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Møre og Romsdal
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Explore Møre og Romsdal for Art Nouveau Ålesund, dramatic fjords, alpine hikes, island communities and Norway’s most memorable scenic roads.

Møre og Romsdal occupies Norway’s north-western coast, a varied county where deep fjords, glaciated mountains, fishing communities and open ocean meet. The landscape changes quickly: Sunnmøre in the south is known for sharp alpine peaks rising above the Hjørundfjord and Storfjord, Romsdal centres on the broad Romsdalen valley and dramatic mountain walls, while Nordmøre in the north has a more open maritime character, with skerries, islands and historic coastal towns. Distances are manageable on a map but journeys can be slow because ferries, tunnels, mountain roads and winding fjord routes shape the itinerary.
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Ålesund is the county’s principal urban gateway and is celebrated for its concentration of early twentieth-century Art Nouveau architecture, rebuilt after a major fire in 1904. Molde, spread along the northern shore of the Romsdalsfjord, is associated with views towards numerous mountain summits and a long tradition of cultural events. Kristiansund, built across several islands, developed through fishing, clipfish production and maritime trade; its harbour-facing setting gives it a character distinct from both Ålesund and Molde.
The county’s most famous scenery lies inland and along the fjords. Geirangerfjord, a branch of the Storfjord, is lined by steep cliffs, waterfalls and historic farmsteads reached by demanding paths and water routes. The Romsdal valley leads towards Åndalsnes, a major base for mountain walking and the Romsdalseggen ridge. Around Hellesylt and Stranda, ferries and roads connect fjord communities with viewpoints and highland landscapes, while the Sunnmøre Alps offer some of western Norway’s most dramatic peaks.
Møre og Romsdal is also a place of maritime culture. Fishing, shipbuilding, aquaculture and seaborne trade remain important, and the coast is marked by quays, boathouses, bridges and small islands rather than a single continuous resort landscape. The Atlantic Road links a chain of low islands and islets north of Kristiansund, while Runde is known for its seabird cliffs and exposed coastal scenery. Weather can change rapidly, so the same route may shift from sunlit water to cloud, wind and rain within hours.
Food reflects both sea and land. Salted and dried fish, cod, shellfish, lamb, dairy produce and locally grown apples appear in restaurants, cafés and seasonal farm shops, with regional specialities varying between the coast and inland valleys. Visitors can combine scenic drives with kayaking, fjord cruises, ski trips, mountaineering, cycling and short walks, but should allow time for crossings and weather. Møre og Romsdal is best understood not as one compact sightseeing circuit, but as a collection of connected landscapes, each with its own pace and visual character.

When is the best time to visit Møre og Romsdal?

Best: June–August · 15–16°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January3100
February390
March580
April770
May1160
June (best)1550
July (best)1660
August (best)1670
September1380
October1090
November6100
December3110

Getting to and around Møre og Romsdal

How to get there

Ålesund Airport, Vigra, is the principal air gateway in the southern part of the county and has domestic connections, with onward international options varying by season. Molde Airport, Årø, and Kristiansund Airport, Kvernberget, serve the central and northern areas. Ålesund and Molde can also be reached by coastal ferry services, while Åndalsnes has a railway connection from eastern Norway via Dombås. Long-distance buses and domestic flights link the county with Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim and other Norwegian centres. Visitors driving from the south or north should expect a combination of roads and ferries; check current route conditions before travelling.

Transportation

A car is useful for combining fjords, valleys, viewpoints and smaller communities, although drivers must allow for ferries, narrow roads, tunnels and occasional seasonal closures. Public buses connect the main towns and many larger settlements, while local ferries are essential for island and fjord travel; coverage is less frequent in rural areas. The Raumabanen railway terminates at Åndalsnes and provides a practical link with eastern Norway. Walking and cycling are rewarding but require careful route planning, as traffic, steep gradients, tunnels and limited shoulders can make some roads unsuitable. Mountain routes, including Trollstigen, may close outside the warmer season.

