Nordfjord

Nordfjord, located on the western coast of Norway, is one of the country's most scenic fjords, stretching more than 100 kilometers (62 miles) inland. Known for dramatic landscapes with steep mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, and traditional villages, the fjord offers visitors a balance between nature, history, and small-town Norwegian culture. For cruise passengers, Nordfjord is a gateway to adventure, whether exploring glacier viewpoints, hiking trails, or simply taking in the stunning fjord scenery from the ship or shore.

Cruise Docking Information

Cruise ships visiting Nordfjord typically dock at the port towns of Olden, Loen, or Nordfjordeid. These ports are docking facilities, not tendering, and can accommodate large vessels. Olden and Loen are especially popular stops, offering direct access to the fjord's natural highlights. The ports are small but busy during the cruise season, with thousands of passengers arriving each summer. Facilities include shuttle buses, taxis, and tourist information desks. The town centers of Olden and Nordfjordeid are within walking distance from the docks, while Loen requires a short transfer of about 5 minutes by bus or taxi.

Transportation Options

• Walking - Convenient in Olden and Nordfjordeid, where town centers are close to the docks.
• Buses and Shuttles - Common for reaching attractions such as Briksdal Glacier or Loen Skylift.
• Taxis and Tours - Available at the dock for flexible sightseeing in the surrounding areas.

Nearby destinations within 100 kilometers (62 miles) include Stryn (20 minutes), Geiranger (2 hours), and Ålesund (2.5 hours).

Main Attractions in Nordfjord

• Briksdal Glacier - A famous glacier arm of Jostedalsbreen National Park, reachable by shuttle or hike.
• Loen Skylift - A modern cable car taking visitors from fjord level to Mount Hoven for panoramic views.
• Kjenndalen Glacier - A less-visited glacier surrounded by steep cliffs and alpine scenery.
• Nordfjordeid - A charming town with Viking history and cultural sites like Sagastad Viking Center.
• Olden - A picturesque fjord village and a popular gateway to glacier excursions.

Nearby touristic destinations

• Stryn - Known for summer skiing and mountain scenery, 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Olden.
• Geiranger - Famous for Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site, about 2 hours away.
• Ålesund - A coastal town with art nouveau architecture, located 2.5 hours from Nordfjord.

Interesting Facts

• Nordfjord is home to Europe’s largest mainland glacier, Jostedalsbreen.
• Loen Skylift rises 1,011 meters (3,317 feet) in just 5 minutes, one of the steepest lifts in the world.
• The fjord has been inhabited since Viking times, with archaeological finds across the region.

Geographical Position and Surroundings

Nordfjord is located in Vestland County in western Norway. The fjord stretches from the ocean at Stad to the glaciers of Jostedalsbreen National Park. The climate is temperate maritime, with mild summers and wet winters. The area is surrounded by dramatic mountains, glaciers, rivers, and valleys, offering some of Norway’s most iconic landscapes.

Local Foods

• Lutefisk - Traditional dried fish prepared with lye, a winter specialty.
• Rakfisk - Fermented trout, popular in rural areas of Norway.
• Kjøttkaker - Norwegian-style meatballs served with potatoes and gravy.
• Brunost - Brown cheese with a sweet, caramel flavor.
• Fresh Salmon - Locally caught and served grilled or smoked.

Destination secrets

• Loen Via Ferrata - A climbing route offering adventurous access to mountain views.
• Hornindalsvatnet - Europe’s deepest lake at 514 meters (1,686 feet), located near Nordfjordeid.
• Rakssetra - A mountain pasture above Loen with panoramic fjord views and old farmhouses.

Local Customs and Culture

Norwegian culture in Nordfjord emphasizes closeness to nature, local traditions, and Viking heritage. Respect for the environment is deeply rooted, and visitors are encouraged to follow the principle of “allemannsretten,” the right to roam. Festivals, folk music, and midsummer celebrations are part of the region’s cultural identity.

Family-Friendly Activities

• Children up to 6 years old - Gentle walks in Olden village and visiting animal farms.
• Children between 7 and 12 - Take the Loen Skylift and short hikes suitable for families.
• Teenagers aged 13 to 18 - Try kayaking on the fjord or guided glacier walks for adventure.

Notice: Port information is specifically designed for cruise passengers visiting this destination. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we recommend that you verify critical information such as visas, health and safety, customs, and transportation with official sources before departure. Always familiarize yourself with safety aspects when visiting your destination. We have given some pointers under the information button in the main menu of this app. Please note that distances, travel times and pricing may have some inaccuracies or may be outdated. Content and travel advice presented is created by a port moderator and/or AI. A port moderator could be a local individual, destination expert, port authority, or a tourism agency. *