Molde travel guide

Molde, often referred to as the 'Town of Roses,' boasts a captivating history that dates back to the Middle Ages. Originating as a small settlement, Molde gained prominence in the 15th century due to its strategic coastal location, which facilitated trade and commerce. By the 18th century, Molde had evolved into a bustling center for the timber and fishing industries, attracting merchants and traders from far and wide.

The town's fortunes fluctuated during the 19th century, experiencing significant growth and modernization. This era saw the construction of charming wooden houses and the establishment of cultural institutions, cementing Molde's reputation as a picturesque and vibrant community. However, World War II brought devastation to Molde, with much of the town being destroyed by German bombings in 1940. Resilient as ever, the residents embarked on a determined rebuilding effort, resulting in the modern, thriving Molde we see today.

Molde's unique blend of historical richness and natural beauty makes it a must-visit destination. From its early days as a trading hub to its recovery post-World War II, Molde's history is a testament to the enduring spirit and resilience of its people.

Molde, often called the 'Town of Roses,' is known for its scenic beauty and warm-hearted locals. The town boasts a rich cultural scene, deeply influenced by its maritime heritage and stunning natural surroundings. Visitors should take note of the local custom of greeting strangers with a friendly 'hei' (hello) or 'god dag' (good day), showcasing the Norwegians' courteous and approachable nature.

One of the most significant cultural events in Molde is the annual Moldejazz Festival, which attracts visitors from around the world. This week-long celebration of jazz music is a testament to the town's vibrant cultural life and offers a unique opportunity to experience both international and local talent.

Norwegians, including those in Molde, highly value punctuality and personal space. It's customary to remove your shoes when entering someone's home, so be prepared with clean socks. Dining etiquette is also important; when invited to dine, always wait for the host to start eating before you dig in, and make sure to say 'takk for maten' (thanks for the food) at the end of the meal to show your appreciation.

Sundays are typically reserved for family and relaxation, and many shops and businesses may be closed. This day offers a perfect opportunity to enjoy the town's natural beauty through a hike or a peaceful stroll along the Romsdalsfjord. By respecting these customs, tourists can more fully engage with and appreciate the unique charm of Molde.

The best time to explore Molde, Norway is during the summer months, particularly from June to August. During this period, the weather is at its warmest, with temperatures ranging between 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F), making it ideal for outdoor activities. The longer daylight hours of the Midnight Sun provide ample opportunity to enjoy Molde’s scenic landscapes, fjords, and the famous Molde Panorama view of 222 mountain peaks.

Additionally, the Molde International Jazz Festival, held in mid-July, is a major highlight that attracts music enthusiasts from around the world. This event not only brings vibrant energy to the town but also offers a unique cultural experience. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher accommodation prices.

For those looking to avoid the crowds, late spring (May) and early autumn (September) are also good times to visit. The weather is still relatively mild, and you can enjoy the beautiful fall foliage or the blooming flowers of spring. These shoulder months provide a more tranquil experience while still offering plenty of activities and natural beauty.

For a truly immersive experience in Molde, locals recommend timing your visit to coincide with the annual Moldejazz festival, held every July. While the festival itself is widely known, our insider tip is to explore the smaller, more intimate venues scattered throughout the town. These hidden gems often feature impromptu performances by world-class musicians in cozy, atmospheric settings that you won't find on the main program. Additionally, consider taking a short hike up to Varden viewpoint in the early morning or late evening. This time of day not only offers the most stunning panoramic views of the Romsdal Alps and fjords but also a tranquil, crowd-free environment. Locals cherish these quiet moments as they provide a perfect opportunity to soak in the natural beauty without the hustle and bustle of daytime tourists.

On this page, you'll find all the top travel services in Molde, Norway. Enjoy the convenience of planning and booking every detail of your trip to Molde, including flights, accommodations, activities, and more, in one place.

Discover the cheapest and most popular flights offered by a variety of airlines that fly to Norway. Check out the best things to do in Molde. Compare the rates and services of the 6 types of stays and 2 car rental companies offering CDW insurance coverage.

