Best Things To Do in Olden, Norway: Cruise Port Guide

Olden is hands down one of the most scenic villages I’ve ever visited – it’s postcard picture perfect. When you imagine Norway’s dramatic fjords and jaw-dropping natural beauty, you’re basically picturing sweet little Olden! It’s stunning, and was one of our favourite stops (if not the favourite stop) during our recent Norwegian Fjords cruise with P&O.

This tiny Norwegian village is a popular port of call for cruise ships, and it’s easy to see why it becomes a highlight for so many visitors. Olden is surrounded by towering mountains blanketed in trees and it sits right on the sparkling turquoise waters of the Nordfjord, making it feel like something out of a fairytale.

Only around 500 people actually live here, but despite its small size, it leaves a huge impression on everyone who visits. It’s spotlessly clean and tidy, the locals are incredibly welcoming and friendly, and everywhere you look is out-of-this-world beautiful.

We loved our time here and could easily have spent longer, but since we visited on a cruise we only had a single day to explore and squeeze in as much as possible. Surprisingly, for a small village, there’s plenty to keep you busy in and around Olden that you could easily spend a few days here doing it all.

Lets get into the list. Here are some of the best things to do in Olden, Norway.

Olden at a Glance – Don’t Miss 👀

Taking a ride on Loen Skylift – one of the steepest cable cars in the world!
Hiking or taking a troll car to Briksdal Glacier
Completing Norway’s toughest Via-Ferrata course at Mount Hoven
Hiring paddle boards and exploring the clear fjord waters
Enjoying the heartfelt sail away from Olden’s locals

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Ride the Loen Skylift for Panoramic Fjord Views

With the slogan “Fjord to Sky in 5”, the Loen Skylift isn’t for the faint-hearted! This cable car climbs almost vertically from the fjord to the top of Mount Hoven in just five minutes, travelling at 7 metres per second. It’s one of the steepest cable cars in the world and makes for a fun experience.

We booked tickets for Loen Skylift in advance through Olden Adventure and it was roughly 50% cheaper than booking an excursion with P&O on our cruise. The price included a shuttle bus which took us 10 minutes along the winding road to Loen, dropping us off at the base of the Skylift. You can also book tickets through GetYourGuide.

It gets super busy here, so I would try and get there early morning to beat the queues if you can. We got off the ship right away, and arrived at the base around 9:30am, then queued for around 35 minutes. There were plenty of scenic views to enjoy whilst waiting so it didn’t feel long at all. Plus each cable cars hold around 35 people, so the queue shimmies along every 5 minutes or so.

You can expect a smooth ride to the top, but there is a bit of a swing on the way back down as it drops over the edge! If the weather is on your side, you’ll get to see incredible views over the fjord, back towards Olden, and even a glimpse of the glacier! You’ll also be able to spot your cruise ship in the distance which will look teeny-tiny from up here.

Peek season price: Adults NOK 950 (£69), 6-15 year olds NOK 460 (£34), under 6’s Free.

Peek opening times: 18th August – 6th September open daily 9am-10pm. For other months, check the timetable here.

For more info, take a read on my blog post ‘Loen Skylift: One of the Steepest Cable Cars in the World‘

Hike Scenic Trails on Mount Hoven

After getting off the Skylift you’ll find plenty of walking trails up on Mount Hoven, ranging from short strolls to longer hikes. Some are proper tarmacked paths, while others are more natural or gravelled trails.

If you’re not sure which route to walk, take a look at some of the walking trails that are mapped out on the information board. Whether you want a long hike, or a shorter route there’s plenty up here to choose from. As we didn’t have much time, we just went for a little stroll up to this stone tower where I whipped out my pocket sized binoculars to admire the scenes in better detail! I’d happily return to try one of the longer hikes, but even a short wander here gives you stunning panoramas of the fjords and mountains.

It looked like they were busy doing more building work up here too, as there were diggers working away with other buildings in progress – I wonder what they will become?

Zip Line Across the Fjord

The Loen zip-line isn’t the longest or fastest, but it offers excellent views as you zoom across from one side to the other. Photos make it look like you’re soaring over the fjord, but in reality it crosses a valley which is a little deceptive. Still, it’s a fun activity with a stunning backdrop.

Tickets for the zip-line aren’t included within your Skylift ticket, so you’ll need to purchase these separately. This can either be pre-booked in advance with Olden Adventure, or you can try and get any last minute availability when you’re up here. If it’s something you really don’t want to miss out on, then I would recommend pre-booking to avoid disappointment.

If you give it a go you’ll be kitted out with a harness and hard hat at the Loen Active Mountain shop, which is on the 1st floor at Loen Skylift top station. There is a minimum age requirement, and sadly anyone younger than 12 won’t be able to join in with this activity.

Price: NOK 650 (£47) for anyone over the age of 12.

Open: June – October (opening times vary during season) Click here to check when you’re going.

