Cruise Ship Passenger Port of Call Guide to Olden, Norway

Port Layout and Facilities

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The main dock lies 1 km north of Olden village centre. You can access one cruise ship directly at the dock, while other ships anchor in the bay using tender boats. A dedicated tender pier connects you straight to the village.

The dock area provides essential services:

• Local souvenir shops
• A pub and café
• Tourist information office
• Internet access points
• Tour booking facilities

Two main tour companies operate at the port:

• Olden Expeditions
• Briksdal Adventure AS

You can reach Olden village by foot in 15 minutes along the waterfront path. A fjord-side café sits opposite the dock, offering a convenient rest stop during your walk.

You don’t need a formal cruise terminal to access any of these facilities.

Getting Around Olden

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Transportation in Olden

You can reach the village centre in a 15-minute walk from the cruise port. A road train provides an alternative if you prefer not to walk.

To travel between Olden and Loen:

• Shuttle buses run every 30 minutes
• The journey takes 10 minutes
• Buses stop at the Loen Skylift station

Local transport options:

• No public buses operate within Olden itself
• Taxis require advance booking
• You must use Norwegian Krone for bus payments
• Credit cards aren’t accepted on buses

For glacier visits:

• Olden Expedition runs shuttle services to Briksdal Glacier
• You can book these services:
• Through your cruise ship
• With local providers in Olden

Must-See Local Attractions

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Get ready to explore Olden’s best natural attractions.

You can easily reach the famous Briksdal Glacier by walking the 1.5-mile scenic trail. You can ride the Loen Skylift to see incredible views – it takes you 3,300 feet up in just six minutes, where you’ll spot Lake Lovatnet stretching out below.

The town’s churches tell fascinating stories.

You’ll find the modern red Olden New Church standing in contrast to the traditional white wooden Olden Old Church. You can learn about local culture at Singerheimen, the former home of American millionaire William Singer Jr.

You’ll discover the region’s wool-making heritage at Innvik Old Wool Mill, where traditional methods come to life.

Money and Shopping Tips

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Payment Methods in Olden

You can pay with cards almost everywhere in Olden. Visa and Mastercard work best. American Express has limited acceptance. Cash isn’t essential.

Shopping Locations

• Three factory outlets sell discounted fashion and sports gear
• Village shops stock Viking souvenirs and outdoor wear
• Local food shops offer traditional Brunost cheese
• All shops sit within walking distance of the dock

Tax Refunds

You can claim tax back on purchases over 315 NOK if you live outside the EU/Schengen area. Keep your receipts.

Helpful Tips

• Shops prefer card payments
• Local stores may struggle to give change for large notes
• All main shopping areas cluster near the port
• You won’t find ATMs at the port

The key shopping areas include:

• Port district
• Village centre
• Factory outlet zone

Dining and Local Cuisine

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The restaurants in Olden serve authentic Norwegian dishes that showcase local ingredients. You’ll taste fresh seafood from the fjords and lamb from nearby farms.

The dock area offers Fårikål, the national dish combining lamb and cabbage stew, alongside freshly caught Atlantic cod.

Local cafes and the Loen Skylift restaurant serve brunost (brown cheese) and rømmegrøt (sour cream porridge) – two quintessential Norwegian treats.

You can buy food souvenirs at the local supermarket, including dried reindeer meat, cloudberry preserves and packaged brunost.

For a true Norwegian breakfast experience, try open-faced sandwiches topped with smoked salmon or pickled herring.

These simple yet flavourful combinations represent traditional Nordic morning meals.

Glacier Tour Planning

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Planning Your Briksdal Glacier Visit

You can explore Europe’s largest mainland glacier, Jostedalsbreen, through its stunning Briksdal arm. Choose from these clear options:

Guided Ship Tour

• You meet your guide at the pier
• You travel in an organised group
• You receive expert commentary
• Your transport is included

Independent Trek

• You catch the shuttle to Briksdal Mountain Lodge
• You walk the 3 km trail at your pace
• You need about 45 minutes each way
• You control your schedule

Scenic Options

• You ride in an open-top vehicle
• You see panoramic views
• You avoid the hiking

Combined Experience

• You visit both the glacier and Loen Skylift
• You get complete fjord and glacier views
• You maximise your sightseeing time

Booking Tips:

• You should book early to secure your spot
• You can get English-speaking guides
• You receive a full refund for cancellations 24 hours before
• You need weather-appropriate clothing

Adventure Activities

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Olden’s mountain village offers you exciting outdoor activities all year round.

You can tackle the Via Ferrata Loen, which features secure metal cables along the climbing route. The Ragnarok Extreme climb needs you to book with Loen Active guides for safety.

You’ll find the Loen Zipline at the Skylift station, where you can fly across the Tungejølet gorge.

You can explore glaciers on the Blue Ice Hike at Tystigbreen, running weekends from June through August. The guided tours last 5-7 hours and welcome anyone aged 12 or older.

You might prefer the easier option of riding Troll Cars to see Briksdal Glacier, operating between May and October.

Weather and Best Times

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You’ll experience mild weather in Olden all year round.

The Gulf Stream keeps summer temperatures pleasant and winter conditions moderate.

Visit between May and August for the best weather, when temperatures range from 10-20°C (50-68°F).

These months also give you more daylight hours to explore.

Pack for changeable conditions, as the weather can switch from sun to rain quickly, even in summer.

Seasonal Weather Patterns

Norway’s Olden experiences four distinct seasons, and you’ll find different weather conditions throughout the year.

