Cruises to Olden
Olden - a tiny Norwegian village at the foot of ancient glaciers, one of the most magical stops on the Norwegian Fjords circuit. This is a village that leaves tens of thousands of travellers with memories they carry for a lifetime. Nestled in the municipality of Stryn at the very end of the Nordfjord, it sits where turquoise water meets near-vertical cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and the tongues of the Jostedalsbreen glacier — the largest glacier on the European mainland. Only around 500 people live here year-round, yet in summer the quayside comes alive: cruise ships arrive one after another, and guests set off to visit the legendary Briksdal Glacier, ride the Loen Skylift cable car up to Mount Hoven, or glide across the turquoise waters of Lovatnet Lake.
For the cruise passenger, Olden is not a transit stop but a genuine encounter with Norway's wild nature. It is a port of call, not a turnaround port: ships do not begin or end their voyages here, but call in for a single day as part of a Norwegian Fjords itinerary. The sail-in through the fjord network is considered one of the most spectacular “cruise bys” in Norway — passengers often set their alarms for dawn to catch the sheer cliff faces and waterfalls that unfold directly from the deck. 🏔️
📋 Before you cruise to Olden or step ashore for a few hours in port, here is what you need to know:
🇳🇴 Country: Norway
📍 Region: Vestland county, Stryn municipality
👥 Population: approximately 500 residents
📐 Area: Stryn municipality — approximately 1,613 km² (21 mi²); the village of Olden itself is a compact settlement at the mouth of the Oldeelva River
🗣️ Languages: Norwegian (Bokmål and Nynorsk); the vast majority of tourism staff speak English
💰 Currency: Norwegian Krone (NOK)
🕐 Time zone: CET (UTC+1), in summer CEST (UTC+2)
☀️ Climate: temperate, fjord climate, with cool summers (+14…+20 °C / 57…68 °F) and snowy winters (−5…+2 °C / 23…36 °F); mountain weather can change very rapidly
✈️ Nearest airport: Sandane Airport (SDN) — approximately 55–60 km (34–37 mi) from the quay; further options include Ørsta-Volda Airport (HOV) and Ålesund Airport (AES)
⚓ Official name of the cruise berth: Olden Cruise Quay (located in the centre of Olden village)
🗺️ Port area: a single, compact quay a few hundred metres in length — with no large-scale cargo or passenger terminal infrastructure
🏛️ The history of Olden — from a fishing village to a world-class cruise destination
⏳ A village among fjords and glaciers
The story of Olden is the story of a quiet farming and fishing settlement that grew up at the mouth of the Oldeelva River in the 17th century. For generations, life here followed the rhythm of the fjord and the mountains: locals kept livestock on the narrow strips of fertile land wedged between the cliffs, fished the fjord waters, and maintained contact with the neighbouring villages of Loen and Stryn along the narrow valley of Oldedalen. Two churches still stand in the village as symbols of this centuries-old heritage: the timber-framed Old Church (1759), built on a site where, according to local tradition, a medieval stave church once stood, and the New Olden Church (1934).
🎨 American artists and the birth of tourism
In 1913, an American couple arrived in Olden — the painter William Henry Singer Jr. and his wife Anna Brugh Singer. The fjord landscapes moved them so deeply that they settled here permanently, building the Singerheimen estate with its distinctive green buildings set among lush gardens — today a recognised landmark of local cultural heritage. It was during the 20th century that the fame of the Briksdal Glacier began drawing the first tourists, while the true cruise tourism boom arrived in the new millennium. The opening of the Loen Skylift cable car in neighbouring Loen in 2017 — one of the steepest in the world — cemented Olden's place as one of the most sought-after stops on the Norwegian Fjords, welcoming ships from the world's leading cruise companies every summer.
⚓ Olden port — a small quay with spectacular scenery
📊 Scale and layout of the port
Unlike vast port complexes such as Barcelona, Olden's cruise quay is a compact facility located just a few hundred metres from the village centre. There are no separate terminals or cargo areas — just a modest building with a waiting area, a small café, a handful of souvenir shops, and a tourist information desk. Due to the limited depth of the waterway and the number of available berths, some ships dock directly at the pier while others anchor in the fjord and ferry passengers ashore by tender.
