Storforshei between mining and motorsport

Storforshei combines mining history with motorsport and a distinctive location along important transport routes. The E6 runs through the village; the Nordland Line passes Storforshei to the south of the Ranelva. A branch line to the mining area crosses the river on a bridge. These landmarks give the village its own character and help you put your trip’s themes into context.

Mining and local history

In 1902, construction began at Storforshei on a railway from Gullsmedvik to Storforshei, as well as on a crusher and other facilities in the village. Rana Gruber’s iron ore mine in Storforshei is connected by rail to the processing plant in Gullsmedvik; the finished product is shipped from there. This brings early construction work and a direct industrial connection together. Operational infrastructure may change.

Motorsport and museum

The Arctic Circle Raceway is an asphalt track built primarily for motorsport and known for it. It is located between Saltfjellet-Svartisen National Park to the north and Tiurhaugen Nature Reserve to the south. Sætermo’s museum is housed in a small white building near the E6 in Storforshei. Its collection includes vintage motorcycles and mopeds of different types and from different eras, as well as items from the Second World War. If you are planning a visit, check the operator’s latest information in advance; the collection may change.

Food and traditions in the area

Near Storforshei, the Aernie farm café offers culinary and cultural experiences based on traditional cuisine and South Sámi traditions. Visitors can also take part in preparing their own lunch over an open fire; this depends on current booking arrangements. At Stormdal Ull in Storvoll, in Rana Municipality, guided group tours are offered. Visitors can see the machines in operation and learn about the process from wool to yarn. Contacting the venue in advance is recommended. This brings together different ways to experience regional culture: food and traditions at Aernie, and crafts and processing at Stormdal Ull.

More experiences in the Rana travel area

In the wider Rana travel area, the Stenneset open-air museum offers a glimpse of the region through 18 historic buildings dating from 1750 to 1890. The outdoor areas are open year-round and provide a starting point for hiking trails to Båsmolia and Båsmomarka; local conditions may vary. Special events such as the traditional Stennesdagen feature activities for children of all ages, a market and demonstrations of traditional crafts. Dates and programmes may change. The Stenneset restaurant is also located in the Stenneset vicarage; check its current opening arrangements before travelling.

In Mo i Rana, Grønligrotta is a cave whose passages have been carved by water and ice over 700,000 years. A guided tour lasts around 45 to 60 minutes and passes, among other things, potholes, an underground stream, a waterfall, marble formations, stalactites and a wedged granite boulder. The tour is suitable for visitors of all ages. During the summer season, tours run daily at set times; tickets can be bought on site, and advance booking is not required. Check the latest tour times before travelling. Setergrotta offers a different kind of cave experience: visitors climb among large boulders, squeeze through narrow passages and explore large chambers. Check that you are physically able to take part before joining a tour.

The interactive Vitensenter Nordland science centre in Mo i Rana also invites visitors to explore and experiment with nature, technology and mathematics. The Rana Museum covers Sámi history and culture, industrial history and local chapters of the Second World War. When choosing a holiday apartment, it may therefore be important to consider whether you want to focus mainly on Storforshei’s mining and motorsport, or also include museums, caves and other experiences in the Rana travel area.

Discover more destinations: Mo i Rana, Utskarpen.

For the main travel overview: Rana.