Olden is one of those small Norwegian fjord villages that often surprises visitors. It looks tiny on the map, and the village center itself is indeed small, but the surrounding nature is enormous. Think steep mountains, turquoise glacier lakes, waterfalls, deep valleys, fjord views, and easy access to some of the most famous natural attractions in western Norway.
The best way to visit Olden is to use it as a base for exploring Briksdal Glacier, Oldedalen Valley, Loen Skylift, Lake Lovatnet, and the inner parts of Nordfjord. If you are arriving by cruise ship, Olden is one of the easiest Norwegian ports to enjoy in a single day, but it is also a wonderful place to stay overnight if you want a slower and more peaceful fjord experience.
Olden is not a city destination with museums, shopping streets, and nightlife. It is a nature destination. So pack good shoes, dress for changing weather, and get ready for one of the most scenic small villages in Norway. Let’s take a deeper dive into how to visit Olden, what to do there, where to go, and how to make the most of your time.
Where Is Olden?
Olden is a small village in Stryn municipality in Vestland county, located at the inner end of Nordfjord in western Norway. It sits between the fjord and the mountains, with the beautiful Oldedalen Valley stretching inland toward glaciers and lakes.
This part of Norway is known for dramatic scenery. You are close to fjords, mountains, glaciers, forests, lakes, and waterfalls all at once. Olden is also fairly close to Loen, another small village that has become famous for the Loen Skylift and Lake Lovatnet.
Many international visitors first hear about Olden because it is a popular cruise port. Large cruise ships dock right by the village, which means passengers can walk into the center in just a few minutes. But Olden is not only for cruise visitors. It is also a great stop on a western Norway road trip, especially if you are traveling between Ålesund, Geiranger, Stryn, Nordfjordeid, and Sognefjord.
Why Visit Olden?
The main reason to visit Olden is the nature. This is one of the best places in Norway for travelers who want big scenery without needing to hike for several days or go far off the beaten path.
Olden gives you access to some of the most iconic landscapes in the region. Briksdal Glacier is the best-known attraction, and for many people it is the highlight of their visit. The road there takes you through Oldedalen, a valley filled with waterfalls, traditional farms, and the green-blue waters of Oldevatnet.
Another major reason to visit Olden is that it works well for different types of travelers. You can have an active day with hiking and kayaking, or you can choose easier sightseeing by bus, shuttle, cable car, or guided tour. This makes Olden a good destination for families, couples, older travelers, cruise passengers, photographers, and anyone who simply wants to experience Norwegian fjord scenery without complicated logistics.
Best Things To Do In Olden
Visit Briksdal Glacier
Briksdal Glacier is the most famous attraction near Olden, and it is the one thing most first-time visitors should prioritize. The glacier is an arm of the larger Jostedalsbreen glacier, which is the biggest glacier on mainland Europe.
The trip from Olden to Briksdal takes you through Oldedalen Valley, and honestly, the journey itself is part of the experience. You pass glacier-fed lakes, high cliffs, waterfalls, and mountain farms before arriving at the Briksdal area.
From the parking area, there is a walk up to the viewpoint near the glacier lake. The trail is scenic, with waterfalls and mountain views along the way. It is not a technical hike, but it does go uphill, so wear comfortable shoes and allow enough time. For visitors who do not want to walk the full route, there are often small motorized “troll cars” that take passengers part of the way up.
One important thing to know is that the glacier has retreated over the years, so it may not look like older photos you have seen. Still, the landscape around Briksdal is spectacular, and the combination of glacier, lake, mountains, and waterfalls makes it one of the most memorable places near Olden.
Explore Oldedalen Valley
Oldedalen is the valley that runs from Olden toward Briksdal Glacier. Many people rush through it on the way to the glacier, but the valley itself deserves attention.
This is classic western Norwegian scenery: narrow roads, steep mountains, roaring waterfalls, and clear lakes with that distinctive glacial color. The main lake, Oldevatnet, is one of the prettiest lakes in the region. On calm days, the mountains reflect beautifully in the water, and the entire valley feels peaceful and almost unreal.
If you have a rental car, Oldedalen is easy to explore at your own pace. Stop carefully at viewpoints where it is safe to pull over, take photos, and enjoy the silence. If you are arriving by cruise ship, a shuttle or guided excursion to Briksdal will usually take you through the valley, giving you a good taste of the scenery even if you do not have your own transport.