🚢 How many ships the port can accommodate
The Olden quay can typically accommodate only one or two large cruise ships at a time; any additional vessels arriving on the same day anchor in the fjord and bring passengers ashore by tender. On peak summer days (June–August), the tiny village of around 500 residents can receive several thousand cruise passengers at once — one of the most striking contrasts among all Norwegian fjord ports. 🏔️
🏢 Cruise lines that call at Olden
Olden is a regular port of call for the leading cruise brands operating Norwegian Fjords itineraries: Cunard, P&O Cruises, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, AIDA Cruises, MSC Cruises, Holland America Line, Viking Ocean Cruises, Silversea, and other premium and luxury operators. This makes Olden an essential port of call for any itinerary focused on the wild landscapes of western Norway. 🌍
💡 Fascinating facts about Olden and its port
A few lesser-known details will enrich your visit to Olden:
🏘️ The village has only around 500 permanent residents, yet every summer it welcomes tens of thousands of cruise tourists — one of the most striking examples of a small community whose life revolves around cruise tourism.
🚡 The Loen Skylift is one of the steepest cable cars in the world. In just 5–7 minutes it carries passengers to the summit of Mount Hoven at 1,011 m (3,317 ft), where a panorama of the entire Nordfjord unfolds — including the cruise ship lying far below.
🧊 The Briksdal Glacier is one of the outlet glaciers of the Jostedalsbreen, the largest glacier on the European mainland. It has retreated significantly in recent decades due to climate change, making a visit now all the more precious.
🌉 The Kjenndalen valley is home to Norway's most challenging via ferrata route, called “Ragnarok,” which includes the longest suspension bridge in Europe — 750 m (2,460 ft) above the fjord.
🎨 In 1913, the American artist couple Singer settled in Olden and built the Singerheimen estate — today a protected site of local cultural heritage.
⛪ Two historic churches survive in the village: the timber Old Church of 1759 and the New Church of 1934, both within easy walking distance of the quay.
🌅 The approach through the fjord network to Olden is regarded as one of the most photogenic sail-ins in Norway, with near-vertical cliffs and waterfalls accompanying the ship all the way to the pier.
💧 Lovatnet Lake owes its extraordinary turquoise colour to glacial flour — fine rock particles carried by meltwater into the lake, where they scatter sunlight across the surface.
📍 Olden's top attractions — must-see highlights for cruise passengers
A cruise ship's stay in Olden typically lasts between 8 and 10 hours, so planning your route in advance is essential, as most of the area's attractions lie beyond the village itself. A full guide with prices, opening hours, and directions is available in the “Sights & Attractions” section; below is a brief overview of the region's signature locations.
🧊 Briksdal Glacier (Briksdalsbreen) — one of the most celebrated outlet glaciers of the Jostedalsbreen icefield, accessible by specialised glacier troll cars and on foot.
🚡 Loen Skylift and Mount Hoven — one of the world's steepest cable cars, whisking visitors to 1,011 m (3,317 ft) in minutes, with a restaurant and panoramic viewing platforms at the summit.
💧 Lovatnet Lake — a glacial lake of breathtaking turquoise colour, a popular location for scenic stops and boat excursions.
🧊 Kjenndal Glacier (Kjenndalsbreen) — another outlet glacier of the Jostedalsbreen at the end of a scenic valley near Lovatnet Lake.
🚂 Olden village and the land train — a relaxed, narrated sightseeing ride around the village and surrounding countryside departing directly from the quay, ideal for families with children.
⛰️ Stryn town — a neighbouring town 20 minutes away, known for its shops and summer ski resort.
✨ Why you should include Olden in your cruise itinerary
Olden is a rare kind of port of call where cruise passengers come face to face with the raw, unspoiled nature of Norway.
