Olden Lake, Norway – A Photographer’s Dream Spot

Sparkling turquoise water, postcard-perfect mountain views, and moments that will make your followers ask, “No way THAT’S real?” Oh, it’s real. And yes, it’s THAT good.  

If you’re looking for crystal-clear inspiration for your next dreamy getaway, here’s everything you need to know about Norway’s star lake.  

Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit, capture that perfect shot, and maybe—just maybe—experience a little slice of heaven on earth.

How to See Olden Lake in All Its Glory

There’s nothing complicated about basking in the beauty of Olden Lake—you can take it slow or go all-out adventure mode. Here’s how to experience it like a pro:

• By Car: Renting a car is the easiest way to reach Olden Lake. With views this good, the 11-mile (18 km) drive from Loen to Olden will feel like a highlight in itself.
• On Foot: If you’re up for a hike, lace up your comfiest shoes and follow the trails around the lake. 
• With a Kayak or Paddleboard: Want to level up your experience? Hop on a kayak or paddleboard and take in the shimmering waters up close. Plus, it’s a ridiculously photogenic way to caption your next grid post with “just me and my thoughts.”
• Drone Adventures: If you’ve got a drone, here’s your chance to shine. There’s no such thing as a “bad angle” when you’re photographing Olden Lake from above.

Whatever you choose, don’t skimp on memory card space—you’ll need it.

Where Is Olden Valley, Norway?

Nestled in Nordfjord, western Norway, Olden Lake (or Oldevatnet) sits right in the heart of the picture-perfect Olden Valley (cue the “wow” track). Think ancient glaciers, rolling green farmland, and rugged mountains that seem like they were painted straight from someone’s most creative daydream. 

The nearby villages of Olden and Loen are your go-to base camps. Both are charming little hubs bursting with cozy cafes, local charm, and the kind of peaceful vibes that’ll make you forget what a meeting invite even looks like.

Olden Lake serves as the perfect stopover if you’re exploring the iconic Geirangerfjord or planning more glacier adventures like the Briksdalsbreen Glacier hike. Spoiler alert—it will make you wonder why you didn’t visit sooner.

What Formed Olden Lake?

Science nerds, assemble! Olden Lake was formed by glaciers roughly 10,000 years ago during Norway’s ice age. The lake’s main water source is the Briksdal Glacier, which continuously feeds it with water that trickles down from the icy heights above. 

This glacial origin gives the lake its trademark greenish tint. The meltwater contains fine sediments, known as “glacial flour,” which reflect sunlight—essentially creating a natural filter better than any app on the market.

Olden Lake Is THE Spot for Drone Photos and Videos 

I’ll admit it. No filter or editing skill can match the vibes of a cinematic drone shot over Olden Lake. Imagine this:

Your drone hovers over the sparkling lake, capturing a panorama of emerald water nestled between razor-sharp peaks and soft, velvety farmlands. Cue the dramatic slow-down video effect, and your content just gained a hundred more likes.