Olden
A single-glacier-focused port — Norway's most-visited glacier and a dramatic cable car, no old town required.
Overview
Olden is less a town than a jumping-off point: the pier sits just outside a small village whose entire purpose is getting cruise passengers to the Jostedalsbreen ice field, mainland Europe's largest glacier. Most visitors head straight for Briksdalsbreen, an arm of the glacier about 45 minutes away by coach, where a short hike or a 'troll car' shuttle gets you close to the ice. The alternative is the Loen Skylift, a cable car climbing to a viewpoint over the surrounding peaks and fjords. There's no meaningful shopping or history circuit here — Olden is purely a nature port.
Quick Facts
- Currency
- Norwegian Krone (NOK) — cards accepted virtually everywhere
- Language
- Norwegian (English spoken to a very high standard)
- Climate
- Coastal Norwegian, glacier-adjacent — cool even in summer, with rain common; dress in layers.
- Best Months
- June–August
- Pier to Town
- Ships dock at a simple pier just outside Olden village, with no large terminal building — it functions as an orientation point rather than a destination. The village itself is walkable, but most passengers head straight out to Briksdal or the Loen Skylift.
DIY Port Logistics: "From Pier to Town"
The first 30 minutes can make or break your port day. Use this quick plan to exit the terminal fast and avoid overpriced transport mistakes.
- Is it walkable?
- Usually walkable: Ships dock at a simple pier just outside Olden village, with no large terminal building — it functions as an orientation point rather than a destination. The village itself is walkable, but most passengers head straight out to Briksdal or the Loen Skylift.
- Water taxi or cheap local shuttle?
- A local shuttle or bus option is usually available and often cheaper than a private taxi from the pier.
- Expected taxi rate to the main beach
- Expect a short licensed taxi ride to Oldevatnet lakeshore; agree the fare before departure because cruise-day pricing can vary.
- Are ride-shares legally permitted at the pier?
- Ride-shares are inconsistent at cruise terminals. Pickup is often restricted inside secured pier zones, so plan to meet drivers at the public gate if app pickup is blocked.
Top Beaches
Oldevatnet lakeshore
Not a swimming beach — the turquoise glacial lake is for scenery and photos, not for getting in the water.
Must Eat
Fresh Norwegian Salmon
Served at the handful of cafés in the village, often smoked or grilled simply.
Waffles with Brown Cheese
A classic Norwegian café stop before or after a glacier hike — sweet waffles with brunost, Norway's distinctive caramelised brown cheese.
Local Berries
Cloudberries and other wild berries are a genuine Norwegian summer treat, sold at roadside stands when in season.
💡 DIY Tip
If you're not booking a ship excursion, a local coach or taxi to Briksdalsstova is the only realistic way to reach the glacier area — from there, the 2.5 km hike up to Briksdalsbreen is easy to moderate and can be done at your own pace, or you can take a 'troll car' shuttle partway up.
🚢 Ship Excursion Verdict
Book something — Olden has essentially nothing within walking distance, and both signature experiences here (Briksdal Glacier, Loen Skylift) require a 30–45 minute coach ride each way that's most reliably arranged through the ship or a pre-booked transfer.