Information in English

Welcome to Toppen

Vefsn Folk High School Toppen is a liberal (religiously and politically independent) folk high school with an age limit of 18 years youngest. You will have a solid range of subjects within MUSIC, MUSIC PRODUCTION, SPORTS AND OUTDOOR LIFE , X-SPORTS - mountain and water, OUTDOOR LIFE EASY , CREATIVE MIX, OUTDOORLIFE - North of Norway and New Zealand, EXPERIENCE THE NORTH OF NORWAY and E-SPORTS.

The two-pronged profile allows you to study a subject in depth while simultaneously trying out new activities and subjects. You will meet like-minded people and really shine on the stage, in the studio, on tour or in the gym. You will also get to know people with other interests than you, this undoubtedly will broaden your mind and make you a bit wiser and more generous. All employers look for personal development and social skills, and this is precisely what you get at a folk high school.

A bit of day-to-day life

Below you will see how the timetable looked like usual weeks last school year. Most elective courses take place wednesday and in the afternoon / evening. Some line activity also requires work in the evening. We divide the school year in 5 periods, and plan one period at the time. This will cause some changes to the plan throughout the year.

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During the year there are mandatory classes/events every other Saturday and 4-5 Sundays.

The school is open all day till we close at. 23.00 (usually). To make the most of the year you should take advantage of this opportunity and make things happen. Some of the classrooms are occasionally relegated to courses, trim groups and the like, but there is still good access in most rooms, except for regular teaching hours. The timetable is under revision and changes can be made.

As a student at folk high school, you must take a lot of responsibility for the community, both socially and practically. It also implies voluntary work and kitchen / in-house duty. In addition to these common duties, of course, cleanliness and order in your own room and bathroom / toilet is your responsibility.

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School calendar 2025-2026

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AUTUMN 2025

Student reception Sunday 24.08.2025
The first day of classes is Monday 25 August
Autumn holiday from and including Friday 03.10(first day off) to and including Monday 13.10 (last day off). The first day of classes after the autumn holidays is Thuesday 14th October.
Christmas holiday from and including Friday19.12 (first day off)

SPRING 2026

Student reception spring course Tuesday 06.01.2026
Student reception year course Wednesday 07.01.2026
Easter holiday from and including 27.03 (firstday off) to and including 07.04 (last day off). The first day of teaching afterthe Easter holidays is Wednesday 08.04.
Closing event for year course and spring coursein the morning of 09 May 2026. Return home the same day.

Subject to changes

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Practical information

We have a shared kitchen for the students which can be used if you want to cook yourself a meal. Here you wash your clothes in a common laundry room, as all students use. You may want to mark your clothes before you arrive so that they are not easily confused. It is not allowed to bring pets to school. Smoking only in designated places (also applies to electric cigarettes).

Read about our School basics

Field trip

During the school year, all the lines will go on field trips, both domestic and abroad. It is important that you have passport, travel insurance and European health insurance card (or similar for your country). You will receive more information about the tours when the school year starts.

Electives

Elective subjects are selected after you have arrived, but you can register for the major subjects Subjects for Higher Education (only Norwegian students).

Insurance

You may want to check that you have insurance that covers all conditions by staying outside the home and your country. Make sure you have insurance that covers high value items (camera, computer equipment, musical instruments and sports equipment). It may also be advisable to secure against damage you may incur on other people’s assets. You also need a travelinsurance for school field trips. The school has an insurance for accidents occurring during school hours.

If you are studying in Norway for less than a year, you will not, as a general rule, become a member of the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme. Please read about your rights and obligations:

Norwegian Health Care for foreigners

Find your line

At TOPPEN you can immerse yourself in the line that interests you the most, while giving you the opportunity to try out new activities and subjects. Great for those who like to be both creative and active.

Next year you can choose following programes:

Acting

This line gives you the opportunity to unfold yourself and descover new possibilities. Here we hunt for magical moments on stage, and create performances that will make you proud!

Our ACTING line is perfect for those who like to keep up with different expressions in theater and film. We often collaborate with the other lines, and benefit from their expertise.

It doesn’t matter how much experience you have. That you want to learn, are curious and motivated to work with the subject is the most important thing. You will develop from the level you are at.

Gaming

For you who:

Loves gaming and sees it as a passion

Likes to explore different titles and genres

Are curious about how a game can be built

Wants an inclusive environment

The Gaming line at Toppen is for those of you who see games as a hobby, a passion and a way to relax. Here you get plenty of time to play the games you love, whether it's single-player, co-op games with friends, epic stories like in Baldur's Gate, nerve-wracking moments in Dark Souls, or the freedom to explore in GTA. In addition, you get a unique insight into what makes games so great.