Experience the best of Molde with an expertly curated and fully customizable itinerary. Get answers to questions about the routes and services offered in Molde from our free 24/7 customer support. We make it easy for you to find and book every detail of your trip to Molde with this travel guide.

Continue reading this Molde travel guide to learn how you can enjoy a stress-free and memorable vacation in the town of Molde!

With destinations such as Molde, a trip to Norway needs no further explanation. Spanning over 385,207 square kilometers, Norway is an expansive playground of discovery, offering a wealth of diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and captivating experiences awaiting exploration. From bustling metropolises to historic towns and modern urban hubs, Norway has something to enchant every traveler.

In Molde alone, travelers are spoiled for choice with an array of experiences and world-famous attractions such as Molde Panorama, Romsdal Museum, and Molde Cathedral. Thus, a trip to Norway becomes essential. Whether you're drawn to historical sites, natural wonders, or vibrant cultural experiences, Norway offers an abundance of treasures waiting to be discovered.

There's so much to explore and uncover in Norway. Click or tap the link below to discover more about Norway and its offers.

Expect an exhilarating journey through Molde, a haven brimming with attractions to suit every traveler’s taste. From historical landmarks to natural wonders, and delectable cuisine, Molde offers an abundance of experiences waiting to be discovered. Dive into this ultimate Molde travel guide to uncover must-visit spots and get the scoop on what makes the town so special.

International travelers can fly to Molde by booking flights with Norwegian and Widerøe, offering flights to Molde Airport and Årø Airport. From the arrival airport, travelers can choose from various public and private transfer options to Molde.

For those seeking the best flight ticket deals to Molde, knowing the cheapest travel times and which airlines offer the most affordable flights is helpful. Luckily, we provide this information to help you discover the cheapest and most popular flights to 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 accommodations in central Molde offers a ton of benefits.

Staying in 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 6 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 luxury hotels in Molde. Travelers whose purpose is sightseeing can also find plenty of mid-range and budget-friendly hotels 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 following sections.

To navigate Molde effortlessly, renting a car is an excellent choice. With your own wheels, you can explore every nook and cranny of the destination without relying on public transportation and even venture off the beaten path. On our website, you'll discover a selection of over 2 car rental companies in Molde, ready to provide you with the perfect vehicle for your travels.

Automatic cars for rent in Molde start at 39 EUR per day or 274 EUR per week. The cheapest automatic rental car is a Volkswagen Id.3. If you prefer driving a manual car, you'll find multiple options for rent in Molde, starting at 49 EUR per day or 340 EUR per week. The cheapest manual rental car is a Toyota Yaris.

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

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.

Each destination in Norway offers something unique to experience! 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.

Molde, known as the 'City of Roses', offers a variety of transportation options to help visitors navigate its scenic landscapes and vibrant city life. The city is served by an efficient public bus system operated by Fram, connecting key points within Molde and extending to nearby towns and attractions. Buses are a cost-effective and convenient way to explore the area.

For those seeking flexibility, several car rental agencies are available, allowing visitors to enjoy the freedom to explore at their own pace. Rental cars are ideal for venturing into the picturesque surroundings, including the famous Atlantic Road and the dramatic Romsdalen valley.

Taxis are readily available throughout Molde, providing a comfortable and direct mode of transportation. They can be hailed on the street, booked via phone, or through mobile apps.

Molde also offers unique local transportation experiences such as ferries that connect to the nearby islands and coastal areas, granting passengers breathtaking views of the fjords and mountains. Whether using public transit, renting a car, or hopping on a ferry, getting around Molde is straightforward and enjoyable.

Experience the authentic charm of Norway by expanding your travels beyond the boundaries of Molde. Explore other destinations around Norway with a domestic flight. A domestic flight is typically a short-haul flight, with the longest duration not exceeding two hours. To find the best flights from Molde to other amazing locations in Norway, add the required details below and select 'Search' to view the best domestic flights in Norway for your chosen dates. You can also jump to the last section of this travel guide to find the most popular domestic flights from Molde.