Top Olden Excursions for 2026 (Briksdal, Loen Skylift, RIB & Kayaking)

Olden is one of those fjords ports that feels unreal the second you step off the ship. It’s small, easy to navigate, and the scenery is basically a highlight reel by itself.

This blog is the written companion to our vlog over on Cruise Escapes with George and Dan, where we talk through the best excursions to do in Olden in 2026, plus our honest tips on what’s actually worth your time.

Quick note on prices

Most excursions are priced in Norwegian Krone (NOK). We’ve converted to GBP as a guide, but exchange rates move, so treat these as “ballpark” figures and double check when you book.

Briksdal Glacier with the Troll Car

If you want a classic fjords day out that feels properly special, Briksdal is the one.

Provider: Olden Cruise

What you’ll do

You’ll head into the valley, then take the Troll Car for the steepest section. From the drop-off point, it’s a short walk to the glacier viewpoint (there’s one steeper bit right at the start, then it eases off).

Why it’s worth it

Briksdalsbreen isn’t just “a glacier”. It’s an arm of Jostedalsbreen, which is widely known as the largest glacier on mainland Europe. So you’re looking at a living piece of Norway’s Ice Age landscape, not just a nice photo spot.

Cost in GBP (guide)

• Adult: about £71

• Child: about £44

• Infant: about £17

Best for

Anyone who wants the “wow” glacier experience without committing to a longer uphill walk.

Briksdal Glacier shuttle bus, no Troll Car

This is the more independent version of Briksdal. It’s still very cruise-friendly, but you’ll be doing more walking yourself.

Provider: Olden Cruise

What you’ll do

You’ll take the shuttle bus into the valley, then you’ll have around two hours to explore. If you want to walk right up towards the glacier viewpoint, it’s roughly 45 minutes each way, with a mix of flatter parts and some steeper sections.

Interesting facts

The approach through Oldedalen is part of the magic. This valley has been shaped by glaciers over thousands of years, and you’ll often see that classic fjords look: steep sides, waterfalls, and calm lake reflections that feel like a mirror on a good day.

Cost in GBP (guide)

• Adult: about £43

• Child: about £22

• Infant: free

Best for

People who like walking, want more freedom for photos, and don’t mind a bit of uphill.

Loen Skylift

If you want huge views with minimal effort, Loen Skylift is hard to beat.

Provider: Olden Cruise

What you’ll do

You’ll shuttle over from Olden to Loen, then take the cable car up to Mount Hoven in about five minutes. The best bit is flexibility. You can stay up top as long as you like, then head back down when you’re ready.

A bit of history

Loen Skylift officially opened in 2017, and it quickly became one of the most famous viewpoint experiences in this part of Norway. It’s also known for being seriously steep, which you definitely feel on the way up.

Cost in GBP (guide)

• Adult: about £72

• Child: about £37

• Infant: free

There can also be lower early-season pricing depending on date, so it’s worth checking.

Best for

Anyone who wants the big panoramic “this is why we booked the fjords” moment.

RIB sightseeing

If you fancy something fast, fun, and a bit different, a RIB trip is a great shout.

Provider: Olden Active

What you’ll do

A one-hour high-speed sightseeing trip out on the fjord. They provide the proper gear like flotation suits and goggles, which helps a lot because it can get chilly on the water.

Interesting facts

You’ll be out on the Nordfjord, and what makes fjords feel so dramatic is the way glaciers carved these deep valleys that later filled with seawater. That’s why you get steep sides, deep water, and that massive scale even on a calm day.

Cost in GBP (guide)

• From about £68

Best for

Anyone who wants an adrenaline hit and cracking views from right on the water.

Kayaking

Kayaking is the calm, scenic choice. It’s one of the best “slow down and soak it in” excursions you can do in Olden.

Provider: Olden Active

What you’ll do

A guided tour (usually stable double kayaks) with certified local guides. They include loads of kit like drysuits and buoyancy aids, so you don’t need anything fancy, just something comfortable to wear underneath.

Interesting facts

That unreal turquoise colour you sometimes see can come from glacial meltwater carrying tiny rock particles (often called “glacial flour”). It scatters the light and gives that milky blue-green look in the right conditions. It’s basically the landscape still being shaped in real time.

Cost in GBP (guide)

• From about £69

Best for

Anyone who wants something peaceful and scenic, and doesn’t mind being on the water.

A few extra things to do in Olden

With Olden Active you can also hire bikes, go paddle boarding or even hire a peddle boat.

Olden Adventures also offer a sightseeing bus and tours of Loen Lake and Kjenndal Glacier.

Final thoughts

If we were picking based on vibe:

• Classic glacier day: Briksdal (with Troll Car if you want it easy, shuttle bus if you want to walk more)

• Big views, minimal effort: Loen Skylift

• Adrenaline: RIB sightseeing

• Calm and scenic: Kayaking

Olden is one of those ports where it’s genuinely hard to have a bad day, as long as you pick the excursion that matches your energy levels and the weather.

Olden Excursions FAQ

What’s the easiest Olden excursion if we don’t want loads of walking?

Loen Skylift is the easiest “big views” option. Briksdal with the Troll Car also keeps the walking to a shorter section.

Is Briksdal worth it if we’ve seen glaciers before?

Yes, because the valley setting is a huge part of it. It’s not just the glacier, it’s the waterfalls, mountains, and that proper fjords scale.

Which excursion is best if the weather is a bit rubbish?

If low cloud is sitting on the mountains, Skylift might be less impressive. In that case, Briksdal (valley level) can be a better bet. If it’s calm but overcast, kayaking can still be gorgeous.

Are the RIB and kayaking trips suitable for beginners?

Kayaking is guided and designed to be beginner-friendly if you’re comfortable on the water. RIB is more about the ride, so expect wind, spray, and a bit of bounce.

How do we choose between Briksdal with or without the Troll Car?

Go Troll Car if you want it easy and efficient. Go shuttle bus if you want more walking, more freedom, and you’re confident with time and terrain.

There are no affiliate links in this blog which was created to support the local excursion providers in Olden.