Kayaking in Olden, Norway with Olden Active – A Brilliant Fjord Adventure

If you’re stopping in Olden on your cruise, one of the best things you can do is get out onto the water - and that’s exactly what we did with Olden Active, a fantastic family-run business offering top-notch excursions for cruise passengers.

We’d booked direct with them online* before our cruise on P&O Britannia, and honestly, it couldn’t have been easier. Their tent is right at the port, so once we disembarked, we popped over, gave our names, and were met with a warm welcome. One of the team pointed us in the direction of our guide for the excursion and we were swiftly kitted out with dry suits - which go over your clothes to keep you dry, and some swim boots.

Quick tip: if you’re wearing a dry suit, try to choose one with built-in feet or wear waterproof socks - last time I did something like this, my feet were soaking, and I learned my lesson! Underneath, I had jeans, a T-shirt and a hoodie, which kept me cosy in the chillier weather.

Once we were suited up, we walked as a group to the preparation area - some small red huts filled with lifejackets, paddles, and spray skirts - you wear these to seal yourself into the kayak to help keep the water out. Our guide for the day, Patrick, gave us a quick and helpful intro to kayaking, perfect for anyone who hadn’t done it before. He explained how to paddle, steer, and keep momentum - and reassured us that help was always nearby.

Then came the slightly nerve-wracking part - getting into the kayak without falling in. Thankfully, I stayed dry! We used tandem kayaks, which was new to me. The person at the front is the 'engine', setting the rhythm, and the one at the back is the 'captain', responsible for steering. It took a bit of teamwork, but we got the hang of it quickly.

We had a short test paddle in a calm area before venturing out into the fjord itself. The group rafted up a few times so Patrick could share stories and local knowledge. We learnt about:

• The history and geography of the fjord

• The village of Olden and its natural beauty

• A local tsunami caused by a massive landslide in 1936, which tragically hit the valley

• And a brilliant Viking folk tale about Mount Hoven - legend has it that the mountain’s dramatic shape was formed by the hoof of Odin’s eight-legged horse, Sleipnir, who crashed down during a great battle among the gods. You can still see the 'hoof print' today in the steep cut of the rock.

  
  

The views were unreal - even with a bit of drizzle and low cloud. In fact, the moody weather made the mountains feel even more dramatic. At one point we stopped for a photo, looking back at Britannia in the distance. The fjord here was around 300 feet deep, and the water is a mix of salt and fresh - salt water sinks to the bottom, which helps give fjords their striking blue-green look.

And don’t worry if you’re nervous - Olden Active have a rescue boat out on the water at all times, ready to assist if needed. But the whole experience felt really safe and well managed.

As we headed back, my kayak partner and I decided to race (not very successfully) back towards the ships - dodging around Britannia and Ponant Cruises La Laperouse. We kept a safe distance, of course, but it was a fun way to wrap up the trip.

Back on land, we returned our gear, got changed out of the dry suits (bone dry underneath - success!) and headed off feeling like we’d had a real Norwegian adventure.

FAQ – Kayaking in Olden with Olden Active

Where is Olden Active located?

Right at the port - just a short walk from where your cruise ship docks. You can’t miss their tent.

Do I need kayaking experience?

Not at all! Our guide gave a full briefing and stayed with us the whole time. It’s suitable for beginners.

What should I wear?

Wear comfy clothes like jeans, a hoodie and a T-shirt. You’ll be given a dry suit to go over the top. Try to wear waterproof socks or choose a dry suit with built-in booties to keep your feet dry.

Is it safe?

Yes - Olden Active were very professional. You’re fitted with a lifejacket and there’s always a rescue boat nearby.

How long is the excursion?

Roughly 2.5 to 3 hours, including kitting up and getting back to port.

Can I take photos on the kayak?

If you’ve got a waterproof phone case or GoPro, definitely! Just be careful - it’s a long way down if you drop it.

Is this cheaper than booking through the cruise line?

Yes - it was significantly cheaper to book direct with Olden Active than through our cruise provider, and the experience was every bit as good (if not better!).

To book direct or for more details visit: https://oldenactive.com/

*This excursion was kindly gifted to us by Olden Active in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and experiences shared are entirely our own.