The picturesque town of Olden is located in western Norway at the end of the Nordfjord. This last branch of the Nordfjord is also called the Innvikfjord. The Nordfjord stretches more than 100 kilometers into the interior of Norway. It begins on the coast at Måløy and ends in Olden. Traveling by boat through the Nordfjord is an experience.
Olden - pure landscape
The fjord is surrounded by a breathtaking landscape of high mountains, steep cliffs and roaring waterfalls. In between there are green valleys and the occasional farm.
Olden Sights
About 500 people live in Olden. The town is located at the mouth of the Oldeelva river in the Nordfjord and looks like a postcard idyll. Olden has a few shops and cafés. The white wooden church from the 18th century is worth seeing.
Olden - Gamle Kyrkje
Olden - Gamle Kyrkje - Interior
From the cruise ship dock, about one kilometer away, a tranquil footpath leads to the town center.
Olden is the starting point for various outdoor activities and nature experiences.
Briksdalbreen
One of the most famous glaciers in Norway, the Briksdalsbreen, attracts thousands of visitors every year.
Olden - Briksdalsbreen
It is an offshoot of the Jostedalsbreen, the largest glacier on the European mainland. A well-maintained road leads from Olden 22 kilometers inland along the Oldeeelva river. The road ends at Briksdalsbre Fjellstove, a hotel and restaurant on the edge of the Jostedalsbreen National Park.
From there, the hike continues on foot. The path leads along the Briksdalselva river, past waterfalls and through sparse forest to the lake at the edge of the glacier. From there, there is an impressive view of the sloping Briksdalsbreen glacier.
Those who do not want to tackle the 2-kilometer-long, slightly uphill path can get close to the glacier in open off-road vehicles, the so-called Troll Mobiles.
Tickets for the trip to the parking lot at Briksdalsbre Fjellstove and also for the Troll Cars are sold at the jetty.
Loen and Loen Skylift
The small town of Loen is also located on the Nordfjord, about seven kilometers from Olden. In 2017, the Skylift opened there, which is one of the steepest cable cars in the world. The Loen Skylift takes visitors to the 1.011-meter-high Hoven in five to seven minutes. The cable car can transport up to 40 passengers per gondola and offers a comfortable and safe ride. The system has been equipped with the latest technology to ensure operation even in difficult weather conditions. The cable car is barrier-free, so that people with limited mobility can also enjoy the view.
The Skylift offers breathtaking panoramic views over the Nordfjord, the surrounding mountains, valleys and glaciers. Once at the top, you have a fantastic panoramic view of the dramatic fjord landscape, making the Skylift's top station one of the best viewing platforms in Norway.
A shuttle bus runs regularly between the pier and the valley station of the Skylift in Loen. Tickets for the shuttle bus and the Skylift to Hoven are sold at the pier.
Oldevatnet Lake and Floen Lake
The two beautiful glacial lakes Oldevatnet and Floen are located in the valley of the Oldeelva river, surrounded by steep mountains and waterfalls. The area is perfect for hiking or boat trips and offers impressive photo opportunities.
Olden - Oldevatnet
Olden - Oldevatnet
A small tourist train runs from the pier to Lake Floen.
hikes and outdoor experiences
Olden is a paradise for nature lovers. There are numerous hiking trails of varying difficulty, from leisurely strolls to challenging mountain tours. The well-marked hiking trails lead through untouched nature with breathtaking views of the fjord landscape.
There are also mountain bike trails for adventure seekers who want to explore the terrain on two wheels.
trip through the Nordfjord
The Nordfjord was once an important trade route for the Vikings. The region is home to numerous historical sites, including old farms, churches and even burial mounds from the Viking Age.
Innvikfjorden
Innvikfjorden
The Nordfjord is one of the most famous fjords in Western Norway, stretching for more than 100 kilometers from the coast to deep inland where it is fed by the Jostedalsbreen glacier. The fjord is located in the Vestland region and offers a stunning mix of dramatic fjord scenery, high mountains, glaciers and small villages. The region around the Nordfjord has a rich flora and fauna. Sea eagles, reindeer and a variety of birds can often be seen. Wildflowers abound in the forests and valleys, and the mountains are covered with green meadows in spring and summer.
Cruise ship travelers can enjoy this passage on the outside decks or in the observation lounges.
Olden - the last impression
Olden - Trip through the Innvikfjord
Olden for cruise passengers
Cruise ships call at Olden almost all year round. In winter, however, only a few ships stop there in search of the Northern Lights. Olden is a small town, and the cruise ship dock is about a kilometer from the center. At the dock there is a souvenir shop, a café and mobile stands from tour operators.
Olden - berth of the cruise ships
The cruise lines offer organized shore excursions, such as trips to the Briksdal Glacier, the Skylift in Loen or panoramic trips through the impressive fjord landscape. These excursions can be easily planned on your own and undertaken with the support of local providers.
October 2024