Molde

Molde, often called the City of Roses, is a scenic town on Norway’s west coast overlooking the Romsdalsfjord. It is known for its mild climate, panoramic viewpoints, and backdrop of snowcapped mountains. Cruise passengers arriving here will find a relaxed town atmosphere combined with access to nature, fjords, and cultural landmarks. The destination offers a mix of fjord landscapes, cultural experiences, and excursions into the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Cruise Docking Information

Cruise ships dock at Storkaia Pier, located in the center of Molde. It is a docking port, and passengers can easily walk into town within 5 minutes. Facilities near the pier include a tourist information office, shops, cafes, and excursion pick-up points. Molde is a moderately busy cruise port, welcoming thousands of passengers each year, but it retains a calm and organized atmosphere compared to larger Norwegian ports.

Transportation Options

• Walking – The town center and local attractions are within easy walking distance of the pier.
• Buses – Public buses connect Molde with nearby towns and attractions.
• Taxis and Rental Cars – Available at the pier for independent exploration of the Romsdal region.

Nearby destinations include Åndalsnes (56 km/35 miles, about 1 hour by car), a popular base for the Rauma Railway and the Trollstigen mountain road, and Kristiansund (75 km/46 miles, about 1 hour 20 minutes by car).

Main Attractions in Molde

• Molde Panorama – A famous viewpoint offering sights of 222 snowcapped peaks across the fjord.
• Romsdal Museum – One of Norway’s largest folk museums with traditional buildings and cultural exhibits.
• Molde Cathedral – A modern church with a striking freestanding bell tower.
• Varden Viewpoint – A hilltop lookout accessible by car or hike, offering wide fjord and mountain views.
• Molde Rose Garden – A peaceful park showcasing Molde’s reputation as the City of Roses.

Nearby touristic destinations

• Trollstigen – A famous mountain road with sharp hairpin bends and dramatic views, about 1.5 hours away.
• Atlantic Road – A scenic driving route with bridges over the ocean, about 1.5 hours by car.
• Åndalsnes – A hub for hiking and the starting point of the Rauma Railway, about 1 hour away.

Interesting Facts

• Molde hosts an international jazz festival each July, one of the oldest in Europe.
• The mild climate and sheltered location make it possible to grow roses far north in Norway.
• The Molde Panorama is one of the most photographed viewpoints in the country.

Geographical Position and Surroundings

Molde is located along the Romsdalsfjord in western Norway, surrounded by mountain peaks and forested hills. The climate is relatively mild for Norway’s latitude due to the Gulf Stream, with cool summers and snowy winters. The surrounding landscape features fjords, islands, and valleys that are easily accessible from the town.

Local Foods

• Klippfisk – Dried and salted cod, traditionally produced in the region.
• Rakfisk – Fermented trout, a unique Norwegian specialty.
• Waffles with Brunost – Served with the caramel-flavored brown cheese.
• Lamb dishes – Popular in the Romsdal region, often slow-cooked or grilled.
• Cloudberries – A rare fruit used in desserts and jams.

Destination secrets

• Take a walk along the Hjertøya Island Nature Trail, accessible by boat, for quiet seaside views.
• Visit the Molde International Jazz Festival if your ship calls in July for live performances across town.
• Explore lesser-known hiking routes in the Molde Hills, offering peaceful trails with fjord views.

Local Customs and Culture

Molde has a strong tradition of music, particularly jazz, and a cultural heritage tied to fishing and farming. Norwegians here value outdoor activities, and hiking is a popular pastime. Visitors will notice a relaxed pace of life and a welcoming atmosphere. Local events often celebrate nature, music, and regional cuisine.

Family-Friendly Activities

• Children up to 6 years old – Stroll through rose gardens and enjoy simple fjordside walks.
• Children between 7 and 12 – Visit the Romsdal Museum with open-air exhibits and farm animals.
• Teenagers aged 13 to 18 – Take a day trip to Åndalsnes for adventure hikes or explore the dramatic Trollstigen road.

Notice: Port information is specifically designed for cruise passengers visiting this destination. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we recommend that you verify critical information such as visas, health and safety, customs, and transportation with official sources before departure. Always familiarize yourself with safety aspects when visiting your destination. We have given some pointers under the information button in the main menu of this app. Please note that distances, travel times and pricing may have some inaccuracies or may be outdated. Content and travel advice presented is created by a port moderator and/or AI. A port moderator could be a local individual, destination expert, port authority, or a tourism agency. *