Have you heard about Norway's latest attraction Hoven Loen?
From fjord to mountaintop in just seven minutes – one of the most dramatic perspectives in Western Norway.
If you are travelling through the fjord region between Bergen and Trondheim, one experience stands quite literally above the rest: the Loen Skylift to Mount Hoven.
Rising from the shores of Nordfjord to 1,011 metres above sea level, this remarkable cable car offers one of the steepest ascents in Europe. In just a few minutes, you are transported from emerald fjord waters to panoramic alpine views that stretch across glaciers, lakes and winding valleys.
Where Is the Loen Skylift?
The Loen Skylift is located in the innermost part of Nordfjord, near the village of Loen in Western Norway. This region forms a central highlight of both independent and small group journeys through the Western Fjords.
Our Scenic Fjords of Norway small group tour includes time in Loen as part of its carefully designed fjord arc between Bergen and Trondheim, allowing travellers to experience the Skylift alongside glacier walks, historic hotels and lesser-visited scenic routes.
For independent travellers, our Bergen to Trondheim self-drive journeys also pass directly by the base station, making it an easy and worthwhile stop.
The Ascent to Mount Hoven
From the Fjord Station at sea level, the cable car climbs almost vertically to Mount Hoven in around 5–7 minutes. At its steepest point, the gradient reaches approximately 53 degrees, creating an exhilarating but smooth ascent.
As the cabin rises, the landscape unfolds dramatically:
- Lake Lovatnet and Mount Skåla to the east
- The vast Jostedalsbreen Glacier to the south
- Olden village and its valley
- The sweeping Nordfjord stretching west towards Stryn
The viewing angle from the top offers around 210 degrees of uninterrupted panorama, making it one of the most expansive fjord viewpoints in Norway.
At the Summit
At the Mountain Station, a modern fjord-facing restaurant awaits, thoughtfully designed around the view. Large glass windows frame the fjord below, and on clear days the light shifts constantly across the water and mountains.
In winter, the interior feels warm and atmospheric, perfect for sitting by the fire with a coffee or glass of wine. In summer, the outdoor terrace becomes a spectacular place to linger in the long Nordic light. The restaurant layout is almost theatrical, with booths facing the panorama like a cinema screen.
If you have a sense of your arrival time, booking a window table is recommended.
Exploring Beyond the Platform
From Mount Hoven, a network of walking trails spreads out across the plateau. Options range from gentle scenic strolls to more demanding hikes. In winter, the area becomes a base for skiing and snow-based activities.
For those seeking something more adventurous, a Via Ferrata climbing route offers an alternative ascent, combining fixed cables and iron rungs for a guided mountain experience before descending by cable car.
Why It Matters in a Fjord Journey
The Western Fjords are defined by contrasts: deep sea-level fjords and high alpine plateaus, glaciers and green valleys, coastal villages and mountain passes.
The Loen Skylift encapsulates that contrast in a single, concentrated experience. Within minutes, you move from standing beside the fjord to surveying it from above. It provides perspective in every sense of the word.
On our Scenic Fjords of Norway small group tour, the visit to Loen sits naturally within a broader narrative that includes Kjenndalen Glacier, Hjørundfjord, Trollstigen and the Atlantic Road. Seen in context, the Skylift becomes part of a wider story about how geography shapes life in this region.
Facts & Figures: Loen Skylift
- Cable car duration: 5 – 7 minutes each way
- Speed: 7 metres per second
- Elevation difference: 989.5 metres
- Length of cable: 1,534 metres
- Steepest gradient: Approx. 53 degrees
- Highest point above ground: 173.5 metres
- Manufacturer: Doppelmayr Garaventa
For current opening hours and pricing, see the official website:
Loen Skylift opening hours and prices