We travel together to Dreamhack (Stockholm), one of the largest gamer fairs in the Nordics. There, the industry comes and shows off the very latest. We are especially looking forward to the EXPO and the LAN part of the fair where we get to test upcoming games. We also get access to seminars and lectures during Dreamhack.

Gaming with us is suitable for those of you who love games, want to explore different genres, and want to spend a year with like-minded people. This is the line for those of you who see games as an important part of your life and who want to spend a year at a folk high school to explore your passion.

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Music Business

The line for those who want to:

Build networks and make money from music
Learn how artists, producers and industry professionals work together
Find out the path forward into working life or higher education
Want a structured everyday life where you can focus on achieving your goals

The teaching takes place both digitally and physically with many different speakers and mentors within the field. We focus on project work where theory is tested in practice. The experience and network you gain here will definitely be useful later in life. On the course you will learn to: Plan and manage releases Build artist profiles and branding Budget and finances Arrange concerts and events Write applications and contracts Pitch ideas and use digital tools Develop effective strategies to market your product to the world. We collaborate with the University of Agder through a mentoring scheme. Here you will be able to get concrete feedback and insights on your projects from some of the most renowned professionals you will find in this industry. We also work closely in collaboration with the local venues Bakgården and the cultural center. Here you will work with and greet professional actors and artists from the real cultural scene.

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Whether it's as an artist, manager, organizer, marketing or entrepreneur - then the line will suit you who need a real kickstart. If you have good ideas, - we have the expertise, tools and security you need to test them out.

Live at your place of study and be in a large creative environment all the time.
Get served 4 high-quality meals a day, without having to shop or prepare them yourself.
Predictable everyday life where expenses such as electricity, internet, public transport and study trips are already accounted for.
Teaching in subjects and subjects that you are interested in, without tests and exams.

Everything is arranged so that you can spend your time growing both professionally and personally. At the same time, you also get to travel around the world on study trips and make friendships and networks that will last a lifetime.

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Slow LIFE

The line for those who

want to find a balance between work, studies and leisure
have good routines for exercise, diet and health
find activities where the screen is not the focus
work with various creative processes

Have you already studied for a few years and need a break – or want a year of professional and personal replenishment before taking the next step? Then this line could be right up your alley. Here we combine philosophy, research and practical exercises to explore how we can create a more balanced everyday life.

The goal is to slow down the pace and give you time to reflect, develop and find out what actually matters to you. Throughout the year we work on:

Prioritizing wisely and performing with lower shoulders
Being more present in the moment and reducing distractions
Becoming more aware of your own needs, values and choices
Finding glimmers – small but meaningful joys in everyday life

We also focus on sustainable choices, and use natural, local ingredients where possible. This is a year for those of you who want to live more holistically – with both your head and your heart.

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Performing MUSICIANS

Perfect for those who want to take their music a step further and develop in an inspiring music environment. And if you love going to concerts, you can only enjoy it.

About the course

On this course you will quickly feel that you are becoming a better musician. You will receive guidance on your instrument and your playing style, "nerd" in the rehearsal rooms and be inspired by many concerts and professional musicians. You will practice as a musician in various ensembles, in the studio and on stage. With our regular courses in improvisation with Liv Andrea Hauge, songwriting with Øystein Herkedal and industry studies with Lasse Weeden you will gain knowledge and experience from professional players in the industry.

Here you will learn that little extra that makes you more independent and attractive as a musician. We work a lot with interaction, improvisation and musical understanding, something that will serve you well in the future.

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What's special?

• You get to choose between a number of specializations, and tailor a program that suits your needs.

• We collaborate closely with Bakgården Kultur, Mosjøen Kulturhus and the local Jazz- og Bluesclub.

• We regularly meet musicians on tour in Northern Norway, talk to them and get good tips about life as a musician. You get to participate in masterclasses and workshops with professionals, and learn improvisation from the best.

• Collaboration with UIT and UIA

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We also collaborate with the other lines in the music section, and we have classes together with Music Production and Music Business. This gives us an inspiring academic environment that we all benefit from.

Performing musician is suitable for those who are passionate about playing and who want to pursue music further. On this course you will become a better musician, gain first-hand insight into the industry and a good musical network for the future. If you also want to do projects in the studio, play many concerts and go on tour during the year, then this is the course for you. We must also add that the cultural life in Mosjøen is known for its high activity, and there will be opportunities to play concerts together with actors in the district.

