Molde (river)

The Molde River (Norwegian: Moldeelva) is a river in Molde Municipality in Møre og Romsdal county, Norway.^[1] The 5-kilometre (3.1 mi) long river runs through the Moldemarka area and then through the city of Molde. Its origins are found at Lake Molde (Norwegian: Moldevatnet). It follows the Molde Valley (Norwegian: Moldedalen) on its way to the Molde Fjord (Norwegian: Moldefjord). The approximately 5-kilometre (3.1 mi) river is crossed by several bridges.

Molde River Moldeelva (Norwegian)
Location of the river Show map of Møre og Romsdal Molde (river) (Norway) Show map of Norway
Location
Country	Norway
County	Møre og Romsdal
Municipalities	Molde Municipality
Physical characteristics
Source	Lake Molde
• location	Molde, Norway
• coordinates	62°46′28″N 7°11′37″E / 62.77448°N 7.1935397°E / 62.77448; 7.1935397
• elevation	343 metres (1,125 ft)
Mouth	Molde Fjord
• location	Molde, Norway
• coordinates	62°44′13″N 7°09′51″E / 62.736918°N 7.164255°E / 62.736918; 7.164255
• elevation	0 metres (0 ft)
Length	5 km (3.1 mi)

Although the river is minor and seasonal, there were several sawmills along its course in the 17th and 18th centuries. This gave rise to the city itself through a combination of a good harbour, proximity to the sea routes, vast timber resources, and a river capable of supporting mills.

In 1909, the river also housed the first hydroelectric power plant capable of providing sufficient electricity to the city. Much of the drinking water for the city comes from the upper part of the river. During the reconstruction after the fire of 1916, the lower part of the river and the estuary is controlled by a dam, built just north of the city, which also serves as a reservoir and water supply reserve.