Loen, Norway

TL;DR: Loen is Norway’s hidden gem where you can ride one of the world’s steepest cable cars, swim in turquoise glacier lakes, and experience luxury spa treatments—all while surrounded by some of the most jaw-dropping scenery on Earth. It’s the perfect base for both adrenaline junkies and luxury seekers.

Why Loen Should Be Your Next Norwegian Adventure

Picture this: you’re sipping champagne at 1,011 meters above sea level, watching the sun paint glacier-topped mountains in shades of gold and pink, while the deep blue Nordfjord stretches endlessly below. Welcome to Loen—a tiny village that punches way above its weight when it comes to delivering unforgettable experiences.

Nestled in the heart of Stryn Municipality in Vestland county, this charming village sits at the innermost part of the Nordfjord, surrounded by some of Norway’s most magnificent landscapes. With just a handful of residents, Loen is located about 6 kilometres north of the village of Olden and about 11 kilometres southeast of the municipal centre of Stryn.

But don’t let its size fool you. Loen has transformed from a quiet farming community into one of Norway’s hottest adventure destinations, thanks to one spectacular attraction that’s literally lifting tourism to new heights.

The Crown Jewel: Loen Skylift Experience

What Makes It Special

The Loen Skylift is one of the steepest cable cars in the world, taking you from fjord level to Mount Hoven at 1,011 meters above sea level in just five minutes. This isn’t just transportation—it’s a journey through Norway’s vertical landscape that’ll have you pressing your face against the glass in wonder.

The Numbers That Matter

• Ride time: 5-7 minutes each way
• Capacity: 35 passengers per cabin
• Vertical climb: 1,011 meters (3,316 feet)
• Operating: Year-round with continuous service during opening hours

Ticket Prices (2025)

Summer season tickets are available from May 1 to October 12, 2025, while winter season tickets run from October 13, 2025 through April 30, 2026. Here’s what you’ll pay:

• Adults: From 555 NOK (~$55 USD)
• Children (6-15): Reduced rates
• Family tickets: Available for 2 adults + 2 children
• Day passes: Perfect for multiple trips up and down
• Ambassador cards: 50% discount for locals and frequent visitors

Pro tip: Booking ahead isn’t essential, but during cruise ship season, queues can reach 2-3 hours in the afternoon. Early morning visits are your best bet for shorter waits.

What Awaits at the Top

Hoven Restaurant isn’t just any mountain eatery—it’s a culinary destination with a 210-degree panoramic view. The menu showcases local ingredients, and there’s something magical about dining on reindeer or fresh seafood while gazing out at glaciers and fjords.

Hiking trails of varying difficulty fan out from the mountain station, giving you access to some of Norway’s most pristine wilderness. Whether you’re up for a gentle stroll or a challenging summit push, there’s a trail calling your name.

Adventure Activities That’ll Get Your Heart Racing

Via Ferrata Loen: Climbing Made Epic

If you ever wondered what it would be like to walk over a bridge hanging 750 metres above a fjord, the Loen Via ferrata provides the answer. This spectacular climbing route features:

• Steel cables and ladders securing you to the mountainside
• Tor’s Hammer route for the truly adventurous
• Professional guides to keep you safe while pushing your limits
• STIGULL addition: A new 40-meter ladder with 120 steps at a 45-degree angle

Who can do it: Most fitness levels welcome, but you’ll need a head for heights and a sense of adventure.

Zip Lines: Flying Through Norwegian Air

The zip lines span 95 or 125 meters above the Tungegjølet Gorge, offering thrills while allowing you to discover the natural beauty of the region from a different angle. It’s basically the closest you’ll get to being a bird without growing wings.

Natural Wonders That’ll Leave You Speechless

Lovatnet Lake: Norway’s Turquoise Treasure

Lovatnet is probably the most famous lake in Norway, with incredible turquoise ice-cold water. This isn’t your average mountain lake—the color is so vivid it looks almost artificial.

