Fredslunden

Fredslunden ("Peace Grove") is a small memorial park in Molde, western Norway, located in the Glomstua area right beside the famous Kongebjørka, the Royal Birch. It was inaugurated in 1997 as a place that recalls freedom, peace and human dignity.

What is Fredslunden?

This is a quiet corner rather than a ticketed attraction with queues. The park was conceived as a symbol of the ongoing struggle for freedom, peace and human dignity. That is why it sits next to the Royal Birch, which Norwegians came to regard as a sign of resistance to the Nazi occupation during the Second World War. The two sites are best seen together on a single walk.

What is the story of the Royal Birch next door?

The original tree was destroyed by vandals in 1981. A year later, in 1982, King Olav V planted a new birch. This gives the ground around Fredslunden real historical and symbolic weight, and the park is a natural companion to that story.

What makes the trees here special?

The main curiosity is that the trees were planted by well-known figures. A plaque on site records that between 1997 and 2004 eight trees were planted by writers and public figures. Those named include:

• Wole Soyinka, the Nigerian writer and Nobel laureate,
• Seamus Heaney, the Irish poet,
• Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, former President of Iceland,
• Thor Heyerdahl, the explorer,
• Hans Blix, the Swedish diplomat.

The plaque was put up by the Bjørnson Festival, the literary festival associated with Molde. Each tree is a small monument to people who combine writing, public life and commitment to peace.

How to visit Fredslunden

Plan a short stop for an unhurried walk and a read of the plaque. The park suits quiet reflection rather than active recreation. It pairs well with a visit to the Royal Birch, and both fit easily into a route around Molde, the town known as the "City of Roses" and of festivals.

Travel listings give the address as Glomstuvegen 50, 6412 Molde.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Fredslunden? In Molde, in the Møre og Romsdal region of Norway, in the Glomstua area next to the Royal Birch.

When did the park open? In 1997.

Who planted the trees? Between 1997 and 2004, eight writers and public figures planted them, including Wole Soyinka, Seamus Heaney, Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, Thor Heyerdahl and Hans Blix.

What does the park symbolize? The continuing struggle for freedom, peace and human dignity.

Is it a major attraction? No, it is a quiet, symbolic memorial park. See it together with the Royal Birch, without rushing, and take a moment at the plaque naming the tree planters.