From Olden: Briksdal Glacier Guided Hiking Shore Excursion

Briksdal Glacier gives you the kind of Norway scenery cruise passengers hope to find beyond the port: snow-capped peaks, roaring waterfalls, and ice-fed streams packed into one half-day trip. The 45 to 60 minute walk to the viewpoint is uphill in places, but the track is broad and well formed, with plenty of reasons to stop for photos.

I like the comfortable bus ride through Olden Valley, and I like the freedom to set your own walking pace once you reach Briksdalsbreen. Guides such as Sam, Anna, and Elisabet have added useful stories about Norway’s geology and nature. The main catch is that this is not a fully escorted walk every step of the way, and the hike can feel strenuous if you are not used to hills.

Key points to know before you book

• The glacier walk takes about 45 to 60 minutes each way: The first section is the steepest, then the route becomes easier.
• The 23-kilometer bus ride is part of the attraction: You pass Olden, Olden Lake, waterfalls, and steep mountain walls.
• You set much of your own pace on the trail: The guide provides information and keeps an eye on the group, but this is not a tightly narrated walking tour.
• Bring a rain jacket even on a clear day: Spray from one waterfall can reach the path.
• The cruise guarantee matters: Register your ship when booking, and the official tour must finish at least one hour before departure.
• The tour suits active walkers best: It is not recommended for people with mobility, back, or heart problems.

From Olden pier into the Olden Valley

Your day begins at the cruise pier in Olden, where the excursion bus arrives 15 minutes before departure. The meeting area is inside the main pier parking lot, so you do not need a taxi from the ship. Look for a guide in a blue jacket or someone holding a sign.

That simple meeting point is useful in a small port, but pay attention to the exact instructions. One passenger reported that the bus was late and that people at the pier were unsure where it was. The issue was resolved, but arriving early gives you time to find the bus without starting the day in a hurry.

The ride to Briksdalbreen takes about 45 minutes. This is not dead time between the port and the hike. You pass through Olden village and continue into Olden Valley, with steep mountains rising around the road. The bus then reaches the waters of Olden Lake, whose reflective surface makes a fine early photo stop even when no formal stop is scheduled.

Guides provide information during the ride. Sam, Anna, and Elisabet received especially warm praise for combining local detail with explanations of the area’s geology and nature. The guide’s quality matters here because the drive helps you understand the valley before you walk through it.

The bus is described as comfortable and spacious, though the exact vehicle can vary. The road journey is roughly 23 kilometers each way, so the trip includes about 90 minutes of sightseeing by coach. At $146 per person, that transport and guiding are a meaningful part of what you are paying for.

Briksdalbreen and the walk toward the ice

Briksdalbreen is one arm of the Jostedal Glacier, and the hike takes you toward a viewpoint near the glacier. Do not picture a quick roadside photo stop. The route normally takes 45 to 60 minutes to walk each way, and you have about two and a half hours at Briksdalsbreen for the hike and free time.

The first part is the hardest. Expect an uphill start, with some stone steps and steeper sections, but the path is wide and well formed. The route gradually becomes easier, and you can stop often to rest or take photos. That flexibility helped groups with a wide age range, including one reported group ranging from age seven to 75.

I would call the walk moderate, not effortless. One person with modest fitness found it challenging but manageable, while another described it as easy to moderate. Both impressions can be true. The climb is not technical, but the slope and mountain weather make sensible shoes important.

You will see waterfalls dropping from the surrounding heights, clear streams fed by melting ice, and mountain views that change as you gain height. The sound of fast water adds to the experience. The route itself is part of the reward, so rushing to the end would miss much of what makes this excursion worthwhile.

A waterfall can spray the track, even on a fine day. Pack a rain jacket in your day bag, not at the bottom of the coach luggage area. Warm clothing is also essential because the mountain air can be much colder than it feels at the ship.

The glacier viewpoint and Olden Lake panorama

The walk ends at a viewpoint with views toward Briksdal Glacier and the surrounding peaks. You also get a broad view back toward Olden Lake. This is the moment to pause rather than simply take one quick photo and turn around.

The glacier is part of the Jostedal Glacier system, one of the defining natural features of this part of Norway. You are seeing a small arm of a much larger ice field, with meltwater running down through the valley below. That connection between ice, water, and the farms and settlements farther down the valley gives the scenery more meaning than a single scenic overlook.

The viewpoint is also the best place to take the trip’s signature pictures. Bring a phone or camera that is easy to reach, since you will likely stop several times before arriving. Do not count on the guide to take your group photo. One passenger specifically found it unusual that a guide was busy taking pictures with a friend and did not offer to photograph the group.

The amount of time here depends on the group’s walking pace and the day’s schedule. A four-hour excursion has a firm limit, especially for a cruise call. One person felt an extra hour would have allowed more time to enjoy the area, so you should not expect a leisurely full-day outing.

Walking back, pacing yourself, and the optional vehicle ride

You normally return to the bus after spending time at the viewpoint. The downhill walk is easier on your breathing, though uneven sections can still be tiring. One useful tip is to walk back on the metalled road rather than the pedestrian path if your guide and local conditions allow it. The road was described as less crowded and easier underfoot.

There is also an option to use a buggy for part of the route if you cannot manage the full hike. This does not remove all walking: you still need to walk the final 500 meters. The supplied tour details do not state that a buggy ride is included in the $146 price, so ask the operator about availability and cost before relying on it.

