotels and tourist information. You can zoom in and zoom out our touristical map as well as switch between satelite and map view of Mosjoen.
Mosjoen weather forecast
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