Photo: Jan-Tore Egge / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 · resized and converted
About This Hike
Varden is Molde's best-known viewpoint, standing 407 metres above the town. The on-foot route follows the Green Corridor from central Molde through parkland and woodland before climbing to Varden and Vardestua. Molde municipality estimates about one hour for the nature-trail walk; no official distance is published, so plan by time and ascent rather than borrowing kilometres from an unrelated GPS track. At the top, the Molde Panorama looks across the town, fjord and islands towards 222 named mountain peaks. The same destination can also be reached by road in roughly ten minutes from the centre, but Vardevegen is seasonal. It normally opens from early May into autumn, with exact dates determined by snow and road conditions. Walking and driving are therefore separate access plans: choose the Green Corridor if you want the hike, and check the municipality's live road status if mobility or timing makes the car route important. In rain, snow or ice, the forest trail can be slippery; in low cloud, expect the famous panorama to disappear even when access remains open.
Highlights
- ✓ Molde Panorama over fjord, islands and mountain peaks
- ✓ The Green Corridor through park and woodland from Molde centre
- ✓ Varden viewpoint at 407 m
- ✓ Close to Molde town centre
Getting There
If driving, use the approach road from the Mølleråsen/Granlia ski-jump area when Vardevegen is open. Check current road status with Molde municipality before setting out.
Before You Go
Choose your access method before leaving. The on-foot Green Corridor from central Molde is the year-round route described by the municipality and takes about one hour; Vardevegen is a separate seasonal driving option, with opening and closing dates dependent on conditions.
Information checked: September 2026, against Molde municipality's Varden visitor information
⚠️ Safety Notes
- The Green Corridor is an uphill nature-trail walk and can be slippery in rain, snow or ice.
- The road to Varden has variable seasonal opening dates; do not plan a drive without checking Molde municipality's current status.
- The viewpoint is exposed to weather and cloud. Carry layers and be prepared for the panorama to be obscured.