Kongebjørka

The Royal Birch ( Kongebjørka ) at Glomstua in Molde is a Norwegian national symbol and sign of remembrance for the German occupation of Norway. King Haakon VII and Crown Prince Olav was photographed here by Per Bratland, as they sought protection from the German bombing of Molde on the last weekend of April 1940. The image became world famous and inspired Nordahl Grieg to his poem Kongen, the confessed image and place more symbolic power.

In 1955, King Olav unveiled a plaque near the birch.

The tree was destroyed in the 80s of the 20th century by the Vandals, but in 1982 planted again. This tree was again destroyed and planted again in the same year by the hurricane at New Year 1992. At the same time the relief of Bratlands image with a stone plaque with a poem by King Knut Ødegård was added in memory of King Olav.

In the immediate vicinity of the birch peace Lund was inaugurated in 1997.