Nature and landscape
Oldedalen stretches about 20 kilometers from Olden and southwards toward Jostedalsbreen National Park. The valley is surrounded by steep mountain sides, deep valleys, and several glacier arms creeping down from the highlands, including Briksdalsbreen, Melkevollbreen, and Brenndalsbreen.
In the middle of the valley lies Oldevatnet, a long, narrow lake with a distinctive emerald-green color, created by meltwater from the glaciers. Here the mountains are reflected in the water’s surface, while the river Oldenelva continues out into Nordfjorden.
Traveling through Oldedalen is an experience in itself. Many describe the valley as one of the most fairy-tale landscapes in Norway, where waterfalls, glaciers, and shifting light constantly create new impressions. At the far end of the valley awaits Briksdalsbreen, which plunges dramatically down from the high mountains and into the lush Briksdalen. Its easily accessible location makes the glacier one of the most visited natural attractions in the country.
Culture and history
Although nature takes center stage, Olden also has an exciting history. One of the most distinctive stories is linked to the American couple William Henry Singer Jr. and Anna Brugh Singer. When they came to Olden in 1913, they fell in love with the landscape and chose to settle here.
The result was Singerheimen – a beautiful property with several distinctive green buildings surrounded by a lush garden. Today, the site is open to visitors, with guided tours and the opportunity to experience the history up close.
In the center of Olden you will also find both the new and the old church, bearing witness to a local community with long traditions.
