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 between some of Norway’s most impressive tourist attractions, like the Romsdalseggen ridge, Trollstigen mountain road, 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 the second oldest jazz festivals in Europe, as well as the most important one in Norway.

Moldejazz .
Photo: Press Image / Linn Inger Angell

An excellent way to get an overview of this lovely little fjord town is by visiting the Masta skybar at Scandic Seilet hotel, Molde’s tallest building. Enjoy an exotic drink while you digest the view.

Seilet in Molde .
Photo: Einar Engdal

The Romsdal museum is one of the largest and most comprehensive folk museums in Norway.

The main building is Krona, situated in the heart of Molde. The building opened in 2016 and is an impressive piece of architecture.

Here, you can enjoy exhibitions about Norwegian culture, visit the local history library, and see how the local bunad (national costume) is made.

The Romsdal museum .
Photo: Johnny Bratseth

The Romsdal museum .
Photo: Romsdalsmuseet

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

Another must-see, whether you are a football fan or not, is the Aker stadium. Drawn by local architect Kjell Kosberg, the grand building has a granite exterior made of stone and glass.

Molde Cathedral .
Photo: Einar Engdal

Molde Cathedral .
Photo: mariusz.ks / Shutterstock

Inhale the crisp, salty sea air at the harbour, try some of the freshly caught seafood at one of the restaurants, and add some perspective to your holiday by visiting Møre and Romsdal art center.

Drinking in Molde .
Photo: Einar Engdal

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 – and cross-country skiers during winter.

Cycling in Moldemarka .
Photo: Mattias Fredriksson

The number one viewpoint in Moldemarka is Varden, 407 metres above sea level. Here, the Molde panorama allows you to enjoy the extraordinary vista of 222 partially snow-clad mountain peaks.

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

Molde panorama .
Photo: Einar Engdal / Visitnorthwest.no

For a real challenge, climb the 2,200 steps of Midsundtrappene, one of Norway’s longest stone staircases. Situated on Otrøya island just outside of Molde, the stairs will take you to the top of Rørsethornet (659 m.a.s.l.). The view at the top is definitely worth the struggle.

Midsundtrappene in Molde .
Photo: Mattias Fredriksson

While some like to feel the pulse increase, others prefer the opposite while on holiday: Molde and its surrounding areas offer plenty of opportunities to take it down a notch.

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

Hire a rowing boat, go on a picnic, or walk along the nature trail. At the Fisheries museum, you can learn about the local coastal culture.

Hjertøya in Molde .
Photo: Einar Engdal