Olden Shore Excursion: the Amazing Briksdal Glacier

Briksdal Glacier is the main event here, but the route to it is just as memorable. You’ll ride beside turquoise Lake Olden, pass rushing waterfalls, and walk into a mountain valley where the glacier drops toward an icy lake. The scenery begins before the hike.

I like the easy cruise-port meeting point and the guide commentary on the bus. I also like that the walk gives you time to move at your own pace, stop for photos, and take in the waterfall spray. The catch is simple: this is an uphill walk, and rain can make it harder than the advertised easy-to-moderate description suggests.

Key points to know before booking

• A 4-hour glacier outing from Olden: The bus leaves near the pier and returns to the same meeting point.
• A wide but uphill trail: Much of the route is paved or gravel, with steep sections, steps, and a long walk.
• Waterfalls are part of the show: Expect powerful falls beside the path and spray near one waterfall.
• A turquoise lake below the glacier: The final viewpoint looks across a glacial lake with floating ice toward Briksdalbreen.
• Guides add value on the drive: Guides such as Lulu, Laura, Gabriel, and Gabriele have been praised for local commentary and hiking help.
• Troll cars can reduce the climb: They may be available for people who cannot manage the full uphill walk, but the ride is not included in the tour price.

Why Briksdal Glacier makes a strong Olden shore excursion

Olden is one of those cruise ports where the most rewarding sights lie beyond the town itself. Briksdal Glacier gives you a clear reason to leave the pier. In a few hours, you see a lake, a valley, waterfalls, mountain walls, and a glacier that ends above a blue-green pool.

The glacier has shrunk over time, so do not expect an enormous sheet of ice reaching down to the trail. The view is still striking. Briksdalbreen hangs above the glacier lake, surrounded by steep mountains and white water. The changing distance between the glacier and its former reach also gives the outing a quiet lesson in a changing climate.

At $128.19 per person, this is not a cheap bus ride. You are paying for round-trip transport from the cruise area, an English-speaking local guide, organized timing, sightseeing along the route, and access to a place that can be awkward to reach during a short port call. If you can arrange independent transport at a much lower cost, you may prefer that option. But for a first visit, the organized trip reduces the risk of missing your ship and saves you from sorting out the route yourself.

The tour is capped at 45 people. That means it may use a large bus, sometimes a double-decker, rather than a small minibus. The trade-off is capacity and cruise-day practicality. You may not get a quiet, intimate ride, but a full-size vehicle is well suited to moving a group between the pier and the glacier.

Meeting near the Olden cruise pier

You make your own way to Norway Excursions Olden at Rv60 190, 6788 Olden. The meeting point is within walking distance of the cruise pier and most hotels, and the experience ends there too.

That arrangement is useful on a port day. You do not wait for a hotel pickup, and you are not sent across town. Still, give yourself time to find the exact meeting area, especially if several buses are loading near the pier. Cruise passengers must provide their ship name when booking, which helps the operator plan around port schedules.

The bus is part of the experience, not just a transfer. The drive passes through Olden and by the Old Church before following the shoreline of Lake Olden. Your guide may point out local sights and explain the area as you go. Guides named in the tour feedback include Lulu, Laura, Gabriel, Gabriele, and Lara, though the guide for your departure will depend on the day and group.

The commentary can be one of the best reasons to book this instead of simply hiring a ride. Several guides have been praised for explaining what you pass and for helping with photographs. Mixed-language groups are possible, so the guide may speak in more than one language. In April and October, limited guide availability can mean English-only guiding.

Lake Olden provides an excellent first photo stop

The stop at Oldevatn Camping lasts about 10 minutes and gives you a look at turquoise Lake Olden. This is not a long lakeside visit, so think of it as a well-placed photo break rather than free time to explore.

The color of the water comes from fine rock particles carried by glacial meltwater. You get a quick visual introduction to the forces that shaped the valley before reaching Briksdal Glacier itself. On a clear day, the mountains reflected in the lake make this one of the easiest places to take a wide scenic photograph.