Complete Norways Toughest Via Ferrata Course

If you have zero fear of heights and some previous experience under your belt, then Loen’s via ferrata should be high on your list of things to do whilst visiting Olden. I’m yet to brave a via Ferrata (which means ‘iron way’ in Italian) but this ‘Ragnarok’ route is the toughest in Norway taking you from the base of Mount Hoven all the way to the top. In fact it’s rated as ‘F’ on the difficulty scale and its steep for the entirety of the course.

To attempt it, you need to have completed a grade E route before, so I don’t think it’s one for any newbies to try.

You’ll cross the longest via ferrata bridge in Europe which sits 750 meters above the fjord (my legs would be like jelly) along with a 36-meter long wire bridge, and a 40 meter ladder with 120 steps at a 45-degree slope which looks absolutely terrifying!

Fair play to anyone brave enough to take this on – it looks intense! Check out their website for more info.

Price: Adults 1,760 NOK (£129) 12-15 year olds 1,590 NOK (£116) (includes Skylift ticket for way down)

Duration: 5-6 hours

Briksdal Glacier Excursion by Troll Car or on Foot

One of the most popular excursions from Olden is to visit the Briksdal Glacier, which is an arm of the Jostedal Glacier (the largest glacier in mainland Europe). Sadly, it’s retreating at a frightening rate. In the early 2000s it reached the lake, but today it only extends about a quarter of the way down.

It’s still an incredible sight though, and the surrounding scenery is breathtaking. Briksdal glacier is about a 30-40 minute drive from Olden, and we booked our tickets with Olden Adventure which included the shuttle bus and a friendly local guide. She grew up in Olden and told us lots of interesting facts on the coach journey. Another option is to book tickets through GetYourGuide who offer a guided walking tour to gain lots of knowledge along the way.

You can either walk to the glacier along an incredibly scenic valley trail or book a “troll car” ride (there is an additional charge for these). It’s worth knowing that the Troll Car tickets must be reserved in advance as these sell out frequently – especially if you’re visiting during peak season.

We love hiking, and this is a great chance to breathe in all the crisp glacier air. However, we booked a troll car just because they looked so fun! It’s also a great option if you struggle with mobility. Either way you’ll still get soaked from the spray of the crashing waterfall along the way.

If you want to do the walk, it’s rated as moderate difficulty with the steepest section at the start and takes around 50 minutes to reach the glacier. If you take a troll car, theres only a short 10-15 minute walk involved, which again is steepest at the start.

Duration: 3.5 hours (coach travel is included in this time)

Walking Price: Adults 550 NOK (£40) 3-14 year olds 275 NOK (£20)

Guided walking price: Adults £103, Children (4-15) £82, infant (3 and under) £51

Troll Car ticket price: Adults 900 NOK (£66) Children (6-15) 550 NOK (£40) infants (under 6) 200 NOK (£15)

Olden guide of things to do. Briksdal Glacier

Briksdal Glacier things to do in Olden Norway

Admire Olden’s Emerald Lake on an Open Top Bus Tour

A guided open-top bus tour is a relaxed way to see Olden’s best bits as it takes you over to the emerald green Olden Lake. You’ll also get to stop at a fantastic viewpoint of the glacier to take photos, and enjoy sweeping views and old architectural buildings along the way, all from the comfort of your seat.

These open top bus tours are 1 hour long and are operate from April to November. If you want to prebook your open bus ticket, you can do this with Olden Adventure.

Price: Adults 400 NOK (£29) 3-15 year olds 200 NOK (£15) under 3’s free.

Olden emerald green lake: Things to do in Olden

Take a Helicopter Ride Over Olden

For the ultimate bucket list experience, why not take to the skies and see Olden’s dramatic landscape from above? A helicopter flight gives you a whole new perspective of the fjords, glittering lakes, and snow-capped peaks, and it’s one of the most unforgettable ways to soak up Norway’s natural beauty.

We watched helicopters taking off from Loen while standing at the top of Mount Hoven, and it honestly looked incredible. Fjord Helikopter operate a variety of tours, ranging from short scenic flights to longer journeys that sweep over Europe’s largest mainland glacier and deep into the fjords. Whether you’re after a quick 10-minute thrill or a more extensive sightseeing trip, there’s a route to suit every budget and timeframe.

Admittedly it’s not the cheapest activity, but if you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want a once-in-a-lifetime memory, this is hard to beat. Imagine flying low over turquoise waters, climbing past waterfalls that tumble down sheer cliffs, and then gliding above the mighty glacier. It doesn’t get much more spectacular than that.

Kayaking & Paddle Boarding Along the Fjord

The fjord water is unbelievably clear and turquoise, making it the perfect setting for kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding. If we’d had more time, we would have definitely rented SUP boards to explore at our own pace in the sunshine.

If you’re a little nervous about heading out onto the fjord alone, GetYourGuide have some Kayak tours that are suitable for beginners or theres a guided tour option too.

If we ever get to revisit Olden, this activity would be high up on our list of things to do.

