Things to do in Molde

Molde is located in the northern part of western Norway, and in the heart of Molde, surrounded by fjords, mountains, restaurants and shops, you'll find Thon Hotel Moldefjord.

Although we recommend taking a hike in the mountains when staying with us, you don't have to go far to experience spectacular views. In fact, all you need to do is step outside the hotel's front door. The Storkaia pier gives you an excellent taste of what awaits you at one of the city’s viewpoints. 

With its snow-covered peaks, the Molde panorama is an impressive sight, but Molde itself, also called the 'City of Roses' because its climate is so suitable for growing roses, has more to offer than flowers and magnificent surroundings. One of Europe’s largest jazz festivals is held here and the city has one of the country’s most extensive museums of cultural history.

We've put together some tips for things to do when visiting Molde: 

View from Moldemarka

Moldemarka starts just outside the Molde city centre. Here you'll find several hiking trails leading to different viewpoints. After reaching one of the viewpoints, catch your breath while enjoying the views of the 222 mountain peaks of the Molde panorama.

View from Varden

The easily accessible panoramic view from Varden’s 407 metres above sea level has made it one of Molde’s most popular viewpoints. You can get there by foot, two wheels or car, and enjoy fantastic views of the city, fjord and mountains all in one place. If you want to walk to the top, we recommend starting down by the fjord and walking through the city’s 'green corridor', so you can enjoy the city’s beautiful parks along the way.

View from the fjord

The Romsdal Alps are a magnificent sight from both land and water. If you want to enjoy the view from the fjord, you can take one of the ferries that travels to the islands outside the city, such as Midsund and Julneset. Here you'll find several hiking and cycling routes, as well as Norway’s longest continuous stone staircase. Midsundhornet offers stunning panoramic views that are hard to match.

View from the city

You don't have to climb a mountain or cross a fjord to enjoy amazing views of the Romsdal Alps: you can simply go for a stroll along the quayside of Molde. Pull up a chair at the Køl Patio and take in the views of the mountains and fjord, as small boats sail by.

Cool off on Hjertøya

Hjertøya is only ten minutes by ferry from Torget in the Molde city centre. It is the largest of the islands just off the coast and has wonderful swimming beaches. The island is also home to the Fisheries Museum, which consists of 15 historic buildings from the Romsdal coast. During the summer, you can go on a guided tour with one of the museum’s guides.

Fun high above the ground

If you're visiting Molde with your family, spending a few hours at the climbing park Høyt & Lavt may very well be one of the highlights of your trip. With several children’s and family courses, the park is perfect for families with young children who are looking for fun activities for all ages. So buckle up and enjoy an adventure high above the ground, far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Tusten ski resort

If you're visiting Molde in wintertime, you can click on your skis at the Tustenski resort, only ten minutes outside the city centre. The resort is perfect for freeride, but there are also children’s slopes and terrain parks. If you want to go cross-country skiing, you can also start here. Simply take one of the lifts up and follow the tracks through Moldemarka to enjoy a few hours of skiing around Øverlandsvatnet.

Enjoy a magical escape

The municipality of Fræna is a 30-minute drive north of the Molde city centre. Here you can hike along beautiful but steep and narrow trails up Trolldalen until you reach Trollkirka. The 'church' – which is not actually a church, but three limestone and marble caves – has a truly magical atmosphere. Experience steep waterfalls and small underground rivers, but make sure to bring a head lamp because there is no light inside!

Step back in time

If you're interested in learning about how the people of Romsdal lived in the past, the Romsdal Museum is the perfect place to find out. At one of Norway’s most extensive museums of cultural history, you can learn all about what life was like in the northern part of western Norway from the 1600s to the 1900s. Here you can also stroll through a reconstruction of Molde before it burned to the ground in 1916.

The Viking hub

If you want to go even further back in time, take a trip to the island of Veøya. The Veøy mediaeval church still stands here, testimony to the Viking Age, when the fjord was the most important trade route and Veøya a central hub. Until the time of the Black Death, the island was a 'kaupang' – a centre for trade, politics and religion – and during the summer, tours are often arranged here that well worth the trip.

