From Olden: Briksdal Glacier Guided Hiking Shore Excursion

This Olden shore outing is interesting because it turns a limited cruise stop into a real glacier hike with dramatic mountain scenery and time to soak it in at the Briksdalsbreen viewpoint. I like that the day starts with an easy-to-find pickup near the Olden pier and moves you by comfortable bus straight toward the hiking start. I also like the pacing approach, including the guidance that the first part is the hardest, then things gradually get easier.

The main thing to consider is effort level. Expect a walk that can take about 45 to 60 minutes each way, with uphill sections, and plan for cold, wet mountain weather even when it looks clear. It is not a fit for everyone either, with the activity listed as not suitable for back problems, mobility impairments, or heart problems.

Key things that make this shore trip worth your time

• Briksdalsbreen (Briksdal Glacier), an arm of the larger Jostedal Glacier system
• Olden Lake viewpoint time for photos and calm glacier-air breathing
• Guided hike with a live English guide, plus tips that make the trail easier to read
• One of the best “ship day” values for the scenery, without a long day off the ship
• Back-to-ship guarantee, as long as your cruise ship info is registered and you finish 1 hour before sailing

Olden to Briksdal Glacier: why this hike fits a cruise schedule

This is one of those shore excursions that respects your time. The total duration is about 4 hours, which is exactly what you want when your ship port call is short and you cannot afford a slow start.

The route matters, too. You head out from Olden by bus, passing through the village and into the Olden Valley. Along the way you get those classic Vestland views of water and towering mountains, then you reach the start of the hike on one of the glacier’s arms. By the time your boots hit the trail, you are already in the right mood.

The hike itself is the payoff. You are walking toward the Briksdal Glacier area, with cascading waterfalls, pristine alpine lakes, and meltwater streams that sound like they are working overtime. If you like sights that feel earned, not just watched from a bus window, this one delivers.

Meeting at the Olden pier and finding your guide fast

Your day starts at the Olden cruise kai area. Once you get off the ship, go to the inside of the main Olden pier, where there is a parking lot. The bus typically arrives about 15 minutes before departure, because port authorities require it.

Look for the guide wearing a blue jacket and/or holding a sign. This sounds small, but it is huge on a cruise day. When multiple tours start around the same time, being able to spot your person quickly saves you from that last-minute scramble.

Two small planning notes that I take seriously:

• Bring the right contact details. The tour asks for your correct mobile number with country code so the provider can reach you if you get lost.
• Time buffer. One account mentioned a late bus pickup and confusion before departure. Even when most days run smoothly, I treat the first 10 minutes of a ship day as sacred. Be where you need to be early.

The scenic bus ride from Olden Lake to the Olden Valley

The bus portion is not just transportation. It is the warm-up act. You spend about 45 minutes on the ride from the ship to the hiking start area.

You pass through the charming village of Olden, then start seeing the signature mix of water and mountains. Olden Lake shows up as shimmering scenery, framed by towering slopes. This is the kind of view that makes the hike feel like part of a larger panorama, not a random stop.

Another reason I like the bus setup: it keeps your energy for the trail. You are not trying to navigate on your own in a tight port call. The bus is described as comfortable and spacious, and it gets you to the start without the stress of parking, routing, or dealing with bus schedules.

The hike to Briksdalsbreen: what the 45 to 60 minute climb feels like

At the start, you begin hiking on a trail that leads to Briksdalsbreen, one of the arms of the Jostedal Glacier. Plan on about 2.5 hours total for the glacier visit segment, which includes hiking plus free time.

Here is the real-world detail that helps you decide if this is right for you: the first part of the hike is the hardest, then it gets gradually easier. The walk to the glacier commonly takes around 45 to 60 minutes, and you will feel uphill sections. Still, the trail is described as well formed and wide, with a few stone steps.

Pay attention to weather, even when skies look friendly. One practical tip that comes up is to pack a raincoat. Even if it is not raining, waterfalls can spray mist onto the path. Wet rocks and shoe tread are no joke.

What you are seeing along the way is the point. You will pass cascading waterfalls, alpine lakes, and the roaring meltwater streams fed by the glacier. And when the air turns crisp and cool, you feel the altitude in your lungs fast.

At the glacier viewpoint: free time that helps you actually enjoy the place

Once you arrive, you get time to explore. This is when Briksdal Glacier stops being a goal and becomes a scene you can take in slowly.

You can take photos from the viewpoints, including over Olden Lake, which is an especially satisfying combo if you like wide views more than close-up glacier pictures. The scenery includes snow-capped mountain backdrops and that constant soundtrack of meltwater moving fast.

Use your free time wisely:

• Take a moment to look for the meltwater streams and waterfalls feeding the area. That motion is what makes glaciers feel alive.
• If you stop often for photos, you are not doing it wrong. Several guides encourage pacing with regular breaks, and part of glacier hiking enjoyment is watching light change over ice.

There is also mention of a café and gift shop at the start/end of the walk area. If you want a quick warm drink or a chance to reset your energy before heading back, that can help.

Returning to the Olden pier: the second scenic 45 minutes

On the way back, the day follows a similar pattern. You rejoin the bus and head back toward Olden cruise kai. The drive back is about 45 minutes, giving you another look at the valley and water views.

A tip worth knowing is about the return route on foot. One account recommended walking back down on the road rather than the path because it can be metalled the whole way and is less crowded. If you feel steady on your legs and the logistics allow it, that kind of practical choice can reduce toe-jarring steps and bottlenecks.

