Molde travel guide

Photo of Fjord in Molde in Norway by Dong Zhang
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Introduction to Molde

Molde, Norway - When thinking about this municipality in Møre og Romsdal, Norway, images of the spectacular Romsdal Museum, Molde Panorama, and Mardalsfossen instantly come to mind. As you explore beyond these attractions and read through this Molde travel guide, you'll find that this town in Norway is more than what we see in books and social media. Molde, and its community of more than 32 thousand people, is a culturally-rich and diverse travel destination offering plenty of unforgettable experiences.

Easily accessible from Molde , Årø airport, Molde is the perfect base for a memorable and unique vacation in Norway any time of the year.

You'll learn more fascinating facts about Molde as you explore this spectacular town.

Traveling to Molde is especially rewarding for anyone eager to connect with locals and learn more about their unique culture and traditions.

Get ready to explore and learn more about the town of Molde below!

History of Molde

Molde, a city in Norway, boasts a rich and fascinating history. The city was officially established in 1742, but its roots stretch back to the Middle Ages. Molde gained prominence during the 15th century when it became a crucial trading post.

The city surprisingly thrived during the 16th and 17th centuries, despite the socio-economic challenges of the time, attributed to its strategic coastal location and prosperous herring fisheries.

Molde was almost entirely destroyed during World War II, specifically during the German bombing in April 1940. However, the resilient city was rebuilt and emerged stronger than ever, maintaining its reputation as the 'Town of Roses' due to its abundant rose gardens.

Today, Molde is known for its stunning natural beauty, including the panoramic view of 222 mountain peaks across the fjord, and its thriving cultural scene, playing host to an annual international jazz festival. This layered history adds depth to Molde's charm, making it a must-visit destination for history buffs and nature lovers alike.

Top services in Molde

Here on this page, you'll find all the top travel services in Molde, Norway. Check out the cheapest and most popular flights offered by 274 airlines that fly to Norway. Compare the rates and services of the 5 types of places to stay in Molde and the 2 car rental companies offering CDW insurance coverage. We make it easy for you to find and book the top services in Molde.

Enjoy the convenience of planning and booking every detail of your trip to Molde, including flights, accommodations, activities, and more, in one place. Book with Guide to Europe to get an expertly-curated and fully-customizable itinerary and experience the best of Molde on your vacation in Norway.

Get answers to questions about the routes and services offered in Molde from our free 24/7 customer support. Continue reading to learn how you can enjoy a stress-free and memorable vacation in the town of Molde!

Best time to visit Molde

The best time to explore Molde, Norway largely depends on your preference for weather and crowd levels. The summer months, from June to August, offer the most favorable weather conditions, with average highs around 18°C (64°F) and longer daylight hours, making it ideal for outdoor activities. This is also the time of Molde International Jazz Festival, a globally recognized event held in July, which attracts a large number of tourists. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to May) and fall (September to October). While the weather is cooler and the daylight hours shorter, these periods offer lesser crowds and lower prices. Winter (November to March) is cold and dark, yet it presents an opportunity to experience the Northern Lights, a breathtaking spectacle. Regardless of when you decide to visit, Molde is a destination that offers unique experiences all year round.

Local tip for visiting Molde

One insider tip that locals often share with visitors to Molde, a city renowned for its stunning natural beauty, is to visit during the annual Molde International Jazz Festival. While many visitors come to Molde to marvel at its panoramic mountain views and beautiful gardens, few know that it also hosts one of the oldest jazz festivals in Europe. The festival, held every July, sees the entire city come alive with music, culture, and festivities. The locals recommend booking your trip to coincide with this event not just for the world-class music, but also to experience the unique atmosphere it creates. Streets are filled with food stalls, impromptu performances, and vibrant decorations, making it a feast for all senses. Remember, the festival is popular, so book your accommodations in advance. This insider tip will let you experience Molde like a local and create unforgettable memories.

