Pass through some of the most spectacularly dramatic landscape in Norway on the way to Bøya Glacier and the unusual Norwegian Glacier Museum nearby.

Settle in for a scenic drive inland, passing through Jostedalsbreen National Park, which encompasses the largest glacier in mainland Europe. Glaciers are so prominent in this part of Norway that it is only fitting that the Norwegian Glacier Museum is located in nearby Fjæland. While browsing the exhibitions, you can expect to learn how glaciers are formed, why their ice appears to be blue, and how scientists obtain ice cores from glaciers that reveal climatic conditions thousands of years ago. You may even see a 30,000-year-old mammoth tusk.

To further enhance your understanding of glaciers, you will proceed to Bøya Glacier. As large as it looks, Bøya is only a branch of the much larger Jostedal ice sheet. Even so, its size is staggering. You may simply pause for photos of the glacier or enjoy a leisurely walk to the glacial lake that Bøya has formed. Either way, it’s easy to see how the glacier has altered the landscape as it moves imperceptibly toward the sea.

Over lunch at a nearby restaurant, you might discuss the power and majesty of Norway’s glaciers before returning to the pier. The route back is impressive, as you will pass more splendid scenery.

Behold the seemingly endless natural beauty around the village of Stryn, a landscape of soaring mountains, ancient glaciers and emerald-green valleys. This naturally beautiful area attracts countless outdoor adventurers, many of whom you may spot while driving along the Stryn River and on to Stryn Lake before arriving at the Jostedalsbreen National Park Center. The views from there will be extraordinary, as the center overlooks water on one side with a forested mountain backdrop on the other.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take in the extraordinary natural beauty around the village of Stryn.
• Enjoy another perspective of the wilderness from the Jostedalsbreen National Park Center.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Ride an open-air vehicle playfully known as a troll car to Briksdal Glacier, a massive tongue of ancient ice that has receded at a slower rate than other European glaciers.

Enjoy a wonderfully scenic drive through the fertile Olden Valley, at times following the shore of beautiful Lake Olden. Along the way, you will pass several small farms where crops such as barley flourish in the rich soil. The landscape has long attracted sightseers, and the farmers often offered them rides on horse-drawn carriages. That tradition carried on for more than 100 years, until the recent introduction of troll cars. These small, open-air vehicles resemble golf carts, albeit ones that can easily climb the mountainous terrain in this part of Norway. Playfully named for the trolls so prevalent in Norse mythology, the cars provide a comfortable means for you to reach Briksdal Glacier.

You will drive within a half mile of the glacier and can walk closer if you choose. Either way, this massive branch of the even larger Jostedal Glacier is a magnificent sight. While standing nearby, you can easily see how the powerful force of the moving ice has shaped the landscape over the centuries. At its thickest part, Briksdal Glacier is nearly a quarter mile deep. Because it’s one of Norway’s most accessible glaciers, you may spot hikers and other adventurers on its icy surface. Afterwards, you will stop for a hot beverage before returning to the pier.

Hike through the gorgeous mountain wilderness, following a trail to the face of Briksdal Glacier, an arm of the largest glacier in continental Europe.

A scenic drive takes you through the fertile Olden Valley, at times following the shore of beautiful Lake Olden. Along the way, you will pass several small farms where crops such as barley flourish in the rich soil.

After approximately 45 minutes, you will arrive at Briksdal Mountain Lodge, a small hotel at the foot of a mountain not far from Briksdal Glacier. The lodge is a popular starting point for hiking to the glacier so you’re sure to see other adventurers. The trail will take you past a small glacial lake and as near to the glacier as is safe. Briksdal is a massive branch of the even larger Jostedal Glacier, and the closer you get to the ancient ice flow the more breathtaking it becomes. While standing near the glacier, you can easily see how the powerful force of the moving ice has shaped the landscape over the centuries.

