Olden is a gem located in the innermost part of Nordfjord, surrounded by high mountains and beautiful nature. Here you will find a fairy-tale valley with waterfalls, glaciers and the emerald-green lake Oldevatnet. At the far end of the valley, the Briksdal Glacier awaits – one of Norway’s most visited nature attractions.
Nature and Landscape
Oldedalen is a valley stretching from Olden to the Jostedal Glacier National Park. The valley is surronded by steep mountainsides, wild waterfalls and glaciers creeping down from the peaks. Lake Oldevatnet lies in the heart of the valley – an 11-kilometre-long lake with emerald-green water reflecting the dramatic landscape. On the western side, the Myklebust Glacier sits high on the mountain, while the Melkevoll and Brenndal glaciers descend between the peaks.
At the far end of the valley, the mighty Briksdal Glacier creeps down from 1,200 metres into the valley of Briksdalen – a sight that draws visitors from all over the world every year. Further out along the fjord, the villages of Innvik and Utvik are beautifully situated on the south side of the Nordfjord, with views across the fjord and the green hillsides.
Activities
Oldedalen is a hiking paradise for all levels. The most famous walk leads to the Briksdal Glacier – a three-kilometre gravel path surrounded by steep nature, wild rivers and waterfalls. It is also possible to take a so-called “troll car” for part of the way if you don’t feel like walking.
The hike to the mountain Klovane (982 m) rewards you with airy, spectacular views of fjords, mountains, lakes and glaciers. For family-friendly hikes, Gytri Waterfall is a great destination. On the lake you can paddle kayak or canoe. Most campsites along the lake rent out boats. Olden Active offers RIB boat tours and e-bike tours. At Melkevoll Bretun you can find inner peace with yoga, sauna and ice bathing.
In Innvik you can enjoy several fine hikes in the mountains. Innvik Fjordhotell is right on the waterfront with its own beach volleyball court and swimming beach. From Innvik it is also a short distance to the major attractions in both Olden and Loen.
Culture and History
Olden has a unique cultural history linked to the American couple William Henry Singer Jr. and Anna Brugh Singer. Singer was the heir to a large steel fortune in Pittsburgh but chose art over business. When the couple came to Olden in 1913, Anna exclaimed: “I have found my country!” They built Singerheimen in 1921 – a property with nine deep-green buildings that is now a listed heritage site open to visitors. Here you can stay overnight, enjoy guided tours and afternoon tea in authentic 1920s surroundings.
In Innvik you will find the Innvik Church and the old woollen mill (Ullvarefabrikken), which today serves as a cultural venue for art, concerts and exhibitions.
