Olden, Norway is a small village nestled almost at the end of the Nordfjord (the “north fjord”), and a popular destination for cruise ships. If you are visiting for the day (whether on a ship or by your own design), don’t miss this local’s guide to things to do in Olden!
I have visited Olden, Norway several times (having grown up in the “next fjord down”). In addition to growing up in western Norway, with my work as an Adventure guide for Adventures by Disney, I visit the Nordfjord area weekly during the summer months!
So, it’s safe to say I am up to date on the best activities and excursions in Olden and the surrounding area.
Lots of people visit the area on cruise ships, as there are several places to dock here. So, if you are looking for inspiration on what to do in Olden from your cruise ship, this guide will be of help too.
Table of Contents
About Olden, Norway & the Surrounding Area
As mentioned, Olden is a small village along the Norwegian fjord called Nordfjord.
Nordfjord is the “middle” fjord, north of the Sognefjord (where you will find Flåm, Aurland, Undredal and other popular destinations), and south of the Geirangerfjord (one of the best fjords in Norway).
The destinations you need to be aware of when visiting Olden (whether it’s by cruise ship or not), are the following:
- Olden
- Loen (10 minutes from Olden)
- Stryn (20 minutes from Olden)
These three towns and villages are all nestled along the end of the fjord, quite close to each other. Olden is the furthest south, then Loen is about a 10-minute drive along the fjord, and finally Stryn is on the north edge of the fjord (another 10 minutes away.
See the photo below to get a better idea of what I mean.
Olden and the Nordfjord area is a natural stopping point for anyone driving between the Sognefjord/Nærøyfjord and Geiranger or Ålesund area. If you have the time during your Norway trip, consider adding a night here.
The 18 Best Things to do in Olden
The reason I pointed out the destinations of Loen and Stryn is that the three towns are located close together, and that most activities in Olden are spread out across the towns.
Thus, you will find that some of these are located in Loen, or Stryn. As mentioned, Olden is a very small village (with around 500 inhabitants), and works mainly as the cruise ship dock.
One thing you must know before you go, is that most of the activities in Olden are seasonal. The destionations around Nordfjord get most of their visitors in the summer months, and so many of the offers below are only available from May to October.
If you are visiting Olden Norway by cruise ship, this shouldn’t affect you, as the cruises mostly visit in the summer. On the rare occasion that there are cruise ships in the low season, many of the activity providers will open just for the day.
But, if you are visiting Olden and the area on your own, and it is in the low season (November-April), always double check opening hours and availability before you go.
#1 The Briksdal Glacier
The Briksdalsbreen Glacier is an arm (or “tongue”) of the Jostedalsbreen glacier.
A glacier tongue is a part of the glacier that comes down a valley or lower area, making it visible for us as we stand at sea level.
Most of the glacier is usually only visible by plane or drone, as it is located on the top of mountians.
The Jostedalsbreen is the largest glacier on mainland Europe, with several glacier tongues in the area surrounding Olden!
Start your glacier adventure by heading up to Briksdalsstova, from where you can hike up to the glacier yourself, or jump into one of their “troll car” shuttles to take you up the trail to the glacier (more details below).
The hike up to Briksdalsbreen is easy to moderate, and can be done at your own pace (2,5 kilometers / 1,5 miles). It will take around 45-60 minutes.
During the walk you will pass (and cross) the Kleivafossen waterfall, which is one of Norway’s many beautiful waterfalls. Note that you may get a little wet as you cross the bridge, due to the mist.
If you want to see the glacier on a shore excursion from your cruise ship, here is a Norwegian company that offers a 4-hour trip to the glacier from the cruise ship dock in Olden!
There is also a private shore excursion option for seeing the Briksdal glacier, which includes a trip up Loen Skylift – check it out here!
#2 Glacier Troll Cars
If you don’t feel like walking up to the glacier, you can get a lift in the “troll cars” offered by Briksdalsbreen Fjellstove (the cafe and visitor center at the start of the hike).
These are fun little open-air “cars” that will take you up the road to the glacier viewpoint. You will still have to walk the final parts of the trail (around 700 meters / less than half a mile).
Note: both on the hike or with the troll cars you won’t go up to the top of the mountain to see the glacier. You’ll still be at the bottom of the valley, looking up at the glacier.
The troll cars are available from May to October, and should be booked in advance. In the months of May and October, they actually have to be booked in advance, and drop in is not possible.
#3 Oldevatnet Lake (Olden Lake)
In the valley leading up to the glacier, you will find Oldevatnet (Olden Lake).