Weather matters here. On a rainy day, the water may look darker and the mountain tops may disappear into cloud. The tour can be canceled for poor weather, with a different date or a full refund offered, but ordinary wet weather may still mean the outing goes ahead. Pack as if rain is possible.

The Briksdalsbre Mountain Lodge marks the real start

After the drive, the bus stops at Briksdalsbre Mountain Lodge. You have a short orientation here before setting out on foot. The lodge is the starting point for the walk and the place to get ready for the main effort.

The listed glacier visit allows about 1 hour and 45 minutes. That time covers the walk toward the glacier, time at the viewpoint, and the return to the lodge. The exact walking pace is up to you, but the bus will have a fixed departure time, so you cannot linger without limit.

This is where the tour’s physical requirement becomes important. The trail is broad and maintained, with paved or gravel sections, but it is not flat. You face an incline, some steep stretches, and steps at one point. Several descriptions put the uphill walk at roughly 30 to 60 minutes each way, depending on pace and stopping time.

I would treat the walk as moderate rather than effortless. A fit walker should find it manageable, but wet weather, slippery surfaces, or a slow pace can change the day. If you have mobility problems, the full route may not suit you. Some excursions offer troll cars that travel most of the way uphill. They can make the site accessible to more people, but you should still expect a walk of about 15 minutes from the drop-off point to the glacier, based on the experience described.

Waterfalls make the uphill walk worthwhile

The trail follows a river through a dramatic mountain setting. Water rushes beside the path, and waterfalls appear along the climb. One major waterfall comes roughly halfway to the glacier viewpoint and can throw spray across the route.

Bring a waterproof jacket even if the forecast looks fair. You may get wet from rain, waterfall mist, or both. The spray is part of the fun, but it can also make the path and steps more challenging. Good walking shoes with a firm grip are a much better choice than casual trainers.

The route gives you repeated reasons to stop. You can look back toward the valley, watch the river drop through the rocks, and frame the waterfalls against the mountains. This is not a hike where the reward appears only at the end. The views keep changing as you gain height.

Your guide may walk with the group and help people who need encouragement or a hand with photographs. Other departures may allow you to walk independently while the guide checks on the group. That flexibility is useful, but it also means you should listen carefully to the return-time instructions.

The glacier lake is the payoff

At the end of the route, you reach a viewpoint above the glacier lake. Briksdal Glacier sits beyond the water, with ice and snow descending between the mountain slopes. Floating pieces of ice may be visible in the clear blue-green lake.

You do not walk onto the glacier. The attraction is the view from the end of the trail, where you can see how the ice occupies the high valley. The glacier may appear smaller than old photographs suggest, but the setting remains powerful: white ice, dark rock, green slopes, waterfalls, and cold meltwater in one frame.

Allow yourself time to look beyond the obvious photograph. The lake foreground gives scale to the glacier, while the surrounding peaks show how enclosed the valley is. If cloud moves in, the mood changes quickly. A clear visit offers grand views, but even a gray day can make the waterfalls more forceful and atmospheric.

The walk back is easier in terms of climbing, but do not rush. Wet stones, steps, and crowded sections still require care. Keep track of the bus time, especially if you stop often for pictures.

What the guide adds, and where expectations should be realistic

The best guides turn the bus ride into part of the tour. Lulu, Laura, Lara, Gabriel, and Gabriele are named in the available feedback for clear explanations, friendly help, and support during the walk. One guide helped with photographs and checked on people who found the climb difficult. Another gave commentary in two languages.

That said, the hike is not necessarily a continuous guided nature walk. The path is clear and well marked, and some departures give you freedom to walk at your own pace. If you want detailed interpretation beside every waterfall, ask your guide early. You should not assume that a guide will lead every step of the hike.

There is also no food or bottled water listed as included. Bring your own water and a snack if you need one. The tour includes the local guide, sightseeing, Briksdal Glacier, and Lake Olden, but not hotel pickup, meals, or troll-car transportation.

How the price compares with the experience

The $128.19 price makes sense for a cruise passenger who wants a simple, timed outing without arranging transport. You get a four-hour program, a local guide, a scenic drive, a lake photo stop, and the glacier walk. Returning to the same place near the pier is a major advantage when your ship has a fixed departure.