Top city travel guides in Møre og Romsdal

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

Destinations in Møre og Romsdal

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

Best attractions in Møre og Romsdal

Møre og Romsdal’s attractions are defined by the relationship between water, mountains and maritime communities. In Ålesund, visitors can explore the post-1904 Art Nouveau centre, museums and harbour setting before heading towards the islands and fjords of Sunnmøre. Geirangerfjord offers boat journeys, viewpoints and demanding walks to historic farms and waterfalls, while the villages around Hjørundfjord provide a quieter base for kayaking, hiking and mountain scenery. Romsdal centres on Åndalsnes, the starting point for routes such as Romsdalseggen and excursions towards the high walls of the Romsdal valley. North of Molde, the Atlantic Road crosses bridges and low islands above exposed coastal waters, and Kristiansund provides museums, harbour walks and maritime history. Runde attracts visitors for its seabird cliffs and coastal landscapes, particularly during the nesting season. Across the county, activities range from fjord cruises and sea kayaking to ski touring, cycling, fishing and short family walks. Conditions and access vary substantially by season, so the attraction is often the journey itself as much as the final viewpoint.

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Best landmarks in Møre og Romsdal

Ålesund’s Art Nouveau centre is the county’s most recognisable urban landmark, its towers, curved façades and decorative details reflecting the town’s reconstruction after the 1904 fire. The monument and viewpoint on Mount Aksla provides a broad visual introduction to the town, surrounding islands and waterways. Geirangerfjord is the region’s defining natural landmark, enclosed by steep mountains and marked by waterfalls such as the Seven Sisters and historic farms on difficult slopes. In Romsdal, the vertical walls around Åndalsnes and the Romsdal valley express the scale of the county’s mountain geography, while the Trollstigen road is notable for its engineered hairpin bends and highland setting when open. The Atlantic Road is a modern landmark of bridges and causeways crossing exposed coastal skerries north of Kristiansund. Runde’s cliffs and offshore islands form another important natural feature, combining seabird habitat with a strong sense of the open sea. Historic Giske Church and the island’s former aristocratic associations add a human dimension to the coastal landscape.

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Best restaurants in Møre og Romsdal

Dining in Møre og Romsdal is shaped by the North Atlantic, productive fjords and inland farming valleys. Fish and shellfish are central, with cod, halibut, salmon, mussels and prawns appearing alongside dried or salted fish traditions associated particularly with the coastal towns. Kristiansund’s clipfish heritage is an important part of local food history, while the wider county offers lamb, dairy products, potatoes, berries and apples from sheltered farming areas. Ålesund, Molde, Kristiansund and Åndalsnes have the broadest selection of cafés, bakeries, seafood restaurants and contemporary dining, while villages and fjord settlements often provide seasonal menus in hotels, inns or small cafés. Farmers’ shops and markets can be useful for local cheese, preserves, baked goods and cider-style apple drinks. In rural areas, opening days may be limited outside the main season, and reservations are sensible for well-known restaurants or accommodation-based dining. Expect Norwegian prices and an emphasis on fresh ingredients rather than heavily spiced cooking.

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Best bars in Møre og Romsdal

Evening life in Møre og Romsdal is concentrated in Ålesund, Molde and Kristiansund, with a smaller selection of pubs, hotel bars and cafés in Åndalsnes and the larger fjord settlements. Ålesund has the county’s broadest urban choice, including traditional pubs, cocktail-oriented bars, live music and venues connected with its restaurant scene. Molde’s cultural calendar and summer activity can add to its evening options, while Kristiansund’s harbour setting supports relaxed bars and restaurants rather than a large club circuit. Outside the towns, evenings are generally quieter and centre on local pubs, inns, hotel lounges or dining, with seasonal variation and earlier closing common in small communities. Some coastal and mountain destinations become noticeably calmer outside summer. Alcohol is expensive by international standards, and responsible drinking is expected; visitors need not drink to participate in local social life.