This is a large glacial lake with melted water from the Briksdalsbreen Glacier, and the beautiful green colour comes from the particles of the glacier (like Loen Lake, which I have mentioned below).
The lake itself is a sight worth seeing when visiting Olden, Norway, due to it’s beautiful colours and serenity.
#4 Rent a canoe or row boat on the lake
At Yrineset, along the Olden lake, you will find Yri Outdoor. In addition to having a small cafe there, open in the summer months, they offer canoe and row boat rentals.
In the summer months (May to August), it is possible to rent these 2-3-person canoes online, whilst the row boats are on a drop in and first come, first served basis. The rentals include oars and life jackets.
If you want a peaceful and serene afternoon in Olden and Norway, this should be on your list! The video below should be enough to convince you.
#5 Relax in a Finnish Sauna
Another offer along the Oldevatnet Lake (in the Olden Valley) is to spend an hour or two in the sauna at Yrineset.
The sauna can be rented for one or two hours, and can fit up to 10 people. So, if you are visiting with family and want to have a truly Scandinavian experience, consider doing this.
Of course, the sauna overlooks the beautiful Olden Lake, and I guarantee that you will want to jump in after a while.
There is nothing as refreshing as cooling down in a Norwegian glacier lake (or as comfortable as running back into the warm sauna after your swim).
#6 Kayak on the fjord (tours and rentals)
If you would rather head out on the fjord, as opposed to the lake, you’ll be happy to hear that you can join a fun 2,5-hour kayak tour from Olden.
This excursion has two daily departures from Mølla in Olden (right on the dock), and is suitable for all skill levels (even if you haven’t really kayaked before).
Olden Active offers these tours, in addition to a slightly longer 3,5-hour kayak tour (perhaps more suitable for those with a little experience).
Alternatively, if you want to rent a kayak and head out on your own, Discover Olden offers 4-hour kayak rentals on the fjord.
When you rent a kayak from them, you will also get a detailed map of the fjord and area, so you can decide on where to paddle.
Of course, the staff can also assist you with directions and suitable routes for your trip.
#7 Loen Skylift
Perhaps one of the top activities in Olden and the area is the Loen Skylift.
Located in (you guessed it) Loen, you will find the Loen Skylift just a 10-minute drive from Olden.
This is a gondola/cable car that takes you from the fjord and up to the top of Mount Hoven in just a few minutes. Whilst the journey itself is spectacular (and might make you a little breathless), there are also plenty of things to do on Mount Hoven.
The base station of the Skylift is clearly visible as soon as you reach Loen, and located right along the fjord.
From the top of the mountain, at 3316 feet above sea level, you can see the entire inner area of Nordfjord, including Olden, any cruise ships docking there, and the nearby glaciers.
This is a highly recommended activity in the area, and not to be missed.
To save time you can book your tickets in advance here, but this is also possible to do on a drop in basis. The two cable cars (named Hugin and Munin after Norse God Odin’s ravens) leave continuously throughout the day – and always when one of them is full.
#8 Hiking and exploring Mount Hoven
As mentioned, there is lots to do on the top of Mount Hoven, the destination of Loen Skylift.
There, you will find several hikes, suitable for all fitness levels. As I’m sure you know by now, hiking in Norway is a must during your trip!
The most popular hike is a short trail called Gjølrunden. This is a 2,2-kilometer loop (1,4 miles) that takes you around the mountaintop itself, with lovely views of the valleys below.
The look starts with a 170-meter (550-ft) incline which might seem a little intimidating, but afterwards you get to follow a rather leisurely loop back to where you started.
If you want to try a more strenuous hike at Mount Hoven I recommend hiking Årheimsfjellet (6,3 km / 4 miles one way). For this hike, you mostly follow the ridge of the mountain to the top of Mount Årheim. The total incline on this hike is 340 height meters (1,115 feet).
Of course, in addition to these two hikes that I suggest, you can simply walk around and marvel at the stunning views from several of the viewpoints at the mountain top.
My favourite viewpoint is a large, rounded glass wall where the sights surrounding you are carved into the glass. When you stand in the exact right spot, you’ll be able to read the names of the nearby lakes, mountain tops and glaciers!
There is a restaurant, bar and gift shop at the top.
#9 Loen Zipline
If you are taking the Loen Skylift to the top of Mount Hoven in the summer months (and selected weekends in May and September), you don’t want to miss out on the zipline.
This adrenaline rush is not the longest experience (like the Flåm Zipline), but instead will take you on TWO different zip lines across a gorge/valley on the top of the mountain.
