A stunning day trip in Norway, Molde in summer 2025

Varden (404 m.a.s.l./1,325 ft), Tusenåsvarden (523 m.a.s.l./1715 ft), and Frænavarden (584 m.a.s.l./1916 ft) offer captivating hiking experiences just a short distance from Molde city center in Norway. Ascending to elevations of around 400-600 meters above sea level, these hikes boast stunning panoramic views of Molde fjord and the city itself. The awe-inspiring Molde panoramic view encompasses more than 222 majestic mountain tops situated on the opposite side of the fjord, spanning distances of 15 to 40 kilometers (9,3-24,9 mi) to the south, creating a breathtaking vista of Norway's scenic beauty. A cherished tourist attraction for over 150 years, the Molde panorama continues to captivate visitors with its timeless natural beauty. The trails, with a usual completion time of 2-5 hours, meander through picturesque landscapes adorned with stunning mountain lakes, inviting hikers to enjoy a refreshing swim in the chilly yet invigorating waters. For those with extra time, a longer walk from the city unveils Molde's charm with its well-maintained private houses and parks.

Troll Church, 484 m.a.s.l./1587 ft consists of three exciting limestone and marble grottos with underground streams and a beautiful waterfall. On the surface, to the west of the uppermost grotto, there is a lake with white marble "jetties". Following a hike to the caves and a lakeside lunch, you have the delightful option to take a dip in a rejuvenating mountain lake or swim out to the white marble "jetties" nestled in the center of the lake. The mountain behind the Trolls' Church is very distinctive, with jagged points and spires. Sometimes we hike only to the caves and lake but with real adventurers, we will hike further over the mountain ridge (Sandnestindan 832 m.a.s.l./2746 ft) and make a loop back to the cave. Embarking on this hike requires being in good physical condition and having the courage to navigate challenging terrain, ensuring a rewarding experience for those unafraid of heights.

Jendemsfjellet, 633 m.a.s.l./2076 ft is a mountain near Molde, only 20-30 min. driving distance. Unlike many mountaintops in Norway that boast spectacular views over fjords and mountains on one side, Jendemsfjellet offers a unique experience with a 360-degree panorama, providing breathtaking vistas over fjords, mountains, islands, and the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. You have the option to choose between a shorter or longer hike, spanning 3-7 km (1.8-4.3 miles), and along the way, indulge in the delightful experience of picking and eating fresh blueberries.

Sjurvarden and Atlantic Road trip. The Atlantic Road has National Tourist Route status, and the entire stretch between Bud and Kristiansund is one continuous experience packed with coastal scenery, culture, and history. The road that crosses this “infamous stretch of the ocean” was hailed as the world’s best road trip by the British newspaper The Guardian in 2006. The 8.3 km (5 miles) road, with 8 bridges of a total length of 891 meters, is built on several small islands and skerries and is spanned by eight bridges and several landfills. Sjurvarden, 667 m.a.s.l./2188 ft is the mountain that stretches out to the sea, giving a powerful view of Hustadvika, the Atlantic Ocean, and the coastal landscape from Sunnmøre in the west and Smøla on Nordmøre in the north.

Trollstiegen or the Troll ladder/road is a famous mountain road with narrow curves and sharp hairpin bends. The road has 11 hairpin curves and an elevation of 850 m/2788 ft. Every bend has its name. The road is narrow with a gradient of 9 % but passing pockets have been incorporated and traffic normally flows without a problem. An impressive bridge of natural stone carries it across the Stigfossen waterfall, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Norway. Stigfossen is an unregulated and powerful waterfall with a total height of 240 m, from which 180 m is almost a single drop. You have the flexibility to either drive to the summit and embark on a shorter or more extended walk, or choose to walk the entire way up – the choice is yours. The ascent on foot is not only safe and scenic but also offers a unique experience, allowing you to revel in the beauty of the surroundings and feel the refreshing spray from the waterfall, a testament to the awe-inspiring power of nature along the journey.

Romsdalseggen is for advanced hikers. It takes 6-10 hours to hike over the mountain ridge. During your trip, you have a fantastic viewing arena with views over the mountains and the most distinctive peaks. The hike is 10 km (6,2 miles) long, and the height difference is about 970 meters/3182 ft. It is airy, but a breathtaking experience standing on top of the ridge. People with a mild degree of fear of heights will, with a good companion to lean on, manage to get through the toughest part of the hike. On one side of the mountain descent path, a convenient gondola lift awaits, providing a comfortable transport option for children, individuals unable to walk independently, or those with a fear of heights, allowing them to reach an elevated point. Here, they can stroll, relish the panoramic views, dine at the restaurant or café, and patiently await the return of fellow hikers venturing over the precipice. Click here to read more information and buy tickets for the gondola.

Litlefjellet, 790 m.a.s.l./2591 ft, is a great and very light version of Romsdalseggen. The Litlefjellet hike offers a quick yet rewarding adventure, taking only around 20-60 minutes but providing a stunning panoramic view overlooking the Rauma River at the base of the valley and the impressive TrollWall. With minimal effort required, this hike is suitable for all ages, making it an ideal choice for families and those seeking maximum scenic beauty with minimal time commitment. Click here to read a blog post about this hike.

Mardalsfossen is Northern Europe`s highest waterfall, with 297 m/974 ft free fall, a total of 655 m/2148 ft. You can go right up to the waterfall and get a decent shower. It is not so much hiking to the waterfall, it is a nice walk and suitable for people who are not so fit or for your lazy days. But driving more up to Aursjøvegen there are several 180-degree hairpin turns and dramatic nature that might take your breath away. The trip from the fertile Eikesdalen valley, with steep mountains on each side, up to the high mountains with their open and magnificent landscape is beautiful. Mardalsfossen trip is available only from June 20-August 20 but driving Aursjøvegen is possible from June until September.

Accommodation is not included in the price

The lunch includes fruits like bananas and apples, a cheese sandwich, a granola bar, and water.

Varden, Tusenårsvarden, Frænavarden
Short trip- half-day 2-4 hrs 790 NOK per person

Jendemsfjellet, Troll Church
4-5 hrs 1290 NOK per person

Sandnestindan with Troll Church; Romsdalseggen; Sjurvarden & Atlantic Road; Trollstiegen; Mardalsfossen; Litlefjellet; Aursjøvegen
Whole day trip (5-10 hrs) 1790 NOK per person

• A reservation requires a deposit of 50% of the price
• The deposit is fully refundable if the booking is canceled up to 30 days before the arrival date
• The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival

• Bank transfer
• PayPal,  Debit or credit card (an additional charge of 3,8 % of the transferred amount will be charged)
• Wise
• Cash

• Transportation
• Guided hiking
• Pick up and drop off from your accommodation in Molde
• Personal attention, motivation, care, and enthusiasm
• Lunch package and water

• Airfare
• Insurance
• Walking sticks

The weather in Norway may change rapidly.

What to bring and wear:

• Backpack
• Waterbottle
• Wind- and waterproof jacket
• Warm cardigan
• Comfortable outdoor shoes or boots
• Hiking socks
• Sunglasses and sunscreen

Discover our weekend, five and seven days retreats here.

The Youtube video of hiking onTrolltindene is here

You can read the feedback given to us on Tripadvisor here

The currency in Norway is Norwegian Krone (NOK).