MOLDE

Jazzy vibes and wonderful views

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Hjertøya in Molde .
Photo: Einar Engdal

The fjord city of Molde clings to the shoreline at the wide mouth of the Romsdalsfjord in the northern corner of Fjord Norway.

Hjertøya in Molde .
Photo: Einar Engdal

Located close to some of Norway’s most impressive tourist attractions, including the Scenic Route Geiranger-Trollstigen, the Romsdalseggen ridge and The Atlantic Road, Molde is an ideal base for a Fjord Norway adventure.

The Atlantic Road in Northwest .
Photo: Jacek Rózycki

Each July, around 60,000 people from near and far travel to Molde to enjoy more than 100 concerts during the town’s world-famous jazz festival.

Founded in 1961, the Molde International Jazz Festival – "Moldejazz" in Norwegian – is one of the world's oldest jazz festivals.

Moldejazz .
Photo: Press Image / Linn Inger Angell

Inhale the crisp, salty sea air at the harbour, sample freshly caught seafood at a harbour-side restaurant, and add an aesthetic perspective to your holiday by visiting the Møre and Romsdal Art Center.

The Glass restaurant in Molde .
Photo: Einar Engdal

If you are looking for beautiful views, The Pavilion at Rekneshaugen on The Green Corridor hiking trail is just a short stroll from the city centre.

This is also located right next to...

The Pavilion at Rekneshaugen in Molde .
Photo: Tonje Sæthre

...The Romsdal Museum – one of the largest and most comprehensive folk museums in Norway, situated in the heart of Molde.

The main building is called Krona, 'The Crown'. The museum opened in 2016 and is an impressive feat of architecture.

The Romsdal museum, in Molde .
Photo: Johnny Bratseth

The Romsdal Museum .
Photo: Johnny Bratseth

Explore exhibitions on Norwegian culture, visit the local history library, and see how the local bunad (traditional national costume) is made.

During summer, the museum comes "alive" when actors in historical costume appear among the exhibitions. From June to August, you can also join a historic Medieval trip to Veøya island.

The Romsdal Museum in summer .
Photo: Johnny Bratseth

You can’t help but notice the Molde Cathedral. Completed in 1957, the cathedral and the 50-metre-high freestanding bell tower stand tall in the city centre.

Another must-see, whether you are a football fan or not, is the Aker Stadion. Designed by local architect Kjell Kosberg and located on the shore, the stadium has an exterior clad in granite, aluminium, and glass.

Molde Cathedral .
Photo: Einar Engdal

Molde Cathedral .
Photo: mariusz.ks / Shutterstock

Nature lovers will find it easy to entertain themselves.

With a network of paths, trails, and information boards with maps, Moldemarka is a natural playground for hikers and cyclists...

Cycling in Moldemarka .
Photo: Mattias Fredriksson

...and those who love snow and winter.

Here, you will find miles of groomed trails for cross-country skiing...

Moldemarka in wintertime .
Photo: Haakon Lundkvist

...and big jumps, ready to give you an airy rush in the Alpine slopes.

Tusten Skiheiser, Molde .
Photo: Einar Engdal

Lots of air is also guaranteed if you climb the number one viewpoint in Moldemarka, Varden, 407 metres above sea level, at the end of the Green Corridor trail. Here, you can enjoy an extraordinary vista of 222 partially snow-clad mountain peaks.

At the top, you can buy refreshments at the Vardestua restaurant.

Panorama view of Molde .
Photo: Fred Johnny Hammerø

Views of Molde .
Photo: Fred Johnny Hammerø

Want a refreshing dip in the mountains during your hike? Jump in, but be prepared – the temperature is most likely for real Vikings!

Pothole in Finnsetlia, Aursjøvegen .
Photo: Eline Karlsdatter Fladseth

Longing for somewhat more tropical swimming conditions? Jump in the pool at Moldebadet.

Or take the whole family for a fun hangout between the treetops at the Høyt og Lavt climbing park. If it's raining outside, you can also head to Moldeveggen, one of the country's newest and biggest climbing centres.

The Høyt og Lavt Molde climbing park .
Photo: Stian Drogseth

For a real challenge, climb the 3,200 steps of Midsundtrappene, the world's longest continuous stone staircase. Situated on Otrøya island just outside Molde, the trail leads to the top of Rørsethornet (659 m.a.s.l.).

The view at the top is definitely worth the effort.

Midsundtrappene in Molde .
Photo: Mattias Fredriksson

The Molde area also offers plenty of opportunities to relax and unwind.

The idyllic island of Hjertøya, just a ten-minute boat ride from Molde, is one of those rare places where you can literally hear your own heartbeat.

Hjertøya in Molde .
Photo: Einar Engdal