If I had to recommend you just one hike in Norway, it would be Molden in Luster, Vestland. While it doesn’t usually appear on the country’s “top three” hiking lists, it certainly deserves to. The Molden hike offers exactly what you picture when dreaming of fjord hiking in Western Norway: wide-open views over Lustrafjord and Sognefjord, dramatic landscapes, and a true sense of scale.
Everything to know about the summit hike to Molden in Norway
Molden isn’t exactly a hidden gem, but you also won’t face the endless queues you’d see on world-famous hikes like Trolltunga or Preikestolen. It’s well loved by locals and getting more popular with tourists too — yet outside peak times, you might still have the summit almost to yourself. The best part? For the effort it takes, the reward is huge: jaw-dropping fjord views on a trail that even less seasoned hikers can handle.
Molden: Quick Facts
| Country | Norway | Difficulty | Blue (moderate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Luster, Western Norway | Time | ~4 hours |
| Season | June – October | Distance | 8.6 km / 5.3 mi (round trip) |
| Type | Summit hike (A-B) | Total Ascent | 620 m / 2,034 ft |
Molden Summit Hike Location
The Molden hike in Norway is found in Western Norway’s fjord region, within Luster Municipality, just a short drive from the outdoor town of Sogndal. Rising to 1,116 meters, the summit overlooks Lustrafjord — a branch of the mighty Sognefjord, Norway’s longest and most iconic fjord.
If your travel base is around Bergen, Molden fits perfectly into an itinerary, but it can also be included in travel plans starting from Oslo.
Tip: If you want to turn Molden into a full-day adventure, combine the hike with a visit to the nearby village of Solvorn – a little slice of Norwegian paradise where you can swim in the fjord or enjoy your lunch on the beach.
Molden Hike Map & Elevation Profile
The hike to the summit of Molden is just over 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) one way from the parking area to the top, with an elevation gain of around 600 meters (2,034 feet). The ascent is fairly evenly spread along the trail, making the climb steady rather than abrupt.
Difficulty of the Molden Hike
The trail to Molden is rated as a blue hike by the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT), which indicates moderate difficulty. In practice, this means it’s suitable for reasonably fit hikers with basic skills and some experience in varied terrain.
To put it into perspective: if you’re outdoorsy and used to hiking, Molden will feel like an easy (and very beautiful) outing. It’s the kind of trail I’d happily take my parents in their 50s on, since the effort is steady but not overwhelming. My 80-year-old grandmother, though, would probably find it too much. For kids who are used to mountain walks, it’s perfectly manageable as well, as long as you keep an eye on them at the summit where a few steep drops appear if you wander off the main path.
Tip: If you’re not up for the full hike, stop at Svarthiller Fjellgård — an old mountain farm with sweeping views over the Sognefjord. It’s an ideal turnaround point if you’d prefer a shorter, easier walk.
Best Time of Year to Hike Molden
Like many hikes in Norway, the season for Molden usually runs from June to October, depending on snow conditions. Because the trail is relatively sun-exposed, it’s sometimes possible to hike as early as late May. The same applies at the end of the season — in years with little early snowfall, the trail can remain accessible into early November.
The safest and most reliable months to plan a hike are July through September, when the trail is usually clear of snow and the weather is at its most stable. As always in Norway, check the forecast regularly before you go and adjust your plans to the conditions.
Tip: Looking for more than just a hike? In winter, Molden is a popular spot for ski touring, and in summer this trail also serves as access to a black downhill MTB track that runs down the opposite side of the mountain.
How to Get to the Molden Trailhead
Access by Car and Public Transport
The easiest way to reach the trailhead is by car, heading to Parking Krossen (61.33319, 7.2720). The road is suitable for campervans as well, and the parking area has recently been rebuilt with plenty of space. That said, on sunny days in peak season it can still fill up quickly, so arrive early (or later) if you can.
Reaching Molden by public transport is tricky. There are some limited bus connections to nearby villages, but to get all the way to the trailhead you’d need to combine them with hitchhiking.
Parking at Krossen
As of summer 2025, parking at Krossen is still free. However, there is a restriction on overnight parking between 00:00 and 06:00. The rule is mainly meant to discourage campervans from using the lot as a free campsite, though it can be inconvenient if you’re planning a sleepover on the top and want to leave your car until morning.
Facilities Along the Molden Trail
Food and Supplies
If you need to stock up before the hike, the closest supermarkets are in Gaupne and Hafslo. If you’re arriving from the south, Sogndal is the best stop, with a wider selection and some shops even open on Sundays (a rarity in rural Norway).
