Mosjøen turns 150: a year-long celebration of history, culture and community

By Celina Tran

Ahidden gem in the northern heartland of Norway, Mosjøen in Vefsna municipality is home to unbeatable nature, a picturesque, historical city centre, and a bustling cultural life. As the city celebrates its 150th anniversary, the people of Mosjøen welcome visitors to join the year-long birthday party – full of culture, community, and fun!

Tucked away in a picturesque valley along the serene Vefsna river, Mosjøen is a small city with a big heart. Surrounded by towering mountains and lush green landscapes, it is a place where nature and culture come together to create an unforgettable experience. Often overlooked by travellers rushing through northern Norway, Mosjøen is a hidden treasure waiting to be explored.

Mosjøen turns 150: a year-long celebration of history, culture and community

Photo: Andreas Dahlmo

Another fun thing about Mosjøen is that when this city throws a celebration, it does so in style. The entire year of 2025 has been dedicated to marking its 150th anniversary, with a carefully crafted program that embraces the past, the present, and the future.

“Our goal is to bring the entire community together,” says Marit Thrana, project leader for the festivities. “In Mosjøen, we have a strong tradition of collaborating – young and old, professionals and amateurs alike. This celebration is about connection, creating opportunities for people to meet, and experiencing the joy of doing things together.”

If you are looking to experience the many historical sites, want to see the magical Northern Lights dancing above, or want to see what a real party looks like, there is no better year to visit Mosjøen.

Photo: Studio AKM

Glancing back to the past

Mosjøen, known in south Sámi as Mussere, holds the title of the second oldest city in Nordland County. Its historical significance was cemented in 1875, when it received trading and loading privileges from King Oscar II, and the following year, Mosjøen became its own municipality, a status maintained until 1961, after which it reintegrated into Vefsn municipality. Since 1998, Mosjøen has proudly carried its modern city designation.

Photo: Simon Almås / MON

An ode to its past, the celebration kicks off with a series of historical retrospectives. Every month from January through April, Mosjøen will host a long weekend of events dedicated to different chapters of its rich history. “These weekends feature lectures, performances, and cultural expressions like music and dance, culminating in city-wide celebrations and a cultural church service to honour Mosjøen’s roots,” says Thrana.

Iconic historical elements like the Vefsna river, the city’s historic street Sjøgata, Øyfjellet mountain, and Dolstad Church will play important roles in highlighting Mosjøen’s enduring connections to its past and its people.

Photo: Kathrine Sørgård

A summer full of fun

As the midnight sun stretches across Helgeland, summer becomes a time to embrace the present. Known as Øyeblikk (moments), the months of May to June will be packed with spontaneity and energy. A highlight is the annual regional festival, Festspillene Helgeland, which is an umbrella term for a series of events including performances, workshops, exhibitions courses and fun for people of all ages.

“A special feature this summer is the race up the world’s longest continued stone steps, the Helgeland steps, which consist of a whooping 4,175 steps,” says Thrana. “The magic, however, is the culminating concert that follows atop Øyfjellet at 818 meters above sea level.”

The summer fun continues with a vibrant city party on 5 July, where Sjøgata is closed to traffic and transformed into a bustling hub of music, food, and even more festivities.

The month of August, however, is dedicated to the next generation. A festival organised by and for Mosjøen’s youth will take place, clearing the way for everything from concerts and screenings to debates and workshops. Thrana explains that the focus is on empowering young local voices and fostering activities, but also about creating a physical space for young people that has disappeared with the age of the internet. “We want to give young people the chance to take charge and create something that resonates with their vision of the future,” she explains. “It’s about building meeting places and opportunities for them to connect and thrive.”

Photo: Leo Skagen

Looking to the future

As the year winds down, Mosjøen will shift its focus to the future with Overblikk (overview) and Innblikk (insight). Events during these months explore sustainability, innovation and community identity, reflecting on what the city has achieved and where it is heading.

Standing atop Øyfjellet offers a literal and figurative overview of Mosjøen, inspiring visitors and residents alike to dream about the city’s next chapter. December’s reflective tone, anchored by Dolstad Church and its centuries-old history, invites everyone to ask; “Who are we, and who do we want to become?”

Photo: Leo Skagen

For Mosjøen, daily life – its rhythm, simplicity, and deep sense of community – is at the heart of its charm. While it is a small city, there is plenty to explore, but it has not always been the case. With a great work-life balance that offers a lot of free time, the people of Mosjøen have learned to be resourceful and inventive. “In Mosjøen, creativity isn’t just an activity, but rather a collaborative way of life that keeps our community vibrant and our future bright,” adds Thrana.

Beyond the festivities, Mosjøen’s 150th anniversary is an effort to boost the creative economy and build lasting connections. The celebration is not just a good ole time, but also an open call to creative mindsets everywhere. Thrana concludes; “We’re creating something special here, and we want to showcase how small cities like ours can thrive through collaboration, culture, and imagination.”