Learn more about Norway

There are many reasons to visit the town of Molde, but a trip to Norway needs no explanation.

Exploring Norway, which spans 385,207 square kilometers, is an adventure of a lifetime. Norway offers an abundance of truly magical places to discover, including cultural, historic, and scenic sites of significant value to both locals and travelers.

As the home country of many world-famous attractions like the spectacular Romsdal Museum, Molde Panorama, and the Mardalsfossen, you’re all set for a unique and memorable travel experience in Norway.

Click or tap the link below to discover more about Norway.

What to see in Molde

Molde has something for everyone. Regardless of age and interest, travelers have the best time exploring every corner of the town.

Read on to discover the best places to visit and find out what to expect from the town of Molde.

Top attractions in Molde

Home to plenty of top attractions, Molde is more than just a wonderful town in Norway. Molde is a travel hotspot and a great place to experience a mix of the traditional and modern culture of Norway.

One fascinating sight in Molde is the unforgettable Romsdal Museum. Considered one of the most well-known attractions in the town, a visit to this spectacular travel destination is something you shouldn’t miss on your trip to Molde.

For more information about what you can expect during a vacation in Norway, check out our list of top attractions in Molde below. Discover the best places to visit in Molde, including the fascinating Romsdal Museum, Molde Panorama, Mardalsfossen, and Molde Cathedral.

Map of attractions

Use this map to find the location of all top attractions in Molde.

Things to do in Molde

Enrich your travel experience in Molde by joining tours and activities. Molde offers an exciting selection of top-rated tours and it's easy for every traveler to find something to their liking. Take the opportunity to catch the top attractions on a tour, stay active with an adventurous excursion, or learn something new about the local history or culture of the town.

Discover the most popular experiences in Molde below.

Search for things to do in Molde

Discover the best things to do in Molde.

Select your dates and number of travelers in the search bar below to receive the best recommendations for your vacation in Molde. Click the green button to view your options.

What to eat in Molde

Molde, often referred to as the 'City of Roses', offers a delightful array of culinary experiences. One of the best places to eat in Molde is the downtown district, where you'll find a variety of eateries ranging from cozy cafes, street food to high-end restaurants. Here, you can sample traditional dishes like Klippfisk (clipfish), Raspeballer (potato dumplings), and Fenalår (salted, dried, and cured leg of lamb). The seafood in Molde is particularly noteworthy with fresh fish and shellfish dominating the menus. For a fine dining experience, consider a visit to the renowned Fjordstua Restaurant, where you can savor local delicacies with a modern twist, while enjoying panoramic views of the fjord and mountains. For a more casual setting, the Molde Torget market area is a hub for food trucks and stalls offering local street food. We recommend trying the Rømmegrøt, a sour cream porridge often served with cured meats. When planning your culinary journey, remember that Norwegians usually have dinner early, around 4-5 pm, so adjust your schedule accordingly.

Best shopping in Molde

Molde, often dubbed as the 'City of Roses', has more to offer than just its breathtaking natural beauty. It is also the best place to go shopping in Molde, where you can find a unique mix of traditional Norwegian craftsmanship and modern fashion. Start your shopping trip at the Molde Storsenter, the city’s largest shopping mall, housing over 50 stores offering a wide selection of clothing, accessories, and homeware. Don't miss out on visiting the local boutiques along Storgata, the city's main shopping street, where you can find everything from high-end fashion to handmade crafts.

For a more traditional shopping experience, explore the charming markets such as the Molde Market which hosts local vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, and traditional Norwegian crafts. Be sure to buy a hand-knitted Norwegian sweater or locally crafted silver jewelry as a souvenir of your trip. Most shops in Molde are open from 10 am to 8 pm from Monday to Friday, and from 10 am to 6 pm on Saturdays, giving you ample time to explore and shop at your leisure. Happy shopping!

