Loen Holidays

View of Loen from the top of the Sky Lift cable car

View over Loen and nearby Lovatnet Lake.jpg

View over the spectactular scenery of the Nordfjord

The Joestedal Glacier-briksdalsbreen.jpg

Briksdal Glacier arm

Top of the world at the Loen Skylift

Enjoy the view from the top of the Loen Skylift

Magnificent views from the Hoven Restaurant

Aeriel view of Loen village

Lovatnet Lake near Loen

The Via Ferrata above Loen

Scenery of the Nordfjord

Visiting the Joestedal Glacier

Troll cars at Briksdal

Exceptional natural beauty on the inner Nordfjord

Loen is right in the core of the Nordfjord, and surrounded by some of the Western Fjord's great natural beauty spots. There's so much to explore in and around the Loen region, including he nearby Lodal and Briksdal Valleys with their farms and forested slopes that mirror into the lakes. The impressive Jostedal Glacier is one to tick off your list here, being the largest glacier in mainland Europe. Brisksdal Glacier and Kjenndal Glacier are also worth a visit, along with a boat ride down the narrow Geirangerfjord with its many waterfalls. There's great walking terrain, either along the valley or into the mountains via the Skylift cable car, plus of course the chance to relax at some of the best spa facilities in the fjords at the Hotel Alexandra.

Our Glaciers & Coast twin centre holiday will let you experience both Loen and Ålesund, as they are so easily linked. Or, if you wanted to add another destination to your holiday pick Fjord Explorer which will include Balestrand, along with both Loen and Ålesund.

There's also the popular Highlights of the Fjord escorted tour.

203 rooms

Alexandra Hotel, Loen, Norway - exterior.jpg

Built in 1884 the Alexandra is a wonderful, fifth generation family-run hotel, steeped in tradition and set in the heart of this breathtakingly beautiful region. As one of Norway’s very best hotels, the Alexandra is a solid favourite in our programme. The Alexandra combines genuine hospitality, exceptional cuisine and an extensive range of facilities.

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137 rooms

Loenfjord Hotel, Loen, Norway - exterior.jpg

A lovely friendly and informal riverside hotel recently built in traditional style on the shores of the fjord with bright comfortable bedrooms and attractively furnished public areas. Guests have full use of the pool facilities at the Hotel Alexandra a minute's walk away.

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Useful Information

Information about Loen
Resort Code	NOLO
Languages spoken	English
Time difference	GMT+1
Currency	NOK
Latitude	61.870185
Longitude	6.851127

Meet Your Rep

'Meet & greet' service from a local tour guide, with a 24/7 phone service and introduction to Loen

Travel and Transportation

Transfers Approx 3hrs by bus & ferry from Ålesund Airport

Car hire available: No

Evening resort bus service: No

Local bus services:

Parking available: No

Resort Ski bus available: No

Excursions

Explore the local area with these recommended guided day trips that can be booked at the Alexandra Hotel reception:

(All prices shown for guidance)

'Loen Skylift' cable-car

£49 - daily

A must-do in Loen, this cable-car is Fjord Norway's most exhilarating attraction, transporting guests from Loen centre to the top of Mount Hoven (1011m / 3316 ft above the Nordfjord). The experience promises guests beautiful views over the nearby fjords, lakes and glacier, as well as further walking opportunities for all abilities. The mountain restaurant serves great hot chocolates and we also recommend the Suspension Bridge Waffle! There is now a zip line located at the top of the skylift, plus the Via Ferrata (for those with a daring disposition!) has been expanded.

Loen Valley with Kjenndal and Bødalsbreen Glaciers

£79 - usually a Saturday and/or Sunday - full day - fully guided

A scenic drive from Loen along the Lovatn lake to the awe-inspiring Kjendall Glacier for a short walk to get close to this amazing ice plateau. Then continuing onto the Bødalseter summer pastures with a level walk along a stream to the Bødalsbreen glacier.