First, the scenery is unmatched: the sail-in through the fjord is already an adventure in its own right, and stepping ashore gives instant access to glaciers, waterfalls, and mountain lakes within minutes. 🏔️
Second, the range of experiences is exceptional: in a single day at anchor you can stand on a glacier that is thousands of years old, soar to a mountain summit by cable car, or glide across a turquoise glacial lake by boat. 🚡
Third, it is the contrast that makes Olden truly special: a village of just 500 people that every summer welcomes ships carrying thousands of passengers — and remains as quiet and authentic as it was centuries ago. 🌿
The cruise specialists at Four Gates Group can help you find the ideal Norwegian Fjords itinerary with a call at Olden, recommend the best glacier and cable car excursions, and offer exclusive rates from Cunard, MSC Cruises, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, and other leading brands with whom we partner as a priority agent in Ukraine. 🤝
ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is provided for general guidance and was accurate at the time of publication. Prices, schedules, routes, and admission conditions may change without notice. Please verify current details with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the relevant venues.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals
How to Get to the Cruise Pier in Olden
Olden — one of the most compact and convenient fjord ports in Norway: the pier sits just steps from the village, and the whole logistics comes down to a choice between a short walk and a shuttle. The key thing to know in advance: Olden is exclusively a port of call. Ships neither begin nor end cruises here, so there are no embarkation or disembarkation procedures — just a short, pleasant stop among the fjords. Below is a verified step-by-step guide with all transport options, current prices, and tips from the cruise specialists at Four Gates Group. 🎯
📍 Where exactly is the Olden cruise pier
Unlike large port complexes, Olden has no sprawling network of terminals — ships are received at a single small but well-equipped port area at the head of the fjord, which since 2018 has been officially marketed under the name OldenLoen and combines three berthing points:
⚓ Main pier — Olden Cruise Quay — the primary berthing spot, located right by the village centre:
• Format: a deep-water pier where ships dock alongside — no tendering required
• Distance to village centre: about 0.6 mi (1 km), a 10–15-minute walk on a flat road along the fjord
• Facilities: a small terminal pavilion with a waiting area, a café, a few souvenir shops, and local tour operator desks right on the pier
⚓ Tender point in Loen (Loen Tender Pier) — introduced in 2016–2017 to increase the port's capacity:
• Format: a floating pontoon at the base of the Loen Skylift cable car
• Use: when two ships call at once, the second one anchors offshore and tenders passengers ashore
⚓ Second tender point in the centre of Olden village — opened in 2018 to further ease congestion at the main berthing area:
• Format: an additional pontoon right in the village centre
• Use: a backup landing point on peak days
📌 GPS address: Olden Cruise Quay, 6788 Olden, Norway
❗ Important: the type of berthing (alongside the pier or tendering) is listed in the daily port schedule and depends on how many ships call at Olden that same day. On peak summer dates, two ships can be in port simultaneously — one alongside, the other on tenders. Check your sailing's status with your Four Gates Group cruise specialist a few days before arrival.
🚢 Disembarkation from the ship — alongside or tender
The method of disembarkation in Olden depends entirely on how many ships are in port on a given day.
⚓ If the ship docks directly at the pier (the most common scenario, when only one ship is in port):
• Passengers walk ashore via the standard gangway, with no additional procedures
• Disembarkation time is virtually instant, and there are usually no queues
• The pier is within walking distance of the village and shuttle stops
🛟 If the ship anchors offshore and uses tenders (happens when two ships call at once):
• Passengers are ferried by small boats to one of the two tender points — in Loen or in the village centre
• Tender crossing time is typically 10–15 minutes, depending on the landing point and fjord weather conditions
• On two-ship days, tendering can create queues for boarding the boats, especially in the morning when everyone is eager to reach excursions as quickly as possible
• Tender schedules are usually coordinated with the ship's and excursions' timetables, with the exact schedule announced on board
💡 Tip from Four Gates: if your port day falls on a date with two ships in Olden, it's worth heading ashore as early as possible — this will save time in queues for tenders and popular attractions.
🚶 From the pier to the centre of Olden village
The simplest and most pleasant way to reach the village is on foot.
• Distance: about 0.6 mi (1 km)
• Time: 10–15 minutes
• Route: a flat, well-maintained road along the fjord shore with scenic views of mountains and water
• Difficulty: minimal, suitable for most passengers, including families with children
🚌 Shuttle bus — runs on cruise call days for those who prefer not to walk or who are heading straight to more distant attractions:
• Departs directly from the pier
• Used mainly for transfers to Briksdal Glacier and the Loen Skylift cable car, rather than for the short trip to the village centre (which is more convenient on foot)
🏔️ How to reach Olden's main attractions
Unlike city ports, the main draw for most passengers in Olden isn't sights within the village itself, but two natural attractions located outside the settlement. Both require an organized transfer.
🚡 To the Loen Skylift cable car
• Distance from the pier: about 3.7 mi (6 km)
• How to get there: the Olden Adventure shuttle (departing from the pier every 15–30 minutes on cruise call days) or taxi
• Travel time: about 10 minutes
• Shuttle cost: usually included in the Skylift ticket price when booked through Olden Adventure
🧊 To Briksdal Glacier (Briksdalsbreen)
• Distance from the pier: about 15.5 mi (25 km)
• How to get there: the Olden Adventure shuttle to the foot of the valley, then a 45-minute walk along the river and waterfalls, or a shorter option via the small electric “Troll Cars,” which cover part of the route
• Travel time (shuttle): about 30 minutes one way
• Troll Car cost: about 300 NOK round trip
• Total time needed: plan for at least half a day, including transfer and the walking approach
⚠️ Important: realistically, you can only fit in one of the two attractions per port day — either the Skylift or Briksdal. They lie in opposite directions from the pier, and trying to combine both usually leads to rushing and a risk of missing the ship's departure.
