Molde is a busy industry and trading centre with approximately 26.000 inhabitants and a area of 362,6 km2, in addition to being the episcopate and the administrative centre for the county of Møre and Romsdal. The “Town of Roses” also has various educational facilities as well as offering many cultural activities, including an international literature festival (Bjørnson Festival) and the famous annual Molde International Jazz Festival.

Bjørnstjerne Martinius Bjørnson was born on 8 December 1832 at Kvikne in the upper part of the Østerdal valley in eastern Norway, where his father was a clergyman. When Bjørnson was five the family moved to Nesset. Bjørnson completed secondary school in Molde.

The town of Molde is beautifully situated by the Romsdalsfjord where you can buy fresh fish and prawns. The Coastal Steamer (Hurtigruten) lies in the town centre beside Røkkeløkka (Soccer stadium). The Coastal Steamer (Hurtigruten) has daily departures. From the airport, Årø, it takes 10 minutes to drive into the town centre.

COASTAL STEAMER (HURTIGRUTA)

The World´s Most Beautiful Voyage is a voyage like no other. Nothing can compare with it. Nothing about this journey will resemble anything you have ever experienced before. A ticket for the Coastal Steamer is a ticket to the theatre, an 11-day drama in which new acts constantly unfold all around you. See the pictures from the Coastal Steamer taken by one of our passengers.

THE KING´S BIRCH

“Kongebjørka” at Glomstua is the tree under which King Haakon and Crown Prince Olav sheltered during the German bombing of Molde in April 1940. Two-thirds of the town was destroyed in these attacks. A monument in commemoration of those dramatic days was unveiled in 1955.

THE ROMSDAL MUSEUM

The Romsdalmuseet is amongst Norway´s largest regional museums, founded in 1912. An open air museum, it has 40 houses which are furnished and equipped according to their respective ages. Gathered in idyllic courtyards they show the development of the farmer´s culture from the 14th to the 20th century. Occasional performances by the children´s folkdance group.

THE FISHERIES MUSEUM

The “Fiskerimuseet” is an unique open air museum located on the island of Hjertøya, 10 minutes from the centre of Molde. A small fishing village with authentic buildings, boats and fishing equipment, the museum shows local coastal culture from 1850 onwards. Recreational area and bathing. Boat from the marked square.

THE REKNES PARK

“Reknes parken” offers a good view of parts of the Molde panorama (222 mountain peaks). The view is immortalized in Henrik Ibsen´s play “The Lady from the Sea”.

THE MOLDE CATHEDRAL

Architect Finn Bryn, 1957. The cathedral has an impressive nave (900 seats) and it is beautifully decorated. The alter piece was painted by Stinius Fredriksen. The old al terpiece “Resurrection” by Axel Ender is from the church which was bombed in April 1940.

MOLDE TOWN HALL

A prize-winning design in concrete and glass by the architects Cappelen and Rodahl, 1966. The statue “The Rose Maiden” with her fountain is a celebration of Molde as the “Town of Roses”.

MOLDEGARD

A beautiful rococo building from 1710 which is said to be the scene of Henrik Ibsen´s play “Rosmersholm”. Privately owned. Can be admired from the road.

THE SMALL GARDEN

Where the owner carries on the tradition from the internationally famous Molde-gardens of earlier times which boasts visitors such as Gladstone and the Prince of Wales. The garden is evidence of Molde´s sheltered, south facing location and mild climate, despite its latitude. Privately owned. Can be admired from the Langmyrveien road.

THE VARDEN VIEWPOINT

Restaurant “Vardestua” lies 407 metres above the town. An unparalleled and magnificent view: Molde lies at the foot of the hill, facing a fjord which opens out to the famous Molde-panorama. A panorama of 222 partly snow-covered mountain peaks! To the west one can see the majestic Atlantic Ocean.

AKER STADIUM

Experience the grandest stadium in Europe! Finaced by Røkke and Gjelsten, two local financemen. Opened April 18th 1998. Architect Kjell Kosberg. Open cafeteria on weekdays during the summer. Guided tours possible.

THE TROLL ARROW (TROLLPILA)

5 metres tall stone monument at Bolsøya, an island connected to the mainland by a tunnel (road RV 64). The monument dates from pre-Christian times and is thought to have been a part of a collection of monuments. According to the legend, the stone was thrown by an old Trollwoman who disliked King Olaf´s plans for a church at the site.

Former Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik was from Molde.

FISHING

Deep sea fishing enthusiasts can take a fishing trip out on the ocean. You can fish for salmon, sea trout and cod. Be aware that there are a number of special rules in regards to fishing. Remember to purchase a fishing licence.

GOLF

Molde Golfclub is a golf course with 9 holes and a variation of difficulties. The course lies at Henden Farm (Eikrem), approximately 5 km east from Molde City Center.