In summer, you may also find a small kiosk right at the parking lot in Krossen, selling coffee and simple snacks like buns or hot dogs. It’s a nice bonus if it happens to be open, but the hours are unpredictable, so it’s best not to rely on it and bring food with you from town.
Water
There is no reliable water source along the Molden trail, so you should bring enough to last for the entire hike up and back.
Toilets
The rebuilt parking area at Krossen has clean flushable toilets, which are your last chance to use proper facilities before heading out. Once on the trail, there are no more toilets available.
Waste
There are no trash bins along the route, so hikers are expected to pack out everything they bring in. This includes food scraps and toilet paper. Carry a small bag for your rubbish and follow Norway’s “leave no trace” principles.
Shelter at the Summit
Near the cairn at the top of Molden, you’ll find a small stone shelter. It’s a good place to rest, enjoy your lunch, or take cover if the weather turns.
Molden Trail Description
The path to Molden is easy to follow, clearly marked with red paint and signs. For the most part it’s a regular mountain trail, but in steeper sections stone steps have been laid to make the climb easier and prevent erosion. In the wetter parts, wooden walkways help keep your feet dry and make the hike more comfortable.
Tip: Even though the trail is well marked, it’s smart to download an offline map (UT.no, Norgeskart or Mapy.com) to your phone before you go.
The trail begins in the forest and gradually opens up as you gain height. About two-thirds of the way up you’ll reach Svarthiller, a plateau with an old wooden barn and the first wide views over the southern arm of Lustrafjord. From there, stone steps guide you the rest of the way to the summit.
Molden tops out at 1,116 meters on a wide plateau marked by a cairn and crisscrossed with little paths. The very best views are to the east, straight into the innermost Lustrafjord, but it’s worth wandering a short loop around the summit — every side gives you a new angle, from the fjord arms below to the peaks of Jotunheimen and Jostedalsbreen National Parks in the distance. When you’ve had your fill of the views, simply follow the same trail back down to the parking lot.
Extra Tips for Hiking Molden
- There’re small lakes near the summit and they are perfect for a refreshing dip on hot summer days — bring a towel if you dare to jump in.
- It’s possible to camp at the top. The plateau has several flat spots that make pitching a tent easy and rewarding.
- Molden is a great choice for a night hike with sunrise views — watching the first light hit the fjords from the summit is unforgettable (and maybe even a good date idea).
- If you’re hiking during peak Norwegian holiday times, remember that many locals follow a predictable rhythm: starting around 10:00 and finishing by 15:00. When we hiked Molden on a sunny Saturday in late May, we had the summit almost to ourselves by simply starting late in the afternoon.
FAQ: Molden Hike in Norway
How long is the Molden hike in Norway?
From the Krossen trailhead, the Molden hike usually takes 4 hours round trip, depending on your pace and how long you stay at the summit.
How difficult is the Molden hike?
It’s considered moderate. With about 620 m (2,034 ft) elevation gain, the trail is manageable for most reasonably fit hikers.
Where is the Molden hike located?
Molden is in Luster Municipality, Vestland county, overlooking Lustrafjord — a branch of the Sognefjord, Western Norway’s longest fjord.
What is the best time to hike Molden?
The season runs from June to October, with July–September being the most reliable months for clear trails and stable weather.
Are there toilets on the Molden hike?
Yes, at the parking lot in Krossen. There are no facilities along the trail itself.
Can you camp on Molden summit?
Yes. The summit plateau has flat areas suitable for tents, making it a fantastic spot for a night hike or sunrise camp. Keep in mind, though, that overnight parking is not allowed at the official Krossen trailhead between 00:00 and 06:00, so you’ll need to plan your logistics accordingly.
Can you bring dogs on the Molden hike?
Dogs are welcome, but from April 1 to November 1 they must be on a lead due to grazing animals.
Is the Molden hike crowded?
It’s popular with locals, especially on sunny weekends, but far less crowded than Norway’s “big three” (Trolltunga, Preikestolen, Kjerag). Starting early in the morning or later in the afternoon often means a quieter trail.
Can you swim at Molden summit?
At the top, there are small mountain ponds where you can cool off on hot days — bring a towel if you plan to take a dip.
Can you hike Molden in winter?
In winter, Molden is a popular destination for ski touring and snowshoeing, not regular hiking. The summer trail isn’t safe once snow arrives, and avalanche risk must always be taken into account. Only attempt it if you have the proper equipment and knowledge to handle winter mountain conditions.
Hi, I’m Jana — outdoor guide, writer, and long-time local in Norway. I share trail-tested tips and local insight for exploring lesser-known parts of the Nordics.
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