Olden is a small but mighty village in Norway’s Vestland County, famous for its stunning fjords and rugged landscapes. What makes Olden particularly appealing for travelers is its accessibility and the variety of outdoor adventures available right on the doorstep. No long transfers or complicated logistics—most tours start just steps from the cruise dock, making it perfect for those wanting to maximize their time in this dramatic setting. We especially love the Olden Fjord Kayaking + Drysuit & Safety Boat because it offers an easy, beginner-friendly way to experience the fjord’s tranquility while feeling secure in drysuits and a dedicated rescue boat. That combination of safety and adventure makes it a standout.
The list below covers a range of experiences, from paddling in a stable double kayak and exploring the fjord with local guides, to speeding across the water in a RIB boat and hiking to glaciers. Whether you’re craving a peaceful paddle, an adrenaline rush, or a scenic bike ride, Olden’s tours offer authentic and memorable ways to learn about Norway’s natural beauty.
Here’s a quick overview: we start with kayak adventures suited for all levels, then move into boat rides that bring you close to waterfalls and wildlife, before exploring the land via e-bike and hiking. Each experience offers something unique—check out the details below to find your perfect match.
1. Olden Fjord Kayaking + Drysuit & Safety Boat
This guided kayak tour in Olden is perfect for those who want a worry-free experience on the water. It’s operated by Oldenactive.com, the only local company run and owned by residents, which means you’re supporting community businesses while getting an authentic experience. The tour lasts 2.5 hours and includes a stable double kayak, drysuits, and a dedicated rescue boat, ensuring safety and comfort—especially important for first-timers or nervous paddlers.
Starting right next to the cruise terminal, you won’t waste time with transfers; just walk across the street to meet your guide. The itinerary includes a safety briefing before heading out to explore the fjord’s calm waters, with plenty of opportunities to learn about the local flora, fauna, and geology from an English-speaking guide. The drysuits keep you warm even in cooler weather, and the rescue boat adds peace of mind.
What makes this tour stand out? It’s beginner friendly, highly rated with a perfect 5/5 from 35 reviews, and offers full refunds if the cruise doesn’t arrive. It’s suited for ages 10 and up, non-swimmers, and those looking for a relaxed, scenic paddle.
Bottom Line: If you want a safe, comfortable introduction to kayaking with local expertise, this tour is hard to beat.
2. Olden: Experience Beginner-friendly Fjord Kayaking
For a shorter, equally accessible option, the Beginner-friendly Fjord Kayaking offers a two-hour adventure perfect for newcomers. Priced at $98 per person, this tour is ideal if you’re limited on time but still want a taste of Norway’s iconic fjords. Like the first, it emphasizes stability and simplicity, with no prior experience necessary.
Starting from the cruise port, guides lead you through calm waters, pointing out wildlife and scenic features. The reviews highlight Peder’s informative guidance and friendly demeanor, making it a relaxed way to enjoy the fjord. Guests have appreciated how easy the kayaks are to paddle and how well the guides keep everyone safe and engaged. The tour is particularly suited for families, solo travelers, or anyone wanting a gentle introduction to kayaking.
While it doesn’t include drysuits or rescue boats like the top-rated experience, the focus on beginner skills and the small group setting ensures a comfortable outing for first-timers.
Bottom Line: A great choice for those on a tight schedule or new to kayaking, looking for a straightforward and friendly experience.
3. Olden: Nordfjord RIB Boat Tour
If speed and close-up views are more your style, the Nordfjord RIB Boat Tour offers a swift, exhilarating ride through Olden’s famous fjord. At around $116 per person for a 55-minute boat cruise, this experience combines scenic views with the thrill of feeling the wind in your hair. The RIB (rigid inflatable boat) glides smoothly over the water, with the unique opportunity to get close to powerful waterfalls and observe wildlife like sea eagles and seals.
The tour begins and ends right near the cruise dock, making logistics simple. You’ll listen to a brief safety talk before heading out to explore the fjord at high speed, feeling the spray from waterfalls and enjoying panoramic vistas. The boat goes into the waterfalls, so you can taste fresh mountain water—a fun and memorable detail. This tour is perfect if you’re after a quick adrenaline rush or want a more dynamic perspective of Nordfjord.
Guests have given it a 4.6/5, praising the scenic beauty and the thrill of speed in a small group. It’s not suitable for very young children or pregnant women due to the speed and water spray.
Bottom Line: For active travelers wanting a fast-paced, close-up fjord experience, this RIB tour hits the mark.
4. Olden: Guided e-bike tour
Exploring Olden on an electric bike gives you the freedom to cover more ground without breaking a sweat. The Guided e-bike tour lasts two hours and is led by a local guide who knows every twist and turn of the area. The bikes are new, easy to operate, and perfect for riders of all skill levels.