Summer (June-August)

• You’ll enjoy the warmest days with temperatures of 19-20°C
• Expect the most daylight hours of the year
• Pack waterproof clothing for high rainfall (89-93mm monthly)

Spring (March-May)

• You’ll see temperatures rise from 9°C in April to 14°C in May
• You can expect moderate rainfall (43-54mm monthly)
• Days become increasingly longer

Autumn (September-November)

• You’ll watch temperatures drop from 15°C to 9°C
• You’ll see colourful leaf changes across the landscape
• Days become noticeably shorter

Winter (December-February)

• You’ll experience daytime highs of 2-3°C
• Night temperatures drop to -4°C
• You can spot the northern lights on clear nights
• You’ll get steady rainfall (61-75mm monthly)

Peak Visit Months

The best time to visit Olden is between April and September, when you get mild weather, longer days and regular cruise ship arrivals.

You’ll experience peak tourist season in July and August, with warm temperatures perfect for hiking and fjord exploration.

May offers views of snow-topped mountains against green valleys, whilst September brings vibrant autumn colours.

For summer visits (July-August), you should book well ahead due to high cruise ship traffic.

If you want to see the Northern Lights, plan your trip for early spring or late autumn, though fewer cruises operate during these times.

Remember to pack layers for all seasons, as temperatures can vary significantly throughout the day.

Key visiting periods:

• Peak season: July to August
• Snow and greenery mix: May
• Autumn colours: September
• Northern Lights viewing: Early spring or late autumn

Local Transport Options

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Walking times from the cruise port:

• Village centre: 15 minutes
• Exploration Centre: 70-100 minutes

You won’t find a dedicated port shuttle, but you can:

• Walk
• Take a taxi
• Use public buses

For glacier visits or longer trips, plan ahead by:

• Booking a taxi in advance
• Checking public bus timetables

Transport options are limited in the area, so arrange your travel before setting out.

Public buses and taxis offer the best alternatives when walking isn’t practical.

Walking Routes and Times

Getting around Olden is easy and fun. You can explore both gentle village paths and challenging hiking trails. The cruise port connects to the village centre with a simple 15-20 minute walk past local shops and cafés.

Main Walking Routes:

• Village Walk: You’ll discover two churches, traditional wooden houses and a working farm. The route is flexible and you can set your own pace.
• Briksdal Glacier Path: You need proper walking shoes for this one-hour route from the coach park.
• Huaren Trail: You can walk this 5.2-mile route in 2 hours and 50 minutes. A shorter version takes 55 minutes each way.

Top Tip: You’ll see better waterfall views on foot than from the Troll cars.

The text now follows a clear structure, uses straightforward language, and maintains a friendly tone while delivering key information about walking routes in Olden. Each route description provides specific details about duration and requirements where relevant.

Port Transfer Services

Transfer Options at Olden Port

Regular Bus Services:

You can catch buses from two nearby stops:

• Skarstein (3-minute walk)
• Olden Muri

Available routes: 110, 111, 130, VY190, and 115

Operating hours: 8:06 AM to 8:01 PM daily

Glacier Bus Service:

• Departure: 09:45
• Return: 14:00
• Cost: NOK140 (pay the driver)

Olden Expeditions Shuttles:

• Destinations: Loen Skylift and Briksdal Glacier
• Departs: From cruise pier
• Prices:
• Adults: 875 NOK
• Children: 440 NOK
• Booking: Pre-booking required

Private Transport Options:

You can book these taxi services:

• Stryntaxi
• Olden Taxis
• AssistAnt (luxury transfers)

Cultural Highlights

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Olden’s culture blends Viking history with stunning natural surroundings. You can discover this heritage through the village’s two main churches: the wooden Old Church from 1759 and the New Church built in 1934.

Things to experience:

• Tour the Innvik wool mill to learn about local textile traditions
• Try Norwegian dishes at Olden Fjordhotel or enjoy fresh waffles at Molla and Yris cafes
• Shop for authentic crafts, including local sheepskin and reindeer products
• Join guided walks through the valleys to connect with local nature and traditions

You’ll find it easy to explore Olden even if you don’t speak Norwegian, as most locals communicate well in English.

You can join community events and chat with residents to better understand their way of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use My Mobile Phone’s Data/Internet Connection in Olden?

You can use your mobile phone’s data connection in Olden with reliable coverage. Telenor and Telia networks provide 4G and 5G services throughout most of the area. You’ll get strong signals in the town centre and populated areas. Your connection might become weaker in some remote or mountainous locations. Remember to check with your home provider about roaming charges before travelling.

Are There Public Restrooms Available Near the Cruise Dock?

Public toilets near the cruise dock:

• Limited facilities are available
• No main terminal building exists
• You can access toilets at:
• Local cafes
• Nearby shops
• Tourist information office

All options are within a short walk from the dock. Many establishments welcome cruise passengers, and you don’t need to make a purchase to use their facilities.

What Emergency Medical Facilities Are Available in Olden?

You can access medical care in Olden through two main options:

• Stryn Medical Centre (Stryn legekontor) handles daytime emergencies from 8:00 to 16:00
• Nordfjord Hospital provides after-hours emergency care – call 116 117 to access their services

Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Olden?

Yes, you can drink tap water safely in Olden, Norway. Your tap water meets strict European safety standards and undergoes regular quality testing. The water comes from pristine mountain sources and you’ll find it clean and fresh-tasting. You don’t need to buy bottled water during your stay, as the local tap water is perfectly safe for drinking, cooking and brushing teeth.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Loen Skylift?

Loen Skylift welcomes visitors of all ages. You don’t need to worry about age limits. Your children aged 0-5 can ride for free, whilst those aged 6-15 need a child ticket. You can all enjoy the scenic mountain journey together as a family.