Molde, Norway: February 7, 2025

Molde has been a city since 1742 but because of its history of unfortunate town fires followed by German bombings in 1940, most buildings are post-war, mid-century architecture. The city of Molde gradually rises up from the waterfront allowing spectacular views of the 222 partially snow-capped mountain peaks from every elevation. Ferries are so frequent that they pass each other on the way in or out of Molde's ferry harbor.

The first Molde Church was a wooden church errected 1661. The current Molde Church is the fourth church to stand on that site. Today's church is built by reinforced concrete. The church's free-standing bell tower is visible from most parts of Molde. The Catholic Church of St. Sunniva stands nearby. Both churches were consecrated in 1957.

Molde is known as both as the City of Roses and Norway's Jazz Capital. The roses were dormant this time of year, however, a large rose garden sits above city hall and adjacent to the Molde Church. Molde hosts the annual Moldejazz Festival. Tomorrow is Mother's Day in Norway and florists were ready with spring blossoms.

This was our last full day on the North Cape cruise. Tomorrow we dock in Bergen and leave the ship. We had such a lovely, relaxing vacation on Hurtigruten's Trollfjord. It was a little bittersweet to watch the sun as it slowly set, and the ship navigated its way through the channel under the bridge on this last night.

Next stop: Bergen at 7:00 am