Even though this zipline is neither very long nor fast, you shouldn’t be put off (even if you are an adrenaline junkie or someone who hoped for more of a thrill).
What they lack in speed and length, they make up for in views! The view from the top of the mountain and out across the Loen valley and fjord below is nothing short of spectacular.
So while you soar across the small canyon, you can marvel at the epic views.
Some info about the zipline:
- The 2 ziplines cover 220 meters / 720 feet in total
- You’ll have a drop of 150 meters below you as you zip
- The end and start station of the two ziplines are a short walk from each other (3-5 minutes)
- Total zip time is 20-30 seconds, times two
- The whole experience of getting dressed, the two ziplines and the short walk in between takes around 30 minutes
#10 Via Ferrata Loen
Those looking for a technical hike and climb will be intrigued by the Via Ferrata in Loen.
People actually travel to the area from all over the world to do this climbing and hiking course!
This Via Ferrata takes you to the top of Mount Hoven (at 3316 feet above the fjord) and includes crossing Europe’s largest Via Ferrata bridge – located at 750 meters (2,460 ft) above sea level!
Side note: This is not for the faint of heart or those who have a fear of heights.
The Via Ferrata is only available with an instructor (unless you are a very experienced climber – in that case you can rent gear from Loen Active).
In the high season there are daily departures for the Via Ferrata. At the end of the climb, you will take Loen Skylift back down (tickets are included in the cost).
There are also packages where you can do both the Via Ferrata and the zipline at the top of the mountain before returning from the mountain on the Loen Skylift.
#11 Kjenndalsbreen Glacier
Kjenndalsbreen is another glacier tongue of the Jostedalsbreen Glacier.
This part of the glacier stretches down towards the valley that ends in Loen (whilst the Briksdal Glacier stretches down the valley that ends in Olden).
From the viewpoint at the end of the valley, you can see the glacier arm/tongue at the top of the mountain, and it is one of the top sights in the Olden area.
Personally, I do not think it is necessary to see both glacier tongues (unless you have plenty of time to do so). I would recommend seeing this one if you are planning on going to Loen anyway (for example to do the Skylift or Via Ferrata).
Otherwise, you can head up to see the one in Olden; Briksdalsbreen.
#12 Lake Loen
As you drive up Lodalen (Loen Valley), you’ll find a glacier lake, similar to Olden Lake.
Lake Loen, also known as Lovatnet in Norwegian, is perhaps one of the most photographed lakes in Norway!
The bright blue water looks almost like it is man made, and is a result of the glacier water melting into it. The closer to the glacier you get, the more beautiful and bright blue the water gets.
Lake Loen is absolutely beautiful, and worth seeing if you are in the area – you’ll never forget those colours!
#13 Go on a boat trip onboard the MS Kjenndal II
If you want to experience what it is like to glide across the beautiful Lovatnet/Lake Loen, you should jump onboard the MS Kjenndal II – a boat that sails on the lake daily in the summer months.
A full roundtrip takes 4 hours, crossing the lake from one end to another, with a stop at Kjenndalstova (where you can enjoy a light lunch) before it returns.
The boat runs from May to September, and has both indoor and outdoor seating – as well as toilets and a small kiosk onboard.
The stop at Kjenndalstova lasts about 2 hours – before you return to the other end of the lake (stopping here).
#14 Bike to the Kjenndalsbreen Glacier
At Kjenndalsstova you can rent bicycles to either bike along the lake or to the Kjenndalsbreen glacier. The latter is just a 3-mile bike ride to the end of the valley, where you’ll reach the glacier viewpoint after a short walk.
Of course, you aren’t able to touch or get super near the glacier. However, the viewpoint lets you get as close as possible.
Top tip: If you aren’t the steadiest biker, you can shorten the bike ride by stopping at the bridge, about halfway. From there, you also get a gorgeous view of the glacier. It’s the perfect photo stop.
#15 A Fast-Paced RIB Boat Adventure on the Fjord
If you are looking for a more fast-paced boating adventure from Olden, look no further than this RIB boat tour on the fjord.
This adventure lasts around one hour, and departs from the docks in Olden (right by the cruise ship dock), making it one of the top Olden attractions in the area.
You’ll get to spend time driving fast across the fjord, seeing all the villages and farms surrounding it as you go.
In my opinion, if you are planning on traveling to the top of Mount Hoven with Loen Skylift, you should definitely do this as well!
That way, you get to see the fjord both from up top, and down below.
Read more and book this adventure here.