🚕 Taxi and private transfer
Taxis are available in Olden, but it's best to book ahead — the number of cars waiting directly at the pier is limited, especially on two-ship days.
• To Loen Skylift: about a 10-minute ride
• To Briksdalsbreen: about a 30–35-minute ride
• Payment: mostly by card — Norway is an almost entirely cashless country, and even small purchases at the pier are most conveniently paid for by card
🤝 Four Gates Group arranges private transfers and excursions for its clients — simply let us know your Olden call date when booking your cruise.
⏰ When to be back at the pier before the ship departs
Since Olden is a port of call rather than an embarkation port, only one scenario applies here: returning to the ship on time before departure.
🕐 Scenario: port of call (shore stop) — returning to the ship
• “All aboard” deadline: typically 60–90 minutes before the stated departure time — the exact time is always listed in the day's onboard cruise program
• If you're using the Olden Adventure shuttle: the last return trip departs 20 minutes before the “all aboard” deadline — shuttle staff track the schedule and stay in contact with Loen Skylift to ensure passengers return in time
• If you're arranging your own transfer: allow at least 45 minutes for the trip back from the Skylift or the Briksdal trail, plus extra time for tendering if the ship is anchored offshore
• If your ship is tendering: factor in waiting time for the tender boat, especially on two-ship days when queues can be longer — head back to the landing point with a buffer
❗ Return deadline: the ship will not wait for late passengers — catching up with it at the next port is at your own expense. Every Four Gates Group voucher includes the exact “all aboard” time for your specific cruise.
♿ Accessibility for passengers with limited mobility
Olden is a small, flat port that's convenient for most passengers with limited mobility, though a few points are worth noting:
✅ The road from the pier to the village is flat, with no stairs or steep climbs
✅ Olden Adventure shuttles offer basic assistance for passengers with limited mobility — check details when booking
⚠️ Tendering (when the ship anchors offshore) can be difficult for wheelchair users — boarding the small boats requires crew assistance and the physical ability to use the gangway
⚠️ The trail to Briksdal Glacier is uneven, with gravel sections, and is not adapted for unassisted wheelchair use
✅ Terminal staff at the pier are available to help with boarding and disembarkation — notify your cruise line of your needs in advance
💡 Insider tips from Four Gates Group experts
Over years of working with Norway's fjord ports, our cruise specialists have gathered a set of tips that will save you time, money, and stress specifically in Olden:
🌅 Don't miss the sail-in to the fjord. The ship's passage through the narrow Nordfjord into Olden is considered one of the most spectacular sights of any Norwegian fjords cruise — it's worth heading up on deck as early as 4–5 a.m. in summer to catch the sheer cliffs and waterfalls in the early morning light.
🎯 Decide in advance: Skylift or Briksdal. Both attractions are worthwhile, but it's physically impossible to fit both into one stop. Choose based on your priorities: the Skylift offers fast, panoramic views in just minutes, while Briksdal is a full excursion to the glacier with some uphill walking.
💳 Carry a bank card rather than cash. Norway is one of the most cashless countries in the world, and even the café at the pier will more readily accept a card than Norwegian kroner in cash.
📅 Check the port schedule in advance. If a second ship is scheduled in Olden on your call day, be prepared for possible queues at the attractions and for tenders — it's worth heading ashore as soon as the gangway opens.
🧥 Dress in layers. Fjord weather can change instantly: a sunny morning can turn into a cool drizzle within an hour, especially near the glacier or at Skylift altitude.
📱 Download offline maps in advance. Mobile signal in the mountain valley can be unreliable, and Wi-Fi is only available at the café near the pier.
⏱️ Book the Olden Adventure shuttle ahead of time if two ships are expected. On peak days, shuttle and Skylift slots sell out quickly — booking early guarantees your spot and precise control over your return time.
