Olden Shore Excursion: the Amazing Briksdal Glacier

The best part of this Olden excursion is the walk to Briksdal Glacier, where a broad trail leads through rushing waterfalls, mountain scenery, and a river valley to a bright glacial lake with floating ice. You get a close look at one of Norway’s famous glacier arms without arranging transport yourself.

I like the short drive along Oldevatnet and the useful photo stop at the turquoise lake. I also like the freedom to walk at your own pace, while guides such as Lulu, Laura, and Gabriel add local information and, at times, help with photographs. The main drawback is the uphill walk. It is manageable for many people, but it is not a flat stroll, especially in rain.

Key points before you book

• The glacier walk takes about 1 hour 45 minutes in the tour schedule: Many people complete the uphill section in roughly 30 to 60 minutes, then return along the same route.
• The trail is mostly wide and paved or gravel: Expect a few steep stretches, steps, and wet patches near the waterfall.
• The waterfall is part of the show: You may get misted as you pass, so a rain jacket is more useful than an umbrella.
• The tour begins within walking distance of the cruise pier: You arrange your own way to Norway Excursions Olden on Rv60.
• The bus ride adds real value: Guides provide commentary through Olden and along the route, rather than simply dropping you at a trailhead.
• A maximum of 45 people keeps this affordable but not intimate: It may use a large or double-decker bus, with limited space on board.

Why Briksdal Glacier is worth your Olden stop

Briksdalbreen is an arm of the Jostedalsbreen glacier system, and the approach is almost as rewarding as the glacier itself. The route follows a valley packed with water, rock, and mountain walls. You see waterfalls dropping beside the path, a powerful river running near the trail, and changing views each time you look back toward the valley.

The glacier has retreated significantly over time, so do not expect the ice to fill the entire valley. What you see at the end is a glacier descending toward a clear lake, often with pieces of ice floating on the water. That combination makes the final viewpoint special, even if the ice is smaller than it once was.

I appreciate that this excursion lets you experience the scenery on foot rather than viewing it only through a bus window. The walk gives you time to stop for photographs, catch your breath, and notice the small details of the route. It also gives you a better sense of scale. The waterfalls, river, mountains, and glacier all work together to make this feel like a proper Norwegian mountain outing.

Starting near Olden’s cruise pier

The meeting point is Norway Excursions Olden, at Rv60 190, within walking distance of the cruise pier and most hotels. You do not receive hotel pickup, so allow enough time to find the meeting place after leaving your ship.

The tour is designed with cruise passengers in mind. The bus returns to Olden after the glacier visit, and the scheduled duration is about four hours. You still need to check your own ship’s departure time and leave a sensible margin, but the short format fits neatly into a port day.

At booking, cruise passengers must provide the name of their ship. That detail matters because the operator needs to plan around port schedules. Confirmation is provided at booking, and the experience is offered in English, though mixed groups may have a multilingual guide. In April and October, English-only guiding is more likely because fewer guides are available.

The drive through Olden and along Oldevatnet

Once everyone is aboard, the drive passes through Olden, including the Old Church. The route then follows the shoreline of Oldevatnet, a long lake known for its striking turquoise color. The lake stop at Oldevatn Camping lasts about 10 minutes, giving you time to step out, stretch your legs, and take photographs.

This pause is brief, but it is well chosen. The lake gives you a calmer view before the steeper mountain scenery begins, and it makes a good first picture stop. You may also see the glacier in the distance, depending on visibility and the exact view from the shore.

The drive is more than simple transport. Several guides have received praise for explaining the places passed along the way, including Lulu, Laura, and Gabriel. One guide, Lara, was especially helpful during the walk as well as informative on the bus. Commentary quality can vary with the individual guide, and a mixed-language group may mean that information is given in more than one language.

The bus can be a double-decker or another large vehicle. That gives the tour enough capacity for groups of up to 45, but it also means the ride may feel less personal than a small-van excursion. Space can be tight, particularly when everyone boards at the same time.

From Briksdalsbre Mountain Lodge to the glacier

The walk begins at Briksdalsbre Mountain Lodge. The official schedule allows about 1 hour 45 minutes at the glacier area, which includes the walk, time at the viewpoint, and the return to the lodge. The exact walking time depends on your pace and how often you stop.

The path is broad and generally easy to follow. Some sections are paved, while other parts are gravel or follow the paved roadway used by the local troll cars. It is not a technical hike, and you do not need climbing experience, but you do need enough strength for an uphill route.

The first part can feel steep. Later sections may level out, though the route still rises toward the glacier. Expect steps in at least one part of the walk, and be ready for a few stretches that work your calves. Descriptions of the hike range from easy to strenuous because fitness, weather, and walking speed make a big difference.

Rain changes the experience. Wet rock, puddles, and spray from the waterfall can make the route harder, even if the path itself is well maintained. Wear sturdy shoes with good grip, bring waterproof clothing, and protect your phone or camera. An umbrella is awkward near the waterfall and on an uphill path.