Starting from Naustgrenda 20, the ride takes you through scenic side roads, past lakes, and through lush countryside. The guide shares stories about local history and points out interesting features along the way. The tour is suitable for families and solo travelers alike, with good reviews praising the friendly guides and the smooth bikes. It’s a fantastic way to see the Norwegian fjord landscape without the physical exertion of a hike.
The tour’s value lies in its combination of accessibility and local insight, making it an ideal choice for those who want to experience Olden’s natural beauty at a relaxed pace.
Bottom Line: If cycling appeals and you want to combine sightseeing with local stories, this e-bike tour is a smart pick.
5. From Olden: Briksdal Glacier Guided Hiking Shore Excursion
This hiking tour to the Briksdal Glacier is for travelers keen on combining scenic bus rides with a rewarding trek. For about $137, you’ll journey through mountain landscapes, waterfalls, and lakes before hiking to one of Norway’s most photographed glaciers. The tour lasts around four hours and includes a guided hike to the glacier’s viewpoint.
Starting at Olden cruise dock, the bus trip alone is stunning—surrounded by waterfalls and towering peaks. Once at Briksdal, a guide leads you on a 2.5-hour walk, with options to take a buggy if walking steep terrain isn’t your thing. The hike offers incredible views of the glacier and surrounding mountains, with plenty of photo ops. The guide’s commentary enhances the experience, sharing insights about glaciers, climate change, and local geology.
Reviewers love the scenery and the ease of transportation, with one noting, “the scenery was BREATHTAKING.” The tour is perfect for active travelers who appreciate both nature and convenience.
Bottom Line: A memorable day trip combining scenic bus rides with a manageable glacier hike, suitable for most fitness levels.
6. Olden: Bus to Geirangerfjord for RIB Boat Fjordsafari
For those who want to see Norway’s most famous fjord, the Geirangerfjord RIB Safari is an exhilarating option. This four-hour tour involves a scenic bus ride followed by a high-speed RIB boat tour of Geirangerfjord, famous for waterfalls like the Seven Sisters and Bridal Veil.
Starting at Olden’s cruise park, you’ll travel by coach through stunning mountain scenery to Hellesylt, where you’ll hop onto a small boat for a one-hour cruise. The boat takes you into the fjord’s narrowest sections, with waterfalls cascading down steep cliffs. You might even taste the fresh mountain water as the boat goes into the waterfalls, adding a fun sensory element.
Guests rave about the opportunity to get close to the waterfalls and take spectacular photos. The experience suits travelers wanting a combo of scenic bus ride and fast-paced fjord exploration, with a maximum of 12 passengers on the boat for an intimate experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a full-day adventure combining scenic views, wildlife spotting, and the thrill of a RIB ride.
7. Guided Kayak Tour with Lunch by the Fire
For families or those seeking a relaxed, social experience, the Guided Kayak Tour with Lunch by the Fire offers a memorable day on Olden Fjord. It lasts three hours and includes a 2.33-hour guided paddle, a hearty local lunch cooked over an open fire, and a chance to swim in the fjord afterward.
Meeting at Discover Olden, the tour is limited to 8 people, ensuring a personalized experience. The guide leads you through serene waters, sharing stories about the area’s natural features. You can choose between single or double kayaks, making it flexible for different ages and comfort levels. After paddling, everyone gathers around the fire for a warm, homemade meal, then takes a refreshing swim.
Guests appreciate how family-friendly and inclusive this tour is, with one reviewer noting, “Very friendly guide, lovely trip, and a delicious lunch.” It’s best suited for families with kids over 10, or anyone wanting a relaxed, social outing with scenic paddling and local hospitality.
Bottom Line: A charming, family-oriented tour combining outdoor activity with a cozy meal—perfect for making memories.
How to Choose the Right Tour in Olden
Choosing between these options depends on your interests, fitness level, and how much time you want to spend. Kayaking tours (Olden Fjord Kayaking + Drysuit & Safety Boat, Beginner-friendly Fjord Kayaking, Guided Kayak with Lunch) are great if you want a peaceful, close-up experience on the water, especially if you prefer guided, safe, and comfortable paddling.
Boat rides like the Nordfjord RIB Boat Tour or the Fjord Safari to Geirangerfjord suit thrill-seekers and photography lovers who want quick, spectacular views with the chance to see waterfalls and wildlife up close.
Hiking and biking experiences, such as the Briksdal Glacier hike and E-bike tour, appeal to active travelers eager to explore the land rather than just the water.
Book early, especially for popular tours, and consider your fitness, weather, and what kind of experience you want—whether it’s a peaceful paddle, an adrenaline rush, or scenic sightseeing on wheels.
Olden offers a wonderful variety of ways to enjoy its stunning scenery—whether you prefer gliding on the fjord, speeding through waterfalls, cycling through mountain villages, or hiking to glaciers. For most travelers, a combination of these experiences creates a well-rounded visit. If your time is limited, the kayak or RIB tours are excellent choices for a memorable, active adventure. Planning ahead and booking early ensures you’ll get the best spot for your preferred activity—so don’t delay.
