Cruise port · Norway · Norwegian Fjords
Olden cruise port guide
Olden is a small village at the head of the Nordfjord, surrounded by mountains, glacial lakes and arms of the Jostedal Glacier, mainland Europe’s largest. Ships dock right in the village. The main draws are the Briksdal Glacier, emerald lakes like Lovatnet and the Loen Skylift cable car just up the road. It’s pure scenery.
- Glaciers
- Lakes and waterfalls
- Cable car views
- Photography
Photo: HarmonyRae, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Country
- Norway
- Region
- Norwegian Fjords
- Type of stop
- Cruise port
- Language
- Norwegian. English is widely spoken.
- Currency
- Norwegian krone (NOK). Cards are accepted everywhere.
- Best time to visit
- June–August
- Average highs
- 33–66°F through the year
About Olden
Sailing into Olden, the fjord narrows between steep slopes and waterfalls, and the village appears at the end with its white church and farms. Beyond it, valleys lead to glaciers flowing down from the Jostedalsbreen ice cap, with milky green lakes below.
Most cruisers take a tour or bus to the Briksdal Glacier or the Loen Skylift, or simply walk along the fjord and lake. There’s very little in the village itself, so it’s a day for nature, not shopping. Note that the glacier tongues have retreated significantly in recent decades, so expect a smaller glacier than in older photos.
Where cruise ships dock in Olden
Ships tie up at Olden’s cruise pier in the village, with a short walk to the small center, church and tour buses. Larger ships or busy days may involve tendering. The Briksdal Glacier is about 15 miles (23 km) up the Oldedalen valley, roughly 30 to 40 minutes by bus, followed by a walk. Loen and the Skylift are about 10 to 15 minutes by road. Lovatnet lake is reached via Loen. Everything requires transport except village strolls.
Best things to do in Olden on a cruise
- 1
Briksdal Glacier (Briksdalsbreen)
nature
An arm of the Jostedal Glacier ending above a small lake. From the parking area, walk about 45 minutes uphill past roaring waterfalls, or ride part of the way in small open troll cars. The glacier has retreated, but the setting remains dramatic. Wear sturdy shoes and a rain jacket for the spray.
- 2
Loen Skylift
adventure
A steep cable car climbs from the fjord in Loen to the summit of Mount Hoven, more than 3,300 feet (1,000 m) up, in a few minutes. The top has a restaurant, viewing platforms and trails, with sweeping views over the Nordfjord and glaciers. Clouds can hide the view, so check conditions.
- 3
Lovatnet lake and Kjenndal Glacier
scenery
Lovatnet is a long, emerald-green glacial lake in the Lodalen valley, framed by cliffs and waterfalls. At its end, the Kjenndal Glacier tumbles down from the ice cap. Tours often include a boat ride on the lake in summer.
- 4
Oldevatnet lake
scenery
The milky turquoise lake along the road to Briksdal is a scenic stop in itself, with farms and mountains reflected in the water. Many tours pause for photos; you can also bike the valley if you prefer.
- 5
Jostedalsbreen National Park Centre
nature
Located in Oppstryn, about 30 minutes away, the center explains how glaciers form and shape the landscape, with exhibits on geology, plants and climate. It’s a good addition on a tour to Stryn or Lovatnet.
- 6
Village walk and fjord shore
nature
Walk from the pier past Olden’s white church and along the fjord or up the river toward Oldevatnet for quiet views. It’s a relaxing option if you’ve already done the tours or prefer to stay close.
Olden weather by month
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F (°C) | 331 | 352 | 383 | 436 | 5312 | 6116 | 6619 | 6518 | 5915 | 489 | 394 | 352 |
| Low °F (°C) | 25-4 | 25-4 | 26-3 | 320 | 425 | 5010 | 5412 | 5312 | 499 | 394 | 31-1 | 27-3 |
| Rain in (mm) | 10.4264 | 8.0203 | 6.7170 | 5.7146 | 4.9125 | 5.3134 | 7.0178 | 7.8199 | 8.5216 | 8.8224 | 7.8198 | 10.6268 |
| Daylight (hrs) | 6 | 9 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 20 | 19 | 16 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 |
What to eat and drink in Olden
Olden has a few cafés and small restaurants rather than a dining scene. Try waffles with brown cheese, local salmon or lamb, and berries in season. The historic Hotel Alexandra in Loen has a restaurant with fjord views. Many cruisers eat on board, and prices ashore are high, as everywhere in Norway.
Tips for your port day
- Book Briksdal and Skylift tours early; buses and cars fill quickly on cruise days.
- Wear waterproof layers. Glacier waterfalls spray hard, and mountain weather changes fast.
- Check the Skylift’s live webcam or forecast before you go; clouds can hide the view.
- If you skip tours, the village is small, so a walk and fjord views fill a couple of hours.
- Cash is almost never needed; tour desks, cafés and shops all take cards.
Cruise lines that visit Olden
Often on the same itinerary
Olden cruise FAQs
How far is the Briksdal Glacier from Olden?
About 15 miles (23 km), or 30 to 40 minutes by bus, plus a 45-minute walk uphill or a troll car ride from the parking area.
Is Olden a tender port?
Usually not. Most ships dock at the pier in the village, though tenders are possible on busy days or with larger ships.
Is the Loen Skylift worth it?
Yes, on a clear day. The cable car climbs more than 3,300 feet (1,000 m) for panoramic views over the Nordfjord. Check the weather first.
Can you walk to anything from the Olden cruise pier?
The village, church and fjord shore are walkable, but glaciers, lakes and the Skylift need transport.
Has the Briksdal Glacier melted?
It has retreated significantly in recent decades, so it’s smaller than in older photos, but it’s still a dramatic sight.
Updated November 2026 by the BookMyDreamCruise editorial team. How we research and fact-check.
Sources: Wikipedia, Wikidata, NASA POWER climate data.