Molde is known for its panoramic mountain views, beautiful fjord setting and one of Europe’s longest-running jazz festivals. Often called the "Town of Roses" for its blooming summer gardens, Molde is a small city with a big personality — balancing outdoor adventure with artistic flair and laid-back coastal charm.
Whether you're gazing across 222 mountain peaks, catching a live concert by the fjord or ferry-hopping through serene waterways, here are 10 unforgettable experiences that show exactly what Molde is known for.
1. Molde Panorama
The most iconic feature of Molde is its sweeping mountain view — known locally as the Molde Panorama. From the city’s hilltop viewpoints, you can see across the Romsdalsfjord to an unbroken horizon of snow-capped peaks. On clear days, it’s said you can count 222 different summits.
The best place to experience this view is from the Varden viewpoint, about 400 meters above sea level. A scenic hike or short drive brings you to a panoramic terrace with coin-operated telescopes and interpretive signs that name each visible mountain. It’s one of the top things to do in Molde, especially at sunset.
2. Moldejazz Festival
Molde is known across Europe for Moldejazz, one of the oldest and most respected jazz festivals on the continent. Held every July since 1961, the weeklong event transforms the city into a musical playground, with over 100 concerts performed in venues ranging from concert halls to street corners.
Big names like Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea and Diana Krall have graced the lineup, but the festival also supports emerging Scandinavian talent. Even if you’re not a jazz aficionado, the atmosphere — open-air stages, spontaneous jam sessions and rivers of people — is electrifying.
3. Romsdalsfjord
Molde’s entire personality is shaped by its location on the Romsdalsfjord — a vast, tranquil fjord flanked by steep hills and dotted with islands. Boat tours are one of the most relaxing ways to explore the area, with options that range from leisurely sightseeing cruises to kayaking excursions.
Ferry rides from Molde to nearby towns like Vestnes and Åndalsnes offer incredible views, while fishing trips let you cast a line for cod, mackerel or even halibut. Whether you’re on the water or watching from shore, the fjord is never far from view.
4. The Atlantic Road
Just under an hour’s drive from Molde, the Atlantic Road (Atlanterhavsveien) is considered one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world. This architectural marvel links a string of islands and islets with sweeping bridges that curve over open sea — a dream route for road-trippers, photographers and drone pilots.
On stormy days, waves crash dramatically beneath the bridges. On sunny days, the sea is glassy and dotted with fishing boats. It’s easy to visit on a half-day trip from Molde, making it one of the most popular things to do in the area.
5. Rose Gardens & Green Spaces
Molde earned its nickname “The Town of Roses” for good reason — its streets, parks and gardens bloom with thousands of rose bushes throughout the summer. You’ll find floral displays throughout the city, especially near the town hall and along the walking paths that hug the coast.
The Romsdal Museum Garden is another lovely spot to unwind among flowers, fountains and historical buildings. Visiting Molde in late June or July? You’ll be welcomed with fragrant air and colorful blooms everywhere you go.
6. Romsdal Museum
The Romsdalsmuseet is one of Norway’s largest and most engaging folk museums, showcasing traditional buildings and cultural artifacts from the Romsdal region. Located just outside the city center, the open-air museum includes more than 40 historic structures — from farmhouses and fishing cabins to stave churches and townhouses.
Inside the main exhibit hall, you’ll find rotating displays on regional art, music and history. Live demonstrations and costumed guides help bring Norway’s rural past to life. It’s one of the best things to do in Molde for visitors interested in culture and heritage.
7. Day Trips to Åndalsnes
From Molde, one of the best day trips you can take is to Åndalsnes — a small mountain town at the head of the Romsdalen Valley. It’s about 90 minutes away by car or bus, with spectacular views along the way.
Once there, you can hike the famous Romsdalseggen Ridge, take the scenic Rauma Railway to Dombås or ride the Romsdal Gondola up to Nesaksla for jaw-dropping views of the valley and fjord below. Åndalsnes is also a launch point for adventurers tackling Trollveggen, Europe’s tallest vertical rock wall.
8. Local Food & Seafood
Molde is known for its fresh seafood, especially cod, mussels and shrimp caught in nearby fjords. Local restaurants along the harbor serve beautifully plated dishes that highlight regional ingredients — often paired with panoramic views.
Try a bowl of fiskesuppe (Norwegian fish soup), grilled arctic char or a reindeer steak with root vegetables. For dessert, you might find cloudberries or rhubarb pie made with fruit grown just up the coast. Dining here is both hearty and elegant — a reflection of Norway’s modern cuisine rooted in tradition.
9. Island Hopping & Coastal Villages
Molde is surrounded by a scattering of small islands, many of which are reachable by ferry or kayak. Places like Hjertøya, an island just a few minutes away by boat, offer hiking trails, swimming spots and quiet beaches ideal for a picnic with a view.
During the summer, you can visit the Fisherman’s Museum on Hjertøya, which showcases traditional coastal life. Other islands, like Sekken and Ona (a bit farther out), are great for exploring slower-paced village life, lighthouses and remote scenic beauty.
10. Molde Cathedral & Town Center
The city center of Molde is compact and walkable, filled with cozy cafés, shops and cultural centers. The Molde Cathedral, with its distinctive freestanding bell tower, is one of the town’s most recognizable landmarks. Built in 1957, it replaced an earlier church destroyed during WWII bombings, and reflects the city’s post-war resilience.
Nearby, you’ll find pedestrian streets lined with boutiques, bookstores and bakeries. The local library and culture house often host concerts, readings and art exhibitions. Even a quiet walk along the waterfront promenade reveals much of what Molde is known for: beauty, calm and connection to the sea.
What is Molde Known For?
Molde is known for its panoramic mountain views, fjordside festivals and deep connection to nature and Norwegian tradition. From watching the sun dip behind 222 peaks to swaying to jazz on a summer night, the best things to do in Molde offer a blend of scenery, serenity and cultural charm.
Whether you’re hiking trails with fjord views, road-tripping the Atlantic coast or simply smelling roses in the city park, Molde leaves you feeling refreshed and inspired — just like the Norwegian landscape that surrounds it.
