Molde

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Molde is a city and municipality in Romsdal, Norway, and the administrative center in the county of MÃ¸re og Romsdal.

Located on the northern shore of the Romsdalsfjord on the Romsdal Penninsula, Molde, also known as the Town of Roses, is famous for its spectacular panorama of the snow-clad peaks on the southern side of the fjord. In addition to being regional capital of MÃ¸re og Romsdal, and the commercial hub of Romsdal, the city also hosts the bishop of MÃ¸re.

The name Molde is probably derived from Old Norse moldar, plural form of mold meaning rich or fertile soil. Pronunciation varies between the standard Molde, and the rural Molle.A person from Molde is a Moldenser.

Neighboring towns are Ã…ndalsnes in Rauma, ElnesvÃ¥gen in FrÃ¦na, and Vestnes. Other neighboring municipalities are Aukra, Gjemnes, Nesset, Eide, AverÃ¸y and Midsund.

The city's coat-of-arms shows a whale chasing herring into a barrel, symbolizing the founding industries of the city - the export of fish and timber. Molde was never a whaling port; the whale is merely an echo of the ancient belief that whales were a good omen, chasing (and not following) the schools of fish into the fjords at certain times of the year.

The local newspaper is Romsdals Budstikke[1].

The consulate general for the Republic of Macedonia in Norway is situated in Molde.

The fjord, the archipelago, the panorama; from Varden

Directions

The city is easily accessible by car and major roads from Oslo, 7 hrs via Ã…ndalsnes and the magnificent Trollveggen; and 4 hrs from Trondheim, via Oppdal and SunndalsÃ¸ra, or 3.5 hrs Krifast. Hurtigruta, the fabled coastal route, visits Molde every day, on its journey between Bergen and Kirkenes. The closest railway station is Ã…ndalsnes, the terminus for Raumabanen.

The city's airport at Ã…rÃ¸, has several daily flights to Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim, as well as weekly flights to other domestic and international destinations.

Topography

Molde proper consists of a 10 km long and 1-2 km wide strip of urban land running east-west along the north shore of Moldefjorden, the arm of Romsdalsfjorden between the city and the parallel running Molde archipelago - a chain of low-laying islands and islets screening the city from the south - and the sheltering woodclad hills to the north.

The city center is located just west of the river Moldeelva, which runs into the city from the north, originating in Moldevatnet (lake), through Moldedalen (valley). Although the river is minor and seasonal, there were several sawmills along it in the 16 and 1700s. This gave rise to the city itself through a combination of a good harbour, proximity to the sea routes, vast timber resources, and a river capable of supporting mills.

In 1909 the river also housed the first hydro electric power plant capable of providing sufficient electricity to the city. The upper reaches of the river still provides drinking water for most of the city.

Moldemarka

Western reaches of Moldemarka

Moldemarka, the hilly woodland area north of the city, is public land; an all-year recreational area with a network of paths, walking trails and skiing tracks. Forest roads take you into the area from several directions, and you will find bulletin boards with maps and information about local plants and wildlife, as well as signposts along the trails. Walking maps for Moldemarka are also available in local book stores.

Marked trails lead to a number of peaks, sites and fishing lakes and rivers. A national fishing permit is required to fish in these lakes; it can be purchased at post offices and sport retail stores.

The "classic" route starts at the Romsdal Museum, runs by Storlihytta, and ends on the top of the hill, at the restaurant on Varden (alt. 407 metres). Here you will follow in the footstep of kings and emperors, notabilities and celebrities, of the last 150 years. The walk takes about one hour.

Climate

Molde has a maritime, temperate climate, with cool-to-warm summers, and relatively mild winters. The annual precipitation is moderate/high, with an average of 1640 mm per year. The warmest and driest season is late summer/fall, where Molde also holds the national high for the month of October, with 25.6 Â°C (on October 11, 2005).

A natural phenomenon occurring in Molde, and the adjacent district, are frequent winter days with temperatures above 15 Â°C. This is due to fÃ¶hn wind from south and south-east. Combined with a steady influx of warm, moist south-westerly winds from the Atlantic Ocean through the Gulf stream, it gives Molde a climate much warmer than average for its latitude.

The sheltered location of the city, facing south with hills to the north, mountains to the east and mountainous islands to the west, also contributes to Molde's climate and unusually rich plantlife, especially among species naturally growing on far lower latitudes, like maple, chestnut, oak, lime/linden, beech, yew, and others.

