Molde, a picturesque city in Norway, offers visitors a chance to experience the breathtaking beauty of the region. One popular attraction is the shuttle bus tour to the Varden viewpoint. For just $35.97 per person, adventurers can embark on a 30-minute scenic ride that takes them from 0 to 407 meters, offering stunning vistas of Molde, the fjords, and the Romsdal Alps. Travelers can choose to return by shuttle or hike the 4.5 km trail back to the harbor, making this tour a perfect blend of convenience and outdoor exploration. With its stunning natural beauty, this tour promises to be a highlight of any visit to Molde.
Key Points
- The shuttle bus tour to Varden viewpoint in Molde costs $35.97 per person and lasts approximately 1 hour, including a 30-minute photo stop.
- The shuttle service ascends from 0 to 407 m in 15 minutes, offering stunning panoramic views of Molde and the Romsdal Alps.
- Customers have the option to hike 4.5 km back to the harbor, taking around 1 hour, or return on the shuttle.
- The shuttle service is non-guided, allowing guests to enjoy the natural beauty at their own pace.
- Weather conditions can significantly impact the visibility and overall experience, with alternative tours arranged in case of unfavorable weather.
Activity Overview and Pricing
The shuttle bus tour to the Varden viewpoint costs $35.97 per person and lasts approximately 1 hour.
There is an option for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, as well as a reserve now and pay later option.
The tour starts at Molde og Romsdal Havn IKS and provides scenic views during a 30-minute photo stop, passing by the Molde Cathedral before returning to the starting point.
Highlights of the tour include panoramic views over Molde, its fjord landscape, and the Romsdal Alps with 222 peaks.
Guests can choose between a leisurely shuttle return or a 4.5 km hiking trail back to the harbor, which takes approximately 1 hour to walk.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Molde.
Itinerary and Highlights
Starting at Molde og Romsdal Havn IKS, the shuttle bus takes guests on a 30-minute photo stop, offering scenic views along the way and passing by Molde Cathedral before arriving back at the starting point.
The highlights of this tour include breathtaking vistas over the town of Molde, its fjord landscape, and the majestic Romsdal Alps with 222 peaks.
Guests have the option to either take the leisurely shuttle bus back or hike the 4.5 km trail to the harbor, which takes approximately an hour.
This non-guided tour provides an opportunity to soak in the natural beauty of the region without the hassle of driving.
Shuttle Service Details
The shuttle service ascends from 0 to 407 m in just 15 minutes, providing a swift and efficient way for guests to reach the Varden viewpoint.
This non-guided tour doesn’t include any entrance fees for additional stops, though refreshments are available at the Romsdal Museum, with coffee and the local Svele pastry not included in the tour price.
The key details of the shuttle service are:
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No tour guide is provided during the shuttle service.
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There are no entrance fees for additional stops along the way.
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Refreshments can be purchased at the Romsdal Museum.
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The shuttle ride takes approximately 15 minutes to reach the 407 m high Varden viewpoint.
Meeting Point and Logistics
Guests meet at the Souvenir Boutique Lille Vik located at the cruise terminal entrance to begin the shuttle bus excursion to the Varden viewpoint.
Departure times are based on cruise ship schedules and may change, so it’s important to check in advance. The tour requires a minimum number of guests, and refunds will be provided if this isn’t met.
Since the itinerary is weather-dependent, alternative tours may be arranged if necessary. To ensure smooth logistics, guests should provide a valid mobile number and cruise ship details.
The shuttle service ascends from 0 to 407 meters in just 15 minutes, offering stunning views of the Molde fjord and Romsdal Alps along the way.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyCustomer Reviews and Ratings
According to the reviews, the shuttle bus service to the Varden viewpoint has an overall rating of 3.9 out of 5 based on 22 customer evaluations.
The transportation aspect of the tour received a 4 out of 5 rating, while the value for money was scored at 2.6 out of 5.
Customers praised the friendly service and the beautiful views, but noted that the weather can sometimes affect visibility.
The key review highlights include:
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Friendly service and good driving
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Beautiful views of Molde and the Romsdal Alps
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Potential weather issues impacting visibility
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Fair value for money assessment
Route and Duration
The shuttle bus service takes guests on a 30-minute scenic route up to the Varden viewpoint, ascending from 0 to 407 meters in elevation.
This non-guided tour offers stunning views over the city of Molde, its fjord landscape, and the majestic Romsdal Alps with 222 peaks. During the journey, passengers can enjoy a 30-minute photo stop to capture the breathtaking scenery.
Upon arrival at the viewpoint, visitors have the option to take a leisurely shuttle back down or embark on a 4.5 km hiking trail, which takes approximately 1 hour to complete, before returning to the harbor.
The total duration of the shuttle bus experience is around 1 hour.
Amenities and Facilities
During the shuttle bus journey, passengers can purchase refreshments at the Romsdal Museum, which offers coffee and traditional Norwegian Svele pastries, though these aren’t included in the tour price.
The shuttle service itself is non-guided, with no entrance fees for any additional stops along the way. The 15-minute ascent climbs from 0 to 407 meters, providing stunning views over Molde, its fjords, and the Romsdal Alps.
Upon arrival at the Varden viewpoint, visitors have the option to either:
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Take the leisurely shuttle bus back down
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Hike the 4.5 km trail back to the harbor (approx. 1 hour)
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Explore the surrounding area and trails
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Visit the on-site facilities and grab a bite or drink
Weather Considerations
Weather can impact the Varden viewpoint shuttle experience, as the itinerary is weather-dependent. Alternative tours may be arranged if inclement conditions affect visibility or accessibility to the viewpoint. Guests are encouraged to dress appropriately for the mountain climate and be prepared for potential changes to the scheduled itinerary.
The shuttle service ascends from 0 to 407 meters in just 15 minutes, so the weather at the viewpoint can differ significantly from the starting point. Fog, rain, or strong winds could limit the panoramic views of Molde, its fjords, and the Romsdal Alps.
The tour operator closely monitors the forecast and will communicate any adjustments to the planned activities to ensure guests have the best possible experience.
Recap
The Molde shuttle bus tour to the Varden viewpoint offers an affordable and picturesque way to experience the stunning natural beauty of the region.
With a 30-minute scenic ride up to 407 meters and a 30-minute photo stop, travelers can capture breathtaking vistas of Molde, the fjords, and the Romsdal Alps.
The flexibility to hike back down the 4.5 km trail makes this tour a perfect adventure for nature lovers.
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