📞 Contacts
Nordfjord Havn (port authority): for the current contact number, check the official port website at nordfjordhavn.no
Emergency services in Norway: 112 (police), 113 (ambulance)
Four Gates Group cruise specialists (24/7 for clients):+38 097 653 05 53
The logistics of a call at Olden are simple and predictable — the main thing is to decide in advance which of the two natural attractions you'd like to see and to account for possible tendering. The cruise experts at Four Gates Group help our clients plan the perfect day among the fjords: from choosing between the Loen Skylift and Briksdal Glacier to arranging a private transfer. Get in touch with your manager — and your stop in Olden will go off without a hitch. 🛳️✨
ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is for general reference and is accurate at the time of publication. Prices, schedules, routes, and visiting conditions may change without notice. For up-to-date information, please check with your Four Gates Group cruise specialist or the official websites of the relevant venues.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals
Landmarks and Places in Olden: The Complete Guide for Cruise Travelers
Olden — a tiny village where every glance turns into a postcard. Home to just a few hundred residents, two wooden churches from the 18th century, emerald glacial lakes, and mainland Europe's largest glacier — barely 25 kilometres (15.5 miles) from the pier. For a cruise passenger with 6–9 hours in port, the key is deciding in advance between the glacier, the cable car, or a leisurely stroll through the village. Below is a verified guide to the key locations, with up-to-date 2026 prices, opening hours, and precise directions from Olden's pier to each site. 🎯
🧊 1. Briksdal Glacier (Briksdalsbreen)
💡 Interesting Facts and Insights:
Briksdalsbreen is one of the most accessible “arms” of the giant Jostedalsbreen glacier, mainland Europe's largest ice cap. It's the most famous natural landmark in the entire Nordfjord region and the main reason liners call at Olden in the first place. 🏔️
🔹 The glacier has been actively retreating for decades — over the past 100 years it has pulled back more than 2 kilometres (1.2 miles), so it's worth seeing while you still can.
🔹 The route to the glacier passes the Kleivafossen waterfall — one of the most dramatic stretches of the trail, with a suspension bridge right over the rushing water. 💦
🔹 The legendary “Troll Cars” — open off-road buggies seating 6–8 people — carry visitors up the steep gravel road to the glacier's foot. This has been the valley's signature transport since the 1950s.
🔹 A turquoise meltwater lake has formed at the glacier's tongue, its icy water a colour impossible to replicate on camera without filters — it's the true colour of glacial meltwater.
🔹 The walking trail to the glacier is considered one of Norway's most beautiful short hikes — 3 kilometres (1.9 miles) of wild mountains, waterfalls, and rushing rivers.
📜 History:
The Briksdalen valley and the glacier itself became known to travellers as early as the 19th century, when the first Romantic-era tourists began arriving in Nordfjord in search of “the wild nature of the North.” Norwegian King Oscar II personally visited these sites in the 1870s, turning the valley into a fashionable destination among European aristocracy. Troll Cars appeared in the mid-20th century, once growing tourist numbers made walking uphill impractical for large groups. Today the glacier is under constant scientific observation due to climate change, and the valley's tourist infrastructure is regularly updated in line with the ice's retreat.
🚢 How to Get There from Olden's Pier:
• Shuttle bus (Briksdal Glacier Shuttle): departs from the pier three times a day — roughly at 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 1:00 p.m. The journey takes 40–45 minutes each way, with the full outing — including time on site — lasting around 3.5 hours
• Taxi/transfer: 25 km (15.5 miles), 35–40 minutes each way
• Walking trail from the car park to the glacier itself: about 3 km (1.9 miles) each way (45 minutes on foot), or a ride on a Troll Car
💶 Cost and Opening Hours:
• Shuttle to Briksdalen valley (round trip): around NOK 575 per adult
• Troll Car (add-on, round trip): around NOK 950 per adult
• Walking trail to the glacier: free of charge
• Operating season: typically May through September, depending on weather and road conditions
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Troll Car tickets are limited and sell out very quickly, especially when two liners are in port on the same day. Book ahead through your cruise line or the excursion desk near the pier as soon as you disembark.
👟 Footwear: comfortable trainers or hiking boots are essential — the trail is rocky and can be slippery from waterfall spray.
🚡 2. Loen Skylift Cable Car
💡 Interesting Facts and Insights:
Loen Skylift is one of the steepest cable cars in the world, lifting visitors from fjord level to the summit of Mount Hoven in just 5 minutes. It's the region's second “mega-landmark” alongside the glacier — which is exactly why experienced cruise travellers try to combine both in a single day. 🚠
🔹 The cabin carries passengers up to 1,011 metres (3,316 feet) above sea level — in just a few short minutes.
🔹 The upper station offers a sweeping panorama of Nordfjord, the Olden and Loen valleys, and the glacial lake Lovatnet below.
🔹 The Hoven restaurant at the top has panoramic windows — the perfect spot for coffee with an unforgettable view.
🔹 In summer, the mountain offers hiking trails, a zip line, and via ferrata for more active visitors; in winter, it's used for sledding and skiing.