The road is the destination

Northwest of Molde, the Atlantic Ocean Road winds across islets and skerries. Thanks to its beautiful design and distinctive location, the road itself has become a destination for many travellers. Take a break at one of the rest stops and enjoy the views of the Atlantic Ocean Road’s curves.

Jazz it up

At the end of July, the streets of Molde are buzzing with activity. For six days, the city’s residents and visitors can experience jazz music from near and far on all the city’s stages. Since the first edition in 1961, the Molde International Jazz Festival has hosted a long and diverse list of artists, making it one of Europe’s oldest and most renowned jazz festivals.

Møre and Romsdal Art Centre

If you like to be fascinated, surprised and engaged, make sure to visit the Møre and Romsdal Art Centre, designed for just that purpose. The art centre is located on the same street as Thon Hotel Moldefjord and organises new exhibitions with Norwegian and international artists on a regular basis.

Royal Birch

The Royal Birch, perhaps the world’s most famous birch, is located a short walk from Thon Hotels Moldefjord. The tree, which became famous when King Haakon VII was photographed here during World War II while seeking shelter from the Germans’ bombing, is a national symbol and memorial to the occupation of Norway.

Jazzgutten

But it's not only the city’s annual jazz festival that has made Molde the city of jazz. In the middle of Torget in the city centre, no matter the weather, the bronze statue Jazzgutten stands with its saxophone, reminding passers-by of the festival and importance of jazz for the city.

Enjoy a drink outdoors

If you're in Molde in the summertime, you can enjoy outdoor dining and drinks along the quay. Take in the amazing views while enjoying a refreshing drink and something good to eat. Order a cocktail outdoors at Syd before eating dinner at Køl Terrasse – or vice versa.

Intimate and local

For a pleasant evening with great service in an inviting and intimate setting, Glød Vinbar is the place to be. This wine bar is only a few minutes from Thon Hotel Moldefjord, located a stone’s throw from the ferry dock. Enjoy delicious cheeses and cured meats from Italy right next to Molde’s fantastic seafront.

Snacks with a view

Once you reach the top of the Varden viewpoint, why not take a break with a bite to eat? The summer-open Vardestua sells simple meals to enjoy with the spectacular views.

Attention, beer lovers!

If you want to pick and choose from a wide variety of beers, the Tapp & Kork bar is just what you're looking for. At this centrally located establishment in the heart of Molde, you can either ask for the bartender’s recommendation or simply order both familiar and unfamiliar beers.

A drink with a view

If you're in Molde on a sunny day in summer, take the glass elevator up to the roof terrace of the Glassrestaurant and enjoy a drink while taking in the amazing views. With both miniature golf and boccia, this rooftop restaurant is the perfect destination for a night on the town. 

Enjoy panoramic views

If you and your travel companions would like to experience Molde’s scenic surroundings without having to go far, amazing views can be found close by. The easily accessible panoramic views from Varden’s 407 metres above sea level have made it one of Molde’s most popular viewpoints. You can get there by foot, two wheels or car, and enjoy fantastic views of the city, fjord and mountains all in one place. If you want to walk to the top, we recommend starting down by the fjord and walking through the city’s 'green corridor', so you can enjoy the city’s beautiful parks along the way.

Tailored nature experiences

If you'd like to go on a real adventure, there are several tour operators ready to take you there. Whether you want to try mountain biking, kayaking or hiking with someone who knows the mountains around Molde, Did Adventure tailors group hikes to your abilities and interests, but make sure to contact them well ahead of time.

Solve mysteries together

If there’s one thing that brings a group together and challenges you to think outside the box, it's an escape room. At We Escape Molde, your group is given riddles and mysteries that only smart thinking and teamwork can solve.

Full speed ahead in Malmedalen

Just outside the city in Malmedalen, you'll find family-run Malmedalen go-kart rentals. Go-karts are perfect for groups looking for an adrenaline-fueled adventure. Race against each other at high speeds and around tight turns, yet only five centimetres above the ground.

Rooftop game night

If it’s summer and sunny when you and your travel companions are in Molde, take the glass elevator up to the Glass Roof, a rooftop terrace that is open on sunny days. Here you can enjoy great views with a refreshing beverage in hand while playing boccia or a round of miniature golf.