What you can do:

• Swimming (if you’re brave enough for glacier-fed water!)
• Kayaking with guided tours available
• Fishing for trout (no license required)
• Photography that’ll make your Instagram followers weep with envy

Sande Camping offers free trout fishing in Lovatnet, plus rental of rowboats, canoes, dinghies, electric bikes, and electric cars.

Glaciers Within Reach

Kjenndalsbreen Glacier sits at the end of the dramatic Lodalen valley, the lowest glacier arm of Jostedalsbreen—Europe’s largest glacier. The journey there is half the adventure, winding through landscapes that’ll have you pulling over every few hundred meters for photos.

Briksdalsbreen Glacier is another accessible arm of Jostedalsbreen, offering an easy excursion with icy landscapes, majestic waterfalls, and tumultuous rivers.

Accommodation: From Camping to Luxury

The Luxury Option: Hotel Alexandra

Hotel Alexandra has been receiving guests for more than 125 years and is still run by the same family since 1884. This isn’t just a place to sleep—it’s a destination in itself.

What makes it special:

• 206 rooms across 7 categories
• Alexandra Spa with mineral-rich treatments
• Indoor and outdoor pools plus a waterslide
• 3,700 square meters of spa facilities
• Multiple restaurants serving locally-sourced cuisine
• Stunning fjord views from most rooms

Expect to pay: Premium rates, but you’re paying for 125+ years of refined hospitality and some of Norway’s best spa facilities.

The Cozy Alternative: Hotel Loenfjord

Hotel Loenfjord is a cozy and informal hotel idyllically located by the Loelva river and the Nordfjord. With 137 rooms and a more relaxed atmosphere, it’s perfect for travelers who want comfort without the premium price tag.

Budget-Friendly: Camping Options

Sande Camping is the standout choice for budget-conscious travelers:

• Prime location right by Lovatnet lake
• Cabin rentals from basic to luxury “camping suites”
• Motorhome and tent sites many directly lakeside
• Free amenities: trout fishing, sauna, beach access
• Activity rentals: boats, bikes, and more

The campsite is environmentally certified with Green Key status and offers online booking for cabins.

Other camping options:

• Tjugen Camping
• Lo-Vik Camping
• Various mountain lodges and cabins throughout the area

Getting There and Around

Coordinates: 61.8715°N 6.8459°E

By Air

• Closest airports: Ørsta-Volda and Sandane
• Airlines: Widerøe operates direct flights from Oslo and Bergen
• Major airports: Bergen (3+ hours drive) or Oslo (5+ hours drive)

By Car

Loen sits along some of Norway’s most scenic driving routes. The roads can be narrow and winding, but that’s half the charm. Many roads in the area can be prone to landslides and avalanches, especially in rainy and snowy weather.

Public Transport

Check entur.no for bus departure times. While public transport exists, having a car gives you much more flexibility to explore the stunning surroundings at your own pace.

Getting Around Loen

The village is tiny and walkable. Unfortunately, the Loen Shuttle will not be operating in summer 2025, so you’ll need to rely on walking, biking, or your own transport.

When to Visit: Timing Your Norwegian Adventure

Summer (May-September): Peak Magic

• Best weather for hiking and outdoor activities
• Midnight sun phenomena in late June/early July
• All attractions open and fully operational
• Busiest season with higher prices and crowds

Winter (October-April): Serene Beauty

• Northern lights possible on clear nights
• Winter sports including skiing from the Skylift
• Cozy spa experiences feel extra special
• Fewer crowds and potentially better hotel deals

Shoulder Seasons: Sweet Spots

April-May and September-October offer:

• Milder crowds
• Still-decent weather
• Lower accommodation prices
• January, February, and November typically offer the cheapest hotel rates.

What to Eat: Flavors of the Fjords

High-End Dining

Hoven Restaurant (at the Skylift summit) offers refined cuisine featuring local ingredients like reindeer, smoked salmon, and seafood specialties. The sophisticated atmosphere and mountain views make it perfect for special occasions.

Hotel Alexandra Restaurant provides elegant dining with seasonal menus focusing on Norwegian traditions with modern twists.