At the end, you arrive back at the Olden cruise kai area. The day is built around ship timing, not lingering all day in the mountains.

Price and value: why $146 can be a strong deal for this day

At $146 per person, this is not a budget outing. You are paying for a guided hike to a glacier viewpoint plus bus transportation and a shore-time safety net.

Here is how I judge value for glacier hikes in cruise ports:

• You get a real guided hike, not just a bus stop with a photo op.
• The timing is efficient, so you are using your limited port hours on actual walking time.
• The bus ride is included, so you avoid independent transport stress.

One review compared it favorably to the cruise line option, noting it was cheaper than doing the same journey through the ship. Even without relying on that specific comparison, you can still see the logic. In a 4-hour window, this package gives you transportation, a guide who helps with trail rhythm and context, and a back-to-ship promise that matters when you have to be aboard later.

Guides like Sam and Anna: how the guidance improves the hike

The most praised part of this excursion is the guide. You get a live English-speaking guide, and in some cases there may be another language added depending on the passenger mix.

Specific guide names that show up in accounts include Sam, Anna, and Alyssa, and Elisabet. The consistent theme is clear: guides share facts and practical tips while keeping the group moving at a pace that works.

One detail I like is how some guides bring a more scientific style of explanation, connecting geography and what you are seeing on the trail. That matters because it turns a pretty walk into a meaningful one. You are not just admiring waterfalls and ice. You are learning what makes this glacier system special.

There is also attention to group needs. Some accounts mention guides checking in on slower walkers and keeping everyone included.

One caution: a couple of notes mentioned that the guide did not offer photos for every group member in one instance, and in another instance the bus was late. These are small compared with the overall pattern, but they are the kind of real details that help you set expectations. If photos matter a lot, plan to take your own as you go.

What to pack and trail tips that actually help

This is a mountain hike with real weather risk. Here is what you should bring, based on the tour guidance and practical notes from the trail:

• Comfortable shoes with warm, grippy tread
• Warm clothing, plus weather-appropriate layers
• A warm jacket because it can be considerably colder in the mountains
• Consider a raincoat, since waterfall spray can hit the trail

And here are a few trail behaviors that improve your day:

• Expect the first stretch to be the hardest. Start steady, not fast.
• If you want better photos, stop where you feel safe, then take your time. The viewpoints are part of the design.
• If you are tired, take shorter breaks rather than pushing through. Your legs will thank you on the return.

There is also mention of an option to be taken up in a buggy if you are not able to do the hike. If you use that, you still walk the last 500 meters. Keep in mind the activity is also listed as not suitable for mobility impairments, so if that applies to you, check with the provider before booking.

Who should book this Briksdal Glacier shore hike

This tour is a great fit if you want:

• A glacier hike with guidance and context, not just a quick stop
• A moderate time commitment that works with a cruise call
• Big views, especially glacier plus Olden Lake viewpoints
• A day that feels organized and stress-reducing, with transportation included

It may be less ideal if:

• Your back is sensitive, your mobility is limited, or you have heart issues. The activity notes it is not suitable for those categories.
• You want a mostly flat stroll. The first part is uphill and can feel strenuous for some people.

If your group includes a wide range of ages and fitness levels, the trail design and guide pacing can help. One account even described the hike as manageable for ages 7 to 75, with the right pace.

Should you book Briksdal Glacier from Olden?

I would book this if your priority is a true glacier moment in a short cruise day, and you are comfortable walking uphill for about an hour, then enjoying a viewpoint. The guide quality seems consistently strong, and the route brings you from Olden village and Olden Lake into glacier scenery without wasting time.

I would hesitate if you are expecting an easy walk with lots of leisure time. This is not a sit-and-stare outing. The first part is genuinely the hardest, and mountain weather can add effort. If you are sensitive to cold, wet trails, or have health limits listed by the tour, look for a different excursion style.

If you do book, do it with one mindset: dress for mountain weather, start slow on the uphill, and treat the viewpoints as part of the hike, not a side quest.

FAQ

Is food and drinks included on this shore excursion?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so you should plan to buy them separately if you want something warm or filling. There is also mention of a café and gift shop at the start/end area.

How long is the Briksdal Glacier part of the day?

The total shore excursion is about 4 hours. The glacier segment includes visit time and hiking for about 2.5 hours.

Where do I meet the tour guide in Olden?

You meet at a walking distance from the cruise port, specifically inside the main Olden pier parking lot. The bus arrives about 15 minutes before departure, and the guide wears a blue jacket and/or holds a sign.

How difficult is the hike to Briksdalsbreen?

The first part is the hardest and then it gradually gets easier. The walk to the glacier commonly takes around 45 to 60 minutes each way, and it has uphill sections and some stone steps.

What should I bring for the hike?

Bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and weather-appropriate layers. A warm jacket and suitable shoes are especially important because it can be colder in the mountains.

Is the tour guided, and what language is used?

Yes, it is a guided hike with a live English tour guide. There is a possibility of a second language being added depending on the passenger mix.

Can this excursion accommodate limited mobility?

The tour is listed as not suitable for mobility impairments. There is a mention that a buggy option may be available if you cannot do the hike, but you still have to walk the last 500 meters.

Do I get back to the ship on time?

There is a back-to-ship guarantee for cruise passengers, as long as your cruise ship name is registered when you book and the official tour time ends at least 1 hour before the ship’s departure.

Are pets allowed?

No, pets are not allowed on this activity.