Ride The Loen Skylift
The Loen Skylift is one of the most popular attractions near Olden. It is located in Loen, only a short drive from Olden, and takes you from the fjord up to Mount Hoven in just a few minutes.
At the top, you get panoramic views over Nordfjord, Olden, Loen, Lake Lovatnet, and the surrounding mountains. On a clear day, this is one of the best viewpoints in the entire region. There is also a restaurant at the top, along with walking trails and viewing areas.
The Loen Skylift is a good choice if you want huge mountain views without a demanding hike. It is also a good option for cruise visitors because it can be done in a few hours. However, the experience depends a lot on weather. If the summit is covered in thick cloud, the views may be limited. When the weather is good, it is absolutely worth considering.
Visit Lake Lovatnet
Lake Lovatnet is located in the Loen valley, not far from Olden. It is famous for its intense turquoise-green color, caused by glacial particles in the water. The lake is surrounded by steep mountains, waterfalls, and glaciers, making it one of the most photogenic places in the area.
Lovatnet is best visited by car, guided tour, or local excursion. The road along the lake is narrow in places, so drive carefully and be patient if you meet other vehicles. This is not a place to rush. The beauty of Lovatnet is in the atmosphere, the reflections, and the feeling of being deep inside a dramatic fjord landscape.
The area also has a tragic history connected to rockslides and tsunami-like waves in 1905 and 1936. Knowing this history adds another layer to the landscape. It is beautiful, but it is also a reminder of the power of Norwegian nature.
Walk Around Olden Village
Olden village is small, but it is still worth taking some time to walk around. If you arrive by cruise ship, you can easily explore the village on foot. You will find fjord views, small shops, cafés, and a peaceful local atmosphere once you step away from the busiest cruise areas.
One of the most photographed buildings in Olden is the small red church near the fjord. There is also an older white church in the village, and both are part of the charm of Olden. This is not a place where you need a strict sightseeing plan. A short walk, a coffee stop, and some time by the water can be just as enjoyable as ticking off attractions.
If you only have a short port day, I recommend spending your main excursion time on Briksdal Glacier or Loen Skylift, then using any extra time to walk around the village before returning to the ship.
Try Kayaking Or RIB Boat Trips
Olden and the nearby fjord areas are excellent for water-based activities. Kayaking is a peaceful way to experience the fjord at sea level, with mountains rising around you. This can be especially nice in calm weather, when the water reflects the surrounding landscape.
RIB boat tours are another option for travelers who want a faster and more exciting experience. These tours typically take you out on the fjord and give you a different perspective of the mountains, shoreline, and surrounding villages.
As always in Norway, weather matters. Conditions can change quickly, and tours may depend on wind and visibility. Bring warm layers even in summer, because it can feel much colder on the water than in the village.
Best Things To Do In Olden On A Cruise Stop
Olden is one of the most cruise-friendly ports in Norway because the ship docks so close to the village. You do not need a tender boat, and you can usually walk from the ship into the center very quickly.
For most cruise visitors, the best use of time is one of these options: visit Briksdal Glacier, ride the Loen Skylift, explore Oldedalen Valley, or combine Briksdal and Loen if your port time is long enough and the schedule works.
If this is your first time in Olden, I would usually choose Briksdal Glacier as the main excursion. It gives you the most complete Olden experience: the valley, the lake, the waterfalls, and the glacier landscape. If the weather is very clear and you love viewpoints, Loen Skylift can be just as memorable.
Some visitors try to do both Briksdal Glacier and Loen Skylift in one day. This can work, especially with an organized tour or a long port stop, but it can feel rushed if your ship is only in port for a short time. Always make sure you leave a safe buffer before all-aboard time. Norwegian roads in fjord areas can be narrow, and summer traffic around cruise arrivals can slow things down.
How Long Should You Spend In Olden?
Many visitors see Olden in one day as part of a cruise itinerary. A single day is enough to experience one or two major attractions, especially if you plan well. For example, you can visit Briksdal Glacier and still have a little time to walk around the village afterward.
If you are traveling independently, I recommend staying one or two nights. This gives you time to visit Briksdal Glacier without rushing, ride the Loen Skylift in good weather, see Lake Lovatnet, and enjoy the quieter evenings after cruise passengers have left.