Waterfalls, river spray, and the final glacier lake

The waterfall around the midpoint is one of the walk’s most memorable features. Water can thunder down the mountainside and spray the path. In wet weather, it may be torrential. You are likely to get damp if you pass close to it, but that is part of the fun and gives the walk some drama.

The river runs alongside sections of the trail, adding constant sound to the route. You also get frequent places to stop for photographs. The view is not only at the end. The walk rewards you in layers, with each bend revealing another waterfall, rock face, or mountain view.

At the top, the glacier comes into view above the lake. The water can look bright blue-green, with floating ice near the glacier edge. This is the point that justifies the uphill effort. You have time to enjoy the viewpoint, take pictures, and recover before returning.

Do not confuse the final viewpoint with a walk directly onto the glacier. The excursion brings you close to the glacier and its lake, but it does not include glacier travel or ice equipment. The experience is about seeing the ice from the valley viewpoint.

What the guide adds, and what the guide does not do

The guide meets you at the Olden starting point, gives information during the drive, and may accompany the group on the walk. Some guides actively check the group’s progress, offer help on steeper parts, and take photographs when needed. That personal attention can matter if your pace is slower than the rest of the group.

At the same time, this is not a tightly managed hiking tour where everyone moves together behind the guide. The path is clear, and the group is generally allowed to walk at its own speed. In practice, you may spend part of the route with your companions rather than beside the guide.

That arrangement has advantages. You can stop for pictures without holding up the whole group, and stronger walkers do not need to wait at every bend. The tradeoff is that you need to keep track of the meeting and departure time. If you want company on the full walk, ask the guide before setting off.

The tour does not include food or free water, so carry your own drink and any snack you need. The schedule provides time at the glacier area, but you should not count on a full meal stop.

Is $128.19 a fair price?

At $128.19 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Briksdal Glacier. The price covers the return bus from Olden, a local guide, the Oldevatnet photo stop, and the organized timing that makes the trip practical during a cruise call.

The value is strongest if you want a simple, cruise-friendly plan. You do not need to arrange a rental car, study the route, or worry about finding the glacier road on your own. You also receive commentary and a guide who can help if the hike becomes difficult.

The value is weaker if you see the experience as only a bus ride and a drop-off. The hike itself is free once you reach the area, and the trail is easy to follow. Someone comfortable driving independently may prefer making their own arrangements, though that requires more planning and carries more responsibility on a ship day.

Compared with cruise-line excursions, this operator is presented as a lower-cost option. The group can be large, so you are paying for convenience and transport rather than a private experience. I would consider the price reasonable for a port excursion if you place a high value on reliable transport and a guide, but less appealing if you want a small group or a fully guided hike.

Who should book this excursion?

This tour suits you if you enjoy walking, want to see a glacier without a full-day expedition, and prefer an organized trip from the port. It is also a good match for anyone who wants major scenery without technical hiking.

You should have a strong level of physical fitness according to the tour information. In practical terms, you need to manage an uphill walk with some steep sections and steps. The trail is not rough mountain terrain, but rain and the incline can make it tiring.

The route is not automatically off-limits to older people or those who walk slowly. Troll cars are available in the area and can take you most of the way uphill, though a further walk of about 15 minutes may remain from their drop-off point. If you need this option, arrange it in advance rather than assuming it is included in the excursion price.

Service animals are allowed. Appropriate shoes and clothing are strongly advised, and the experience may be canceled in poor weather or if the minimum number of participants is not reached. In either case, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

Should you book the Briksdal Glacier tour?

Book it if your priority is big scenery with simple Olden logistics. The glacier, lake, waterfalls, and mountain route provide plenty to see, and the four-hour schedule leaves room for a cruise port visit without committing your entire day.

Think twice if you dislike uphill walking, large buses, or tours where the guide may not stay beside you for every step. In that case, arrange a troll car or choose a gentler sightseeing option.

For most reasonably fit visitors, this is a strong Olden choice. Wear waterproof shoes, bring a drink, keep your camera ready near the waterfall, and allow yourself time to walk slowly. The final glacier view is the reward, but the route there is what makes the outing memorable.

FAQ

Where does the Briksdal Glacier excursion start?

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

How long does the tour last?

The excursion lasts approximately four hours. The glacier section is scheduled for about 1 hour 45 minutes, including the walk and time around the glacier lake.

How difficult is the walk to Briksdal Glacier?

The path is mostly wide and paved or gravel, but it includes uphill sections, some steep inclines, and steps. A strong level of physical fitness is advised.

Are troll cars included?

No. Troll cars are not listed as an inclusion. They are available in the area and can drive most of the way uphill, but you may still have about a 15-minute walk to the glacier viewpoint.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes a local guide, sightseeing, the Briksdal Glacier visit, and the Olden Lake stop. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded or accepted.