Molde is located in southwest Norway on the Romsdalsfjord. A branch of the Gulf Stream ensures an unusually mild climate. Plants and trees grow in the city that actually only occur much further south. Roses in particular come in lavish splendor. Molde is therefore called the “city of roses”.
Moldes sights
Molde was almost completely destroyed in World War II. So there is hardly anything historical to admire. Instead, there is an important folklore museum, remarkable modern buildings and one of the most beautiful mountain panoramas in Norway.
Islands off Molde
Romsdalsmuseum
One of the largest folklore museums in Norway is just a 10-minute walk from the center. The Romsdalsmuseum was built in 1912. Over 50 historical buildings show the history and architecture of Norway from the Vikings to the present day as well as the customs and traditions of the local population. Typical townhouses from the prewar period in Molde are located in a reconstructed street, the “Bygata”. There is also a library and a local history archive. The museum is located in a beautiful park with benches, a duck pond, flower beds and a museum café.
Entry NOK 120 (EUR 10,50). Visit as a guided tour or on your own.
Chateauet
A listed villa from 1918 that can be viewed on request. The beautiful gardens with an open-air exhibition about the history of the property can be visited free of charge.
Cathedral church
The cathedral church is a two-aisled long church in the Gothic style. It was consecrated in 1957. It is the third church in the same place. The first two burned down. The eye-catcher of the cathedral church is the 50 meter high free-standing bell tower, which ends in a copper-clad pyramid. Beautiful stained glass and rich decorations characterize the interior of the church, as well as an old wooden cross and the altar panel.
Molde - Cathedral Church
Molde - the organ of the cathedral church
Varden with panoramic views
Molde is particularly beautiful from above. Mount Varden is 407 meters high. When the weather is clear, there is an overwhelming view of the city, the fjords with the archipelago islands and the more than 200 partially snow-covered peaks of the Sunnmøre Alps from above. The panorama is considered to be one of the most beautiful in Norway.
Footpath through the village, then a hiking trail up the mountain; Duration: one to one and a half hours.
Royal birch and peace grove
An important Norwegian memorial site: King Haakon VII and Crown Prince Olav sought refuge here in April 1940 from the bombers of the German occupation forces. Molde was almost completely destroyed at the time. A short time later, the king had to flee to England, where he became a symbol of the resistance against the Germans. Friedenshain and Königsbirke represent the struggle for freedom, peace and human dignity to this day.
Molde - royal birch
Molde - royal birch
Scandic Seilet Hotel
This hotel is an eye-catcher: it is located on the water near the city center and was partly built into the Romsdalsfjord. The idiosyncratic architecture is reminiscent of a sailing ship.
Molde - Scandic Seilet Hotel
Molde for crusaders
Molde is called at daily by Hurtigruten ships, both south and north. Cruise ships mostly visit Molde from May to September, with most calls being registered between 18 and 20 in July.
The pier for cruise ships "Molde og Romsdal Havn" is in the middle of town. The tourist office is not far away on Torget, the market square. When a cruise ship arrives there is also an information stand at the pier.
Molde - cruise ship dock
Molde - MS Nieuw Statendam at the jetty
All the sights described above are within walking distance.
The Atlantic Road
Another tourist attraction is a section of Reichsstrasse 64 from Molde to Kristiansund. The Atlantic Road, which is part of the Norwegian landscape routes, takes a spectacular route between Vevang and Karvag. For a good eight kilometers, it leads over several small islands and eight bridges with a total length of almost 900 meters. The Atlantic Road was named Norwegian Construction of the Century in 2005. If you want to see the Atlantic Road as a cruise passenger, you should book an organized tour so that you are safely back on board before the ship departs.
Update September 2023