Briksdal Glacier

£39 - Sunday - half day - fully guided

A scenic drive around inner Nordfjord to the emerald green lakes and cascading waterfalls of the Oldedal Valley to within a short walk of the famous Birksdal Glacier. There is also an optional Troll Car ride to the glacier, at an extra cost.

Geiranger Fjord Cruise and Dalsnibba Viewpoint

£120 - Thursday - full day - fully guided

The spectacular narrow Geirangerfjord, with its deep blue waters, and steep mountains lined with gushing waterfalls is home to some of Norways most famous scenes - it remains a 'must see' for many visitors. An unmissable day out past Stryn Lake and Videseter Waterfalls to the classic Dalsnibba viewpoint (1,500m). The highlight of the trip is a memorable fjord cruise from Geiranger to Hellesylt, returning via Europe’s deepest lake along the shores of Nordfjord.

Briksdal Glacier by public bus

£9 - daily - half day

A trip to Loen is not complete without a trip to the most visited and famous natural attraction in the area. An amazing trip to see the spectacular Briksdal Glacier, which is part of Jostedal Glacier. Jostedal Glacier is the largest mainland glacier in continental Europe. Surrounded by stunning mountains and waterfalls, this glacier is easily reachable by public transport.

Resort Combination

Enjoy Loen as a single-centre with holidays available from 3 nights to 14 nights (Monday and Friday departures).

Fjord Explorer 12 days (4 centres) Balestrand - Loen - Ålesund
Glaciers & Coast 8 days (2 centres) Ålesund - Loen
Highlights of the Fjords 12 days (4 centre escorted tour) Bergen - Balestrand - Loen - Ålesund

Things To Do

Good hiking and walking opportunities along the Fjord or into the nearby mountains
Hoven Loen cable-car
Several themed trails, Fjord, culture and nature
Glacier walking and hiking
Via Ferrata climbing from Loen
Nordfjord folk museum
Cycling (bike hire available locally)
Spa and wellness plus tennis at Hotel Alexandra
Kayaking, canoeing and fjord swimming
Loen church dating back to 1837
Jøstedalsbreen National Park cente in nearby Stryn
Horse riding (Norwegian native fjord horse)
Public bus services to Stryn and Olden (Mon - Fri)
Shopping outlets in Stryn, Olden and Geiranger

Experience More

'Meet & greet' service from a local tour guide, with a 24/7 phone service and introduction to Loen.

Walking

Other popular walks include: Loen is one of the best of our Norway resorts for walking opportunities with options for all levels, and many starting from the village centre. Many are signposted but we recommend you also purchase a more detailed map locally (approx. NOK80).

Easy: Stroll along both sides of Lake Loen towards Olden for lovely scenery with the serene lake below and mountains above.

Moderate: Head to the Lodalen valley road through the Saeten pastures to Vassenden where the lake meets the river Olden You can also explore this area on one of our Wanderwalks. Nearby Stryn and Hornindal also offer further marked walking trails.

Slightly Challenging: There are hiking routes near the Briksdal glacier, and you can get a guide for glacier guide on one of the nearby glacial arms. Or take the Fjord Trail from Tjugen towards Mount Skåla at 1,848m for fantastic views even if you don’t want to go all the way to the top.

Enjoy the best of the Norwegian fjord’s glorious and diverse scenery in this 4-centre group tour, escorted by a knowledgeable guide throughout. Designed as an excellent introduction to Norway for those wishing to see the spectacular fjords, mountains, glaciers and lakes in four contrasting destinations.

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A highly recommended combination encompassing the best scenery the Fjord Norway region has to offer – starting in the fjordside village of Balestrand on the mighty Sognefjord, you will have an opportunity to travel on the famous Flåm railway or visit Fjaerland with its Glacier Museum. From here, your included transfer will take you over the magical Gauler Mountains to Loen on the Nordfjord with its spectacular glacier and sparkling lakes.

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Ålesund view over the town from Mount Aksla steps.jpg

Focusing in the northern Western fjords, this 7-night holiday combines a stay in the ‘glacier’ resort of Loen, home to some of the fjords most spectacular scenery, with the vibrant coastal city of Ålesund. It is a great option for those who wish to get up close to nature.

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