Olden Shore Excursion: the Amazing Briksdal Glacier

Briksdal Glacier is the star here, but the walk to the glacier lake may be the real treat. From Olden, you travel beside turquoise Oldevatnet, pass waterfalls, and follow a broad mountain road toward ice floating in a clear glacial lake. Guides such as Lulu, Laura, Gabriel, and Gabriele have been praised for useful commentary and help along the way.

I like the easy cruise-port meeting point and the way this trip packs a big slice of western Norway into four hours. I also like that the route gives you time for your own pace rather than forcing everyone into one tight hiking line. The catch is simple: this is uphill walking, and rain can make the effort feel much harder.

Key points to know

• The glacier walk takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes in the schedule, with many people reaching the viewpoint in roughly 30 to 60 minutes each way.
• The trail is wide and mostly paved or gravel, but it includes steep stretches, steps, and an exposed waterfall area.
• A photo stop at turquoise Oldevatnet adds a fine view before the main hike begins.
• Troll cars are available for much of the route, but you should still expect a final walk to the glacier viewpoint.
• The meeting point is within walking distance of the cruise pier, and the bus returns there after the excursion.
• The $128.19 price is mainly buying convenience, transport, timing, and a guide, not an exclusive small-group experience.

Why Briksdal Glacier makes a strong Olden shore trip

Olden is a place where the best sights sit beyond the town itself. Briksdal Glacier gives you a clear purpose for leaving the pier: a mountain valley, rushing water, high peaks, and a glacier spilling toward a lake. You do not need a full day to reach an impressive viewpoint, but you do need enough time to handle the uphill walk.

The glacier has shrunk over time, as many glaciers have, so do not expect to stand beside a vast wall of ice. The viewing point is above a small lake, with the glacier visible beyond it. Floating ice and the pale blue-green water give the scene its strongest color.

I like this excursion because it is not only a bus ride to a viewpoint. You get a short taste of Olden, a lakeside stop, a scenic drive, and a walk through the valley. The walking path itself is part of the attraction. Waterfalls drop beside the route, the river runs near the road, and the views keep changing as you climb.

Meeting at the Olden cruise pier

The tour begins at Norway Excursions Olden, at Rv60 190 in Olden. The meeting point is within walking distance of the cruise port and most hotels, so you do not need hotel pickup. That makes this a good fit for a cruise day, when keeping the first and last parts of an excursion simple matters.

Look for the operator’s meeting point near the pier and arrive with enough time to check in. Cruise passengers must provide the name of their ship when booking. The bus returns to the same general starting point, which is useful when you have a fixed sailing schedule.

The group can reach as many as 45 people. That is a reasonable size for a shore excursion, but it is not a private outing. You may ride in a large or double-decker bus, and seating can feel tight when the vehicle is full. The bus is generally described as clean and comfortable, though the transport is functional rather than luxurious.

The drive through Olden and beside Oldevatnet

Once aboard, the route passes through Olden and by the Old Church. Your guide provides commentary about the area and points out sights along the road. The quality of that commentary can depend on the individual guide, but several named guides, including Lulu, Laura, Gabriel, and Gabriele, have been singled out for clear explanations and friendly assistance.

The drive follows the shoreline of Oldevatnet, often called Olden Lake in the tour information. The lake’s blue-green color is one of the first big visual rewards. Mountains rise around the water, and the road gives you a quick sense of how enclosed and dramatic this part of Norway is.

A roughly 10-minute photo stop takes place at Oldevatn Camping. It is short, so have your camera ready before the bus stops. This is not a long lakeside break or a chance for a full walk. It is a useful pause for a broad view of the water and surrounding peaks before heading toward Briksdal.

I appreciate this stop because it gives you a strong picture without requiring extra effort. If the weather is clear, the lake may look almost unreal. In rain or low cloud, the view can be softer and more muted, but the stop still breaks up the drive.

Starting the Briksdal Glacier walk

The bus continues to Briksdalsbre Mountain Lodge, the starting point for the hike. From here, the scheduled glacier stop lasts about 1 hour and 45 minutes. That time includes walking to the viewpoint, taking photographs, enjoying the scenery, and returning to the bus.

The route is not a wilderness scramble. It is a broad, marked road that is mostly gravel or paved, and some sections are easy enough for a steady walk with a pushchair. Still, do not treat the word easy as meaning flat. The path climbs, with a few sharper inclines, steps, and uneven or wet patches.

Different people will experience the effort differently. Some reach the glacier lake in around 30 to 40 minutes, while others need close to an hour. The walk is often described as easy to moderate, but a few stretches can give your calves a real workout. I would rate it as manageable for anyone in good walking shape, not as a casual stroll.

The guide may join the group on the route or allow you to walk at your own speed. That arrangement works well for a mixed group. You can stop for pictures without holding up a tightly controlled line, but you also need to keep an eye on the meeting time.

Waterfalls, river spray, and the changing view

The walk earns its place on the itinerary even before you see the glacier. Waterfalls pour down the mountainsides, and one major cascade sits roughly halfway along the route. The water can be powerful, and spray may reach the path. On a rainy day, you can get wet from both the sky and the waterfall.

Wear shoes with a firm sole and clothing that handles changing weather. A waterproof jacket is more useful than an umbrella on this route, especially near the waterfall. You should also expect the path to feel slicker in rain.

The river runs beside parts of the route, adding a steady roar to the walk. Stop often if you like photography. The best picture may not be at the end, since the waterfall, river, cliffs, flowers, and glimpses of ice create good frames all along the way.

The return is downhill, but do not assume it is effortless. Wet stone and steps can be harder going down, and tired legs need care. Keep some energy for the trip back rather than spending everything on the climb.

