Molde

With its lush gardens, green parks, flowery pavilions and old wooden houses, the beautiful town of Molde is a major tourist destination in the county of Møre og Romsdal.

The “Town of Roses” has been a popular place for spending a summer’s vacation for centuries, with prominent guests such as the late Emperor Wilhelm II of Germany and the Prince of Wales. In addition to its appealing aesthetic, the town is famous for angling. Salmon is caught regularly in the nearby rivers of Rauma, Driva and Eira, and sea trout and sea char are frequent catches in the Romsdal fjord. Rock climbing, bouldering and BASE jumping are also popular summer activities drawing people to the area. During winter, there are excellent possibilities for skiing in the Romsdal Alps and as well as adventurous ice climbing.  

The Atlantic Road

Dominating the view from town is the Molde Panorama, a chain of 220 peaks surrounding the Romsdal fjord. Most of the peaks are clad in snow even during summer and provide days of rewarding walks. The Atlantic Road from Molde to the island of Averøy is another must-do when visiting the area. Finished in 1989 this technological marvel links islands and islets with twisting roads and stunning bridges out to what appears to be open sea. The road ends, however, in the remote fishing community of Langøysund. It is believed that it was here, in 1040, that the Viking king Magnus the First penned a compromise with the local people creating what has later been called the Norwegian Magna Carta.

The Troll Church

Other places of interest in the area, in addition to the Troll Wall and Troll’s Trail, is the Troll Church, a marble grotto leading up to an underground waterfall. A 30 minute drive from the town centre followed by an hour’s scenic walk from the parking lot will take you up to the entrance. The Varden, a 407 meter high viewpoint directly above town, is also a rewarding hiking destination. From the top you can enjoy perfect views over the town, the fjord, the Molde archipelago and the Molde Panorama.

On the plains

For more extensive trekking and exploration, take on the Moldemarka plains. The area offers a network of paths and trails, all well posted with signs. In addition there are frequent bulletin boards with maps of the area and information on local plants and wildlife. Fishing in the lakes and rivers of the plain is legal with a fishing licence. In winter the Moldemarka turns into a grid of well prepared trails excellent for cross country skiing. 

Folk Museum and Jazz Festival

The Romsdal museum is Norway’s largest folk museum and was established as early as 1912. Here, old buildings such as hearth houses, sheds, outhouses, smoke houses and even a chapel make up a large traditional farm yard or Norwegian tun. Old wooden houses have been assembled to form a small street giving an impression of the town before World War I. One of the buildings houses a cafe serving traditional snacks and refreshments. In summer the museum grounds are home to frequent outdoor performances of traditional folk dance.

This is also where the most prominent artists of the Molde Jazz Festival give their live performances. A natural highlight every summer, the internationally acclaimed festival is the largest and oldest in Norway. During a lively week in July it presents over 100 bands to more than 100.000 visitors.

Molde has a lot to offer and rewards explorers of its streets and surrounding nature with days of entertainment and lifelong experiences. The Town of Roses makes for a worthy start or ending to any tour of the fjords and mountains of the amazing west coast of Norway.

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