Picture a beautiful road trip, scenic views along every turn, beautiful waterfalls, pristine turquoise-colored lakes, majestic fjords, and beautiful snow-capped mountains. Well for some this is a dream road trip and for some, this is a routine route to work. The road trips in Norway has storybook charm in spades.

Stryn is one such small yet beautiful village in the county of Vestland, Norway. The Stryn municipality has two other wonderful villages, Loen and Olden along the sides of Innvikfjorden. Olden is a small beautiful village at the mouth of the Oldeelva river and at the end of the Nordfjord. A charming village close to Stryn in vestland country, Norway. And Loen lies midway between Stryn and Olden. These small villages together offer an immense wealth of natural beauty with high dramatic mountains on one side and emerald green waters on the other. With those picturesque views and breathtakingly beautiful yet intimidating landscape are worth cherishing over a lifetime.

In this article I will share all the popular locations that are accessible by car around Stryn municipality.

The first on the list is the scenic road called Gamle strynfjellsveg (destination A to C on the map). This historic old roadway runs between Grotli and Videsæter. The road is closed in winters from October and opens again in June. A careful driving is advised due to narrow roads. Don’t be surprised if you see snow walls besides the road in summer. If the amazing landscape along the drive is not enough for you, then try skiing in summer. There is a nice place where you can buy ski pass, also rent equipment and go skiing in Summer. This is highlighted as destination B on the map. Don’t miss it! Check them out at : https://strynsommerski.com/

Gamle Strynefjellsvegen

At the other end of the Gamle Strynefjellsvegen we reach Videsæter. Here you can visit the waterfall – Videfossen. For people who would rather prefer a break can visit Hotel Videseter (https://www.videseter.com/) . From here it will be an epic descent to reach Jostedalsbreen National Park Center (destination D on the map).

Jostedalsbreen National Park Center

Jostedalsbreen National Park Center is located at Oppstryn. The view of the landscape here is stunning and the mountainous region would live one awestruck. Here you can visit the exhibit, and the botanical garden and enjoy the geological park. They also have a movie on glaciers screened in their cinema, though it’s a short 13 min video, it will give you an idea of what glaciers are, how they were formed, their significance, and the unfortunate state it is in due to global warming.

While heading towards Stryn from Jostedalsbreen National Park Center don’t forget to take a small break at the rest stop (destination E on the map). From here one can really appreciate the fjord along oppstrynvatnet. Also, this place has picture-perfect views for a photoshoot.

Rest stop at Oppstryn

At Loen one of the best activity is to take the skylift to mount Hoven (destination F on the map).

Loen Skylift and all about it

In the sleepy village of Loen, we boarded the Loen Skylift cable car to ascend the 1011m to reach the top of Mount Hoven. In just five minutes we witnessed the most stunning fjord, mountain, and village views in the whole of Norway. From the skylift, you can see a surreal view of the calm glacial waters of the fjord flow into the Lodalen valley. There is a souvenir shop, and a cafe for coffee and pastries if you need to warm up or buy souvenirs from Norway. There are a few walking trails from where the views are magnificent. Try to do this on a clear day for the best views!

Read more about Loen Skylift here.

Further down the road is Breng Seter (destination G), which once was a farming place. Now is a top tourist attraction, the old hytte (cottage) lies there to tell timeless tales. After enjoying these relaxed and scenic views, one must visit Kjelldalsbreen. This glacier spot is a hidden gem, most of the tourists are diverted to Briksdalsbreen. However, if you want a majestic view of the Glaciar then Kjelldalsbreen is the place to be. It is an arm of the Jostedal glacier. This hike is quite easy and short (approximately 10-15 minutes) and suitable for all ages. The sheer size of the mountains surrounding this place, the waterfalls from all directions, and at the center of the glacier- the sight is nothing less than a natural jewel created by nature.

A view of Kjelldalsbreen

On your way back be sure to stop off at Kjenndalstova, a restaurant at the end of Lovatnet.

A view from Kjenndalstova

Walks in Olden 

While heading towards out last destination we pass through Olden. The village Olden is set by fjords it doesn’t take long to walk around it. In this village one can visit the old wooden church, a newer one out on the road to Floen lake, and a handful of shops, pharmacies, restaurants, grocery shops, and ATMs are found.

We walked from Olden up the scenic valley to Floen lake. It is a picturesque walk, easy to follow, the sign post along the bridge guides every visitor. Most of all, take a walk down to one of the many turquoise-colored lakes. And then let the old mountain road of Stryn impress you as it has with many other travelers for over a century. 

Briksdalsbreen

One of the destinations (last on the map) of our vacation in Olden is the Briksdal glacier. It is an emanation of the Jostedalbreen which is one of the largest glaciers in Norway. It is also protected within the national park by the same name. The landscape is extraordinary and there are an endless number of waterfalls. Here you find imposing mountains and no trace of human presence, besides yourself. You wouldn’t believe how much the glacier has shrunk since 1904! In fact, there are signs marking its rapidly retreating position over the years. This wonder of nature won’t be there forever, so see it before it’s gone.

Little about our stay at Neste camping

The best part of staying in Neste camping cabins is that they give one of the closest and beautiful location on the waterfronts. The small cabins are adorable and well equipped for a camping site or a hiking holiday. Beautiful view all around, easy check in and out and conveniently located.

The adventurous road trip around Stryn was truly otherworldly. If you do visit then don’t forget to share your experience here.