Best free things to do in Molde

Despite being one of Norway's most picturesque cities, many of the best free things to do in Molde remain a hidden gem. Start your adventure at the Molde International Jazz Festival, where you can soak up the lively atmosphere and enjoy free street performances. Next, head to the Romsdal Museum, a sprawling open-air museum showcasing traditional Norwegian architecture. Although there's a charge for indoor exhibits, strolling around the outdoor area is completely free. For nature lovers, the Varden Viewpoint offers breathtaking panoramas of the fjords, mountains, and the city. A short hike will lead you to this vista point, rewarding you with these spectacular views. Lastly, don't forget to explore Moldemarka, a large outdoor area with numerous trails for hiking, cycling, and skiing. With its serene lakes and dense forests, it's a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. These are just a few ways to enjoy Molde's rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty without spending a penny.

Vacation packages in Molde

The best and easiest way to visit Molde is by booking a vacation package. A vacation package includes everything you need for a worry-free and perfectly planned holiday in Norway.

Booking a vacation package to Molde means spending less time planning and more time enjoying your vacation. A vacation package includes everything from flight tickets, accomodation, and a rental car, to 24/7 personal travel support and a carefully planned travel itinerary. You can also take your vacation in Molde to the next level by adding tours, tickets, and activities to each day of your trip.

Apart from providing you with everything you need to travel comfortably, your vacation package to Molde is also fully customizable. In other words, you can add or remove services at your own convenience, to create the perfect vacation for you and your travel companions.

On our website, you will find unique vacation packages to Molde, including flight tickets, hotel reservations, and recommendations for the best sightseeing spots, restaurants, bars, and activities.

Continue to the next section to learn more about what types of vacations you can book in the town of Molde.

Find vacation packages in Molde

Discover and compare vacation packages that take you to the wonderful town of Molde.

The best flights, hotels, and activities in Molde get fully booked quickly. Use the search tool below to find the best vacation packages in Norway. Your customized holiday package to Molde is only a few clicks away!

How to get to Molde

To get to the town of Molde the fastest way possible, travelers from outside Norway can travel by plane. International travelers can fly to Molde by booking flights with any of the 2 airlines that offer direct flights to Molde , Årø airport. Some airlines that operate flights to Molde , Årø airport are Air China, Ryanair, Norwegian, United Airlines, and Turkish Airlines. Go to this page to compare all flights to Molde.

To reach the town of Molde, travelers can choose from various airport transfer options available at Molde , Årø airport.

If you're looking for the best flight ticket deals to Molde, knowing the cheapest travel time and which airlines offer the most affordable flights is helpful. Luckily, we have this information for you. Discover more about the cheapest and most popular flights to Molde , Årø airport and Molde below.

Find cheap flights to Molde

Over the years, more airlines have started offering flexible and direct flights to Molde, making it one of the most accessible travel destinations in Norway. However, it is usually cheaper to fly to Molde, Norway, in May.

The cheapest one-way flight to Molde costs around 56 EUR and is offered by the airline Norwegian.

The cheapest round-trip flights to Molde cost approximately 2273 EUR in total. The departure flight leaves on July 11 and the return flight is scheduled on July 5. The flight time is around 37 hours per way.

The return flight is operated by Oslo Airport, Gardermoen.

Use the search tool below to find the cheapest flights to Norway and the town of Molde from your city of departure.

Popular flights to Molde

Travelers visiting Molde in Norway can fly to Molde , Årø airport directly from 1121 destinations worldwide.

The three most popular routes to Molde , Årø airport and the town of Molde in Norway depart from Norman Manley International airport in Kingston, Jamaica, Sydney airport in Sydney, Australia, and Keflavík International airport in Reykjavik, Iceland.

Travelers can fly to Norway by choosing from from 4 weekly flight(s) from Kingston; from 3 weekly flight(s) from Sydney; and from 2 weekly flight(s) from Reykjavik.