Tourism

Already a popular tourist destination of international fame in the second half of the 19th century, Molde saw notabilities such as Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany as a regular summer visitor. The Kaiser referred to the city as "The Nice of the North", which naturally gave a tremendous boost to the city's desirability as a tourist destination. Drawn by its unique setting where visitors can enjoy a magnificent view of more than 222 rugged and partly snow-clad mountain peaks from all over the city, but preferably from the viewpoint Varden, it became a desired port of call for the yachts and cruise ships of the European gentry up until World War I. At the time, Molde consisted of luxurious hotels surrounding an idyllic township with quaint, wooden houses, lush gardens and parks, esplanades and pavillions, earning it the nickname "the Town of Roses", and was unrivalled as the most prominent fjord town on Norway's west coast.

This golden era came to a sudden end with the outbreak of World War I, and the devastating fire of 1916.

Although tourism has never reached the magnitude and economical importance it once had, Molde is still a major cruise ship and tourist destination.

Cruise ship in Molde, sometimes referred to as "The Blue City"

Another famous attraction is the Royal Birch at Glomstua, which is where King Haakon VII and Crown Prince Olav sought to hide during the German World War II bombing of the city in April 1940. A famous photograph taken during this event was widely reprinted, and became a symbol of Norwegian patriotism and resistance againt Nazi-Germany. Close to the Royal Birch is the international Grove of Peace (see BjÃ¸rnson Festival).

Attractions

The district surrounding Molde is arguably one of the most dramatic and beautiful areas in Norway, and here you are never far from some of Norway's best-known tourist attractions. For more information visit Destination Molde[2]or VisitMolde [3]
*Varden (407 metres above sea level) is a viewpoint directly above Molde, with a good view of the city, the fjord with the Molde archipelago, and the famous Molde panorama[4] 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. Varden is only 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 Moldemarka.
*The Romsdal Museum, one of Norway's largest and most comprehensive folk museums, was established in 1912. Old buildings originating from all over the region have been moved here to form a typical cluster of farm buildings including "open hearth" houses, sheds, outhouses, smokehouses and a small chapel. The "town street" with Mali's CafÃ© shows typical Molde town houses from the pre-war period.
*The Museum of the Fisheries is an unique open air museum located on the island of HjertÃ¸ya, 10 min from the center of Molde. A small fishing village with authentic buildings, boats and fishing equipment, the museum shows local coastal culture from 1850 onwards.
*The breath-taking Atlantic Road, voted the Norwegian Construction of the Century in 2005, is built on bridges and landfills across small islands and skerries, literally into the mighty North Atlantic Ocean. It takes you from the small picturesque communities of Vikan and Vevang to AverÃ¸y, an island full of historic landmarks, like the Bremsnes cave with Mesolithic findings from the Fosna culture, the Medieval Kvernes stave church, and LangÃ¸ysund, now a remote fishing community, but once a bustling port along the main coastal route, and the site of the Compromise of 1040 between King Magnus I and the farmers along the coast. This compromise is regarded as Norway's Magna Carta, and the "Pilespisser" (Arrowheads) monument commemorates the occasion.
*You can venture up fjord arms to visit the dramatic scenery of the Eikesdal valley and Mardalsfossen, the highest waterfall in Northern Europe cascading 297 metres down into the valley and the fourth highest waterfall in the world (the total height of the waterfall is 655 m).
*Trollveggen, near Ã…ndalsnes, is Europe's tallest vertical, overhanging mountain face, with some of the world's most difficult climbing routes. There you can also experience Trollstigen, the most visited tourist road in Norway. It is a master feat of engineering, twisting and turning its way up an almost vertical mountainside through 11 hairpin bends to an altitude of 858 m.
*On remote islands off the coast are the idyllic fishing communities of Ona, BjÃ¸rnsund, and HÃ¥holmen, accessible by boat or ferry.
*30 minutes outside Molde, followed by a 1 hour hike up a partly steep, but good trail, you will find Trollkirka (lit. "Troll Church") - a remarkable marble grotto leading up to a spectacular underground waterfall. There are also other, perhap less accessible, caves and grottos in the area.
*Bud is a picturesque fishing village on the very tip of the Romsdal peninsula. It gained importance during the Middle Ages as a trading post, and hosted the last free Privy Council of Norway in 1533, a desperate attempt to save the country's independence and stave off the Protestant Reformation, led by Archbishop Olav Engelbrektsson of Nidaros (Trondheim). In Bud you can also visit the massive Ergan coastal defences, a restored German coastal fort from World War II, and a part of the Atlantic Wall.

