6. More Majestic Fjords at Olden and Geiranger in our Western Norway Itinerary
Segment number 6 as seen on the map below of Bubbly Tourist's perfect 7 - 10 Day Norway itinerary is Olden on the Nordfjord in Western Norway. And with the village of Geiranger located only 1.5 hours from from Olden on the Geirangerfjord, these locations are must-see visits in this segment. Bubbly Tourist chose to stay in Olden because of the numerous activities available in this area as described below in this article. And rather than single out Olden, we should also include the co-located villages of Loen and Stryn which are all part of the Stryn Municipality and within 10 minutes from each other by car. These beautiful areas, that include both Olden and Geiranger, have so much to see and do and with its epic views, deserves the label as "must-see fjords" for your itinerary in Western Norway.
Bubbly Tip: It rains a lot in Norway so bring proper rain gear including coats, shoes/boots and umbrellas. And bring layers because you'll need to be able to layer up or strip down depending on the hour of the day. Don't feel like packing everything? Well there's plenty of fashionable stores throughout the country that set the standard with cool and stylish raincoats.
What to See and Do in Olden, Loen and Stryn
Prior to visiting, Bubbly Tourist compiled a bullet list of things worth doing in this multi-village area called Stryn Municipality along the Nordfjord. Ultimately, weather and available time played a factor in what we did, so we wanted to offer you a more comprehensive list than just our write-ups and photos further below.
•. Hike Kjenndalsbreen or Briksdalbreen Glacier
•. Go up the Loen Skylift
•. Hike and explore Mount Hoven (atop Loen Skylift)
• Visit Olden Lake - perhaps rent a canoe or row boat on this most photographed lake
• Relax in a Finnish Sauna
•. Kayak on the fjord (tours and rentals)
Briksdalbreen Glacier
The hike to Briksdalbreen was one of our absolute favorite memories of Western Norway. Even before the hike, it begins with the drive to the Jostedalsbreen National Park across lush farms with lakes in a narrowing mountain range which was beauty unto itself.
The hike from the parking lot / visitor center of the National Park can be steep at times, but the views along the river in this valley with the rushing waterfalls off the mountains, sometimes directly into your face, are just incredible.
The hike to the Briksdalsbreen Glacier will literally take you right to the base of the glacier where runoff from the glacier has created a pristine lake. The glacier has receded over the centuries, so much so that the spot where the photo below was taken is where the glacier once existed just 100 years ago. The lake at the glacier base is some of the freshest and purest water you'll ever taste. Feel free to refill your water bottle directly from this lake.
The roundtrip hike took us about 2 hours. Additional more strenuous hikes (like from the photo below) for legit hikers will take you up onto the ridge in the National Park.
Loen Skylift
The Loen Skylift gives you pretty spectacular views both going up on the gondola as well as once you get to the top. There's a restaurant and bar, a cozy fireplace room, and a rooftop with incredible views. There is also hiking on top. Highly recommended.
The gondola ride in one direction is roughly 5 minutes. Buy tickets online, in the vending machines in the fjord & mountain stations, or in the ticket office. We purchased ours at the ticket office at the base of the gondola. Note: there is plenty of parking.
And once you get to the top, you have your choice to hike about, take in views from the rooftop, and eat and/or drink in the restaurant. Note: the prices aren't cheap, but the views are spectacular. There is also a side patio with a fireplace and skins draped over the chairs which truly provides for a cozy atmosphere. It's also an excellent place for bubbles with plenty of champagne from which to choose.
Where to Stay and Eat in Olden, Loen and Stryn
Where to Stay
There are two really good options on where to stay while visiting Stryn Municipality that includes the villages of Olden, Loen and Stryn. Firstly, there's the Hotel Alexandra a beautiful four-star hotel in Loen that defines luxury. As such, it costs an arm and a leg so we looked for another option. Surprisingly, one of the highest rated lodgings in the area is Nesset Fjordcamping. Bubbly Tourist was dubious at first about staying in a campground, but it also has regular comfortable rooms/apartments with spectacular water's edge views at only at a fraction of the cost of the Hotel Alexandra. We highly recommend it.
How to Choose Where to Stay?
Bubbly Tourist has the process of choosing where to stay down to a science. We recognize that there are a number of factors that go into the decision of choosing lodging that is highly personal. With this in mind, we guide you through our own process of how to narrow down your options to the best possible choice based on the criteria that matter most to you.
Where to eat in Stryn Municipality?
If you want some nice choices, the Loen Lift restaurant, Hoven, offers incredible views while you eat, and the Hotel Alexandra has several nice restaurants too. We chose to have some bubbly at Hoven with its amazing views and have dinner (and the breakfast the following morning) at the Stryn KaffeBar and Versthus. It has indoor and outdoor seating, good cocktails, and good food for both dinner and breakfast.
What's Next on the Itinerary after Olden
The Geiranger-Trollstigen Road, an Official Norwegian Scenic Route
The beautiful village of Geiranger on the magnificent Geirangerfjord is the direction you'll be heading after Olden and it's only 1.5 hours by car. Driving the 55 miles (92 km) takes you over some majestic mountains with quite the views. In fact, it's officially designated as an official Norwegian Scenic Route. First, pass through the stunning Breiddalen Valley and then take the slight detour (and pay the toll) to visit the Geiranger Skywalk at Dalsnibba. It's cold and windy up there (and maybe rainy), but the skywalk views from 1500 meters (almost 5000 feet) are at the same level as the surrounding glaciers plus there are jaw-dropping views all the way to the nearby village of Geiranger. The Skywalk also has a small shop where you may be tempted to buy warm gear or stop for a coffee or refreshment.
Geiranger on the Geirangerfjord
Descend from the tips of the Dalsnibba mountains and snake your way through the lush green valley that leads to the small but beautiful village of Geiranger. There's a ferry here that can take you through the Geirangerfjord and if you haven't yet been on a fjord, now is your last chance. Beyond Geiranger, keep driving along the Norwegian Scenic Route and stop at the Flydalsjuvet Lookout with views back at Geiranger (above) and also around the bend of the Geirangerfjord (below). Continue north from the Flydalsjuvet Lookout 40 minutes to take the ferry at Eidsdal across the Norddalsfjord. And then from there, you're less than 2 hours to Ålesund, segment 7 and last of our perfect 7 - 10 day itinerary of Norway.
Bubbly Tourist Bon Voyage!