Kayaking in Olden: Stable double kayaks, local guides

Paddle emerald meltwater surrounded by waterfalls and steep mountain walls

Guided kayaking on Olden fjord using stable double kayaks, full drysuits, paddles and personal flotation devices, led by certified local guides in English or Norwegian. The trip runs 2.5 hours with flexible departure times built around cruise schedules. Swimming ability is required. Children from age 10 are welcome with adult supervision, and participants must fit comfortably in the kayak cockpit (85 × 41 cm).

The experience

What makes this kayaking different is the setup: you're in a stable double kayak instead of a single, which means less balance worry and more room to absorb the guides' stories about the fjord. The meltwater itself (emerald and turquoise depending on the light and the glacial silt) stays calm on the days the company runs, so you're not fighting current or chop. A certified local guide paddles with you, and a dedicated rescue boat follows every trip, which changes the feeling from "am I safe enough?" to just paddling and looking around.

The drysuits are optional but worth it in the Norwegian cold. They're GORE-TEX, so you stay dry without the bulk of older rubber suits. You get a sprayskirt to keep water off your lap, a paddle sized for your reach, and a personal flotation device. The company sits right by the cruise quay, so if you're off a ship, the logistics are already solved: no transport, no hunting for the meeting point. Departure times flex to fit port schedules, which matters when your ship leaves at a fixed hour.

The 2.5-hour paddle covers the water where waterfalls drop straight down the mountainside and the walls rise steep enough that the light changes as you move. Local guides know which stories belong to which stretch of fjord, the kind of detail that doesn't make it into a guidebook. Children from age 10 can join if an adult is in the kayak with them, though the guide assesses maturity on the day.

What’s included

• Stable double kayak.
• paddle.
• personal flotation device.
• sprayskirt.
• optional GORE-TEX drysuit.
• certified local guide in English or Norwegian.
• rescue boat on every trip.

Before you book

Days and timesThursday to SaturdayDeparts at 10:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (15 to 80 years) · Child (10 to 14 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupUp to 27

Live guideEnglish and Norwegian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Olden Active

Is this one for you?This is a shared group kayaking trip, so you paddle alongside other beginners rather than alone, which means the pace stays manageable and the guide can keep an eye on everyone at once. Book this if you want to paddle a fjord yourself instead of watching it from a boat, and if you prefer the company of other travelers over a private arrangement.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Norwegian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (10 to 14 years). Children under 10 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Do I need to know how to kayak before I book this?

No. The kayaks are stable double models designed for beginners, and the guides are certified to teach as you paddle. The water stays calm on the days the company runs, so you're learning on the easiest possible fjord.

What's included in the price?

The stable double kayak, paddle, personal flotation device, sprayskirt, and the certified guide for the full 2.5 hours. A GORE-TEX drysuit is optional but recommended for the cold water. The rescue boat runs on every trip at no extra cost.

Can I do this if I'm visiting on a cruise ship?

Yes, the company is built around cruise schedules. Departure times are flexible to fit your ship's port window, and the kayaking starts right by the cruise quay, so you don't need transport or extra time to get there.

What do I need to bring or know before I arrive?

Swimming ability is mandatory. Participants must fit comfortably in the kayak cockpit, which measures 85 × 41 cm. Wear clothes you don't mind getting wet, though the drysuit handles most of that. The guides will brief you on what to expect from the water temperature and the paddle itself.