Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Belgium
Denmark
Spain
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Italy
Luxembourg
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Sweden
Switzerland
Valley · Olden, Vestland
Oldedalen
The valley that rises from Olden to Briksdal, with the green Lake Oldevatnet, old farms, waterfalls and the tongues of the Jostedalsbreen glacier appearing high on the mountains.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Oldedalen
Oldedalen is the valley that runs out of Olden, at the head of the Nordfjord, and climbs about 20 km south to Briksdal and the Briksdalsbreen glacier. It's a narrow valley, with mountains over 1,500 metres on both sides and waterfalls tumbling from the slopes, some coming directly from the glacier.
Most of the valley is taken up by Lake Oldevatnet, with milky-green water, about 10 km long, and by small old farms along the shores, some with wooden houses and 19th-century barns. The road follows the lake, with stopping areas, stony beaches and bridges over the meltwater rivers.
Along the way the glacier appears at several points among the mountains: the Melkevollbreen tongue at the end of the valley and others descending from the plateau. At Melkevoll and other farms in the valley there are campsites and trails to viewpoints.
The valley is the route to Briksdal, but it's also worth visiting on its own, in a drive or by bicycle, allowing time to stop on the lake shores.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
1 to 3 hours with stops, in addition to the visit to Briksdal.
Best time
From May to September, with farms and campsites open and waterfalls full in May and June. On clear days the lake colour is more intense. Check services outside summer.
How to get there
The road leaves Olden centre and follows the valley to Briksdal, about 23 km. In summer there are usually buses and organized tours.
Tip
Stop at the stony beaches of Oldevatnet to see the water colour up close. If you have time, do a section of the valley by bike, rented in Olden.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Oldedalen
What to see in Oldedalen?
The lake Oldevatnet, the old farms, the waterfalls and the glacier tongues up above, on the way to Briksdal.
Why is the lake green?
Because of the rock flour carried by the glacier rivers.
Can you cycle through the valley?
Yes, there are rentals in Olden, and the road follows the lake with gentle climbs.
How much time to allow?
One to three hours, in addition to the visit to Briksdal.