5 Free Things to do in Molde That You Shouldn't Miss

From the Varden viewpoint (407 metres above sea level) there is a good view of the town of Molde, the fjord and islands and the famous Molde panorama with its 222 partially snow-clad peaks. On clear days you can see as far as the fishing village of Ona and the dreaded waters of Hustadvika. Ten minutes by car or an hour's walk along the nature trail from the centre of Molde. The Vardestua restaurant is at the top and marked trails take you into the Moldemarka countryside.

The cathedral, which was consecrated in 1957, is a double-nave long church in the Gothic style. A 50-metre-high freestanding bell tower culminates in a copper-clad pyramid. The interior of the church contains some lovely stained glass and is richly decorated with Christian symbols and signs. It is the third church to be built on the site. The two first ones burned down, but an old wooden cross and Axel Ender's famous Easter Morning altarpiece were rescued from the flames.

In the Town Hall Square in the Town of Roses stands the bronze statue of the Rose Maiden, surrounded by a dancing fountain. The Rose Maiden is young and beautiful and has her arms full of roses. The sculpture was a gift to Molde in 1971 from Gotlib Moe, owner of the former clothing factory Hovding Konfeksjonsfabrikk. It was sculpted by Ragnhild Butenschon. Molde Town Hall was completed in 1966 and is the result of an architectural competition won by the architects Cappelen and Rodahl. Built in concrete and stone it features gold-tinted glass. The roof of the town hall boasts one of the town's most beautiful rose gardens.

On the lower market place, with the fjord and the mountains as a backdrop, is the bronze statue Jazzgutten - a young jazz player with his saxophone. Jazzgutten, along with the popular Moldejazz festival, lends substance to Molde's reputation as Norway's jazz capital. The sculpture by Nina Due, was a gift from the people to commemorate the town's 250th anniversary in 1992.