Outside of the line, you will also meet people with completely different interests than yourself, take exciting electives and have the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful nature. If you are considering studying music further, we have a good collaboration with UiT Arctic University of Norway in Tromsø and the University of Agder. We are happy to help you with preparation for the entrance exam and audition, and you can get mentoring directly from the university. We will also travel on a study trip to Berlin and Japan together with several lines at the school, a unique chance that will be an experience of a lifetime.

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Creative MIX

This is the line for you who find it difficult to choose. Who likes to be creative and want to experience new aspects of yourself. Here you can breathe freely, be safer, and have fun.

This is a real goody bag if you like different things to do. You don’t have to know everything before you apply, or be particularly good at it. Here you can explore and develop at your own pace and without beeing judged.

This line will give impetus to change, creative energy, inspiration, good ideas and initiative.

POSSIBILITIES

At Creative MIX you get the opportunity to participate in many exciting things throughout the year. You get to develop with creative and fun projects, and test everything from redesign and theater, to painting and photography. This line gives you many experiences and experiences that allow you to learn a lot about yourself and the others. At Creative MIX it is just a big plus that people are different and have different backgrounds and interests. Here you can find out what you like, test out new things, and expand the horizon.

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COPING

At Creative MIX, your opinion and your wishes are important to us. We welcome input, and in consultation with you, we will create a eventful time. A good and safe classroom environment is a crucial for you to be comfortable and grow.

We believe that people learn the most in an environment that gives you the opportunity to test things out and make your own experiences. We are more interested in facilitating good experiences, and asking some questions, than always having the right answer. We know that humor and work satisfaction create the best team, good wibes and motivation.

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ORGANIZATION

At Creative MIX, we work practically and project-based. The projects vary in length, form and content according to the themes we are working on. Sometimes we have a Workshop that lasts for three days, other periods last for three weeks. If you want to work on a self-selected project, it is possible.

Outdoorlife – North of Norway and New Zealand

This line has literally brought together the best of both worlds when it comes to outdoor life, and is well suited for those who like to be on the go. We are surrounded by great nature in Northern Norway, and go on trips along the Helgeland coast, in Børgefjell and Lomsdals-Visten National Parks. And on the line trip to New Zealand, you get to experience outdoor life under completely different circumstances, in another part of the world with a totally different climate. We also spend time with the other students at school, and like to go to a concert or watch a tournament with them. You will get to know the nicest people. This will be an unforgettable journey!

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Helgeland is the best starting point for a varied outdoor life. You will experience glacier hiking at the Okstind massif, which houses both Rabothytta and Nordland's highest mountain, Oksskolten (1916 m). Of course, we are also going on a road trip to Lofoten to surf and go on completely wild trips! During the dark time of winter, we travel halfway around the globe, to New Zealand, which is known as the "adventure capital of the world". Here we paddle on overnight trips along chalk-white beaches in Abel Tasman National Park, rock on Castle Hill, go on alpine tours with wild views in Mt.Cook National Park, surf, climb, raft and cycle downhill. Back in Northern Norway, we take up skiing, try out ice climbing and not least dog sledding, before spring once again lures us out to the Helgeland coast with island hopping to Lundkommardagen at Lovund, a joint trip to the archipelago Træna and the very special mountain Rødøyløva.

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Music production

On Music Production you get to know what it’s like to be a music producer. Producing takes time, a lot of time. At TOPPEN you will get the time to do it!
Not only do we get 1-2 hours a day, but often 6-8! In such a collective, where everyone listen to each others music and instant access to constructive criticism, you develop very quickly.

We are also focusing on playing live! Therefore, our classes often varies between much personal work, technical theory and beeing «on the floor». Such teaching is about finding out different techniques and tricks to deliver electronic music in the best possible way.

There is also a lot of business at the bottom of the course. Music Production operates its own collective / record label called SinewaveCollective.
This way you get a lot of inside information about how to go ahead to promote your own music!

In key words, the teaching is as follows:

Producing
– Own music
– Remixing
– Sound Design
– Mixing
– Mastering
– Foley
– Recording
– Sampling
– Collabing / Collaboration

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Theory
‍– Listening
– Train your ear
– Transcribe sounds
– Teachings and scales
– Develop Harmonies
– Learn about sound
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Exercises
– A lot of time for your own work
– Interaction with electronic instruments
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Songwriting
– Text
– Melody
– Arrangement
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Business
– Artist Development
– Copyright and rights
– Budget
– Tournament plans
– Recording plan
– Promotion
– Merchs
– Music Management

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Outdoor life easy

A year at Outdoor Life EASY gives you lots of fun experiences in a safe and social class environment. We go on trips where you have plenty of time to enjoy your experiences and unwind in proper Northern Norway nature.

