Olden Shore Excursion: the Amazing Briksdal Glacier

Briksdal Glacier is the star here, but the walk to reach it may be the real treat. You follow a broad trail beside rushing water, pass a powerful waterfall, and climb through a mountain valley that feels far removed from the cruise pier. At the end, the glacier spills toward a pale blue lake dotted with floating ice.

I like the Oldevatnet photo stop, which gives you a beautiful view before the hike even begins. I also like the practical setup: the meeting point is close to the pier, the ride is guided, and you get about an hour and 45 minutes in the glacier area. The catch is simple: this is not a flat stroll. The path rises, the weather can turn wet, and the $128.19 price may feel high if you see the bus mainly as transport.

Key points to know before booking

• The glacier walk takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes of tour time, including the approach, time at the viewpoint, and return.
• The trail is wide and mostly paved or gravel, but it includes uphill stretches, steps, and a few steeper sections.
• Waterfalls are part of the experience, and you may get sprayed when passing the waterfall along the route.
• Oldevatnet adds a scenic bonus, with a planned 10-minute photo stop beside the turquoise lake.
• Guides provide commentary on the drive, and guides including Lulu, Laura, and Gabriel have been praised for friendly assistance and local information.
• The tour suits active cruise passengers best, while troll cars can help those who cannot manage the full walk.

Why Briksdal Glacier is worth your time

This excursion gives you a close look at one of Norway’s most dramatic natural sights without requiring a full-day outing. From Olden, the route runs into the Briksdal valley, where steep mountains, waterfalls, and glacial water fill the view.

The glacier has retreated over time, so do not expect a huge wall of ice reaching the trail. The reward is the setting: Briksdalbreen above the glacier lake, with ice floating below and mountain walls rising around you. The view feels grand because you approach it on foot, one turn at a time.

I find that important. A bus stop beside a viewpoint can be impressive, but it can also feel brief and detached. Here, the walk gives you time to notice the river, the spray from the falls, the changing views, and the scale of the valley.

The experience is rated 4.6 out of 5 from 431 ratings, with especially strong praise for the scenery, organization, guides, and overall enjoyment. The lower ratings focus on the price, the uphill effort, and the fact that some people expected more guiding during the walk. Those are fair points to consider before you pay.

Starting near the Olden cruise pier

You make your own way to Norway Excursions Olden at Rv60 190 in Olden. The meeting point is within walking distance of the cruise pier and most hotels, and the activity ends at the same place.

That arrangement is useful on a port day. You do not lose time waiting for hotel pickup, and you can walk directly from the ship if your docking position allows. At the same time, you need to find the meeting point yourself, so leave enough time to get off the ship, orient yourself, and arrive before departure.

The tour lasts about four hours. Cruise passengers must provide their ship name when booking, which helps the operator plan around port calls. The return to the original meeting point is a major plus, since you are not left arranging transport back to the pier.

The vehicle may be a large bus or a double-decker. The buses are described as clean and comfortable, though one double-decker was considered a little tight inside. The group may reach 45 people, so this is a shared excursion rather than a small private outing.

The drive beside Oldevatnet

After meeting your guide and fellow passengers, you drive through Olden and pass the Old Church. The road then follows the shoreline of Oldevatnet, also called Olden Lake in the tour information.

This is not dead time between the port and the hike. The turquoise water, mountain backdrop, and changing views make the drive part of the day. Guides provide commentary about Olden and the sights along the route, with some guides speaking in two languages when groups are mixed.

A 10-minute photo stop is scheduled at Oldevatn Camping. It is a short stop, but it gives you a chance to step off the bus and frame the lake properly. I would keep your camera ready, since the stop is brief and the scenery may look different depending on cloud and light.

Guide quality can shape this portion of the experience. Guides named in the feedback include Lulu, Laura, Gabriel, Gabriele, Lara, and others, with particular praise for clear explanations, friendly personalities, and help with photographs. Because the group may be multilingual, commentary can sometimes be shared between languages. In April and October, the tour may be conducted in English only because fewer guides are available.

Walking from Briksdalsbre Mountain Lodge

The bus continues to Briksdalsbre Mountain Lodge, the starting point for the walk. This is where you should make an honest assessment of your legs, shoes, and clothing.

The route is described as a relatively easy or moderate walk, but the wording can mislead if you expect level ground. The trail has uphill sections, steps, and some steep inclines. One section near the beginning feels especially sharp, while other parts level out.

You can usually expect the walk to take around 30 to 60 minutes each way, depending on your pace and how often you stop for photos. The scheduled glacier-area time is 1 hour and 45 minutes, giving you room to walk, pause, reach the viewpoint, and return to the bus.

The path is broad and well maintained, with sealed or gravel sections. That makes it easier than a rough mountain hike, but it does not remove the climb. A paved path can still work your calves, especially after a long cruise day.

Wear sturdy shoes with good grip. Bring a waterproof layer, even if the sky looks clear at the pier. Rain is common enough to plan for, and the waterfall can spray the trail. The right clothing makes the difference between a refreshing mountain walk and a soggy slog.

Waterfalls, river spray, and the glacier lake

The walk is scenic from the start, but the waterfall is one of its strongest moments. Water drops and rushes down the valley, while the river follows the route in places. After rain, the falls and river can be especially forceful.

You may get wet as you pass the waterfall, so keep phones and cameras protected. This is also a good place to pause without blocking the trail. The sound of the water and the close mountain walls give the walk much of its character.

As you climb, stop often. You do not need to race to the top. The views change with every section, and several of the best photographs may come before the glacier viewpoint.