🔹 Cabins run very frequently, but on days when cruise ships are in port, waits can stretch to an hour — it's worth planning your ascent for the morning.
📜 History:
The idea of connecting the village of Loen to the summit of Mount Hoven by cable car emerged in the early 2010s as a way to boost the valley's tourism potential outside the hiking season. Construction took several years due to the challenging mountain terrain and Norway's strict safety standards. Loen Skylift opened to the public in the mid-2010s and quickly became one of Western Norway's most popular paid attractions, drawing both cruise passengers and travellers who come specifically for the ride.
🚢 How to Get There from Olden's Pier:
• Shuttle bus to Loen: runs roughly every 30 minutes, with the ticket including the cable car ride
• Taxi/transfer: about 6 km (3.7 miles), 10 minutes each way
• Time at the summit: allow 1–2 hours, longer if you plan to dine at Hoven restaurant
💶 Cost and Opening Hours:
• Round-trip ticket (adults): approximately NOK 500–600
• Children: discounted rates, check on site or the official website
• Operating season: year-round, with possible technical closures in winter due to weather
⚠️ Tip: there are only two cabins, so queues during peak morning hours are almost guaranteed. If two liners are in port at once, it's best to go up closer to midday or right at opening.
⛪ 3. Old Olden Church (Olden Gamle Kyrkje)
💡 Interesting Facts and Insights:
The white wooden church at the heart of the village is one of Olden's most photographed sites, set against a picture-perfect mountain backdrop. It's no longer an active parish church but an open-air museum, open to visitors in summer. ⛪
🔹 The church has a cross-shaped (Greek cross) design — a unique layout for the entire Nordfjord region, specifically engineered to withstand strong mountain winds.
🔹 Inside, the pews are arranged in separate “box” sections — each once belonging to a specific farming family from the district, some still marked with family initials or crests.
🔹 The interior ceiling resembles an upturned ship's hull — a typical feature of Norwegian wooden architecture, echoing centuries of shipbuilding tradition.
🔹 The church has neither heating nor electricity — it's still used only for special occasions: Constitution Day on 17 May, St. Olav's Day on 29 July, and summer concerts.
🔹 Two earlier churches once stood on this site — a wooden stave church (possibly dating to the 13th–14th century) and a temporary structure destroyed by a storm in 1757.
📜 History:
The earliest written records of a church in Olden date to the early 14th century, though the building itself was already not new at that time. The oldest church on the site was likely a 13th-century wooden stave church. In 1746 the old stave church was torn down and replaced with a new timber-framed structure — but just 11 years later, in the winter of 1757, a severe storm destroyed it. The following spring, the present cross-shaped church was built and consecrated in 1759. In 1893, the parish purchased the building from the Tonning family, who had owned it for over 150 years. When the church became too small for the growing congregation, a new church was built nearby in 1934, and the old one was preserved as a historic landmark and museum.
🚢 How to Get There from Olden's Pier:
• On foot: a 20–25-minute scenic walk along the fjord, with no dedicated footpath for part of the route
• Car/taxi: 5 minutes
💶 Cost and Opening Hours:
• Entry: a token donation or a small on-site fee (check with church volunteers)
• Opening hours: open to visitors during the summer months, generally around June through August; outside this season, exterior viewing only
⚠️ Tip: even if the church is closed, it's worth the walk for a photo with the mountains behind it — one of the village's most beautiful vantage points.
💧 4. Lake Lovatnet and Lodalen Valley
💡 Interesting Facts and Insights:
Lovatnet is a glacial lake of an extraordinary turquoise-emerald colour, stretching along the Lodalen valley near Loen. It's one of the most beautiful landscapes in all of Nordfjord, often described as “unreal” for the colour of its water. 💚
🔹 The lake's unusual colour comes from “glacial flour” — extremely fine mineral particles ground from rock by the glacier and carried into the water.
🔹 The sightseeing boat MS Kjenndal II cruises the lake past sheer cliffs and waterfalls to the far end of the valley, where the trail to Kjenndalsbreen — another arm of Jostedalsbreen — begins.
🔹 The valley has suffered two tragic landslide-triggered tsunamis — in 1905 and 1936 — when rockfalls from Mount Ramnefjellet sent giant waves across the lake, destroying farms along the shore. Memorial stone pillars in Loen churchyard still honour those who died. 🕯️
🔹 A shore-side Loen Shuttle Bus carries visitors through the valley to the Kjenndalstova mountain lodge and the start of several hiking trails.