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Best nightclubs in Møre og Romsdal

Evening life in Møre og Romsdal is concentrated in Ålesund, Molde and Kristiansund, with a smaller selection of pubs, hotel bars and cafés in Åndalsnes and the larger fjord settlements. Ålesund has the county’s broadest urban choice, including traditional pubs, cocktail-oriented bars, live music and venues connected with its restaurant scene. Molde’s cultural calendar and summer activity can add to its evening options, while Kristiansund’s harbour setting supports relaxed bars and restaurants rather than a large club circuit. Outside the towns, evenings are generally quieter and centre on local pubs, inns, hotel lounges or dining, with seasonal variation and earlier closing common in small communities. Some coastal and mountain destinations become noticeably calmer outside summer. Alcohol is expensive by international standards, and responsible drinking is expected; visitors need not drink to participate in local social life.

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Best shops in Møre og Romsdal

Shopping in Møre og Romsdal is strongest in the town centres of Ålesund, Molde and Kristiansund, where pedestrian streets and compact retail areas combine national chains with independent clothing shops, bookshops, cafés, galleries and design stores. Ålesund is particularly suited to browsing architecture, homewares and locally themed craft products, while harbour areas and smaller towns offer maritime souvenirs without the scale of a major city. Farmers’ shops, bakeries and seasonal markets are useful places to look for dried or smoked fish, cheese, preserves, chocolate, berries and other Norwegian food products. In fjord and mountain communities, craft galleries may stock knitwear, woodwork, ceramics, jewellery or locally made artworks, although opening arrangements can be seasonal. Outdoor equipment is widely available in larger centres and is practical for visitors planning walks or mountain activities. When buying wildlife-related products, check that items are legal and responsibly sourced, and favour durable local crafts over generic souvenirs.

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Møre og Romsdal essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the Norwegian krone, abbreviated NOK. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in hotels, shops, restaurants, transport ticket systems and visitor attractions, and Norway is highly accustomed to electronic payment. Carry a card backup and a small amount of cash for occasional unmanned facilities, rural purchases or situations affected by connectivity. Prices are generally higher than in many European destinations, particularly for accommodation, eating out and transport. Norway is not part of the euro area, although some tourist-oriented businesses may display prices or accept foreign currency only under specific conditions.
Safety
Møre og Romsdal is generally well equipped for visitors, but its terrain demands sensible preparation. Fjord roads may be narrow, exposed or busy in summer, and weather can affect visibility, ferry operations and mountain access. On hikes, carry suitable clothing, water and navigation equipment, and do not rely solely on a mobile signal. Keep away from cliff edges and obey signs at viewpoints. Sea conditions can change quickly for kayakers and small-boat users. When driving, allow following traffic to pass where safe and avoid stopping in unsuitable places on narrow scenic roads.
Emergency Situations
For police, fire or ambulance emergencies in Norway, call 112, 110 or 113 respectively; 112 is the general emergency number and can connect callers to urgent assistance. Give your exact location, including a road number, trail name, ferry route, mountain hut or visible landmark where possible. In coastal waters, urgent maritime assistance is coordinated through the national emergency and rescue system, while organised mountain rescue can be alerted through emergency services. For non-urgent medical advice, use Norway’s health guidance services rather than occupying emergency lines. Downloading maps in advance is sensible in remote valleys and on islands.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress in layers and take weatherproof clothing when visiting fjords or mountains, even in summer. Follow marked paths, close gates, leave no litter and respect private land and working farms under Norway’s right-to-roam principles. Do not camp close to houses or disturb livestock, nesting birds or cultivated fields. At viewpoints and on ferries, follow local safety instructions and do not obstruct roads for photographs. Tipping is not compulsory, though rounding up or leaving a modest amount for notably good service is accepted. In towns and villages, keep noise moderate and remember that scenic areas are also living workplaces.
Local Tips
Break longer journeys into sections because a short distance on a map can involve a ferry or a slow mountain road. Åndalsnes is particularly convenient for combining rail travel with Romsdal hiking, while Ålesund works well for urban culture and southern coastal excursions. Check whether a viewpoint or mountain road is open before setting out, especially outside summer. Early or late visits to heavily visited fjord locations can provide a calmer experience, but daylight and weather vary considerably by season. Ask local accommodation providers about current trail conditions rather than assuming that a route shown online is suitable.
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Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
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?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
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