Reaching the glacier lake viewpoint

At the upper viewpoint, Briksdalbreen appears beyond a clear glacial lake. Pieces of ice may float in the water, and the glacier sits against a mountain setting that makes the stop feel far removed from the cruise port.

The viewpoint does not put you directly on the ice. That distinction matters. You are seeing the glacier from the end of the trail, not walking onto it. For most people, the combination of ice, water, waterfalls, and high mountain walls is more than enough to make the effort worthwhile.

You get time to take photographs and look around before returning. Some people use the break to eat a snack or visit the gift shop near the lodge afterward. Food and drinks are not included, so bring anything you need for the four-hour outing.

The route’s beauty can also make the schedule feel short. It is easy to stop every few minutes, especially when the weather is clear. Keep track of the group’s return time. The bus cannot wait indefinitely, and the excursion ends back at Olden.

What the guide adds, and where expectations matter

A good guide improves the long drive. Commentary about Olden, the church, the lake, and the surrounding area gives you context instead of leaving you to watch the scenery in silence. Guides such as Laura and Lulu have been praised for explaining sights in more than one language, while Gabriel and Gabriele have been noted for helping with the walk and photographs.

The tour is offered in English, but mixed groups may have a multilingual guide. In April and October, limited guide availability may mean English-only operation. If you want detailed narration during every part of the hike, ask the guide what to expect at the start.

The hike may not function like a traditional guided nature walk with constant instruction. The path is clearly marked, and the guide may let you proceed at your own pace. That is helpful for people who want freedom, but it can disappoint anyone expecting the guide to lead every step and explain every plant or waterfall.

This difference also affects the value question. You are paying for organized transport, a local guide, a scenic drive, the lake stop, and a dependable return to the pier. You are not paying for a private guide or a meal. If you only want transportation to the trailhead, the price may seem high. If you value cruise-day timing and do not want to arrange the route yourself, the cost is easier to justify.

Troll cars and the physical side of the tour

Troll cars can carry you most of the way toward the glacier and are an important option for anyone who cannot manage the full uphill route. They do not remove walking altogether. Expect a final walk of roughly 15 minutes from the drop-off point to the glacier viewpoint, based on the experience described by older visitors using the service.

The tour requires a strong level of physical fitness in its official guidance. That wording is worth taking seriously, even though many people find the path manageable. The main issue is not rough climbing. It is the sustained incline, the distance, and the need to walk back within the available time.

This trip suits you best if you can walk uphill for about an hour, stand on your feet for several hours, and handle wet weather. It is less suitable if you have serious mobility limits unless you arrange a troll car in advance. Appropriate shoes and layered clothing are essential.

Families and active older adults can enjoy the route, but the group should be honest about pace. There is no prize for reaching the viewpoint first. The better plan is to walk steadily, stop for photographs, and keep enough energy for the return.

Is $128.19 a fair price?

At $128.19 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Briksdal Glacier. The value comes from reducing the number of decisions you must make on a port day. Transport waits at the meeting point, a guide explains the route, the lake stop is built in, and the bus returns you to Olden.

The maximum group size of 45 means you should not expect a quiet, custom outing. On the other hand, a larger vehicle can make sense when several cruise ships are in port and independent transport is harder to arrange. The operator also positions this excursion as less expensive than many cruise-line alternatives.

I would book it for convenience and schedule security, not because it offers luxury. If you are comfortable arranging your own transport and are focused only on the glacier, you may judge the guided price less favorably. If missing the ship is your main worry, organized return transport has real value.

The free cancellation policy allows a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Poor weather or failure to meet the minimum number of participants can lead to a different date or a full refund. Since weather shapes the glacier view and the hiking conditions, that protection is useful.

Who should book this Olden excursion?

Book this trip if you want a straightforward way to see a glacier during a short port call. It works especially well for people who enjoy scenic walking, waterfalls, and mountain views, and who prefer a guide and arranged bus over independent planning.

You should think twice if you dislike uphill walks, need a completely flat route, or expect a small, private group. You should also pack for rain, since the waterfall spray and weather can turn a simple path into a wet one.

My advice is to book the Briksdal Glacier excursion if the glacier viewpoint is your priority and you can manage the climb. The scenery begins on the bus, improves at Oldevatnet, and reaches its best point beside the ice-filled lake. Just understand what you are buying: a well-planned group outing with a real walk, not a bus-only sightseeing trip.

FAQ

Where does the Briksdal Glacier excursion begin?

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

How long does the excursion last?

The experience lasts approximately four hours, including the drive from Olden, the lake photo stop, the glacier walk, and the return to the pier.

Is transportation from my hotel included?

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

How difficult is the walk to Briksdal Glacier?

The trail is wide and mostly paved or gravel, but it includes uphill sections, some steep inclines, and steps. You should have a strong level of physical fitness.

How much time do I have at Briksdal Glacier?

The scheduled stop at Briksdalsbre Mountain Lodge and the glacier area is about 1 hour and 45 minutes. This includes the walk to the viewpoint, time beside the glacier lake, and the return to the lodge.

Are troll cars available?

Yes. Troll cars can take you most of the way toward the glacier. You should still expect a final walk to the viewpoint after the drop-off.

Is the tour offered in English?

The tour is offered in English, but a multilingual guide may lead mixed groups. In April and October, the tour may be guided in English only because guide availability is limited.

What should I wear?

Wear suitable walking shoes and clothing for changing weather. Rain is possible, and waterfall spray can reach the path.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience begins. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded. If poor weather or an insufficient number of participants cancels the tour, you will be offered another option or a full refund.