At the end, Briksdal Glacier comes into view above the lake. The water below is a pale blue-green color, and floating pieces of ice may be visible. The viewpoint does not put you directly on the glacier, but it brings you close enough to understand its shape and position in the valley.

Your guide may walk with the group or remain available while people move at their own pace. This is a useful balance for a mixed group, since quick walkers are not forced to wait at every turn and slower walkers can take breaks. One criticism is that some passengers felt they were simply dropped at the trailhead with a return deadline. If you want a continuous guided hike with explanations at every stop, confirm how your departure is handled.

How hard is the hike?

The biggest practical issue is fitness. The tour information calls for a strong physical fitness level, while the trail is also described as easy in the Norwegian green-hike system. Both descriptions can be true: the surface is manageable, but the incline adds effort.

You should be comfortable walking uphill for roughly an hour, with steps and uneven effort along the way. Rain can make the walk harder, and stopping for photos will lengthen the outing without reducing the physical demands.

If you have mobility concerns, ask about the troll cars. These vehicles can take you most of the way up, but you still need to walk for about 15 minutes from the drop-off point to the glacier. The provided information says troll cars should be booked in advance, so do not assume you can decide at the last minute.

Pushchairs have been taken up the route, but that should not be confused with an effortless path. The surface may be broad and sealed, yet steep sections remain. If you need frequent rests, the guide can help monitor the group, but you should still be realistic about the time available.

Is $128.19 good value?

At $128.19 per person, this is not a cheap transfer to a trailhead. You are paying for the return transport from Olden, a local guide, the lake photo stop, port-friendly timing, and the convenience of joining a planned excursion rather than arranging the visit yourself.

The value is strongest for cruise passengers who want a simple round trip with a guide and do not want to handle local transport. The bus ride through Olden and along Oldevatnet is scenic, and the excursion keeps the day to about four hours.

The value is weaker if you mainly want transportation. Some passengers felt the price was high because the hike itself is self-paced and the guide may not lead every step. There is no stated meal, snack, or free water included. You should bring your own water and food if needed.

Compared with a cruise-line excursion, the operator says its price is generally lower, but that does not automatically make it good value for every budget. I would book it for the organized port-day logistics and the guide commentary, not because the ticket includes extras.

Who should book this excursion?

I would choose this tour if you want a strong scenic highlight during an Olden port call and can handle an uphill walk. It is especially suitable for people who like waterfalls, mountain views, and a clear natural destination rather than shopping or a short town tour.

It also suits independent-minded cruise passengers who still want transport and timing handled. You can walk at your own pace, stop for photographs, and enjoy the glacier without committing to a full-day adventure.

I would hesitate if you dislike hills, have limited walking ability, or want a fully escorted hike with constant interpretation. The troll car option may solve the first problem, but it does not remove all walking. Bad weather can also affect the experience, even though the operator may cancel for poor conditions and offer another date or a full refund.

The tour has a maximum of 45 people. That is large enough for a bus-group feel, but the setting gives you plenty to look at once you leave the vehicle.

Practical details that matter on a port day

The tour includes the local guide, sightseeing transport, the Briksdal Glacier visit, and the Olden Lake stop. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, though the starting point is close to the port and most hotels.

Confirmation is provided when you book. Service animals are allowed. The tour may use a multilingual English-speaking guide for mixed groups, and shoulder-season departures in April or October may be English only.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside 24 hours are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather or an insufficient number of bookings causes the operator to cancel, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

Bring sturdy footwear, waterproof clothing, water, and protection for your phone. Plan to get wet near the waterfall, not just from rain. If you want a troll car, arrange it before the day of the tour.

Should you book Briksdal Glacier from Olden?

Yes, if you can manage a steady uphill walk and want one of the most memorable natural sights near Olden. The combination of Oldevatnet, waterfalls, river views, and the glacier lake gives you much more than a simple bus ride.

Book with realistic expectations. The path is accessible in surface and route design, but it is not flat. The guide adds useful context on the drive and may help during the walk, yet you may spend much of the trail walking independently. At $128.19, the tour earns its price through convenience, scenery, and port-safe planning rather than included food or luxury.

For active cruise passengers, this is a strong choice. For anyone unsure about the climb, the troll car can make the glacier possible, but confirm the remaining walk before booking.

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 about four hours, including the drive from Olden, the lake photo stop, the glacier walk, and the return to Olden.

How much time is spent at Briksdal Glacier?

The itinerary allows about 1 hour and 45 minutes at Briksdalsbre Mountain Lodge and the Briksdal Glacier area. This includes time for the walk and the glacier viewpoint.

Is the walk to Briksdal Glacier difficult?

The trail is wide and mostly sealed or gravel, but it includes uphill sections, steps, and a few steep inclines. A strong level of physical fitness is advised.

Can I use a troll car instead of walking the full route?

Yes. Troll cars can drive most of the way toward the glacier. You still need to walk for about 15 minutes from the troll car drop-off point to the glacier.

Will the guide walk with the group?

The guide may join the walk and provide help, while the route also allows people to walk at their own pace. The trail is clearly marked.

What does the price include?

The $128.19 price includes a local guide, sightseeing transport, the Briksdal Glacier visit, and the Olden Lake photo stop. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Is the tour suitable for cruise passengers?

Yes. The meeting point is close to the Olden cruise pier, and the tour returns to the same place. Cruise passengers must provide their ship name when booking.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If the operator cancels because of poor conditions, you are offered a different date or a full refund.