Olden is also a good base if you want to explore nearby places such as Loen, Stryn, Nordfjordeid, and the surrounding valleys. The distances are not huge, but the roads are scenic and often slower than they look on a map.
How To Get To Olden
The easiest way to reach Olden depends on how you are traveling in Norway. Cruise passengers arrive directly at the port, which is the simplest option.
If you are traveling by car, Olden is reachable from Stryn, Loen, Nordfjordeid, Geiranger, and other destinations in western Norway. Driving is the best option if you want flexibility, especially for visiting Oldedalen, Lovatnet, and smaller viewpoints.
Public transport is more limited. There are buses in the region, but schedules may not be frequent enough for travelers who want to explore multiple attractions in one day. If you are relying on public transport, check schedules carefully before arrival and build your day around realistic connections.
The nearest larger transport hubs are usually Ålesund, Førde, and Bergen, depending on your route. Many travelers include Olden as part of a longer fjord road trip rather than visiting it as a standalone destination.
Best Time To Visit Olden
The best time to visit Olden is from late spring to early autumn, especially between May and September. This is when the roads are easiest, the days are long, and most tourist services are operating.
June, July, and August are the busiest months. You get long daylight hours, green valleys, active waterfalls, and the best chance of mild weather. However, you will also see more cruise ships, more tour buses, and more visitors at the main attractions.
May and September can be excellent months if you want a slightly quieter experience. The weather can still be beautiful, but it is less predictable. In May, there may still be snow high in the mountains, while September often brings cooler air and autumn colors.
Winter in Olden is quiet and beautiful, but it is not the easiest season for first-time visitors. Some attractions and tours may have limited availability, and road conditions can be more challenging.
What To Pack For Olden
Packing correctly makes a big difference in Olden. The weather in western Norway changes quickly, and you can easily experience sun, rain, wind, and chilly air in the same day.
Bring a waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes, warm layers, and a small backpack. Even in summer, I recommend packing a fleece or wool sweater. If you are going to Briksdal Glacier, Loen Skylift, or out on the fjord, you may be surprised by how cool it feels compared to the village center.
Do not rely too much on umbrellas. They can be useful in the village, but in windy fjord weather, a good rain jacket is much better. For photography, bring a lens cloth or something to wipe rain drops from your camera or phone.
Where To Stay In Olden
Olden has a small selection of hotels, guesthouses, cabins, and camping options. Nearby Loen and Stryn also have good accommodation choices, so you do not need to stay directly in Olden to explore the area.
Staying in Olden gives you the charm of being right by the fjord and close to Oldedalen. Staying in Loen puts you closer to Loen Skylift and Lake Lovatnet. Staying in Stryn gives you more services, shops, and dining options.
For road trippers, cabins and campsites can be a great choice. Many have beautiful locations near lakes or mountains, and they give you a more relaxed Norwegian holiday feeling. Book early if you are visiting in peak summer, because accommodation in small fjord villages can fill up quickly.
Food And Dining In Olden
Olden is small, so dining options are limited compared to larger towns. You will find some cafés, restaurants, and seasonal options, especially when cruise ships are in port. Hotels and nearby accommodations may also have restaurants.
If you are traveling by car or staying in a cabin, it is smart to buy groceries in a larger place such as Stryn. This gives you more flexibility and can save money, since eating out in Norway is expensive.
For cruise passengers, food is usually not a major issue because many return to the ship for meals. Still, having a coffee, waffle, or light lunch in the village can be a nice way to support local businesses and enjoy the atmosphere.
Practical Travel Tips For Olden
Olden is easy to enjoy, but a few practical tips will make your visit smoother. First, plan around the weather. If the forecast shows a clear morning and clouds later, do the viewpoint-based activity first, such as Loen Skylift. If the weather is mixed, Briksdal Glacier and Oldedalen can still be beautiful in light rain.
Second, book popular excursions early in peak season, especially if arriving by cruise. Olden is small, and when a large cruise ship is in port, demand for shuttles and tours can be high.
Third, do not underestimate distances just because places look close on a map. Roads in this part of Norway are scenic but often narrow and winding. Travel times can be longer than expected, especially behind buses, campers, or tourist traffic.
Finally, slow down a little. Olden is not a place that rewards rushing from one attraction to the next. Some of the best moments come from standing by a quiet lake, watching low clouds move across the mountains, or hearing waterfalls echo through the valley. That is the real magic of Olden.