The 4 Most Amazing Peaks around Molde

For easily accessible panoramic views, Varden is Molde's local mountain and most famous viewpoint. It offers a fantastic panoramic view of the city, the Romsdalsfjord, its islands, and the famed 222 mountain peaks. You can reach the summit by foot (about an hour from the city center via the 'Green Corridor'), bus, car, or a 15-minute shuttle service.

Yes, several peaks offer family-friendly options. Varden is very accessible for families, with options to drive or take a shuttle. For a slightly longer hike, the trail up to Trollvatnet on Skåla is suitable for families, though some parts of the path further up Skåla can be more challenging.

For experienced hikers seeking a challenge, Tarløysa – ascent over the ridge offers a distinct and challenging summit climb. Additionally, Blånebba provides spectacular panoramic views and can be particularly challenging if combined with the Romsdalseggen ridge, offering an exceptional ridge crossing experience.

The best time for hiking in the Molde mountains is generally during the late spring, summer, and early autumn months (May to September) when trails are clear of snow and weather conditions are more stable. For challenging climbs like Romsdalshorn, late summer is often recommended. Some peaks, like Skåla and Blånebba, are also popular for ski touring in winter and spring, requiring good skiing skills and avalanche risk assessment.

Skåla, formerly the highest mountain in Molde municipality, is renowned for offering one of the best 360-degree panoramic views from its top, encompassing towering mountains and the open sea. Blånebba also provides spectacular panoramic views of the Romsdalen valley, the Rauma river, the Trollveggen massif, and Romsdalshornet.

On your hikes, you can encounter diverse natural features. The trail to Tusenårsvarden passes by Auduntjønna, a pond suitable for a refreshing dip on warm days. On Skåla, the trail often leads past Trollvatnet lake, a scenic spot perfect for pitching a tent. The region is also defined by its dramatic fjords and the impressive Molde Panorama, visible from many viewpoints.

Beyond hiking, the Molde region offers various outdoor activities. You can explore cycling routes, including scenic loops like the 'Scandic Seilet Hotel – View of Moldefjord loop'. For runners, there are numerous running trails, such as the 'View from Varden loop'. Road cyclists can also find challenging routes like the 'Skoften views loop'.

Tusenårsvarden, also known as The Millennium Cairn, is a popular hiking destination in the Moldemarka area. The trail to this peak passes by the historic Skihytta cabin, adding a touch of local history to your outdoor adventure.

Visitors consistently praise the fantastic and rewarding views from the summits. For example, Skarven (1048 m) Summit is highlighted for its 'fantastic views' and 'rewarding climb'. Similarly, the Torvbu Summit Cabin on Tarløysa is noted for its 'great view of the fjords and mountains'.

Yes, Romsdalshorn, though technically in Rauma Municipality, is an iconic peak often associated with the Molde region due to its prominence in the Romsdalen valley. It is known for its impressively steep flanks and is a popular mountain for climbing, with routes like 'Normalvegen' and 'Nordveggen'. It presents a significant challenge for climbers.

While many peaks are popular, Blånebba, especially when hiked independently or as part of the Romsdalseggen ridge, can offer a sense of achievement upon reaching its prestigious summit, often less frequented than the initial part of the ridge. It provides spectacular panoramic views of the Romsdalen valley and surrounding mountains.

Romsdalshorn, with its dramatic appearance and impressively steep flanks, is a popular subject for photography, especially from the Romsdalen, Åndalsnes, and Vengedalen areas. The panoramic views from Varden and Skåla also offer stunning photographic opportunities of the fjord, islands, and the Molde Panorama.