Port of Olden cruise port guide

Port of Olden — Olden, Norway.

Olden is a tiny village of fewer than 500 people at the innermost reach of Nordfjord, surrounded on all sides by steep glacier-carved walls that plunge into the electric-blue water. It exists almost entirely as a base for exploring the Jostedalsbreen glacier — the largest ice cap in continental Europe — whose Briksdalsbreen arm descends within a short drive of the village; the larger Nigardsbreen arm lies about 3 hours away by road on the far side of the ice cap. The fjord scenery is among the most dramatic in Norway, and the absence of any town bustle makes Olden feel genuinely remote and unhurried.

Getting ashore

Where do cruise ships dock in Olden?

Most ships go alongside at Olden's cruise quay at the head of Nordfjord, which takes the largest vessels; some ships instead anchor and tender to Olden Cruise Park or (smaller ships) to the Loen tender quay — follow your ship's instructions. The village, a few shops and tourist information are a short walk from the quay. Buses and organised tours leave from the quay area for the Briksdal glacier, the Loen Skylift and Lovatnet lake.

Don't miss

• Briksdalsbreen glacier arm — The most visited glacier arm in Norway, a 20km drive and a 45-minute uphill walk (or an open-air troll car, May–October, for most of the route) from the trailhead at Briksdalsbre Fjellstove. The trail winds past waterfalls through birch and pine forest before emerging at the vivid blue-grey ice face. The glacier has retreated significantly in recent decades — the scale of the remaining ice is still awe-inspiring and the meltwater lake at the terminus is a startling turquoise. Allow 3–4 hours including transport.
• Nigardsbreen glacier arm — The longer, more dramatic and less crowded glacier arm of Jostedalsbreen, about 3 hours from Olden by road via Sogndal and Gaupne. The approach involves a short boat ride across the meltwater lake to reach the ice. Guided glacier walks with crampons and ice axes are offered on the glacier surface — one of the most memorable activity excursions available from any Norwegian fjord port. Only practical on a long call — allow a full day and book through the ship or a local operator in advance.
• Olden river valley walk — The flat floor of the Olden valley (Oldedalen) south of the village makes a peaceful walk through farms and flower meadows, with glacier-capped peaks on all sides — go as far as you like and turn back (Oldevatnet lake is about 9km up the valley). A free and deeply scenic option for passengers who prefer not to take the glacier excursion. The old Olden church (Olden kyrkje) dates to 1759 and is worth a look.
• Fjord kayaking from Olden quay — Several local operators offer guided sea kayak tours directly from the village landing, paddling through the innermost Nordfjord beneath the glacier walls. No experience required; equipment and brief instruction provided. The low vantage point of a kayak makes the surrounding mountain scale even more dramatic. Sessions run 1.5–3 hours.

Planning your day

Olden is defined by the choice between the two glacier arms. Briksdalsbreen is the shorter, more accessible option — a 3–4 hour round trip from the quay including transport, well suited to most fitness levels and requiring no specialist equipment. Nigardsbreen is about 3 hours' drive each way, so it needs a long call and advance booking, but the guided ice walk on the actual glacier surface is one of the most extraordinary experiences available from a cruise ship in Norway. If neither glacier appeals or physical limitations apply, a walk up the flat Olden valley from the quay is beautiful and easy — turn back whenever you like. Fjord kayaking is available for those who want something active but not strenuous. Most passengers see very little of the village itself — it is the surrounding landscape that defines the call.

Food & drink

Olden is a hamlet, not a town — dining options are limited to the Briksdalsbre Fjellstove lodge at the Briksdal trailhead, the small Olden café near the quay, and simple packed lunches from the ship. The food is traditional Norwegian: open-faced sandwiches (smørbrød), waffles with brunost (brown cheese) and jam, and fresh salmon.

