Olden Shore Excursion: the Amazing Briksdal Glacier

Briksdal Glacier is the star here, but the walk to reach it may be just as memorable. From the trail near Briksdalsbre Mountain Lodge, you follow a broad, mostly paved route beside rushing water, steep mountains, and powerful waterfalls before reaching a milky-blue glacier lake with ice floating below the glacier.

I like the easy-to-find Olden meeting point and the scenic drive along Oldevatnet, which gives you more than a simple ride to a trailhead. I also like that the route lets you set your own walking pace, while guides such as Lulu, Laura, Gabriel, and Gabriele have been praised for helping with photos and offering useful local commentary.

The main caution is the hill. The trail is well maintained, but it is not flat, and rain can make the walk tougher. You should be comfortable with a sustained uphill walk, wet conditions, and a few steps. The excursion costs $128.19 per person, so it offers best value if you want organized transport and cruise-friendly timing rather than simply reaching the glacier by car.

Key points to know before you book

• The glacier is reached on foot: Plan roughly 30 to 60 minutes each way, depending on your pace and stops.
• The trail is broad and mostly paved: It is manageable for many walkers, but includes uphill stretches, steps, and a few steeper sections.
• Waterfalls are part of the attraction: Expect spray near the falls, especially after rain.
• Oldevatnet adds a worthwhile photo stop: The turquoise lake and mountain views begin before the hike.
• Troll cars can reduce the effort: They drive most of the way up, but you still need to walk for about 15 minutes to reach the glacier view.
• The tour is built for cruise passengers: It starts within walking distance of the Olden pier and returns to the same meeting point.

Why Briksdal Glacier is worth the effort

Briksdalbreen is an outlet of the Jostedalsbreen glacier system, and the approach gives you a close look at the forces that shaped this part of Norway. You do not simply arrive at a viewpoint, take one photograph, and leave. The glacier comes into view gradually, framed by cliffs, waterfalls, and a river fed by melting ice.

At the end of the trail, the glacier drops toward a clear lake filled with floating pieces of ice. The color can look pale blue or blue-green, depending on the weather and light. That final view is the payoff, but the route itself gives you plenty to see along the way.

You should also keep expectations realistic. The glacier has retreated significantly over time, so you are not walking right up to a huge wall of ice. You reach a viewpoint near the glacier lake, with the ice farther up the valley. Even so, the setting feels dramatic because the glacier is surrounded by steep mountains and roaring water.

Starting beside the Olden cruise pier

The meeting point is at Norway Excursions Olden, on Rv60, within walking distance of the cruise port and most Olden hotels. That makes this a practical choice for a port day. You do not need a hotel transfer, and the return is to the same area.

Bring your booking confirmation and ship name details when arranging the excursion. The operator asks cruise passengers to provide the name of their ship, which helps match the schedule to the port call.

The group can reach up to 45 people. Transport may be a large or double-decker bus, and one useful tradeoff is that a bigger vehicle can feel less intimate while making it easier to handle a cruise-day group. Some buses have been described as clean and comfortable, though seating space can feel tight when the vehicle is full.

The drive through Olden and beside Oldevatnet

The ride begins by passing through Olden, including a view of the Old Church, before following the shoreline of Oldevatnet. This is not filler time. The lake is one of the first major sights of the day, with striking water color and mountain scenery all around it.

A short photo stop at Oldevatn Camping gives you about 10 minutes to get out, take photographs, and stretch your legs. The stop is brief, so have your camera ready before the bus pulls in. On a clear day, you can see why this lake is included in the tour rather than treated as a passing view.

The guide provides commentary during the drive. The quality of the narration may vary by guide, but several guides named in the feedback, including Lulu, Laura, Gabriel, and Gabriele, were singled out for friendly help and useful information. Some guides may speak more than one language because the group can be mixed.

April and October departures may be conducted in English only because fewer guides are available in the shoulder season. If you are booking during those months, expect a simpler language arrangement.

Walking from Briksdalsbre Mountain Lodge

The bus continues to Briksdalsbre Mountain Lodge, the starting point for the walk. The trail is clearly marked and wide, with a mostly gravel or sealed surface. It is not a technical mountain path, but it is still an uphill hike.

The first sections can feel steep, especially if you walk quickly. After that, the route includes flatter stretches, though the overall walk continues to gain height. You will also encounter steps at one point, and wet weather can make the surface more demanding.

Allow about 30 to 60 minutes to reach the viewpoint, depending on your pace, the weather, and how often you stop for photographs. The scheduled glacier stop lasts about 1 hour and 45 minutes, which gives you time for the walk, the view, and some breathing room before returning to the bus.

I suggest taking the route slowly. The waterfalls and river are not minor details to rush past. Stop when you need to, but keep an eye on the guide’s timing so you are back at the meeting point before departure.

Waterfalls, river spray, and mountain views

The walk is lined with water. Streams run beside the path, and waterfalls drop down the mountain slopes. One major waterfall arrives about halfway to the glacier, according to the route described by walkers, and spray can reach the path.

This is one of the tour’s best details, but it has a practical downside. Even in otherwise good weather, you may get wet near the waterfall. Rain can turn that brief spray into a steady soaking, so a waterproof jacket is more useful than an umbrella.

The scenery changes as you climb. Lower sections give you close views of the river and plants along the path. Higher up, the valley opens toward the glacier and its surrounding peaks. You may find yourself stopping every few minutes for photographs, which is another reason not to treat the advertised walking time as a race.

