Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Loen
POP 400
Loen,atthemouthofdramaticLodalen,is,likeOlden,agatewaytotheglaciers.Fromthis
tiny village, a road leads to the spectacular Bødalen and Kjenndalen glacial tongues.
Like Olden, it makes a good base for hikers. Arm yourself with
Walking in Loen &
Lodalen
(Nkr50;1:50,000),whichdescribes20daywalks.Onegreatthoughstrenuoushike
leads to the Skålatårnet tower, atop the 1848m-high summit of Skåla. The route begins at a
signed car park 2.5km east of Loen. Allow seven to eight hours - considerably more than
the course record of under one hour 10 minutes for La Sportiva Skaala annual uphill race.
Sleeping & Eating
Hotel Alexandra
HOTEL €€€
( 57 87 50 00;
www.alexandra.no
;
s/d incl breakfast from Nkr1280/1960;
)
Loen'sundisputed centre ofaction is as much holiday centre as hotel anddominates tour-
ism in the valley. It offers two restaurants, two cafes, bars, a nightclub, swimming pools
(both indoor and open), a spa and fitness centre, a tennis court and marina. Run as a family
hotel since 1884, it's managed nowadays by the fifth generation. Pleasant enough inside,
its external architecture approaches eyesore level.
Hotel Loenfjord
HOTEL €€€
( 57 87 50 00;
www.loenfjord.no
; s/d incl breakfast from Nkr1020/1540; Jun-
Sep, Fri-Sun only Oct-May; )
The Loenfjord offers waterside accommodation
that's a little less expensive than the Alexandra, to which it belongs. It's altogether gentler
on the eye, less crowded and offers bicycle and rowing-boat hire.
Lo-Vik Camping
CAMPGROUND €
( 57 87 76 19;
www.lo-vik.no
; per person/site Nkr25/140, 4-bed cabins with outdoor
bathroom Nkr485, with bathroom Nkr675-1100; May-Sep)
Install yourself at the
furthest,northernendbesidethefjord,wherethere'sapeacefulgreenarea,wellawayfrom
the road and its traffic.
