If you’re searching for unforgettable things to do in Loen, you’ve come to one of Norway’s most breathtaking destinations. Surrounded by emerald lakes, towering glaciers, and dramatic fjords, Loen blends wild nature with easy access to world-class adventures. Here, you can glide above the mountains in a helicopter, ride the famous Loen Skylift to the summit of Mount Hoven, or paddle across the crystal-clear waters of Lovatnet. Whether you’re after thrilling heights, peaceful hikes, or once-in-a-lifetime views, Loen offers a perfect balance between relaxation and exploration — all framed by the raw beauty of Norway’s fjord heartland.
Let’s design an unforgettable trip to Loen, with sightseeing, hiking, and glacier highlights you will never forget.
Helicopter or skylift—Which is the best way to explore Loen from above?
When planning your list of things to do in Loen, you’ll quickly find that both the Loen Skylift and helicopter sightseeing tours offer incredible perspectives — but each in its own way.
The Loen Skylift is one of Loen’s signature attractions. You board the gondola at the waters edge and rise 3,300 feet to Mount Hoven’s peak. At the top, you step out to wide views of Nordfjord. Clear days reveal turquoise Lovatnet, the edge of Jostedalsbreen glacier, rolling valleys, and the silver thread of the fjord below. Walk directly from the gondola to marked trails, a glass-floored viewing platform, or the Hoven Restaurant. It’s quick to access, good for all fitness levels, and open all year.
Helicopter sightseeing offers something completely different—a moving panorama of the entire region. Curious about how many glaciers you can spot in one flight? Want to glide directly above legendary Briksdalsbreen or circle Lodalskåpa, the highest peak around? Helicopter tours from Loen cover vast areas in 20-60 minutes, crossing deep valleys and national parks, hovering above icefields, cascading rivers, and steep gorges.
For the ultimate experience, combine the Loen Skylift with a helicopter ride. Start your morning with the gentle thrill of the gondola, soaking up the fjord view from a fixed point. Later, board a helicopter for the full sweep of mountains, lakes, and distant glaciers. You will see the difference in perspectives—the static beauty from the mountaintop, and the moving wonder as you fly.
Check available tours and book your private flight with OPPLEV LOEN.
Which glaciers and valleys can you see from Loen’s panoramic viewpoints?
Among the most spectacular things to do in Loen is discovering its glaciers and valleys from above. Loen is your launchpad to some of Norway’s finest natural wonders. You will spot several famous glaciers and their valleys, each with its own dramatic history and color.
From Mount Hoven’s summit, look south and east. On clear days, vast arms of Jostedalsbreen stretch across the horizon. This is mainland Europe’s largest glacier. Among the highlights is Briksdalsbreen, whose dramatic blue tongue drops straight into the green pastures of Oldedalen below.
As you scan with your camera, catch sight of Kjenndalsbreen—another glacier arm, edged by stark cliffs carved by ice for thousands of years. To the western side, the turquoise ribbon of Lovatnet Lake below, hemmed in by mountains and the melting tips of Tindefjellbreen and Skålabreen.
Take a helicopter ride and deepen your perspective. Fly directly along Oldedalen valley, where rivers twist and curve between vertical stone walls. Circle above the events of history—Ramnefjellet, scene of massive landslides and tsunamis, stands stark above the valley. Sweep over Kjenndalen, the wild and untouched neighbor valley, its glaciers pressed high above.
On the wider Loen Explorer flights, you will cross into Erdalen and see Oppstrynsvatnet’s calm waters beyond. High above, the famous Skålatårnet tower awaits, perched bravely on a lonely summit. In the far distance, the snowy caps of Sunnmøre Alps glimmer. The contrasts here are thrilling—wide glaciers, narrow valleys, and bright green fields, all layered on top of each other.
Is it possible to see all these sights from the ground? Rarely in one day. But from a helicopter, mountains, lakes, valleys, and glaciers slide past in a single, seamless view.
Combining aerial tours with local hiking and lake activities
Loen isn’t just about looking at the views—you want to touch them too. The best things to do in Loen combine sky-high views with hands-on exploration.
Start your day with a helicopter tour for that “big picture” view. Early flights offer stunning morning light and soft clouds swirling around the peaks. Once you land, use what you saw from the sky to plan your next steps. Did you spot a glimmering blue lake or a hidden farm during your flight? Set out to visit these places on foot or by boat.
Lovatnet Lake ranks at the top of any list of things to do in Loen. Rent a kayak or take a small boat trip to glide across clear, glacial waters. Paddle under towering cliffs and past green meadows, always with snowy peaks watching you from above. Look up at the spots you flew over just hours before.
If you took the Loen Skylift, spend time on one of the many marked trails at the top. Hike short routes along the ridgeline for easy family fun, or challenge yourself to Skåla—an all-day trek that’s among Norway’s most scenic and offers panoramic views of the ice, lakes, and valleys you passed in the helicopter.
Love waterfalls? Follow signs from Loen for a hike towards Briksdalsbreen. The trail leads you right to the glacier’s edge, with thundering falls and wildflowers in every direction. You can also hike into Kjenndalen valley—less crowded and even more dramatic.
Combine your explorations with a stay in one of Loen’s welcoming local hotels. Many offer easy parking, packed lunches for hiking, or direct access to the lakeshore. Use hotel shuttles, taxis, and local guides for smooth transfers between the heliport, the Skylift, and trailheads. Some hotels even help you book helicopter flights.
Make your Loen adventure complete
With such a range of things to do in Loen, you will never run out of options or unique viewpoints. The magic of this village comes from the way it blends thrilling sky-high experiences, glacier lore, and easy access to some of Norway’s wildest scenery. Whether you spend the day climbing high with the Skylift, cruising low over blue lakes, or sweeping wide in a helicopter, everything here is designed for your adventure.
Are you curious how many glaciers fit in one photo? Do you want to stand on a mountaintop and then fly across it just an hour later? Combine perspectives and make memories that last.
You’re only a few steps away from your next great journey. Check routes, book flights, and learn more at OPPLEV LOEN. If you want a tour to start within 24 hours, or want to confirm exact timing, contact the team in advance. Each tour is private, for up to seven people, and flexible to your interests.
Ready to explore the very best things to do in Loen — from winding fjords to sparkling glaciers, from the sky to the shore? Your adventure starts now.
