Utskarpen: Hiking, Swimming and Local Cuisine

Utskarpen can be explored through specific interests: marked trails wind through cultivated land and open grazing areas to a summit viewpoint or Bjynnlisletta. Holmlia adds a swimming spot, while Til Elise – Fra Marius offers a culinary highlight. There is also the Utskarpen Village Museum. If you’re looking for a hotel in Utskarpen, you can consider these themes as different priorities when planning your trip: outdoor activity, time by the water, food or village history.

Hiking trails with different destinations

The route from Lomtjønna to Gråsteintinden follows a marked trail in Utskarpen through cultivated land and open grazing areas. There is a viewpoint at the summit. The marked trail to Bjynnlisletta starts at Solheim on Sjoneidveien in Utskarpen. Apart from the initial climb, the terrain is mostly easy to walk; the trail is recommended for the whole family. This gives you a specific distinction to consider when choosing: the summit viewpoint is the main feature of Gråsteintinden, while the described trail conditions are the focus of Bjynnlisletta. Consider whether you’d rather base your decision on the summit view or the information about how easy the trail is to walk.

Holmlia by the water

Holmlia is a swimming spot with beautiful pools and a small beach for children. There are benches at the swimming spot, as well as barbecue facilities. When planning your trip, you can therefore consider spending time by the water as well as getting active on the marked trails. To reach Holmlia, turn off at Rølibrua and continue along a tractor or gravel road to the benches.

Local cuisine and village history

Til Elise – Fra Marius is a culinary destination in Helgeland; the Fra Marius restaurant is located there. The restaurant follows the “From pasture to plate” concept: ingredients should travel the shortest possible distance from their natural origin to the guests. The journey of the ingredients from their origin to the guest is thus central to the concept. If good food matters to you on your trip, you can include this culinary highlight alongside hiking and swimming when making your choice.

The Utskarpen Village Museum is run by Utskarpen Historielag. If you’d also like to consider village history alongside the landscape and local cuisine, you can include the museum as a cultural option in your plans.

More things to explore in the wider Rana destination

The wider Rana destination also offers nature and culture. These describe Rana, not individual attractions in Utskarpen. Stenneset Open-Air Museum includes 18 historic buildings dating from 1750 to 1890. Its outdoor areas are accessible year-round and provide a starting point for hiking trails to Båsmolia and Båsmomarka; local conditions may vary. The geography of Rana also includes the fact that the municipality’s northern boundary runs through Svartisen.

Havmannen is Rana’s contribution to Skulpturlandskap Nordland and was created by English artist Antony Gormley. The sculpture stands in the Ranfjord, about 15 metres from the shore. Nordland Teater is headquartered in Mo i Rana. At the Rana Museum, you can learn about Sámi history and culture, industrial history and local chapters of the history of the Second World War.

Another natural attraction in Rana is Grønligrotta in Mo i Rana. It comprises a network of passages carved out by water and ice over 700,000 years. The guided route passes several potholes, an underground stream, a waterfall, marble formations, stalactites and a trapped granite boulder. A tour lasts about 45 to 60 minutes and is suitable for visitors of all ages. During the summer season, tours run daily at set times; tickets can be purchased on site, and advance booking is not required. Check the current schedule and conditions before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Mo i Rana, Storforshei.

Back to the wider travel overview: Rana.