Olden and Loen

Olden and Loen are small villages at the intersection of deep lush valleys and the grand Nordfjord. These valleys are well known for their fine glaciers, all branches of Jostedalsbreen, the main glacier and the largest glacier in mainland Europe. The Olden and Loen valleys are also home to lovely lakes, rivers and waterfalls. The villages are on the shore of Nordfjord, some 8 km apart.

By plane

• Closest airport is at Sandane (SDN), small, short distance aircrafts only.
• Other airports

• Oslo airport at Gardermoen, 450 km
• Ørsta-Volda airport, 80 km
• Førde airport, 110 km
• Sogndal airport, 130 km

By car

• North-south: Olden and Loen is on route 60, connected to E39 (Bergen-Ålesund connection) at Byrkjelo and at Grodås/Hornindal
• East-west: Route 15 through next door Stryn, connected to E6 at Otta.

By bus

There are express buses from Bergen, Førde, Ålesund and Trondheim.

• Briksdal glacier

  phone: +47 57876800
  Perhaps one of the most famous glacier in Norway. A part of Jostedalsbreen. The parking space is 2.5 km (1.6 mi) from the glacier. From there you could walk, or be transported with special cars.

• Loen SkyliftOne of the few aerial tramways in Western Norway. Built only to offer visitors the best panorama of the lovely Loen/Olden area.

• Kjendalen glacierA branch of Jostedalsbreen glacier

• Lodal lakeLodalsvatnet is surrounded by high mountains. Because of small ice crystals, the water is sometimes green.

• Singerheimen

  phone: +47 57-87-31-06
  address: Olden
  The home of the American explorer and painter William Singer. Hosts his paintings and collected artefacts.

• Waterfalls

  address: Olden
  Lots of waterfalls add to the scenery. The one near the Tjugensetra village is simply breathtaking, but there are lots of more reachable ones.

• Bike rentalThere are some quiet, and relatively flat roads.

• Glacier walking

  phone: +47 57-87-68-00 or +47 57-87-40-40
  A five hour trek, including three hours on the Bødalsbreen glacier. Children under twelve years are not allowed.

• Via Ferrata

  address: Loen
  A via ferrata starts behind the Hotel Alexandra and finishes at the top of Mount Hoven at 1010 meters.

• HikingMany hiking possibilities start from Loen. Signs indicate the hiking trails and their names. Respect the glacier. Keep away from its fronts and do not hike on it without an experienced guide.

• Lovatnet walkWalk along the south-western lake shore on forest roads, with view to the mountains. , 2 hours.

• Bødalsseter–BødalsbreenEasy hike up to a glacier arm. Mind the warnings, even if the view to the glacier itself may not be good, enjoy the landscapes on the way up. , about one hour with start from the parking, about 15 km each way from Loen to there.

• Sande-Haugen/Tjugen setra–SandeRoundtrip on the fellside east of Lovatnet. Nice views, although not to the glacier. Requires some hiking experience, but is still suitable also for families, just be sure to keep to the trail. , two hours, some elevation gain.

• Skålatårnet

  address: Loen
  Those with strong leg muscles can walk to the tower, on top of the mountain 1848 m (6063 ft). Needless to say, the view is magnificent. Car park at Tjugen as indicated on the map. DNT estimates needed time to 5 hours + breaks, for an experienced Norwegian hiker. Classified as a "black" hike, requiring fitness, skills and hiking equipment. The route is exposed in bad weather.

Glaciers are treacherous and should be observed from safe distance only. Your life is at risk if walk near or on the glacier on your own.
On longer hikes there may be unexpected changes in weather, carry the gear you might need to cope.

Budget

• Loen pensjonat

  phone: +47 57877624
  address: Loen

• Tjugen Camping

  phone: +47 57 87 76 17
  address: Loen
  A nice camp site with a glacier view. It is also possible to rent cabins there.

Mid-range

• Hotel Loenfjord

  phone: +47 57875700
  address: Loen

• Olden Fjordhotell

  phone: +47 57870400
  address: Olden

Splurge

• Hotel Alexandra

  phone: +47 57875000
  address: Loen

If you want to see more dramatic nature, Geiranger is a good choice.