Molde is a city in Norway. Molde started to grow throughout the 18th and 19th Centuries, becoming a center for Norwegian textile and garment industry, as well as an executive center for the region. At this point, tourism had become the key industry. This rapid development was interrupted when one third of the city, by and large its famous wooden buildings and rose gardens, were destroyed in a fire on January 22, 1916. However, Molde recovered quickly, and continued to grow in the economically difficult period. Then a series of fires, struck from the German air-raids in April 1940, destroying about two thirds of the city again. After the consolidation of the city itself and its adjacent communities in 1964, Molde became a modern city, encompassing most branches of employment, from farming and fisheries, through industrial production, to banking, tourism, commerce, health care and civil administration. Although tourism has never reached the significance and economical substance it once had, Molde is still a primary cruise ship and tourist destination.
A renowned attraction in Molde, Norway is the
Royal Birch. Which is where King Haakon VII and Crown Prince Olav went to hide
during the German World War II bombing of the city in April 1940. Also there is
a famous photograph taken during this event was widely reprinted, and became a
symbol of Norwegian patriotism and resistance against Nazi-Germany.
Another place that is close to the Royal Birch is the international Grove of
Peace where a peaceful stroll can be enjoyed.
Another tradition happens every July, Molde is host to the largest, most
important, and oldest jazz festival in Europe.
And last but not least every August, Molde hosts an international literature festival, known as the Bjornson Festival. It was established by poet Knut Overgaard in connection with Molde's 250-year anniversary. The Bjornson Festival is the oldest, and most internationally acclaimed, festival of literature in Norway.