At its thickest part, Briksdal Glacier is nearly a quarter mile deep, although the glacier’s size and depth depends on climatic conditions. In the last decade or so Briksdal has receded at a slower pace than other European glaciers, presumably because it’s entirely on dry land.

After viewing the glacier up close, you will hike back to the mountain lodge for coffee and a snack before returning to the pier.

Hike from the pier to the top of Mount Huaren, a two-hour ascent that will present you with a glorious, panoramic view of the natural beauty that surrounds Olden.

After walking from the pier, you will soon begin to ascend a natural path through a lush forest and up toward Mount Huaren. Along the way, openings in the forest will present you with uninterrupted views of the spectacular landscape below.

The elevated vantage point will offer a unique perspective of tiny Olden, which nestles along the mouth of the Oldeelva River. The higher you ascend the more stunning the scenery and the more invigorating the mountain air.

Approximately two hours later, you will reach the Mount Huaren viewpoint, which rises 1,250 feet above sea level. Although it may not seem possible, the views from the peak will be even more glorious.

Sparkling Nordfjord, the sixth-longest fjord in Norway, will stretch out before you. Snow-capped mountains will loom in the distance with pristine forests blanketing the lower regions right to the water’s edge. Everywhere you look, the glory of Mother Nature will be on display.

From this lofty vantage point, you should also be able to see the village of Loen just a few miles to the north. Some of Norway’s oldest farms are here because the glacially formed moraine soil is extraordinarily fertile.

Following a rest break at the viewpoint, you will follow the trail back down the mountain to the pier, a hike that should take a bit less time than the ascent. less

Zip through the typically calm, glassy waters of Nordfjord in a high-speed boat, enjoying an exhilarating ride and some of the most majestic views in this part of Norway.

After a short walk along the pier, you will suit up in waterproof gear and board an RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) that is ideal for cruising Nordfjord. The vessel is designed to zip through the water at a high speed yet provide a remarkably smooth ride.

As soon as the engine fires up, you will feel the power of the RIB as you head into the fjord, the sixth longest in Norway. You can expect an exhilarating, adrenaline-charged experience.

Being so speedy, the vessel can cover a wide area quickly, so you will see a surprising variety of scenery in just a short time. Natural highlights will include snow-capped mountains and dense forests blanketing the lower regions right to the water’s edge.

If the land seems surprisingly green, it is because the soil is glacially formed moraine and extraordinarily fertile. Many of the oldest farms in Norway are in this area, some dating back more than 2,000 years.

While zipping along the surface of Nordfjord, you will also enjoy a unique perspective of your cruise ship and the tiny village of Olden, which nestles along the mouth of the Oldeelva River. After approximately 30 minutes on the water, the RIB will return to the pier, leaving you with lasting memories of this one-of-a-kind experience.

Enjoy a sea-level perspective of Nordfjord by kayaking the pristine waterway and admiring the gorgeous natural setting that stretches as far as you can see.

After a short walk along the pier, you will slip into a 2-person kayak and paddle off into the typically glassy waters of Nordfjord, the sixth longest fjord in Norway. Kayaking offers an experience unlike any other on the fjord because you can proceed at a leisurely pace, allowing for maximum opportunities to take in the extraordinary scenery.

There will be plenty to see along the way. Natural highlights will include snow-capped mountains and dense forests blanketing the lower regions right to the water’s edge. You don’t have to paddle far from shore to feel surrounded, even dwarfed by the majesty of nature. You can expect the experience to be as awe-inspiring as the scenery.

If the land seems surprisingly green, it is because the soil is glacially formed moraine and extraordinarily fertile. Many of the oldest farms in Norway are in this area, some dating back more than 2,000 years.

While paddling the pristine waters of Nordfjord, you will also enjoy a unique perspective of your cruise ship and the tiny village of Olden, which nestles along the mouth of the Oldeelva River. You may even catch sight of birds soaring effortlessly overhead in the updrafts rising from the steep sides of the mountains.

Finally, after kayaking for approximately two and a half hours, you will return to the pier.