Price: from £73 per person

Experience a RIB Boat Ride in Olden

For a faster-paced fjord experience in Olden, hop on an exhilarating RIB boat tour. You’ll zoom across the turquoise water, whilst taking in dramatic scenery from a unique perspective. It’s a thrilling adventure and a real highlight for those who like speed and excitement.

We did a RIB boat tour in a different village, but I can imagine the Nordfjord looks equally as gorgeous as Geirangerfjord where we did ours. Click the link to see what RIB boat tours are available in Olden.

Price: from £84 per person

Take a Peaceful Fjord River Cruise

For a calmer fjord experience, how about a peaceful fjords river cruise that takes you along Loen Lake to Kjenndal Glacier. You’ll see mountains and beautiful waterfalls along the way, and stop for authentic homemade Norwegian waffles which makes for the perfect pitstop in my opinion!

This excursion is ideal for families, couples, or anyone who just wants a peaceful way to experience the magic of Olden. Simply sit back, breathe in the fresh air and admire the views. Oh and the water often mirrors the peaks above, making it a photographers dream if thats your thing.

Price: Adults 990 NOK (£72) 4-15 year olds 495 NOK (£36) under 4’s: Free.

Duration: 4 hours

Things to do in Olden Norway cruise guide

Visit Olden’s Old and New Church

We saw both of Olden’s churches whilst on the coach to Briksdal Glacier, but you can easily walk to them from the cruise port.

You’ll reach the old church first, and you’ll easily spot it with its charming white wooden exterior. A little further up the road you’ll see the newer, bigger church which is painted in Norways classic red paint. If you’re wondering why this larger church is pinned to the ground with wires, it’s because it shifted 60cm during a bad storm!

Hire E-bikes and Cycle Around the Fjord

E-bikes are available right at the cruise port, and exploring Olden on two wheels is a great way to see the area and admire it’s beauty. The roads are quiet and the scenery is jaw-dropping, making it perfect for a leisurely cycle. Plus the electric assist makes cycling effortless, even when tackling hills. Allowing you to focus on soaking up the scenery rather than worrying about getting heavy tired legs.

If you’d rather cycle with a local guide so you don’t miss out any of the best bits, GetYourGuide has a 2 hour guided e-bike tour and you can learn some history along the way, giving you a deeper connection to Olden beyond just the views.

Price: from £88 per person

Enjoy the Sail Away in Olden

If you’re visiting Olden by cruise ship, you might be surprised to hear that one of the days highlights won’t actually be on land – it’s the magical sail away. Locals gather at the waterfront to give passengers the sweetest heartfelt send off. You’ll see families waving flags, hear music blasting out from the pub, and feel an incredible sense of warmth as they wave you goodbye. One chap even stopped mowing his lawn, and started waving his flag when his wife handed it to him. It went on so long that he popped inside, grabbed a jumper, and then continued to wave his flag sitting on a rock next to his garden strimmer!

For many locals tourism is their livelihood, and this farewell has become a cherished tradition in Olden. It’s one of those magical travel moments that you’ll remember long after the cruise is over, and whenever I hear Sailing by Rod Stewart it will transport me right back to this moment.

Make sure you’re out on deck (or your balcony if its the right side!) to watch, join in and soak up the atmosphere. Lots of passengers brought their own flags to wave back, turning the whole send-off into a wonderful moment between ship and shore.

No other ports did a sail away, so its one not to be missed!

Places to Get Food and Drink in Olden

As Olden is so small, there aren’t many options for food and drink. The closest place to grab some authentic Norwegian food and drink is from Molla Gjestehus which sits opposite the cruise port. If you head into the village you’ll find a small cafe called Stabukk Café selling pastries and ice cream, or if you just want a quick grab-and-go snack like a bag of crisps and a chocolate bar, the petrol station is the place to go. They do some cooked food in there too.

If you’re heading over to Loen and going up Mount Hoven on the Skylift, theres a beautiful restaurant and cafe up there. We sat outside and enjoyed a coffee with this incredible view!

Tips for Visiting Olden on a Cruise

Book excursions early: Popular activities like the Skylift and Briksdal Glacier tours sell out fast.
Go early: Beat the crowds at Loen Skylift by visiting first thing in the morning.
Dress in layers: Norwegian weather changes quickly. It can be sunshine one moment, rain the next (even in the summer)
Enjoy the sail away: Don’t miss watching, its such a lovely experience.
Toilet: If you’re off the cruise ship and you need a toilet, theres one inside the petrol station down the road towards the village. It’s free to use, but understandably they ask if you can purchase something from the shop.

Final Thoughts on Olden

Olden may be a tiny village, but it’s got a big heart and it’s one of the most beautiful cruise ports in Norway. Although its small, it offers a surprising amount to see and do. From soaring up the steep Loen Skylift, to exploring Briksdal Glacier, to simply wandering along the Nordfjord. This is a place that feels straight out of a fairytale and i’d go back and visit in a heartbeat.

Thanks to all the Olden locals who made this stop such a special part of our Norway cruise.

If you’re stopping at other places in Norway, take a look at my posts on Hellesylt, Haugesund and Stavanger for more inspiration.

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