Where to eat

• Briksdalsbre Fjellstove — The mountain lodge at the Briksdal glacier trailhead — the main practical eating option for those taking the glacier excursion. Serves an à la carte menu of hot and cold dishes, open sandwiches, cakes and coffee. The setting at the foot of the glacier valley is excellent. Simple food in a spectacular location.
• Yris Café — A long-running café and restaurant in the village centre close to the cruise quay, with an à la carte menu, an Illy coffee bar with cakes, and indoor and outdoor seating. It gets busy on cruise days, so hot food can take a while — the most practical option for passengers staying in the village.

Must try

• Norwegian waffles with brunost — The heart-shaped Norwegian waffle is the definitive Norwegian café snack — crisp on the outside, soft within, served with a slice of brunost (Norwegian brown whey cheese, with a distinctive caramel-sweet and slightly tangy flavour) and a dollop of strawberry jam. Look for them at cafés around the fjord. Simple, comforting and the most Norwegian thing you can eat in a village this far north.
• Gravlaks (cured salmon open sandwich) — Cold-cured Norwegian Atlantic salmon with dill, sugar and salt, served on dark rye bread (rugbrød) with mustard-dill sauce. The quality of Norwegian farmed and wild salmon — cold clear water, short feed chains — makes even simple preparations outstanding.
• Rømmegrøt (sour cream porridge) — A traditional Norwegian porridge made from full-fat sour cream (rømme), flour and milk, served with butter melting on top, dusted with sugar and cinnamon, and often accompanied by cured meats. The definitive Norwegian highland comfort food, associated with Sunnfjord and the western fjord region.

Know before you go

• 🗣️Language — Norwegian (Nynorsk is the dominant written form in this region). English is universally understood at all tourist services, the glacier lodges, and by younger locals. No language barrier for visitors.
• 📋Documents — Norway is not an EU member but is part of the Schengen Area. US, UK, Canadian, Australian and EU citizens do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. A valid passport is required. Follow ship instructions for immigration — Schengen entry may be processed at a previous port depending on the itinerary.
• 🛍️Shopping & hours — Olden has minimal shopping — a small gift shop near the quay selling Norwegian crafts, knitwear (Dale of Norway-style woolens), trolls and local honey. The Fjellstove lodge at Briksdal has a small souvenir section. For serious shopping, save purchases for Bergen or other larger ports. Card payment is accepted everywhere; cash (Norwegian krone) is rarely needed.
• 🌤️Weather — The western fjords receive significant rainfall — Olden and the surrounding mountains can experience rain, mist or low cloud at any time of year. Cruise season (May–September) offers temperatures of 12–22°C (54–72°F), but the glacier zone is cooler (8–15°C even in summer). Waterproof layers and sturdy walking shoes are essential regardless of the morning forecast — fjord microclimates change rapidly.
• 📶Connectivity — Mobile coverage (Telenor, Telia) is reasonable in the village and the lower fjord valley. Signal degrades approaching the Briksdal glacier trailhead and is minimal on the higher glacier trails. Download offline maps and glacier trail information before leaving the ship.
• ♿Accessibility — Most ships dock alongside; if yours is tendering, the process involves stepping between moving vessels — contact the ship's accessibility team before the port call. The Olden village area and the flat valley walk are manageable on foot. The Briksdal glacier trail involves a steep, uneven 45-minute ascent on a natural footpath — not suitable for limited mobility. Open-air troll cars (May–October) cover most of the Briksdal route and offer an alternative for those unable to walk the full trail, though the last stretch to the glacier still requires walking.
• ⏱️Getting back — If your ship is tendering, allow time for the tender queue — particularly after glacier excursions, when many passengers return simultaneously. Build 45–60 minutes of buffer from the quay before all-aboard. The Briksdal excursion can run long if the glacier trail is busy — confirm the return schedule with your driver or tour leader before starting the hike.

Sources: fjordnorway.com/en/destinations/olden; briksdalsbreen.no; jostedalsbreen.no; visitnorway.com