Mo i Rana is a town in the municipality of Rana, Nordland, Norway, located just south of the Arctic Circle. It is the second largest town i Nordland.
The city is located at the head of Ranfjord, just on the southern side of the Saltfjellet mountains with the Svartisen glacier, Norway's second largest. The river Ranelva meets the Ranfjord in Mo i Rana. Rana and Saltfjellet are famous for their numerous caves, two of which are developed as attractions: Grønligrotta and Setergrotta. Mo i Rana is situated about 80 kilometers south of the arctic circle.
As of July 1, 2005, the population of Mo i Rana was 17,800.
The climate in Mo i Rana varies a lot throughout the year. The Gulf Stream, a powerful, warm ocean current, follows the coast line of Norway all the way north. The stream has a heavy influence on the climate, helping to keep the temperatures from getting too low in the winter, despite the city being located about 70 kilometres from the coast line. The distance from the coast does give it slightly lower temperatures than more coast-near areas in the winter, however. In the summer, the coast winds are often calm, heating the air. The weather can be very unpredictable, and change quickly. Blizzards can go on for hours, potentially creating traffic difficulties and cancelling flights. Because of Mo i Rana's latitude, summer days are very long and winter days are very short on daylight. In the winter season, the Northern Lights can be seen on the night sky. It varies in intensity, coloured from white green to deep red, and comes in different shapes, such as beams, arches and draperies. The 24-hr average temperature in July is 13.2 °C (56 °F), and the 24-hr average temperature in January is -6 °C(21 °F).
- Grønli cave, +47 75-13-25-86. 10:00–18:00 in main season (ca 20 June–15 August), 10:00–16:00 later in August, check for other times. About 100 m deep and 2 km long cave. Artificial lighting inside. Also for families, but check if your walking or health are issues. Grottekroa by the cave offers food and beverages, souvenirs, tickets and accommodation. 165/110 kr.
- Seter cave, +47 95-97-44-97. summer, tours can be booked off season. 3.4 km long cave, with underwater connection to Grønligrotta. The cave is close to natural state. Headlight, helmet and overall included in the tours, own good footwear required. Physically challenging but prior experience not needed. Groups of more than five should book in advance. 350 kr/person, 320 kr for groups of more than two.
Grønli cave, +47 75-13-25-86. 10:00–18:00 in main season (ca 20 June–15 August), 10:00–16:00 later in August, check for other times. About 100 m deep and 2 km long cave. Artificial lighting inside. Also for families, but check if your walking or health are issues. Grottekroa by the cave offers food and beverages, souvenirs, tickets and accommodation. 165/110 kr.
Seter cave, +47 95-97-44-97. summer, tours can be booked off season. 3.4 km long cave, with underwater connection to Grønligrotta. The cave is close to natural state. Headlight, helmet and overall included in the tours, own good footwear required. Physically challenging but prior experience not needed. Groups of more than five should book in advance. 350 kr/person, 320 kr for groups of more than two.