The value is weaker if you see the bus as only a 30-minute ride to a trailhead. The glacier path itself is free, and some people may prefer to rent a car or find cheaper local transport. Independent planning could give you more time, but it also places all timing and ship-return responsibility on you.

I would book this tour for convenience and local explanation, not because it offers luxury. A large bus can feel tight, especially on a full departure. The reward comes outside the vehicle, where the mountains, falls, and glacier lake provide the memorable part of the day.

The tour is often reserved well ahead, with an average booking lead time of about 113 days. That suggests you should not wait until the week of your cruise if Briksdal Glacier is a priority. The mobile ticket is convenient, and confirmation arrives at booking.

Weather, clothing, and fitness advice

Norwegian mountain weather can change quickly. Wear layers, bring waterproof outerwear, and choose sturdy shoes. The waterfall spray alone can soak you near the middle of the walk, even if the rest of the route is dry.

You should be comfortable walking uphill for a sustained period and managing steps. The operator asks for a strong physical fitness level, while some descriptions call the trail easy or moderate. I would trust the terrain more than the label: the path is wide and maintained, but the incline is real.

Service animals are allowed. The tour has a maximum of 45 participants, and the guide may be multilingual in mixed groups. If you need a troll car, ask about arrangements before the day of the excursion rather than treating it as an automatic part of the booking.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. If the operator cancels because of poor weather or because the minimum number is not reached, you can receive an alternative or a full refund.

Who should book the Briksdal Glacier tour?

This outing suits you if you want a major natural sight during a short Olden port call and prefer transport, commentary, and timing handled for you. It is especially good for people who enjoy scenic walks but do not need a wilderness trek.

It also works for mixed-ability groups if troll cars are available and arranged in advance. A stronger walker can take the trail, while someone else may reduce the uphill section. Remember that the vehicle does not remove every step or the final walk to the viewpoint.

I would hesitate if you dislike rain, uphill exercise, large-group buses, or fixed departure times. The glacier is not visible from the pier, and the central part of the experience requires effort. If you expect a bus to deliver you directly to the ice, this will feel mis-sold.

Should you book this Olden glacier excursion?

Book it if Briksdal Glacier is high on your Norway wish list, you are visiting by cruise, and you want a practical four-hour plan with a guide. The waterfall-filled walk and turquoise lake make the outing much more than a transfer to a viewpoint.

Skip it if the price feels too high for organized transport or if you cannot manage a sustained uphill walk. For everyone else, pack waterproof clothing, allow for a real climb, and keep enough energy for the return. The combination of Lake Olden, rushing water, and the glacier above its icy lake gives you a strong taste of western Norway in one well-timed shore excursion.

FAQ

Where does the Briksdal Glacier tour begin?

The tour begins 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 Olden Briksdal Glacier excursion last?

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

Is transportation from the cruise pier included?

The tour starts and ends at a meeting point near the cruise pier. You make your own way there, then ride the tour vehicle to Briksdalsbre Mountain Lodge and back.

How difficult is the walk to Briksdal Glacier?

The trail is wide and maintained, but it includes an uphill section, some steep inclines, and steps. You should have a strong level of physical fitness and wear suitable walking shoes.

How long do you spend at Briksdal Glacier?

About 1 hour and 45 minutes is scheduled for the Briksdal Glacier stop. This includes walking to the glacier lake viewpoint and returning to the lodge.

Can you use a troll car instead of walking?

Troll cars may be available for people who prefer not to complete the full uphill walk. They are not listed as included, and you should check availability and arrangements before the excursion.

Will the guide speak English?

The experience is offered in English. Mixed groups may have a multilingual guide, while tours in April or October may be guided in English only because fewer guides are available.

Is the Lake Olden stop included?

Yes. The tour includes a photo stop at turquoise Lake Olden at Oldevatn Camping, scheduled for about 10 minutes.

How many people can join the tour?

The tour can operate with a maximum of 45 participants. Large vehicles, including double-decker buses, may be used.

Can you cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.