#16 Go on a Guided Blue Ice Hike (on the glacier!)
If you’ve ever wanted to go hiking on a glacier (called a Blue Ice Hike), this is for you. 40 kilometers (25 mi) east of Stryn you will find the Tystigbreen glacier, which is where this Olden excursion takes you.
Tystigbreen is also an arm/tongue of Jostedalsbreen.
The experience will last 5-7 hours, so make sure to confirm that you have a full day to spend (especially if you are visiting Olden on a cruise ship). The guides will tailor each hike to the group, depending on skill level and experience.
The actual time spent on the glacier is around 2 to 4 hours (depending on the group), and you don’t need any experience of glacier hiking to join. In fact, kids as young as 12 can do this tour.
There is time set aside to have lunch, which you can either order from Olden Active when you book, or you can bring your own.
This guided experience is available on weekends only – from the end of June to mid August.
#17 Rent a SUP or a Pedal boat
If you are looking for an active way to spend some time whilst in the area, look no further than the SUP or Pedal Boat rentals available in Loen.
You can rent a SUP in advance to take out on the fjord (or lake), or just drop in. For drop ins, the rental is just 2 hours – but personally that feels like enough.
Alternatively, if you want a more leisurely way to chill on the fjord, perhaps consider a Pedal boat instead of a SUP.
Spending one hour cycling/pedalling around the fjord (sadly, you won’t be able to carry it up to the lake), can be quite serene, and perfect for families visiting Olden and Loen!
The rental in Loen is located near the Loen Skylift bottom station, and close to the luxurious Hotel Alexandra. There is also a rental in Olden where you can rent a SUP to take out on the fjord – located here.
#18 Explore the area on a bicycle
Continuing on with the active things to do, renting a bicycle and cycling around the area is a great way to explore, in addition to getting some movement in.
In Loen you can rent a bicycle, and spend an hour or two cycling between the towns, along the fjord, or up to see the beautiful glacial lakes in the area (and glaciers, of course).
You can also rent bicycles at Kjenndalsstova, at the end of Lake Loen, as mentioned above.
How to get around Olden, Loen and Stryn
Now that we’ve covered all the great things to do in the inner Nordfjord area, you may be wondering the best ways to get around between the towns mentioned.
As I have said, the drive from Olden to Loen, and Loen to Stryn is just 10 minutes – so these towns are all pretty close to each other.
Your first option for traveling between the towns is by taxi. There are usually taxis waiting at the cruise pier when a ship disembarks in Olden. But, you can also call Olden Taxi on +47 95086146, or Stryn Taxi on +47 57872350. The latter also has an email address for booking in advance: post@stryntaxi.no.
Note that the taxi companies are small, and only have a handful of cars.
However, in addition to this, there are both regional and local buses traveling through the area. And, due to the location of the three towns, the buses travel past all of them.
Use this website to find the schedule for the day you are visiting. The stops are called “Olden, Stryn”, “Loen, Stryn” and “Stryn Sentrum, Stryn”. This is because all of the towns are located in Stryn municipality.
Where to stay in Olden and the surrounding area
If you are not visiting the area by cruise ship, and have decided to spend the night, I strongly recommend you stay at Hotel Alexandra in Loen.
This historic and luxurious hotel is known across Norway, and I remember dreaming of staying there when I was younger!
The hotel dates back to 1884, when they could only accommodate 20 guests. Today, this is a modern, luxurious hotel with a large spa (a reason for visiting in and of itself) – with both an indoor and outdoor pool.
So make sure you consider Hotel Alexandra for your stay in Olden/Loen!
Of course, there are other options as well. As with the Flåm and Sognefjord area, there aren’t a huge number of hotels available in these small towns, but there are enough options to suit any budget and preference.
Use the map below to find where to stay!
Booking.comOlden, Norway FAQ
Below I have added the most frequently asked questions I have gotten about visiting Olden and the area. Of course, I will keep adding more as I get them – so feel free to leave your question in a comment below!
You can either take a taxi, or use one of the local and regional buses traveling through the area. If you have a car, Loen and the skylift are just a 10-minute drive from Olden.
By taxi, shore excursion or bus. There are also shuttle buses arranged on days with big cruise ships in Olden.
The weather in summer is usually nice, however you should always prepare for sudden changes when in Norway.
Yes, you can! It is just a 10-minute drive, and taxis are usually lined up outside the cruise pier when you arrive. There are also shuttle buses on big cruise days.
What is the weather in Olden, Norway?
See the current forecast for Olden and surrounding area below.
LOEN WEATHER