Activities

Western parts of Molde as seen from the archipelago

The contrasts in scenery and landscape make the Molde region perfect for outdoor pursuits. There are all sorts hiking alternatives in and around Molde.

In the wintertime you can ski on groomed tracks, in resorts, or on your own in the deep woods; or go hunting for game animals and grouse. Also, with Molde as your base you will find great opportunities for rock climbing, ice climbing, bouldering, and glacier hiking. If you are a skilled mountaineer, then near-by Romsdal is perfect for you. In Julsundet, 30 minutes west of Molde, you will find other lower grade climbing routes with a spectacular view of the hundreds of islands stretching towards the Atlantic Ocean on the horizon. You will also find some of the finest locations for basejumping in the world in the Molde area.

The rivers of the area, the Rauma, Driva, and Eira, already legendary among the British gentry in the mid-1800s, abound in salmon, sea trout and sea char. Trout is abundant in every lake, and with free public access to the shoreline, you can catch cod, pollock, saithe, mackerel and other species of saltwater fish from the shore or from boat. For a thrill seeker, Hustadvika is one of Norway's best locations for scuba diving and wind-surfing.

In Molde you can partake in activities such as horseback riding, go-karting, parachuting, golf, tennis, squash and bowling, or use indoor gyms and pools.

Culture and Education

The seaward approach to Molde is dominated by the sixteen-storied Rica Seilet Hotel.

Three of "the Great Four" Norwegian authors spent time, stayed or lived in Molde. BjÃ¸rnstjerne BjÃ¸rnson spent his childhood at Nesset outside Molde and attended school in the city. Henrik Ibsen frequently spent his vacations at the mansion MoldegÃ¥rd, and Alexander Kielland resided in the city as the governor of Romsdals amt (name of MÃ¸re og Romsdal up until 1920). Ibsen's play Rosmersholm is inspired by the life at MoldegÃ¥rd, and The Lady from the Sea is also set in the city of Molde (although not mentioned by name). Other authors from, or with strong bonds to Molde, include Edvard Hoem, Jo NesbÃ¸, Knut Ã˜degÃ¥rd, and Nini Roll Anker, a dear friend of Sigrid Undset. The city of Molde has also been the home of several internationally known rock groups such as Lash Out (1992–98) and Bannlyst (1985–87), and also to singer/songwriter Ane Brun.

Molde International Jazz Festival

Every mid-July, Molde is host to an international key event - the biggest, most important, and oldest jazz festival in Europe, Moldejazz. Artists such as Miles Davis, Lester Bowie, Sonny Stitt, Dexter Gordon, Karin Krog, Keith Jarrett, Joseph Jarman, John Scofield, Phil Woods, BB King, Ray Charles, Eric Clapton, Van Morrison, James Brown, Bob Dylan, Santana, Paul Simon, Joe Cocker, and Lauryn Hill have performed at the Molde Jazz Festival.

An estimated 40,000 tickets are sold for the 100+ events during the festival. Between 80,000 and 100,000 visitors visit the city during the one-week long musical adventure

Norwegian Festival of International Literature

Every August, Molde and Nesset host an international literature festival, known as the BjÃ¸rnson Festival. Established by poet Knut Ã˜degÃ¥rd in connection with Molde's 250-year anniversary The BjÃ¸rnson Festival is the oldest, and the more internationally acclaimed, festival of literature in Norway.

The festival is named in honour of the Nobel Prize in Literature laureate BjÃ¸rnstjerne BjÃ¸rnson (1832-1910), who grew up and attended school in and around Molde. BjÃ¸rnson created the modern, Nordic historical drama and also wrote the lyrics for the Norwegian national anthem.

Visiting authors (and tree-planters at The Peace Grove) include Wole Soyinka, Yasar Kemal, VigdÃs FinnbogadÃ³ttir, Seamus Heaney, Amos Oz, Izzat al-Ghazzawi, Bei Dao, Hans Blix and Thor Heyerdahl.

Additionally a number of smaller and shorter festivals are held annually.

Molde University College

Molde University College[5], offers a wide range of academical opportunities, from nursing and health related studies, to economics and administrative courses. The school is one of Norway`s leading colleges in research and academic programs in information technology, logistics and transport economics, with degrees up to and including PhD.

MUC is also one of the country`s leading institutions in international student exchange and programs conducted in English.

