One of our favourite ports on our Norweigan Fjords cruise was Olden. Here, families can seek adventure, natural beauty, and cultural experiences. From glacier visits to leisurely lakeside walks, there’s plenty to fill your day in this charming village.
Getting to know Olden
Olden is a small but picturesque village in the Nordfjord region of Norway. With colourful houses lining the Fjord and snow-capped peaks towering above, it feels like something out of a storybook. While the village itself is small, it serves as a gateway to some of Norway’s most breathtaking natural wonders.
Most cruise ships dock directly in Olden, meaning you can walk straight off and start exploring. For families, this convenience is ideal – no transfers or complicated logistics to worry about. We found it easy to get one from place to another, and as it’s such a small place, it’s quite hard to get lost.
If you haven’t booked anything to do, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Olden that are bookable right next to ship. There’s a real mix here from going for a paddle in Olden lake, a ride on a land train, or something a bit more adventurous.
Morning: Visiting the Briksdal Glacier
Start your day with a visit to the iconic Briksdal Glacier, part of the larger Jostedalsbreen Glacier, Europe’s largest glacier. P&O offer organised excursions, but you can also book a local tour or take a shuttle bus directly from the port.
To make this suitable for the whole family, the Troll Cars are a great option and one of the most popular things to do in Olden. These open-air vehicles take you most of the way up the trail, leaving just a short, manageable walk to the glacierviewpoint. The scenery is stunning, with cascading waterfalls, rugged cliffs, and vibrant green valleys.
Tip: Bring a waterproof jacket and sturdy shoes. Even in summer, the area near the glacier can be chilly and damp.
Lunch: A taste of Norway
After your morning adventure, head back to Olden for a leisurely lunch. There are a few cafés and restaurants offering traditional Norwegian fare. Try a warming bowl of fish soup or enjoy fresh salmon served with local potatoes and vegetables.
Alternatively, as you’ll be so close to the cruise ship when you return, you can always pop back on board for lunch. It’s nice for kids to have something familiar sometimes, especially if they’re tired from an exciting morning. This also gives you a chance to refresh, depending on what you’re doing in the afternoon.
Afternoon: Lake Loen and the Skylift
The afternoon is the perfect time for a short journey to nearby Loen. Here, you’ll find Lake Loen with its mesmerising turquoise waters, a result of glacial melt. Families can rent kayaks, paddleboards, or even try a relaxing boat trip across the lake.
We chose to take a trip on the Loen Skylift. This incredible cable car takes you from the Fjord to the top of Mount Hovenin just five minutes. The panoramic views from the top are jaw-dropping and offer fantastic photo opportunities. At the summit, there are accessible viewing platforms and a family-friendly restaurant where you can enjoy a coffee or ice cream.
You can spend as long as you like at the top, but I would recommend making sure you have at least 2 hours to enjoy it. We spent some time walking around, seeing the view from different angles, taking lots of photos and we also enjoyed a sweet treat in the restaurant. Norway is expensive though so prepared to spend more than you probably expect on something as basic as a cookie.
Price of food aside, this was one of my favourite excursions on this cruise. The Skylift is really exciting and unlike anything else any of us had done before. The views are spectacular and worth booking this for alone.
The Loen Skylift is a popular choice for cruise passengers. There are a few different options when it comes to booking. P&O offers this attraction as an excursion however, it can get booked up quite quickly. Booking through P&O does offer peace of mind, knowing that the excursion is coordinated with the ship’s schedule. If you want to chance it, you can wait until the day (as many people do because of the weather) and book at the port. We chose to book directly with Olden Adventures a few months before our cruise as the price was quite a bit cheaper than booking with P&O.
Tip: Check the weather before heading up the Skylift, as visibility can be limited on cloudy days. Booking early is also a good idea, especially during peak cruise season.
Alternative option: Easy family walks
If your family prefers a slower pace, consider taking a stroll around Oldevatnet Lake. The reflections of the mountains in the still water are absolutely breathtaking. The lakeside paths are easy to navigate with a pushchair, making it a great choice for families with little ones. This is something really nice and easy to do in Olden with kids, and you can go as far as you like. The great thing is, the cruise ship is never that far away.
Souvenir shopping and treats
Before heading back to the ship, stop by one of Olden’s souvenir shops. You’ll find everything from handmade woollen sweaters to locally crafted souvenirs. For a sweet treat, try a freshly baked Norwegian waffle topped with sour cream and jam. You’ll find shops less than a 5-minute wak away from the ship so it’s easy to get back on board when you’re ready.
Back onboard
After a fulfilling day, you’ll have plenty of stories and memories to share as you return to your ship. Sit back on your balcony or enjoy a family dinner in one of the onboard restaurants while you sail away through the breathtaking Fjords. Olden is quite well-known for putting on a bit of a show when it comes to the sail away. If you can, grab yourself a spot on one of the decks and listen to the music as you set sail again for the evening.
