The oldest of the Møre type: Rødven Stave Church
Rødven Stave Church is the oldest of the Møre type – characterised by those huge exterior supporting beams. Here’s what you need to know for your visit.
The Hidden North
North European travel guide
Population 32,000 / 62.4 degrees north
Molde, Norway
Known as the ‘City of Roses’ for its beautiful gardens, Molde hugs the shoreline of the Romsdalsfjorden, Molde hosts a famous jazz festival, is home to Norway’s fest soccer team, and is an incredible place to visit.
Fun Facts About Molde
Latitude: 62.4 degrees north
Population: 32,000
Molde Municipality
In this Travel Guide...
Things to See & Do
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Molde
RØDVEN Stave Church
Located just south of Molde, Rodven Stave Church is one of Norway’s 28 remaining stave churches.
Hikes, Day Trips & Experiences
Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are my recommendations!
Please note – the links provided are affiliate links. I only recommend experiences that I have researched and/or tested and focus on providing unique, local things to do!
Moldemarka
Moldemarka is the hilly woodland area north of the city. It has an extensive network of paths.
Varden
Varden is a viewpoint located 407m (1335ft) above sea level with a good view out to the Molde panorama.
It is possible to join a guided hike to Varden.
Atlantic Road
Molde is located close to the Atlantic Road. It’s possible to drive there yourself or you can join a guided bus tour. Just note that the guided bus tour only has an audio guide.
Road-Trips
Follow our road-trip guides for scenic trips around Molde
The E39 from Ålesund to Trondheim
Follow the northernmost stretch of the E39 from Ålesund to Trondheim, passing by the coastal towns of Molde and Kristiansuns along the way.
The Atlantic Road (Fv64)
Follow this famous tourist road across the bridges and along the Hustadvika coast.
Self-Guided Walks
No self-guided walks are currently available for Molde
Molde on YouTube
Watch my YouTube videos featuring Molde
Uniquely Molde
Here are some things that you must do and try in Molde
History of Molde
People have lived here at least back to the medieval times and is mentioned in the Norse sagas as a place in 1162.
Molde was originally the name of a farm by a natural harbour that grew into a timber trading port in the late 16th century. The town grew throughout the 18th and 19th centuries and became a popular tourist destination known for its beauty, lodging and proximity to the fjords.
As the town was a hiding place for King Haakon and Crown Prince Olav in the early days of Norway’s occupation, Molde was heavily combed and a large part of the town was destroyed.
Molde Today
Molde has schooling for all levels. The Molde University College has a wide range of academic opportunities and is Norway’s leading school in logistics.
The largest workplace is the hospital. Molde is also an industrial city with the heating manufacturer Glamox here.
Three of the four great Norwegian authors are connected to Molde. Bjornstjerne Bjornson spent his childhood years here. Henrik Ibsen spent his vacations here, and Alexander Kielland lived in the city.
Molde’s football team is one of the top teams in all of Norway.
Travel Information
Getting Here
Fly: Molde has several flights to Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim.
Drive: Molde is located just off the E39 highway between Bergen and Trondheim.
Train: No train access.
Ferry: Molde is a port of call on the coastal ferry.
Getting Around
Molde town centre is walkable.
Shops
Places to Eat
Cafes & Bakeries
Quick Bites
Reasonable Restaurants
High End & Unique Eats
Places to Stay
Camping & Hostels
Molde Vandrerhjem is the only hostel option in town.
Cabins & B&Bs
Chains & Mid-Range
Scandic Seilet is shaped like a sailing ship and is by the water.
Click here to view rates & book
Scandic Molde is an alternative hotel to stay at.
High End & Unique Properties
Molde Fjordstuer is a special hotel by the harbour. There’s also a restaurant here.
Molde Fjordhotell is a Classic Norways hotel, meaning it is high end and has some history associated with it.
Sunrise/Sunset & Weather Averages
January
Sunrise: 9:43am
Sunset: 3:38pm
Average Temperature: 1.1C (34F)
February
Sunrise: 8:21am
Sunset: 5:10pm
Average Temperature: 0.9C (33.6F)
March
Sunrise: 6:50am
Sunset: 6:31pm
Average Temperature: 2.4C (36F)
April
Sunrise: 6:06am
Sunset: 8:58pm
Average Temperature: 5.7C (42.3F)
May
Sunrise: 4:32am
Sunset: 10:25pm
Average Temperature: 9.2C (48.6F)
June
Sunrise: 3:30am
Sunset: 11:34pm
Average Temperature: 12.5C (54.5F)
July
Sunrise: 4:04am
Sunset: 11:08pm
Average Temperature: 15.4C (59.7F)
August
Sunrise: 5:30am
Sunset: 9:39pm
Average Temperature: 14.7C (58.5F)
September
Sunrise: 6:55am
Sunset: 7:56pm
Average Temperature: 11.4C (52.5F)
October
Sunrise: 8:16am
Sunset: 6:16pm
Average Temperature: 6.7C (44.1F)
November
Sunrise: 8:47am
Sunset: 3:43pm
Average Temperature: 3.9C (39F)
December
Sunrise: 9:58am
Sunset: 2:53pm
Average Temperature: 1.3C (34.3F)
All Posts About Molde
Drive it Yourself: The Atlantic Road
All you need to know about driving over the famous Atlantic Road between Kristiansund and Molde!