History

Molde's main street and commercial center. Molde Cathedral (orange roof on far right) with its freestanding bell tower replaces the church that was destroyed during World War II.

On an island outside present day Molde, the Medieval township on VeÃ¸ya â€" the holy island â€" was strategically situated at the junction where three fjords meet the main fjord leading westwards out to the Romsdal coast and the shipping routes. It is first mentioned by the historian Snorri Sturluson as the location of the Battle of Sekken in 1162, where king HÃ¥kon the Broad-shouldered was killed fighting the aristocrat Erling Skakke, during the Norwegian civil wars, but the settlement itself is far older than that.

At the eve of the 15th Century, VeÃ¸y had lost most of its influence, and the island was eventually deserted. However, commercial life in the region was not dead, and originating from the two settlements at Reknes and Molde (later MoldegÃ¥rd), a minor port called Molde FjÃ¦re (Molde Landing) emerged, based on trade with timber and herring to mainly Dutch, but also English, Scottish and Portuguese merchants. In 1614 the town gained formal trading rights; after the decline of the nearby competing townships and tradingposts of Bud and Veblungsnes.

However, settlement in the area can be traced much further back in time - evidence given by two rock slabs carved with petroglyphs found at BjÃ¸rset west of the city center.

During the Swedish occupation of Middle Norway, 1658-1660, after Denmark-Norway's devastating defeat in the first part of the Northern Wars (Treaty of Roskilde), the small town became a troublesome and resilient hub of resitance to the Swedes. After the rebellion and liberation in 1660 (Treaty of Copenhagen), Molde became administrative headquarter for Romsdalen Amt (present day MÃ¸re og Romsdal), and following a long commercial and administrative struggle with Trondheim and Bergen, it was finally incorporated through a royal charter in 1742.

Molde continued to grow throughout the 18th and 19th Centuries, becoming a center for Norwegian textile and garment industry, as well as the administrative center for the region. At this point, tourism had become a major industry. This rapid development was interrupted when one third of the city, mostly its famous wooden buildings and rose gardens, were destroyed in a fire on January 21, 1916.

However, Molde recovered quickly, and continued to grow in the economically difficult interbellum period.

A second fire, or series of fire, struck from the German air-raids in April and May of 1940, destroying about two thirds of the city. German vanguards were trying to cut off and capture the king, cabinet, parliament and national gold reserves, evacuated from Oslo following the attack on Norway on April 9 1940. Arriving safely in Molde, the city was de facto capital of Norway from April 22 to April 29, when the advancing German forces, combined with a failed British counter-attack, forced the Norwegian commander-in-chief, General Otto Ruge, to abandon Southern Norway and continue the fight from TromsÃ¸. Under dramatic circumstances due to continuous German bombing, the King, Crown Prince and government was evacuated on the British cruiser Glasgow, and brought to safety.

Since World War II, Molde has experienced a tremendous growth. As the modernization of the Norwegian society accelerated in the post-reconstruction years, Molde became a center for not only administrative and public services, but also academical resources and industrial output. After the consolidation of the city itself and its adjacent communities in 1964, Molde became a modern city, encompassing most branches of employment, from farming and fisheries, through industrial production, to banking, tourism, commerce, health care and civil administration.

The fjord with its islands and skerries and the mountains encircling the town as beautifully as always, will continue to be the frame and the arena of the town's development in the years ahead.

The great national poet BjÃ¸rnstjerne BjÃ¸rnson, expresses this sentiment in his poem 'Til Romsdalen':

"Everything I see has an eye, a voice

And the people? I know them all

Even those I have never met. I say:

If you know the fjord, you know the people"

Sports

Molde hosts a variety of sports teams, most notably the football team, Molde F.K.[6], playing in the Norwegian Premier League. Home matches are played at Aker stadium, an architectural feat inaugurated in 1998, which holds a record attendance of 13,308. The team is holder of two national championships (1994 and 2005), six times runner-up in the League, and has numerous appearances in European tournaments, including the UEFA Champions League. The club was founded in 1911, during Molde's period of great British and Continental influx, and was first named "International", since it predominantly played teams made up from crews of foreign vessels visiting the city.

Aker Stadium, Molde

In addition to a number of international players, the city has also produced several skijumpers, cross-country and alpine skiers of international merit.

Other sports include the local underwater rugby team, Molde S.L.K, one of the best in Europe, as well as S.K. TrÃ¦ff, with a team in the Norwegian first division of women's handball, and S.K. Rival, the mother club of olympic alpine skier Andrine Flemmen.