Reaching the glacier lake

At the upper viewpoint, you see the glacier above a lake filled with pale water and floating ice. This is the point that makes the excursion worthwhile. The view combines ice, rock, water, and falling streams in one compact scene.

You should not expect to walk onto the glacier. The tour takes you to the viewpoint near the lake, where you can see Briksdalbreen from a safe distance. The glacier’s retreat is visible, and that can be sobering, but it also gives the sight more meaning. You are seeing an active natural feature that continues to change.

Take time here rather than photographing only the glacier. Turn around toward the valley, watch the water moving through the rocks, and look back along the route you climbed. The return view is different enough to deserve attention.

Walking, troll cars, and fitness needs

The tour is described as requiring strong physical fitness, and that warning should not be ignored. The trail is often called easy to moderate because it is broad and maintained, but the uphill grade makes it strenuous for some people.

You are likely to manage it if you can walk uphill for about an hour and handle steps without major difficulty. If rain arrives, the effort increases. Wet clothing, slippery patches, and waterfall spray can make the route feel harder than it does on a dry day.

Troll cars are available for people who prefer not to walk most of the climb. They cover much of the route, but you should still expect about 15 minutes of walking from the drop-off area to the glacier viewpoint. This means the option can reduce the effort without removing it completely.

Strollers have been pushed along parts of the route, but that does not mean the walk is suitable for everyone with limited mobility. If you use a wheelchair or have serious difficulty with inclines, ask the operator directly about current conditions and troll car arrangements before booking.

Wear firm walking shoes and clothing suitable for rain. Sandals, smooth-soled shoes, and light clothing are poor choices here.

How the $128.19 price works out

At $128.19 per person, this is not a bargain bus ride. You are paying for organized round-trip transport from the port area, a local guide, the drive along Oldevatnet, the photo stop, and a schedule designed around a cruise visit.

The price makes more sense if you value not having to arrange a vehicle, navigate the road yourself, or worry about returning to Olden on time. It also gives you a guide who can explain sights along the way and assist with group timing.

The value is weaker if you mainly want transport to the trailhead and are comfortable arranging an independent visit. The glacier walk itself is not a private guided trek, and the path is clear. Much of the glacier time is self-paced, with the guide either accompanying the group or allowing people to walk independently.

There is no hotel pickup, food, or free water included. You should bring your own drink and snack. The tour is about four hours, so it fits neatly into many port calls, but check your ship’s departure time carefully and leave a sensible margin.

What happens when the weather turns

This is a weather-dependent outing. Rain does not ruin the experience, and wet conditions can make the waterfalls even more forceful, but the trail will be less comfortable and the glacier may be partly hidden by cloud.

A waterproof outer layer, warm layers, and shoes with good grip are essential. Pack a small plastic bag for wet items and protect your phone if you plan to use it near the falls.

If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached. For your own cancellation, you can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Who should book this Olden excursion

I would choose this trip if you want a straightforward way to see one of the area’s best-known natural sights without renting a car. It suits cruise passengers, first-time visitors to Olden, and people who enjoy a scenic walk with a clear destination.

It is also a good match for families and mixed-ability groups, provided everyone understands the walking demands. Strong walkers can hike the full route, while some people may prefer troll cars. The broad path makes the outing less intimidating than a rough mountain trail, but the incline remains real.

I would think twice if you dislike group transport, want a private guide, or have limited time for uphill walking. You may also find the price high if you plan to use the excursion only as a ride to the trailhead.

Should you book the Briksdal Glacier tour?

Book it if you want a well-organized cruise-day outing that combines a lake, waterfalls, mountains, and a glacier viewpoint in four hours. The walk is the heart of the experience, and the scenery gives you plenty of reasons to slow down.

Before booking, be honest about your fitness and check whether troll cars are available for your date. If you arrive prepared for rain, uphill sections, waterfall spray, and a self-paced walk, this is one of the stronger ways to spend a port call in Olden.

FAQ

Where does the Briksdal Glacier excursion start?

It starts at Norway Excursions Olden on Rv60, 190, 6788 Olden, Norway. The meeting point is within walking distance of the cruise pier and most Olden hotels.

How long does the tour last?

The complete excursion lasts approximately four hours, including the drive from Olden, the photo stop, the glacier walk, and the return to Olden.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You make your own way to the Olden meeting point.

How far is the glacier walk?

The scheduled stop at Briksdalsbre Mountain Lodge and the glacier area lasts about 1 hour and 45 minutes. The walk itself can take roughly 30 to 60 minutes each way, depending on your pace and stops.

Is the trail flat?

No. The trail is mostly broad, paved, or gravel, but it includes uphill sections, a few steep inclines, and steps.

Can I use a troll car instead of walking?

Troll cars are available for people who prefer a less strenuous option. They drive most of the way up, but you still need to walk for about 15 minutes to reach the glacier viewpoint.

What should I wear?

Wear suitable walking shoes and clothing for changing weather. A waterproof jacket is especially useful because rain and waterfall spray can make you wet.

Is an English-speaking guide provided?

The tour is offered in English. Mixed groups may have a multilingual guide. Departures in April or October may be guided in English only because guide availability is more limited.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 45 people.

What happens if the tour is canceled because of bad weather?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if the experience is canceled because of poor weather. The same options apply if the minimum number of participants is not reached.