Molde - Otrøya - Midøya - Dryna
The trip starts with 10 km of easy cycling on a continuous cycling path from Molde and (almost) all the way down to the ferry quay in Mordalsvågen, where the ferry takes you across to Otrøya. At Kvam, you can visit the idyllic beach in Kringstadbukta bay, and enjoy fantastic views of the Romsdalsfjord and the mountains on the south side of the fjord. If you have plenty of time, you could spend a few hours doing the walking trails at Julneset. There are great fishing opportunities in this outdoor recreation area, and the remains of the German fort that was built here during World War II. The round trip at Julneset covers approx. 3 km.
A 10-minute ferry trip takes you from Modalvågen across Julsundet sound to Solholmen ferry quay on the eastern side of Otrøya. There, you have two options for your journey on to the old administrative centre of the municipality, Midsund. The northern side covers 21 km and you can enjoy views of the sea, but the traffic can be considerable at times. The southern side is 3–4 km shorter, and we recommend it as there is less traffic, it’s a sunny route and the fjord landscape is beautiful. You pass the rock carving site at Nord-Heggdal, Hellekista (a Stone Age grave dating 3,000 to 1,800 BC) a mill in Heggdalsvika dating from 1880 and a bleak reminder of World War II, Klauset coastal fort.
The cycling trip continues from the centre of Midsund across Midsundbrua bridge to the next island, Midøya. You can choose again here whether to cycle on the outer (north) or inner (south) side of the island. You should choose the southern side if you would like to enjoy views of the sea, see sights such as Bjørneremsherrene (three mountain caves), the Sandane outdoor recreation area with its walking paths and beach, and the historical point marking the old national border (1658–1660). All of these places are well signposted.
The islands of Otrøya and Midøya boast long, impressive stone steps in the mountains, which have been built by stone masons from Nepal. You can choose between doing Rørsethornet or Digergubben on Otrøya or Bløkallen on Midøya. You should definitely include one of these walks on the cycling trip, especially if you’ve set aside time for great experiences off your bike in the mountains. We recommend Bløkallen with its bridges, steps and natural paths. You get an incredible view of the ocean and mountains from the top.
Whichever side of Midøya you choose, you eventually get to Drynjasundet sound with its old bridge, Varnesbrua, built by hand by Jonas Varnes in 1902-1904. Stop and admire the fantastic masonry, and read the poem about the bridge builder! You now come to the third island, Dryna, where there is only one road on the inner side of this island. It takes you to the ferry quay, and you’ve now come to the westernmost point in (new) Molde municipality. Tip: Takt the time to explore the interesting mountain cave Franskhelleren, or do a quick hike to the top of the little mountain, Drynahatten.