Stone Age Coastal Settlement

People have used the coast and sheltered fjords of present-day Møre og Romsdal since prehistoric times. Early communities depended on fishing, hunting, gathering and movement between islands and mainland valleys, leaving evidence in settlements, tools and burial remains. Low-lying areas have changed considerably as land rose after the last Ice Age, while fjords and natural harbours continued to influence where communities developed. The county’s later maritime identity therefore has deep roots: the sea was a source of food, a route of travel and a connection between otherwise separated valleys and islands.

Viking-Age Maritime Networks

During the Viking Age, the fjords and islands of Møre og Romsdal formed part of extensive coastal networks linking western Norway with the wider North Atlantic. Estates, boat landing places and trading contacts supported local political power, while ship technology made it possible to travel between the coast, inland valleys and distant settlements. The region is associated with the Giske area near Ålesund, whose powerful medieval and earlier landowning families later played an important role in political history. Much of this period’s legacy survives through place-names, archaeological discoveries and the continuing importance of sheltered harbours.

Christianisation and Medieval Coastal Power

Christianity reshaped the region during the late Viking and early medieval periods. Churches, farms and royal or aristocratic estates became important centres of authority, and coastal settlements developed within the administrative and trading structures of medieval Norway. The island of Giske was especially significant as the seat of the influential Giske dynasty, while the islands and fjords supported traffic between western Norwegian communities. Medieval churches, farm landscapes and traditional settlement patterns remain reminders that the county’s history was never solely rural or isolated; maritime connections tied it to national politics and international commerce.

Fishing, Clipfish and Port Towns

From the early modern period onwards, fishing and the processing of fish shaped the coastal economy. Salted and dried cod, known in Norway as klippfisk when prepared as clipfish, became especially important in Kristiansund, where the product was exported to markets including southern Europe and Latin America. Ålesund and other ports also grew through fishing, shipping and related trades. The industry influenced warehouses, harbour districts, merchant houses and working communities, while seasonal fisheries connected offshore waters with the markets and processing sites of the towns.

The Ålesund Fire and Art Nouveau Reconstruction

A fire in January 1904 destroyed much of Ålesund’s built centre, leaving thousands of residents temporarily displaced. The town was rebuilt rapidly, using contemporary ideas and largely consistent architectural designs in brick, stone and plaster. The result was an unusually coherent concentration of Art Nouveau buildings, often incorporating towers, ornament and motifs inspired by nature and the sea. The reconstruction transformed the town’s appearance and created the architectural identity for which Ålesund is now known, while also illustrating the period’s broader confidence in modern urban planning and building technology.

Industrialisation, Shipbuilding and Modern Transport

The twentieth century brought stronger links between the county’s settlements through roads, ferries, tunnels, improved ports and aviation, while shipbuilding and maritime engineering became major sources of employment. Fishing fleets, merchant shipping and later offshore industries reinforced the importance of technical skills and ocean-based trade. Roads across mountain passes and along fjords also made landscapes such as Romsdalen and Geiranger more accessible to visitors. Tourism expanded alongside these developments, but remains closely dependent on the same infrastructure that serves local communities.

Tourism and the Scenic Road Era

Visitors began travelling through the county’s fjords and mountains in larger numbers during the nineteenth century, initially by steamer and horse-drawn transport. The growth of roads, ferries and viewpoints later made routes such as the approaches to Geiranger, Trollstigen and the Atlantic Road internationally recognised scenic journeys. Tourism has brought cruise traffic, accommodation and outdoor businesses, while also raising questions about seasonal pressure, transport capacity and landscape protection. Today the county’s visitor economy sits alongside fishing, aquaculture, shipbuilding and other maritime industries.

Møre og Romsdal in Photos

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