The airline that operates most flights to Norway is Cambodia Airways. Cambodia Airways offers 8 scheduled flight routes to Norway.

Discover the most popular flights to Molde below. Click to view flights to Molde, Norway from destinations all across the globe.

Where to stay in Molde

An essential factor to consider when traveling to a new place or country is accommodation. While visiting a town as fantastic as Molde is always exciting, any avid traveler knows that accommodations often make or break the vacation experience.

The best place to stay in Molde usually depends on travelers' needs and preferences. However, booking accommodation in downtown Molde offers a ton of benefits.

Staying at the heart of the town allows you to easily walk to many of the top sights and dining areas in Molde and cut down on your travel expenses. Centrally-located accommodations are also an excellent choice for travelers in Molde planning to go on a quick tour or drive to the neighboring regions.

In Molde, you'll find 5 different types of places to stay catering to every taste, budget, and reason for travel. For example, honeymooners or travelers on a romantic getaway in Norway can experience the ultimate relaxation at one of the 5-star or 4-star hotels in Molde. Travelers whose purpose is sightseeing can also find plenty of mid-range hotels to budget-friendly accommodations in the town, allowing access to many of the top attractions in Molde.

Learn more about the most popular places to stay and the top-rated hotels in Molde in the next sections.

Popular types of accommodation in Molde

A trip to the fascinating Molde, Norway, means opportunities to relax at any of the 5 different types of places to stay in the town. Overall, travelers can choose from the following: 49 cottages, 46 hotels, 21 vacation rental apartments, 2 hostels and 0 guesthouses. While each type offers varying amenities and rates, there is no denying that Molde provides a great selection of lodging options ready to cater to every kind of guest.

Among all these choices available in the town, Setnes Feriesenter is one of the top picks of travelers in Molde.

The hotel is located at Setnes and boasts many great utilities, including Family rooms, Garden, and Sauna.

Budget accommodations are also incredibly popular among travelers in Molde. Cheaper alternatives allow travelers to save on accommodation costs and have more to spend on other experiences.

In Molde, travelers looking for an economical yet top-rated place to stay usually choose Lesjaskogvatnet Camping. For approximately 66 EUR, guests can book a comfortable Double Room at this popular hotel.

Below is a list of all 5 different types of places to stay in Molde. Select the type you prefer to compare options under each category and find the best accommodation.

Top hotels in Molde

Hotels are travelers' go-to accommodations in Molde for the unique experience they provide. So if you're the kind of traveler who prefers staying at hotels, you'll be glad to know that the town is home to around 120 hotels.

Besides offering basic amenities, many hotels in Molde provide meals and extras, such as shuttle services, spa facilities, tour desks, and other services. But because not all hotels in Molde are created equal, finding the best in the town often requires careful research. For your convenience, we've done all the research to make it easier for you to check out all the top hotels in Molde.

If comfort, convenience, and affordability are your non-negotiables, check out Scandic Alexandra Molde, the top 4-star hotel in the town. When all you need is a pleasant place to rest and sleep in between your activities in Molde, the highest-rated 3-star hotel, Trædal Hotel, is for you.

Below is our hand-picked list of the best hotels in the Molde. Travelers are encouraged to book early as these hotels quickly reach capacity.

Click the arrows or swipe the list to see each hotel's ratings, reviews, locations, rates, and more. You can read detailed descriptions of each hotel by clicking the cards.

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Search for accommodation in Molde

Use the Accommodation Search tool below to find available stays in the town of Molde on specific dates. This handy feature also allows you to compare prices and amenities.

Enter the preferred check-in and check-out dates. Then, select the number of guests and rooms. Click the Search button to find all the available hotels and places to stay in the town of Molde that match the information provided.

Car rental in Molde

Experience the freedom and convenience of a self-drive vacation by renting a car for your adventures in Molde. Molde has 2 car rental companies ready to provide you with the perfect vehicle for your travels.