This is not a line for you who will always go the longest, the highest or fastest; Here we focus on creating the best hiking experiences with good people. You also lern to make proper gourmet food in the wild.

Wild Northern nature

The area Helgeland is an Eldorado for outdoor life activities. Tall mountains, deep valleys, wild rapids, great glaciers, untouched National Parks, Norway’s best sea kayak coast line with over 30 000 islands – all this and more, in the near perimeter of the school.

South of the city are two National Parks. Lomsdal-Visten is a pearl on the Helgeland coast known for its nature adventure. Børgefjell is our second oldest and one of our most famous National Parks. Here you will find untouched wilderness with varied wildlife. Nature is wild and beautiful with its high peaks and deep valleys. The area is famous for good fishing and hunting.

The easy access to great nature gives us the opportunity to pack the bag and easily meet new adventures. We have a great variety of activities on the course, and together with your fellow students you will get to make an impact on what you want to do during the year. In addition to a great deal of trips in the wilderness, you will also get to try our new sea kayaks, ride a dog sled on snow, go island jumping by bike, climbing inside and on outdoor walls, bouldering and exploring caves.

X-SPORTS - Japan and Lofoten

We mostly focus at Mountain Sports- here is a lot of action, exciting trips and nice prospects. Top of the mountain walks, climb the mountains, kites on the banks, walk Via Ferrata and walk in glaciers; stays in cabins, tents and snow caves and learns to know all the whimsical sides of the mountain.

In Kayaking we use the fjord and the rivers around the school, we practice rescue techniques and eskimorole in the pool and go on island hopping with sea kayaking and tents on the Helgeland coast.

Helgeland is an eldorado for outdoor activities. High mountains, deep valleys, waterfalls, large glaciers, unspoiled national parks, Norway’s finest kayak archipelago, northern lights, tens of thousands of islets and shacks in the ocean gorge, beautiful mountains, mountains and valleys, rivers that bend down to the sea – all less than an hour away from school. Here there are outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world to experience Northern Norway nature.

Activities:

Island hopping by sea kayak
Calm seas and roaring rivers
Surfing with kayak
Intro and Basic Sea Kayak (Wet Short NPF)
Intro and Foundation River Kayaking (Wet Short NPF)
Glacierwalking
Dog sledding
Rock climbing inside and outside
Snowkiting
Top Tours
Topptau- and Ledkort (Steep Short)
Bouldering in Sila
Camping in the mountains
Ski lift trips to the ski lift
Mountain trips on skis
Snow cave
Rappelling
Caving
Ice climbing
Skiseil
Prepared for avalanche
Sail Boat Tour
Survival trip
Chasing The Northern Lights
Tutorial on using Maps and Compass
First Aid Course
Knowledge of maintenance and repair of equipment
Project week with volunteer work
Slack rope
Winter Expedition

E-sports

E-Sport at TOPPEN gives you an amazing opportunity to get an understanding of what e-sport is, while at the same time experiencing folk high school. During a school year, you get expert guidance on routine e-sports personalities and you will get to know all the e-sports can offer. Our focus is to make sure you get a true picture of what e-sport is and what it takes to keep up with this at the highest level, either as a player or in an administrative role.

Although we focus heavily on what we do in terms of tournaments and training, we also try to work as closely as possible with the other lines.

In addition to being a student at folk high school and taking part in all that it implies, you will be able to:

Mapping of own skills
Participation in tournaments and competitions
Guide to building an international profile
Study trips to international events
Guidance and expertise from routine e-sports personalities
Guide to diet and exercise
Guidance in analysis and strategy

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Half year courses

With us, you can choose to attend half-year courses if you prefer. Maybe your plans changed during the fall, and you need something nice to do until the summer. Or maybe you have free time until January? Then half-year courses can be a good option.

We have half-yearly courses on most lines, and you can apply at folkehogskole.no. There you can also read more about the different lines.
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Most students in half-year courses follow the teaching together with the students who attend annual courses. Then there will be a little more together and more fun. You quickly become part of the gang when you are open to making new friends.

As a school we are committed to making everyone feel good. We want you to have a lot of OPPORTUNITIES when you are a student with us, and you can choose between many activities and electives in addition to your line subject