Olden, Norway: Gateway to Glaciers and Fjords

Tucked deep within Nordfjord, Olden is a village that feels like the very essence of Norway distilled into one place. Cruise ships glide into its port each summer, bringing travelers eager to discover a landscape where emerald valleys meet shimmering glaciers and fjords stretch endlessly into the horizon. It’s a destination that balances adventure with tranquility, offering both headline attractions and hidden gems that reward those willing to linger.


Glaciers, Fjords, and Skylifts

The Briksdal Glacier is often the star of the show. As one of the most accessible arms of the mighty Jostedalsbreen Glacier, it draws visitors who hike or ride troll cars up to its icy face. The journey itself is part of the magic, the waterfalls tumble down cliffs, wildflowers brighten the path, and the air carries that crisp clarity only found near glacial ice.

Yet Olden is not defined by Briksdal alone. The Loen Skylift, located just six kilometers from the port, is one of the steepest cable cars in the world. In only five to seven minutes, it carries passengers from sea level to the summit of Mount Hoven at 1,011 meters. The cabins hold up to 35 people and depart continuously during opening hours, though queues can be long when cruise ships are in port. Tickets cost around NOK 515 for adults and NOK 265 for children, with shuttle buses linking Olden and Loen in about ten minutes. At the summit, panoramic views stretch across Nordfjord, Lake Lovatnet, and the Jostedalsbreen Glacier, with Hoven Restaurant offering a spectacular perch for lunch

Huaren Viewpoint: A Hidden Gem

Beyond the headline excursions lies Huaren Viewpoint, a trail that locals know well but many cruise passengers overlook. The hike begins in the village and winds steadily uphill, a moderate climb that rewards persistence with sweeping views over Olden and the fjord below. It’s a route that takes two to three hours, long enough to feel like an adventure but short enough to fit into a day ashore. The final stretch can be muddy, so sturdy shoes are a must, but the payoff is extraordinary: a quiet perch above the valley where the village, fjord, and mountains align in one unforgettable panorama.

The Spirit of Olden

Olden’s charm lies in its contrasts. It is both a bustling cruise port and a peaceful village, a place where you can sip coffee in a local café before setting out on a glacier hike. And if you’re visiting by cruise ship, don’t miss the sail away. Olden locals have turned this departure into something special, often gathering along the shoreline to wave, cheer, and send ships off in style. It’s a heartfelt tradition that makes passengers feel part of the community, and the sight of the village fading into the distance while locals bid farewell is one of those moments that lingers long after the voyage continues.

For those who want to immerse themselves even more literally, swimming in Nordfjord is an unforgettable option. The water is glacier-fed and bracingly cold, often hovering around 8–12°C in summer, but that’s part of the thrill. Locals and adventurous visitors alike take quick dips from the shoreline near Olden enjoying the rush of plunging into pristine fjord waters. It’s not a swim for comfort, but for exhilaration.


Cruises from the UK Featuring Olden

Olden has become a popular port of call on Norwegian Fjords cruises departing from the UK, particularly Southampton. P&O Cruises regularly feature Olden on itineraries aboard ships such as Iona, Britannia, Arcadia, and Aurora, with voyages ranging from 7 to 14 nights. Princess Cruises also include Olden on longer Scandinavian and “Land of the Midnight Sun” itineraries, while Celebrity Cruises highlight Olden on fjords sailings from the UK. These cruises often combine Olden with other iconic ports like Bergen, Ålesund, Stavanger, and Geiranger, making it a centerpiece of fjord exploration.

I’m Rich Rochester, a travel specialist and franchise owner with GoCruise & Travel. As a CLIA Ambassador and ABTA/ATOL‑protected member, I bring decades of first‑hand experience across more than 40 cruises on 15 different lines. My role is to make travel personal, matching the right journey to each client’s style, whether that’s a family holiday, a luxury escape, or an expedition adventure.

Ready to Plan Your Fjords Adventure?

Whether you’re looking for cruise itineraries from the UK, glacier hikes, or hidden gems like Huaren Viewpoint, I’ve gathered all my resources in one place to make planning simple.

📧 rich.rochester@gocruiseandtravel.co.uk
📞 01489 661199
🌐 fjordscruise.co.uk
Explore all my links and travel resources HERE


Location: Olden, Norway

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Southampton Cruise Parking – Start Your Holiday Smoothly

When you’re setting off on a cruise from Southampton Cruise Terminals , the last thing you want is stress over where to leave your car. Parking at the port can be busy, and spaces fill quickly, so arranging your Southampton cruise parking in advance is one of the simplest ways to start your holiday relaxed and ready to board. By booking ahead, you’ll enjoy peace of mind knowing your car is safe, secure, and conveniently located for the duration of your cruise. Why Book Southampton Cruise Parking in Advance? Southampton is the UK’s busiest cruise port, with thousands of passengers embarking every week on ships from P&O Cruises , Cunard , Princess Cruises , Royal Caribbean , MSC Cruises , Celebrity Cruises , Disney Cruise Line , Fred. Olsen , and NCL . With so many sailings, parking demand is high. Booking your parking early ensures: ·          A guaranteed space close to your terminal. ·         ...
Read more

Cruising the Norwegian Fjords from the UK

Image
 The Norwegian Fjords are one of those destinations that stay with you. Towering cliffs, waterfalls tumbling into deep blue waters, and small villages tucked along the shoreline—it’s scenery that feels timeless. For UK travellers, the beauty of this region is matched by the simplicity of getting there. With cruises sailing directly from Southampton, Newcastle, Liverpool, Dover, Tilbury, and Rosyth (Edinburgh) , you can step aboard close to home and let the holiday begin without the stress of airports or long flights. That convenience is a real benefit. Your luggage is handled once, you settle in straight away, and the journey flows naturally from your doorstep to the open sea. For families, it takes away the hassle. For seasoned cruisers, it brings back the traditional rhythm of travel. The crossing itself becomes part of the adventure, easing you into the landscapes of Norway. A typical seven night itinerary might include Bergen, Geiranger, Ålesund, or Stavanger. Bergen is oft...
Read more

Alaska, Reimagined: Why HX Expeditions Take You Far Beyond the Mainstream Cruise Experience

Image
There’s a moment in Alaska when the world seems to fall silent. The air sharpens. The water stills. A glacier cracks in the distance and the sound rolls across the bay like distant thunder. It’s the kind of moment that stays with you - but only if you’re close enough to feel it. Most travellers never get that close. For decades, Alaska has been dominated by the big cruise lines: spectacular ships, lively entertainment, and scenic sail‑bys that offer a taste of the wilderness from the comfort of a balcony. But there’s another way to experience this extraordinary region, one that trades crowds for connection, and entertainment for exploration. That’s where HX Expeditions (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions) come in. A Different Kind of Alaska HX doesn’t just take you to Alaska. They take you into it. Their small, purpose‑built expedition ships slip into narrow fjords and remote bays that the mainstream vessels simply can’t reach. Instead of docking beside thousands of passenge...
Read more