Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Belgium
Denmark
Spain
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Italy
Luxembourg
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Sweden
Switzerland
Viewpoint · Molde, Møre e Romsdal
Varden
The viewpoint on the hill behind Molde, about 400 metres up, with the panorama of 222 Romsdal peaks on the far side of the fjord; access by trail from the town centre or by road.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Varden
Varden is the hill behind Molde’s centre, about 400 metres in elevation, and the spot from which you view the Moldepanoramaet, the Molde panorama. From the viewpoint the view opens to the Romsdalsfjord and the row of mountains on the far side, where you can count 222 peaks, many with snow until early summer, including the Romsdal peaks near Åndalsnes.
Below you can see the town, the harbour, the fjord’s islands and, to the west, the sea. There is a restaurant and café at the top with a terrace, and signs identifying the main peaks. The route also passes lakes and birch woods used by locals for hikes and cross-country skiing in winter.
The hike starts from the town centre and takes about an hour on waymarked trails, with a steady ascent. By car a narrow road climbs to a car park near the summit.
In summer, clear nights keep the view open late; on low-cloud days the peaks can disappear. In winter the trail is often snowy and icy.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
1 to 2 hours with the hike; about 30 minutes by car to the top.
Best time
On clear days from May to September. In the late afternoon, the low light illuminates the mountains across the fjord. In winter the trail is often snowy and icy.
How to get there
The trail starts in Molde town centre near the city park and climbs in about an hour. By car follow signs for Varden along Fannestrandvegen and the road up to the car park.
Tip
Bring a coat and check the forecast beforehand: the panorama depends on clear weather. Use the viewpoint signs to identify the peaks.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Varden
What can you see from Varden?
The panorama of 222 peaks of the Romsdal mountains across the fjord, as well as the town and the harbor.
How do you get up to Varden?
On foot from the center in about an hour, or by car to a parking lot near the top.
Is there a restaurant at the top?
Yes, with a terrace facing the fjord.
When to go?
On a clear day, from May to September. With low cloud the peaks may not be visible.