Great Things to do In Olden, Norway
Olden is a little village situated at the mouth of the Oldeelva River. It sits at the end of the 66-mile Nordfjord and is home to 880 inhabitants (8 from our family). THe centre has 478 inhabitants. It’s nestled in a stunning location, surrounded by steep snowy mountains, glacial lakes and wonderful pastures and forests. The village often has many Fjord cruises docking here throughout the summer. It can be bustling at times with lots of people looking for things to do in Olden – some days we have 5000 guests – in a village with 478 people.
There’s a lot on offer here in terms of activities, not to mention the famous local friendliness and hospitality.
If you’re looking for some fun things to do in Olden, you’re in the right place. Here is our list:
Table of Contents
Kayak on the Fjord
The most unique way to experience the stunningly peaceful Norwegian scenery is by kayak. Paddle your way into bliss and tranquility. Enjoy the calmness of the glacial waters and the stunning backdrop of the Fjords surrounding you. It’s the perfect relaxing getaway from the cruise excursion crowds and an excellent way for you to see the beautiful area. All that kayaking can work up an appetite – enjoy a traditional Norwegian lunch prepared by your local guide. Family-run and operated, the experience and wealth of knowledge is unrivalled and one of the best things to do in Olden.
Book kayak rental or guided kayak tour here.
Loen Sky Lift
Loen Sky Lift is a cable car, 6 kilometres from Olden. The lift takes you 1,011 metres into the air to the summit of Mount Hoven. Built in 2017, the cable car provides breathtaking views from the peak, above the Fjord. With a gradient of 60 degrees, one of the steepest cable lifts in the world. Activities on the mountain range vary from trekking to zipline across the gorges, tiptoe across the wooden swing bridge or scale the mountain itself. But you can relax on the summit – enjoy the panoramic views from the comfort of the restaurant.
Attention: You may book the ticket in advance, or buy at the ticket office. Anyway, all of you have to wait in line to enter the cable car. Some days it’s a 1 hour or 1,5 hour waiting to enter. And the same for the way back. This is especially common when a huge cruise ship is here, or in July/start of August – when the Norwegians come here.
To avoid the crowds, going there before 12 o’clock is normally best. From Olden there is a shuttle bus, operating from end of June until mid August. Note that the bus has 22 seats, no prebooking and no guarantee that seats are available.
Fishing
Fancy a trip out on the water to catch your own fish lunch? Board Isabella, the local fishing boat, from the Olden centre and test your fish luck. Take in the amazing views, embrace nature and personally catch your very own lunch. Doesn’t get much fresher than that. An unforgettable experience. The guide and booking is only by phone: +4791351042. The boat has space for 12 people and is run by Per, a local fisherman.
Briksdal Glacier
Briksdalsbreen is an arm of the great Jostedalsbreen Glacier, and inside the National Park. The Jostedal glacier is the largest in contintental Europe and the Briksdal glacier is a stunning branch. From the top, the glacier plunges 1,200 metres down into the valley. The best views are seen on foot, eBike or by taking one of the “Trollcars” up to the glacier. It’s one of the most popular things to do in Olden. Located 25 kilometres from Olden Port.
Bus services available within the village. Well worth the trip to view this incredible natural wonder.
Museum or Afternoon Tea?
You can see Singerheimen from the ship, by it’s green/lime color. It’s was the residence of the American artist and multi-billionaire; WH Singer Jr. Join the museum tours at one o’clock every day except Mondays. Afternoon Tea is available between 12 and 16, Thursday to Sunday. From June 22 to August 11. Reserve table in advance.
Guided Hikes
Panorama Hike
An easy and nice hike – without any driving. 2.5 to 3 hours duration with great view, ending at a traditional Norwegian pasture.
History, nature, fresh air and away from the crowds.
Waterfall hike
Attention: Not available in 2024. Escape into nature and fill your lungs with fresh mountain air with this waterfall and wilderness tour. Exclusively for small groups, your local guide takes you up into the Nordfjord to witness gorgeous waterfalls, pastures and forests. Experience Norwegian fjords in this personal tour, as well as lots of delicious local Norwegian food. If you’re coming from a cruise ship, transport is provided to and from the pier.
Guided eBike tour
There has been some years without eBiking in Olden, but Fjellvåk is now offering guided eBike tours. A 2 hour tour with nice view and no sweating.
Staying with kids, for many days?
If you stay many days in the area, with kids, we recommend Loen Play for rainy days. A modern trend, but still a nice and highly rated indoor playground.
Churches in Olden
The Old Church in Olden is on TripAdvisor rated as number 1 (of 13 things to do in Olden). As one man wrote on TripAdvisor in August 2023:
Amazing church, well worth a visit. I am not religious but when you enter it did make the hairs on the back of my neck stand.
The old white church is a very short walk from the cruise ship pier. The new church is a longer walk, but also worth the visit.
Final tip from us, the locals - Things to do in Olden
The variety of things to do in Olden means there’s something for everyone. One other piece of advice though is to bring your raincoat. But enjoy the nature, the peace and the serenity of the Nordfjord and the village itself. It’s truly an unforgettable experience. Heaven is a place on Earth.
