A Norwegian village at the end of Nordfjord, with glaciers visible from the town center. Local dairy farms produce traditional brown cheese amid 18th-century wooden houses.
Olden, a village of 666 residents in Norway's Vestland county, sits at the northern end of Oldedalen valley where glacier-fed streams flow into Nordfjord. You can walk on the blue ice of Briksdalsbreen glacier, take the Loen Skylift to Mount Hoven's viewing platform at 1,011 meters, or catch crayfish in the clear waters of Nordfjord. The 18th-century wooden Old Olden Church and the surrounding mountain peaks create a backdrop for this Norwegian fjord village.
Getting to Olden
Olden lies 16 kilometers southeast of Stryn and 6 kilometers southwest of Loen along the Nordfjord. Cruise ships dock at the deep-water port throughout summer, with a 15-minute walk connecting the port to the village center. Regular shuttle buses run between Olden and Loen every 30 minutes, with a journey time of 10 minutes.
Churches and Village Center
The Old Olden Church, dating from 1759, has its original wooden pews and altar pieces. Visit daily except Mondays from June through August. The stone-built Olden Church from 1934 incorporates Norwegian architectural elements like steep-pitched roofs and wooden detailing. Both churches welcome visitors outside of service times.
Hiking Briksdalsbreen Glacier
Briksdalsbreen glacier lies 25 kilometers south of Olden. A 3-kilometer marked trail leads to the glacier, passing waterfalls at 0.5, 1.5, and 2.5 kilometers along the route. Book guided glacier walks from May to September to walk on the ice, or take a Troll Car for the first 1.8 kilometers of the trail. The main viewing area has information boards about the glacier's formation and retreat.
Mount Hoven and Loen Skylift
The Loen Skylift cable car climbs 1,011 meters in five minutes, with cabins departing every 30 minutes. At the summit, Hoven Restaurant's windows face Skåla mountain, Lake Lovatnet, and Nordfjord. Hiking trails range from the 2-kilometer Summit Trail to the challenging Via Ferrata route with suspension bridges. Guides lead climbing tours on the Via Ferrata daily in summer.
Fishing and Local Food
Take a fishing trip on the Nordfjord with local fisherman Per on his boat Isabella, which takes 12 passengers. You'll find crayfish, cod, and mountain trout in these waters. Join evening crayfish catching trips where you'll learn traditional trapping methods and cook your catch on the fjord shore. Local restaurants serve fresh fish with game meat and vegetables from nearby farms.
Winter Activities
Between December and March, Mount Hoven has 5 kilometers of groomed skiing paths and snowshoe trails. The Loen Skylift operates throughout winter when weather permits. The Northern Lights appear on clear winter nights, with mountain viewpoints around the village providing good spots for viewing. Local guides lead evening Northern Lights tours with hot drinks and photography tips.
