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.
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.
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.
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.
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.