Automatic cars for rent in Molde start from 53.24 EUR per day or 372.71 EUR per week. The cheapest automatic rental car is a Toyota Yaris.

If you prefer driving a manual car, you’ll find multiple options for rent in Molde, starting from 73.01 EUR per day or 511.05 EUR per week. The cheapest manual rental car is a Toyota Aygo.

Learn more about the different types of cars you can rent in Molde, Norway, below.

Popular types of car rental in Molde

Discover and choose from our broad range of popular car rental options in the town of Molde to find the best car for your travel plans. Travelers in Molde can choose from small cars, medium cars, large cars, estate cars, mini vans, SUVs, convertibles, premium cars, camper vans, mini campers, vans, cars. All car rentals come with CDW insurance for added protection throughout your trip.

Renting a car is a popular choice among travelers who want to explore Norway at their own pace. The most popular type of car rental among small groups of travelers in Molde is a TopLevel.

Another very popular type of car to rent in Molde is a TopLevel. This car is particularly popular among couples and solo travelers touring the town of Molde.

Check out all options available in Molde and book the car rental for your upcoming adventures in Norway below.

Search for car rental in Molde

Get ready to hit the road and explore the beautiful town of Molde. Find the best deals on a variety of popular car rentals in Molde, Norway, or any other destination in Europe by using the search tool below.

Enter your pick-up and drop-off location, driver's age, and dates. Click the green button to view your options.

Transportation in Molde

Molde, Norway provides a variety of efficient and reliable transportation options. The city's public transit system, primarily operated by FRAM, offers an extensive network of buses that cover the city and its outskirts. The buses run frequently, and schedules are easily accessible online.

Taxis are another convenient way to get around Molde. Several companies, including Molde Taxi, offer reliable service around the clock. Rates are standardized and meters are used to calculate fares.

For those who prefer the freedom of self-driving, numerous car rental agencies, such as Hertz, Avis, and Sixt, are available at the airport and in the city. These provide an array of vehicles to choose from, catering to different needs and budgets.

For a unique local experience, consider taking a ferry ride across the beautiful Romsdalsfjord. This not only provides a mode of transportation, but also offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. Molde is also known for its cycling routes, making bike rentals a popular choice among tourists looking to explore the city at their own pace.

Popular destinations to visit after Molde

The town of Molde is just one of the many unique and scenic destinations you can visit in Norway. So if you're itching for another cultural adventure, a relaxing road trip, an action-filled city break, or a memorable weekend getaway, know that Norway has it all.

Norway is calling, and the country is asking you to experience its culture and diversity to the fullest! Take the opportunity to visit other captivating places in Norway that are as magical as the town of Molde. The most popular travel destinations in Norway are listed below. Click on the name of the place you want to explore next to learn more about it.

All the best destinations in Norway

When unsure of where to go next, use the map below. This map shows the locations of all the best destinations in Norway. Use the map to plan your trip and find the best routes.

Domestic flights from Molde

A taste of Norway through a visit to Molde can often reignite a traveler's passion for adventure. When this happens, the best way to satisfy this wanderlust is to book a domestic flight from Molde to another remarkable destination in Norway.

To begin your search for the best or cheapest flights from the town of Molde to other spectacular locations in Norway, jump to the last section of this travel guide.

Popular domestic flights from Molde

Travelers in Norway can catch flights to domestic airports in Bergen, and Oslo. Domestic flights in Norway are operated by 2 airlines: Widerøe, and Norwegian. There are around 2 scheduled flight routes operating to Molde on a weekly basis.

From Molde, travelers can book scheduled flights to 2 domestic destinations.

Search domestic flights from Molde

Traveling to another city or region in Norway? Use the flight search tool below to quickly find the cheapest one-way or round-trip flights from Molde to different local destinations.

Enter all the necessary information and click or tap on the Search button to see a list of the available domestic flights in Norway on the selected dates.

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