Plan a CruiseOlden Cruise Port Guide
Olden is a popular cruise destination in Nordfjord, Norway, renowned for its stunning natural beauty, from serene fjords to towering snow-capped mountains and the mighty Jostedalsbreen National Park. The cruise port itself is well-equipped with tourist information, a small café, and several souvenir shops. While the village center, offering a supermarket and other amenities, is just 1km away, many outdoor activities are available directly from the port. Ships may occasionally use tenders to disembark passengers. Be aware that Norway is known for being one of the most expensive countries in the world.
Getting Around from the Port
The village center of Olden, where you'll find a supermarket and other shops, is a pleasant 1km walk from the cruise port. For exploring further afield, several options are available. From the port, you can hire bikes to explore local trails. Vendors on the quayside offer various excursions. A popular choice is the 'Olden Sightseeing' land train, a 70-minute journey around the village costing 300 KR. Another option is the Open Top Glacier Sightseeing bus, which departs from the cruise terminal for a scenic 12-kilometer drive to a glacier viewpoint, including a 10-minute photo stop, also priced at 300 KR. For a faster, exhilarating experience on the fjord, Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) tours are available directly from the port.
Attractions and Activities
Olden is a gateway to the spectacular Nordfjord region, offering a range of activities for independent travelers and organized tours. Quayside kiosks near the cruise terminal often offer excursions at prices potentially lower than those onboard your ship, so it's worth comparing.
- Village & Fjord Exploration: From the port, you can hire bikes for local exploration, embark on an exhilarating RIB ride onto the fjord, or simply hike the numerous trails offering expansive views. The 'Olden Sightseeing' land train provides a relaxed 70-minute tour around Olden for 300 KR.
- Glacier Viewpoints: The Open Top Glacier Sightseeing bus departs from the cruise terminal, taking you on a scenic tour to a glacier viewpoint located 12 kilometers from the village, including a 10-minute photo opportunity. This tour also costs 300 KR.
- Loen Skylift: Located just 6 kilometers from Olden port, the Loen Skylift is a must-do attraction. This incredibly steep cable car ascends 1011 meters to the top of Mt. Hoven in just five minutes, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the fjord landscape.
- Jostedalsbreen Glaciers & Valleys: Explore the region's icy wonders, including the famous Briksdal Glacier, one of the many arms of the vast Jostedal Glacier. Discover the beautiful Lodalen Valley and its ice-green Lovatn Lake by boat, or venture into the wild Kjenndalen to see the impressive Kjenndal Glacier. The Jostedalsbreen National Park visitor center, situated by Lake Stryn, offers in-depth information through films and exhibitions. For those seeking unique experiences, Norway’s best summer skiing center is located on Mt. Strynefjellet on the glacier plateau.
Dining & Shopping
At the cruise port, you'll find several souvenir shops perfect for picking up mementos, along with a small café for refreshments. For more extensive shopping, including a supermarket and other local stores, the village center is just a 1km walk away. Keep in mind that Norway is one of the world's most expensive countries, so prices for goods and food will reflect this.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Norwegian Krone (Norske krone), abbreviated as KR. A helpful reference is approximately 1.00 EUR to 9 NOK. It is important to note that Norway is renowned for being one of the most expensive countries globally.