The right strategy is to start slowly. You do not need to race the group, and guides have shown care with mixed walking speeds. Alyssa was specifically praised for checking on people at the back. Still, this is a guided excursion with a timetable, not an open-ended visit, so tell the guide early if you need a longer rest.

At the start and end of the walk, you might find a café and gift shop. These are useful places to regroup, but food and drinks are not included. Carry water and a snack if you know you will want something during the two and a half hours at Briksdalsbreen.

The return through Olden

The return bus follows the same broad route through the valley, giving you a second chance to watch for waterfalls, mountain walls, and Olden Lake. The guide may continue the commentary on the way back, which helps turn the ride into part of the tour rather than a simple transfer.

The bus returns to the Olden cruise pier after another roughly 45-minute ride. In at least one case, the driver agreed to drop passengers near the outlet center in Olden, saving them a walk back from the pier. Do not assume this is always available, but you can ask politely if you want to continue exploring the village after the excursion.

The back-to-ship guarantee is the key practical advantage for cruise passengers. You must provide the correct ship name when booking, and the official tour time must end at least one hour before the ship’s departure. Give the operator a working mobile number with your country code too. If the provider cannot reach you because the number is wrong, a refund is not provided.

Departure times are adjusted for cruise arrivals and departures, and any changes are announced in advance. Even with the guarantee, I would still avoid wandering far from the pier after the bus returns. Shore excursions work best when you leave yourself a little personal breathing room.

What $146 buys you

At $146, this is not a cheap bus transfer. You are paying for transportation from the port, an English-speaking guide, the organized timing, and protection against missing your ship when the booking information is correct. The guide’s explanations also give the drive more value, particularly if you want context about the valley rather than only a scenic ride.

The price compares favorably with booking the same general journey through a cruise line, according to one detailed assessment. The tradeoff is that a large part of the four-hour outing is spent on the coach, and the walking portion is partly self guided. If you only want a ride to a photo stop, the cost may feel high.

I think the value is strongest for a cruise passenger who wants to reach Briksdal Glacier without arranging a private taxi, navigating mountain roads, or worrying about ship departure. You get a memorable setting and a simple plan. The value is weaker for someone seeking a long, slow alpine hike with a guide beside them at every turn.

The 4.5 rating from 123 reviews fits that balance. The highest praise centers on the scenery, smooth transport, friendly guides, and the chance to walk through a truly dramatic valley. The main criticisms involve a late bus, a guide who did not help with photos, and limited time for people who wanted a more fully guided or slower visit.

Who should choose this excursion?

Choose it if you can walk uphill for up to an hour, handle changing mountain weather, and want major scenery without spending a full day away from the ship. Families and mixed-age groups can manage it if everyone accepts a steady pace and some waiting.

It is also a good fit if you want a smaller alternative to a large cruise-line coach tour. The bus still carries a group, but the experience focuses on the walk and the valley rather than a string of unrelated stops.

Think twice if you have back, heart, or mobility problems. The official guidance does not recommend the excursion for you, and the buggy option still leaves a 500-meter walk. Also think twice if your main goal is to touch the glacier or spend hours at the viewpoint. The walk leads to a viewpoint over the glacier area, not an all-day ice trek.

Wear warm, weather-ready clothing and sturdy, comfortable shoes. A rain jacket is especially useful. Pets are not allowed.

Should you book the Briksdal Glacier hike?

I would book this if your cruise stop in Olden gives you four hours and you want the area’s biggest natural sights in one well-organized trip. The waterfalls, glacier-fed streams, and Olden Lake views are the real payoff, and the walk gives you time to feel the scale of the mountains instead of seeing them only through a bus window.

I would skip it only if you cannot manage the uphill walk or prefer a fully narrated tour with almost no independent time. For most reasonably active cruise passengers, the $146 cost is justified by the scenery, port pickup, guide, and back-to-ship planning. Cancel at least 24 hours before departure for a full refund, or reserve now and pay later if you want to keep your plans flexible.

FAQ

Where does the Briksdal Glacier excursion meet in Olden?

The bus meets inside the main Olden pier parking lot, a short walk from the cruise ship. It arrives 15 minutes before departure because of port authority rules. The guide wears a blue jacket or holds a sign.

How long is the hike to Briksdal Glacier?

The walk to the glacier viewpoint normally takes about 45 to 60 minutes each way. The first part is the hardest, and the route gradually becomes easier. You have about two and a half hours at Briksdalsbreen for hiking and free time.

Is the hike suitable for all fitness levels?

No. The route is uphill and can feel strenuous, although it is generally manageable for people who are comfortable walking on a well-formed mountain track. The excursion is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, back problems, or heart problems.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable or warm shoes, warm clothing, and clothing suitable for changing weather. A rain jacket is a smart addition because waterfall spray can reach the path.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Bus transportation from the Olden cruise pier to Briksdalsbreen and back is included. Food and drinks are not included, and transportation to the meeting point is not included, though the meeting point is at the pier.

Does the tour guarantee that I will get back to my ship?

A back-to-ship guarantee is provided for cruise passengers if you register the correct ship name when booking. The official tour must finish at least one hour before the ship’s departure, and you must provide a correct mobile number with the country code.