Casual Options

Loen Active Café serves quick, fresh meals perfect for refueling between adventures—think hearty sandwiches, warming soups, and strong coffee.

Hotel Loenfjord Restaurant offers Norwegian cuisine in a friendly setting, with dishes like reindeer stew and the catch of the day.

Family-Friendly Activities

Loen Play

In the center of Loen, you’ll find your own little universe for kids, with great challenges for both body and mind. Perfect on gray days when adults have been making decisions too long!

• Ground floor: Activities for ages 3-12
• Basement: Activities for older children
• Department for toddlers: Because even the tiniest travelers need adventure

Water Activities for All Ages

• Kayaking in stable double kayaks with guides
• Paddleboarding on the calm fjord waters
• Boat rentals for family exploration
• Swimming in supervised areas (with proper thermal protection!)

Day Trip Ideas from Loen

The Classic Glacier Tour

Morning: Drive to Kjenndalsbreen via scenic Lodalen valley Afternoon: Return via Bødalsbreen for double glacier action Evening: Relax in Alexandra Spa

The Instagram-Perfect Day

Morning: Early Skylift ride for the best light Afternoon: Lovatnet lake swimming and photography Evening: Visit Rakssetra, “every Instagrammer’s wet dream” with fantastic views down to Nordfjord and Olden.

The Adrenaline Day

Morning: Via Ferrata climbing adventure Afternoon: Zip lining and mountain hiking Evening: Well-deserved spa treatments

Practical Tips for Your Loen Adventure

What to Pack

• Layers, layers, layers: Weather can change quickly in the mountains
• Waterproof gear: Rain is always possible in fjord country
• Comfortable hiking boots: Essential for exploring
• Swimwear: For brave lake swimmers and spa enthusiasts
• Camera with extra batteries: Cold weather drains batteries fast

Money Matters

• Norway is expensive: Budget accordingly
• Credit cards widely accepted: Even in small businesses
• Tipping: 10-15% for exceptional service, but not mandatory
• Free activities: Hiking, lake access, and scenic drives don’t cost extra

Language

• English widely spoken: Especially in tourist areas
• Norwegian basics appreciated: “Takk” (thanks) goes a long way
• Friendly locals: Don’t hesitate to ask for directions or recommendations

Safety Notes

• Mountain weather changes fast: Always check conditions before heading out
• Tell someone your plans: Especially for longer hikes
• Emergency number: 112 works throughout Norway
• Respect nature: Follow Leave No Trace principles

Sustainable Travel in Loen

Loen Skylift was designed to be one of the most sustainable cable cars in the world, running entirely on electricity and using physics to minimize energy usage.

How you can help:

• Use public transport when possible
• Choose certified accommodations like Green Key certified Sande Camping
• Respect wildlife and stick to marked trails
• Support local businesses for authentic experiences

Final Thoughts: Why Loen Will Steal Your Heart

There’s something magical about places that pack incredible experiences into small packages, and Loen is the master of this art. Whether you’re seeking heart-pumping adventures, soul-soothing spa experiences, or simply want to witness some of the most beautiful scenery on Earth, this tiny Norwegian village delivers.

Loen offers some of the most magnificent landscapes in Norway, with beautiful fjords, dazzling turquoise lakes, waterfalls, glaciers and steep mountains. It’s also home to some of the oldest Viking Age farmsteads in the country, adding layers of history to its natural beauty.

The beauty of Loen lies not just in its stunning setting, but in how accessible it makes Norway’s wildest experiences. Where else can you go from fjord level to mountain peak in five minutes, swim in a glacier lake, climb a mountain via steel cables, and then unwind in a world-class spa—all in the same day?

Plan your visit to Loen, and prepare to fall in love with a place that proves the best things really do come in small packages. Just don’t blame us when you start planning your return trip before you’ve even left.

Have you visited Loen or are you planning a trip? This guide covers the essentials, but like all great destinations, Loen reveals its best secrets to those who take time to explore beyond the main attractions. Safe travels, and enjoy your Norwegian fjord adventure!