CME Cruises Visiting Olden, Norway

Olden is less a destination in itself and more a breathtaking gateway to some of Norway’s most dramatic natural landscapes. The tiny village, home to a few hundred people, sits quietly at the head of the Nordfjord, completely dwarfed by the immense, green-shouldered mountains that rise from the water's edge. The primary draw here is the journey to the Briksdal Glacier (Briksdalsbreen), a spectacular arm of the vast Jostedalsbreen ice cap. The trip inland is an experience, culminating in a walk or a ride on an electric "troll car" to a viewpoint of the glacier's blue-tinged icefall, which tumbles down a rugged valley into a milky-green lake. For a different, equally stunning perspective, the nearby Loen Skylift offers a thrilling ascent to the top of Mount Hoven. In just five minutes, you are transported over 3,300 feet for panoramic views of the fjord, mountains, and valleys—a truly unforgettable vista. Alternatively, a more serene excursion to the emerald waters of Lovatnet (Loen Lake) reveals a place of profound beauty and poignant history. While Olden itself offers little more than a few souvenir shops, its true value lies in providing direct access to the raw, powerful, and accessible beauty of the Norwegian wilderness.