📜 History:
The Lodalen valley and Lake Lovatnet have long been home to farming communities that lived off agriculture and fishing in the shadow of glacial mountains. The 1905 and 1936 tragedies dramatically changed the valley's story: both landslides from Mount Ramnefjellet sent waves over 40 metres (130 feet) high sweeping across the lake, wiping out entire farmsteads and claiming dozens of lives. These events remain part of the Nordfjord region's collective memory and are often recounted by local guides. In the latter half of the 20th century, the valley gradually developed into a tourist destination, and today it has a well-developed network of marked hiking trails and a seasonal boat service.
🚢 How to Get There from Olden's Pier:
• Car/taxi: 10–15 minutes to the village of Loen, then along the lake
• As part of organised excursions: often combined with a visit to Loen Skylift in a single route
💶 Cost and Opening Hours:
• Viewing the lake from shore: free of charge
• MS Kjenndal II sightseeing boat: paid, with seasonal schedule and prices – check before your visit
• Loen Shuttle Bus (flexible day pass): an affordable fixed fare, with several departures a day
⚠️ Seasonality: the boat service and the valley shuttle operate mainly during the summer season.
🏘️ 5. Olden Village and Waterfront
💡 Interesting Facts and Insights:
Even without a long excursion, Olden village itself is already a small but vivid attraction — compact, entirely walkable, with fjord views from practically every street.
🔹 The village has around 500 permanent residents — in summer, the population swells many times over for a few hours each day thanks to cruise visitors.
🔹 Right by the pier are souvenir shops and an excursion booking office — handy if Troll Car or shuttle tickets weren't reserved in advance.
🔹 A walk along the fjord promenade leads to Lake Oldevatnet — another turquoise glacial lake behind the village, quiet and largely free of tourists.
🔹 The Huaren viewpoint is a short but rocky climb offering some of the best panoramic views of the village and the fjord.
🔹 The village has a few public toilets — inside the new church, near the “Bunnpris” store, and on the grounds of Olden Cruisepark.
📜 History:
Olden has long been a small farming community at the mouth of the Oldeelva river, on the southern shore of Nordfjord. Its position at the end of the long, narrow Oldedalen valley, hemmed in by high mountains and glaciers, kept the village isolated for centuries — until modern roads, and later cruise tourism, opened it up. Today the village's economy relies heavily on seasonal cruise calls: most hotels, cafés, and souvenir shops operate mainly from May through September.
🚢 How to Get There from Olden's Pier:
• On foot: the pier is 1 km (0.6 miles) from the village centre — about a 15-minute unhurried walk along the fjord shore
💶 Cost and Opening Hours:
• Walking through the village and along the waterfront: free, around the clock
• Shops and cafés: generally open on days when cruise ships are in port, roughly from 9:00 a.m.
🗺️ Three Self-Guided Routes Through Olden in 8 Hours
A cruise call at Olden typically lasts 6–9 hours. Realistically, you can cover 2–3 sights if you plan your route well and book transport tickets in advance. Below are three options depending on your budget and activity level.
🥉 Route #1. Budget — Up to NOK 300 per Person
⏱️ Total time: 8 hours | 💰 Estimated budget: NOK 250–300 + food
🕘 9:00 a.m. — Leave the pier, walk to Olden village
15 minutes along the fjord promenade, free of charge.
🕤 9:15–10:30 a.m. — Explore the Old Olden Church and village centre
Stroll along the main street, take photos against the mountain backdrop, grab coffee at a local café.
🕥 10:30–11:15 a.m. — Walk to Lake Oldevatnet
Continue along the Oldeelva river to the calm, turquoise lake, largely free of tourists.
🕦 11:15 a.m.–12:00 p.m. — Huaren viewpoint
A short, rocky climb with panoramic views of the village and fjord — free of charge.
🕐 12:00–1:00 p.m. — Lunch at a café near the pier
A local daily special with a drink — NOK 200–250.
🕜 1:00–4:30 p.m. — Free time in the village, souvenir shopping, relaxing by the waterfront
🕟 4:30–5:00 p.m. — Return to the ship
💰 Cost Breakdown:
• Transport: free (all on foot)
• Coffee/snack: NOK 80–120
• Lunch: NOK 200–250
💸 TOTAL: NOK 280–370 per person
🥈 Route #2. Optimal — NOK 900–1,200 per Person
⏱️ Total time: 8 hours | 💰 Estimated budget: NOK 1,000 + food
🕘 9:00 a.m. — Board the shuttle bus to Loen Skylift right at the pier
Ticket including the cable car ride — NOK 500–600.
🕤 9:15–11:00 a.m. — Loen Skylift
Ride the cable car up Mount Hoven, take in the panorama, enjoy coffee or an early lunch at the Hoven restaurant.
