Møre og Romsdal, Norway Travel Guide

Discover Møre og Romsdal: Norway's gem of fjords, mountains, and coastal wonders, perfect for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers all year round.

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Møre og Romsdal

Møre og Romsdal, nestled in the heart of Norway, is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers. This region is renowned for its dramatic fjords, towering mountains, and pristine coastline. Each season brings a unique charm, from the vibrant greens of summer to the snow-capped peaks of winter. Start your journey in Ålesund, a stunning Art Nouveau town built on a series of islands. Its colorful architecture, panoramic viewpoints, and bustling harbor make it a perfect introduction to the region. Don’t miss the hike to Mount Aksla for an unforgettable view of the town and surrounding archipelago. Venture further to the iconic Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The deep blue waters and steep cliffs, dotted with thundering waterfalls, create a breathtaking landscape. Take a boat tour to appreciate the fjord's grandeur or hike the trails that offer stunning vistas at every turn. The nearby Trollstigen mountain road, with its hairpin bends and dramatic scenery, is a must-see. For those seeking more adventure, Romsdalseggen Ridge offers one of the most spectacular hikes in Norway. The trail provides panoramic views of the Romsdal Alps, the Rauma River, and the lush valley below. In winter, the region transforms into a snowy paradise, perfect for skiing and snowboarding at resorts like Strandafjellet. Møre og Romsdal is also a cultural hotspot. Visit the charming village of Åndalsnes, known as the mountaineering capital, and explore its rich history and local crafts. The Atlantic Road, a scenic drive connecting islands with bridges, offers a unique perspective of the Norwegian coastline. Whether you are exploring by foot, car, or boat, Møre og Romsdal promises an unforgettable experience.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Møre og Romsdal.

Pack layers of clothing. Weather can change rapidly, especially in the mountains.
Book accommodations and tours in advance during peak seasons (summer and winter).
Consider renting a car for greater flexibility to explore remote areas and scenic routes.
Try local seafood delicacies, especially in coastal towns like Ålesund.
Check the weather forecast before embarking on hikes or outdoor activities.

Top City Travel Guides in Møre og Romsdal

The cities of Møre og Romsdal, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Ålesund

Molde

Destinations in Møre og Romsdal

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Geirangerfjord

Explore Møre og Romsdal: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Top Attractions & Sightseeing in Møre og Romsdal

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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All Attractions

Trollstigen Utsiktpunkt

Discover the stunning Trollstigen Utsiktpunkt, a top tourist attraction offering breathtaking views of Norway's majestic landscapes.

4.8

Atlantic Sea-Park

Explore the Atlantic Sea-Park: Norway's largest saltwater aquarium, showcasing marine life and stunning ocean views, perfect for families and ocean lovers.

4.6

Ørnesvingen Viewpoint

Discover the stunning vistas at Ørnesvingen Viewpoint, where breathtaking views of the Geiranger Fjord await every traveler.

4.8

Gudbrandsjuvet

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Gudbrandsjuvet Waterfall, a must-visit natural attraction in Norway's stunning landscapes.

4.6

Best landmarks in Møre og Romsdal

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Best Landmarks

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Trollstigen Utsiktpunkt

Discover the stunning vistas at Trollstigen Utsiktpunkt, an iconic observation deck offering breathtaking views of Norway's majestic landscapes.

4.8

Atlantic Sea-Park

Explore the captivating depths of the Atlantic Sea-Park, where the wonders of Norway's marine life come to life in an unforgettable experience.

4.6

Ørnesvingen Viewpoint

Discover the stunning vistas of Ørnesvingen Viewpoint, where nature's beauty meets breathtaking fjord views in Norway.

4.8

Gudbrandsjuvet

Discover the breathtaking gorge of Gudbrandsjuvet in Norway, where stunning cliffs and rushing waters create a perfect escape into nature's beauty.

4.6

Best restaurants in Møre og Romsdal

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Best Restaurants

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Molo Brew

Discover the best craft beers and gourmet burgers at Molo Brew in Ålesund - a must-visit brewpub for every traveler.

4.5

Fjellstua

Experience stunning views and delightful dining at Fjellstua Restaurant in Ålesund, where Norwegian cuisine meets breathtaking scenery.

4.3

Anno Restaurant & Lounge Bar

Experience modern Norwegian cuisine at Anno Restaurant & Lounge Bar in Ålesund—where flavor meets elegance in every dish.

4.3

Fellini Restaurant & Pizzeria

Discover the rich flavors of Italy at Fellini Restaurant & Pizzeria in Ålesund – where every meal is a delightful culinary journey.

4.2

Best bars in Møre og Romsdal

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Best Bars

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Molo Brew

Discover Molo Brew, Ålesund's premier brewpub offering a delightful fusion of craft beer, gourmet burgers, and a warm, inviting atmosphere.

4.5

Anno Restaurant & Lounge Bar

Discover the essence of Ålesund cuisine at Anno Restaurant & Lounge Bar, where fresh ingredients meet modern Norwegian flavors.

4.3

Dirty Nelly Irish Pub

Discover the vibrant atmosphere and authentic Irish charm at Dirty Nelly Irish Pub in Ålesund, where good food and sports come together.

4.1

Happy Elefante - Bar, Grill & Music

Experience the vibrant atmosphere and delightful flavors at Happy Elefante, Ålesund's top bar and grill for food lovers and music enthusiasts.

4.1

Best nightclubs in Møre og Romsdal

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Best Nightclubs

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Dirty Nelly Irish Pub

Immerse yourself in Irish culture at Dirty Nelly Irish Pub, where great drinks, delicious food, and sports unite in a lively atmosphere.

4.1

MILK Bar & Lounge

Discover the vibrant MILK Bar & Lounge in Ålesund – the ultimate destination for drinks, socializing, and a lively atmosphere.

4.3

Alesund Passenger Terminal

Discover the vibrant Alesund Passenger Terminal, your gateway to Norway's stunning fjords and rich cultural experiences.

4.3

Brooklyn - 24 / 26 -

Discover the lively Brooklyn Bar in Ålesund, where piano performances and crafted cocktails create an unforgettable nightlife experience.

3.8

Best shops in Møre og Romsdal

Top-rated picks

Best Shops

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All Shops

AMFI Moa

Experience the best of shopping and dining at AMFI Moa, Ålesund's premier mall with a diverse selection of stores and eateries.

4.3

AMFI Roseby

Discover AMFI Roseby in Molde, Norway—your ultimate shopping destination with diverse brands and delightful dining options.

4.1

Ålesund Storsenter

Explore the vibrant shopping scene at Ålesund Storsenter, where fashion, food, and fun come together in a charming Art Nouveau setting.

4.1

Moldetorget

Discover shopping bliss at Moldetorget, a dynamic mall in Molde, Norway, offering diverse shops and delightful dining options.

4.0

Explore Møre og Romsdal on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Møre og Romsdal, mapped for you.

Møre og Romsdal Essentials

Møre og Romsdal is accessible primarily through Ålesund Airport (AES) and Molde Airport (MOL). Both airports offer domestic flights and limited international connections. From Oslo, you can take a direct flight to Ålesund or Molde, which usually takes about an hour. Alternatively, you can drive from Oslo to Møre og Romsdal, which takes around 7-8 hours via E6 and E136. Additionally, there are buses and trains that connect Oslo with Åndalsnes, a town in Møre og Romsdal, from where you can use local transportation to reach other destinations within the county.
Møre og Romsdal offers a variety of transportation options. Public buses connect most towns and cities, and there are also ferry services that navigate the many fjords. Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring rural areas and remote attractions. Taxis are available but can be expensive. For a scenic and unique experience, consider taking the Rauma Railway from Åndalsnes to Dombås, which offers stunning views of the Norwegian landscape.
The official currency in Norway is the Norwegian Krone (NOK). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most establishments, including hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are available in towns and cities, and it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller purchases or in rural areas where card payments might not be accepted.
Møre og Romsdal is generally a very safe destination for tourists. Crime rates are low, and violent crime is rare. However, it is always advisable to take standard precautions like avoiding poorly lit areas at night and keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists.
In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police, 113 for medical emergencies, and 110 for fire services. Hospitals and medical facilities are available in larger towns such as Ålesund and Molde. Pharmacies are well-stocked and can provide over-the-counter medications. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
Fashion: Do wear layers and waterproof clothing, as the weather can be unpredictable. Avoid overly casual attire in fine dining restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially when visiting churches and religious sites. Public Transport: Do be punctual and wait patiently for public transportation. Don’t talk loudly on buses or trains. Greetings: Do greet people with a firm handshake and maintain eye contact. Avoid overly familiar gestures. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like klippfisk and bacalao. Don’t leave a significant amount of food on your plate, as it can be considered wasteful.
To experience Møre og Romsdal like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh seafood and traditional Norwegian goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the area's history and culture. Don't miss the chance to hike some of the stunning trails, such as the Romsdalseggen Ridge or Trollstigen. For a unique experience, take a fjord cruise to admire the breathtaking landscapes.

When is the best time to visit Møre og Romsdal?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Møre og Romsdal

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Møre og Romsdal. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHei
  [Hay]
- GoodbyeHa det
  [Hah deh]
- YesJa
  [Yah]
- NoNei
  [Nay]
- Please/You're welcomeVær så snill/Takk
  [Vair soh snill/Tahk]
- Thank youTakk
  [Tahk]
- Excuse me/SorryUnnskyld
  [Oon-shild]
- How are you?Hvordan har du det?
  [Vordan har du deh?]
- Fine. And you?Bra. Og du?
  [Bra. Oh doo?]
- Do you speak English?Snakker du engelsk?
  [Snakker doo engelsk?]
- I don't understandJeg forstår ikke
  [Yai for-stor ikka]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseKan jeg få se menyen, vær så snill?
  [Kan yai fo seh menyen, vair soh snill?]
- I don't eat meatJeg spiser ikke kjøtt
  [Yai speeser ikka shutt]
- Cheers!Skål!
  [Skawl!]
- I would like to pay, pleaseJeg vil gjerne betale, vær så snill
  [Yai vil yair-neh beh-tah-leh, vair soh snill]
- Help!Hjelp!
  [Yelp!]
- Go away!Gå bort!
  [Gaw bort!]
- Call the Police!Ring politiet!
  [Ring poh-lee-teet!]
- Call a doctor!Ring en lege!
  [Ring en leh-geh!]
- I'm lostJeg er tapt
  [Yai air taapt]
- I'm illJeg er syk
  [Yai air seek]
- I'd like to buy...Jeg vil kjøpe...
  [Yai vil shuh-peh...]
- I'm just lookingJeg bare ser
  [Yai bar-eh sair]
- How much is it?Hvor mye koster det?
  [Vor mee-eh koster deh?]
- That's too expensiveDet er for dyrt
  [Deh air for dyurt]
- Can you lower the price?Kan du senke prisen?
  [Kan doo sen-keh pree-sen?]
- What time is it?Hva tid er det?
  [Vah tee-eh air deh?]
- It's one o'clockKlokka er ett
  [Klohk-ka air ett]
- Half past (10)Halv elleve
  [Halv el-leh-veh]
- MorningMorgen
  [Mor-gen]
- AfternoonEttermiddag
  [Et-ter-mid-dahg]
- EveningKveld
  [Kveld]
- YesterdayI går
  [Ee gor]
- TodayI dag
  [Ee dahg]
- TomorrowI morgen
  [Ee mor-gen]
- 11
  [1]
- 22
  [2]
- 33
  [3]
- 44
  [4]
- 55
  [5]
- 66
  [6]
- 77
  [7]
- 88
  [8]
- 99
  [9]
- 1010
  [10]
- Where's a/the...?Hvor er en...?
  [Vor air en...?]
- What's the address?Hva er adressen?
  [Vah air a-dress-en?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Kan du vise meg (på kartet)?
  [Kan doo vee-seh mai (poh kar-teh)?]
- When's the next (bus)?Når går neste (buss)?
  [Nor gor neste (boos)?]
- A ticket (to ....)En billett (til ....)
  [En bee-lett (til ....)]

History of Møre og Romsdal

Møre og Romsdal was a significant region during the Viking Age, with its fjords providing natural harbors and its valleys serving as fertile grounds for agriculture. The renowned Viking chieftain Rollo, who later became the first ruler of Normandy, hailed from this region. Historical sites like the Giske Island, believed to be his birthplace, and the Kuli Stone, an ancient runestone inscribed with runes, offer glimpses into this fascinating period.
One of the most notable historical events associated with Møre og Romsdal is the Battle of Svolder, which took place around the year 1000. This naval battle involved King Olaf Tryggvason, who was born in the region. The battle, fought near the island of Svolder, marked a pivotal moment in Norwegian history as it led to the end of Olaf's reign and the consolidation of power by his adversaries.
The introduction of Christianity to Møre og Romsdal left a lasting impact on the region's culture and architecture. Churches such as the Kvernes Stave Church, dating back to the 14th century, showcase unique wooden construction and intricate carvings that reflect the blend of pagan and Christian influences. These medieval churches remain important cultural landmarks.
During the 13th and 14th centuries, the Hanseatic League, a powerful commercial and defensive confederation of merchant guilds, established trade routes that included Møre og Romsdal. The region's strategic location along the coast made it an essential hub for the exchange of goods such as fish, timber, and textiles. The influence of Hansa trade is evident in the coastal towns' architecture and economic development.
The 19th century brought significant changes to Møre og Romsdal with the advent of the Industrial Revolution. The region saw the rise of shipbuilding and fishing industries, transforming its coastal towns into bustling centers of commerce. Ålesund, in particular, became known for its art nouveau architecture following a devastating fire in 1904, when the town was rebuilt with the help of German architects.
During World War II, Møre og Romsdal was occupied by German forces, and the region played a crucial role in the resistance movement. The rugged terrain and remote fjords provided ideal hiding spots for resistance fighters and secret operations. The town of Åndalsnes, in particular, was a strategic point during the Norwegian Campaign, witnessing significant battles and evacuations.
After World War II, Møre og Romsdal underwent a period of reconstruction and modernization. The region invested in infrastructure development, including the construction of bridges and tunnels that improved connectivity. The emergence of the oil and gas industry in the North Sea further boosted the local economy. Today, Møre og Romsdal is known for its vibrant cultural scene, stunning natural landscapes, and thriving communities.