Molden Hiking Trail
Experience a stunning sunrise over Jotunheimen
Essential info
- Destination: Sognefjord
- Season: June-October
- Difficulty: Demanding
- Distance: 7.7 kilometers (out‑and‑back)
- Elevation Gain: 600 meters
- Duration: 3-4 hours
About Molden
Hiking to the top of Molden (1,116 m.a.s.l.) grants you striking 360-degree vistas of the Luster Fjord. For the best views, head to the eastern side of the peak, where you’ll see towards the innermost parts of the fjord. A tip is to do this hike during a clear summer night and watch as the sun rises over Jotunheimen at around 4am.
Except for some steep sections, the trail descends gradually towards the top and is easy to follow.
Getting there
Car
Exit Road 55 (Norwegian Scenic Route Sognefjellet), towards Mollandsmarki (located between Marifjøra and Hafslo). Follow the gravel road as it runs uphill. You’ll reach the parking at Krossen just when the road starts to flatten out. There’s an information board about the trail to Molden at the parking lot.
Bus
Several buses are running between Gaupne and Hafslo. Alight from the bus at Sogn Skisenter. From there, it’s a 3-kilometer walk to the trailhead at Krossen. Use Entur to plan your trip.Trail description
From the parking, continue hiking along the road to Mollandsmarki. Having passed the cattle guard, take the forest road to the left. Follow the road for about 300 meters, before taking the trail to the right. The trail has red markings and is easy to follow.
Having hiked the trail for about 1 kilometer, you’ll reach a new forest road. Continue on the forest road for about 600 meters until it takes a sharp right turn. You’ll then reach the trail to Molden, traveling sharply uphill.
Having ascended a hilltop, you’ll reach a viewpoint at Svarthiller granting excellent views of the fjord. From Svarthiller, the trail turns sharply to the left, zig-zagging its way between steep crags. The trail then flattens, and the final stretch towards the top cairn at Molden is relatively easy-going.
Take in the breathtaking views at the top before descending along the same trail.
Facts
- Bring warm clothes if undertaking the hike at night to see the sun rise over Jotunheimen at 4am.
Amenities
- There are toilets available at the parking lot.
- Stock up on food at the grocery stores in Gaupne or Hafslo.
Where to stay
Close to Molden is Walaker, Norway’s oldest hotel dating back to 1640. They offer accommodation in traditional rooms with stunning fjord views and serve four-course dinners. Located in the idyllic village of Solvorn, Walaker is a 15-minute drive south from Krossen.
A more relaxed option is Gaupnetunet Hotel, which offers both hotel and cabin accommodation. Located in Gaupne, Gaupnetunet is a 15-minute drive north from Krossen.Map
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