🕚 11:00–11:30 a.m. — Descend and return to Olden by shuttle
🕦 11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m. — Lunch in Olden village
NOK 200–300 for a main dish.
🕜 12:15–1:15 p.m. — Walk through the village, the Old Church, the fjord waterfront
Free of charge.
🕐 1:15–4:30 p.m. — Free time: Lake Oldevatnet, the Huaren viewpoint, souvenirs
🕟 4:30–5:00 p.m. — Return to the ship
💰 Cost Breakdown:
• Loen Skylift with shuttle: NOK 500–600
• Lunch: NOK 200–300
• Coffee/snacks: NOK 100–150
💸 TOTAL: NOK 800–1,050 per person
💡 Adding a visit to Briksdal Glacier instead of the free-time block increases the budget by another NOK 575–1,525, depending on whether you take the Troll Car.
🥇 Route #3. Premium — Glacier and Skylift in One Day, from NOK 3,000 per Person
⏱️ Total time: 8–9 hours | 💰 Estimated budget: NOK 3,000–4,500 + food
🏆 What's Included:
• ✅ Meet your private guide-driver right at Olden's pier
• ✅ Comfortable car/minivan for the full day, no waiting for the group shuttle
• ✅ A visit to Briksdal Glacier with Troll Cars and no waiting in line
• ✅ A ride up Loen Skylift the same day, without an extra transfer
• ✅ Stops at waterfalls, the stave-style church, and viewpoints on request
• ✅ A flexible itinerary — adjusted on the go, depending on the weather and your pace
You can book through your cruise manager, or reach us through any convenient channel:
Phone Numbers:
• Office: +38 (044) 337 82 01
• Mobile (LifeCell): +380 93 653 05 53
• Mobile (Vodafone): +380 66 653 05 53
• Mobile (Kyivstar): +380 97 653 05 53
Write to us by e-mail
🕘 8:30 a.m. — Meet your driver-guide at the pier
🕘 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. — Briksdal Glacier with a private guide
Drive through the valley, Troll Cars with no waiting, time to walk to the very edge of the glacier and take photos by the turquoise lake.
🕛 12:15–1:15 p.m. — Lunch at a local restaurant with fjord views
Norwegian cuisine — from NOK 350 per person.
🕜 1:30–3:30 p.m. — Loen Skylift with no queue
Private transfer to Loen, ride up Mount Hoven, time for panoramic photos and coffee at the Hoven restaurant.
🕞 3:45–4:15 p.m. — Stop at Lake Lovatnet
A photo break on the shore of the turquoise lake, with your guide's brief account of the 1905 and 1936 tragedies.
🕟 4:30–5:00 p.m. — Return to the pier in a comfortable vehicle
💰 Cost Breakdown:
• Private guide-driver (8 hrs): from NOK 1,800
• Briksdal Glacier with Troll Cars: NOK 950–1,525
• Loen Skylift: NOK 500–600
• Lunch: from NOK 350
💸 TOTAL: from NOK 3,600 per person (for 2+ people — priced per group, not per person)
🤝 Four Gates Group arranges private excursions in Olden with licensed guides, transfer from the ship's gangway, and a guaranteed return on board. Contact your cruise specialist — and your day in Olden will be perfectly tailored to your taste. 🛳️✨
⚠️ Important to Know Before Going Ashore
🕐 The “all aboard” rule: return to the ship at least 60 minutes before departure. If you're late, the ship will not wait, and catching up at the next port will be at your own expense.
🪪 Documents: bring a photocopy of your passport and your cruise Ship Card.
💳 Cash or card: Norway is a largely cashless country — cards are accepted almost everywhere, including on shuttles and in souvenir shops.
👟 Clothing and footwear: comfortable shoes for uneven trails are essential, even if you don't plan to walk all the way to the glacier. Pack a waterproof jacket — fjord weather is unpredictable even in summer.
📱 Internet: mobile signal in the valley itself is often unreliable, so download offline maps in advance.
🎟️ Booking tickets: Troll Car and glacier shuttle tickets sell out very quickly, especially on days when two liners are in port at once. Book as soon as you disembark, or in advance through your cruise line.
☀️ Sun and cold protection: even in summer, it's noticeably colder at the top of Mount Hoven and near the glacier than at sea level — pack warm layers.
ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is provided for general guidance and is accurate at the time of publication. Prices, schedules, routes, and visiting conditions are subject to change without notice. For the latest information, please check with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or the official websites of the relevant venues.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals