Olden is nestled right in the Norwegian Fjords and this is the kind of scenery you’ve taken a Norwegian Fjords cruise for. The cruising time in and around Olden is probably the prettiest of the cruise. This area is the quintessential fjords and was our favourite few days of the cruise. Olden itself is a charming village known for its serenity and breathtaking natural beauty. It serves as a gateway to the spectacular Jostedalsbreen National Park, home to mainland Europe's largest glacier, the Jostedalsbreen Glacier.
The village itself is tiny but is very charming and welcoming and a lovely place to visit. However the main attraction here is the area’s amazing landscapes that you’ll want to get out and explore to really make the most of your time here. Highlights in the immediate area include the Lovatnet Lake, with its amazing turquoise waters, the surrounding mountains and the Briksdal Glacier which is easily accessible for everyone, including young families. Whether you want activities and adventure or simply to take in the scenery and atmosphere, Olden is a wonderful stop on a Norwegian Fjords cruise.
Generally the cruise ports in the Norwegian Fjords are relatively small so we found there wasn’t a massive selection of excursions available. Despite this each cruise line will offer a range of excursions you can book, or alternatively you can book independently. We always check Viator (https://www.viator.com/?pid=P00106682&mcid=42383&medium=link) and Get Your Guide (https://gyg.me/YWHfVHma) to compare options and prices before we book.
We’ve shown below a selection of the top sights and excursions you can enjoy during your day in Olden, and we’ve included a link to our vlog covering the destination.
Our Top Things to Do
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Loen Skylift
Take the skylift from the village of Loen up Mount Hoven. The ride to the top is loads of fun and you can enjoy stunning views, walking trails and a wonderful restaurant. This is a very easy and very rewarding excursion - definitely one to consider.
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Briksdal Glacier
Get out into the Jostedalsbreen National Park and explore one of the glacial tongues. We booked an excursion from the port which drops you at the welcome centre. You then have a choice of either a 50 minute walk, or jumping in one of the troll cars to wizz you to the glacier. The valley is simply stunning and this is one of the top things to do in our opinion.
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Helicopter tours
A thrilling but short helicopter ride over the fjords. You’re in the air less than 15 minutes but it’s a trip you’ll never forget!
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Hydlaparken Climbing Adventure
A fantastic option for families where the kids (and adults!) can enjoy high ropes and adventure courses. We really looked hard at this one but opted for the skylift and glacier instead.
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Paddleboarding
If you want to get a bit more active and don’t mind the cold, paddle boarding is an option and you’ll often find an excursion available.
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RIB boats
A popular excursion in most ports on a Norwegian Fjords cruise, a RIB boat offers a thrilling ride, speeding across the fjords and waterways.
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Open top bus tour
Enjoy an open top bus tour to take in the lovely area and as well as views of the glacier from a viewing platform. An easy way to see a glacier if you don’t fancy the hikes!
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Hiking
With such beautiful landscapes, a simple option is just to get out and walk. There are lots of different things you can do, or excurions you can book for guided hikes or even the via Ferrata (a roped, secured climbing trail that looks pretty intense!).
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Kayaking
We saw loads of people out Kayaking in the fjords and there were excursions and tour operators you can book through. This looked a really peaceful and fun way to take in the scenery.