Olden Shore Excursion: the Amazing Briksdal Glacier

Briksdal Glacier is the star here. In just a half-day, you get the drama of ice meeting a bright glacier-lake, plus a real mountain hike in Norway’s fjord country. It’s a close-up nature show, without needing special gear besides your legs.

I particularly like the combo of a guided bus ride and then an on-foot viewpoint walk. Your guide adds local context along the way, and you also stop at Oldevatnet Lake for photos before the hike. The other thing I like is that the glacier time is built in, not just a quick peek from a bus window.

The main drawback is physical effort. This is not a “flat and easy” stroll the whole time. You should be ready for inclines, a section with steps, and misty waterfall spray if the weather turns.

Key Things That Make This Briksdal Glacier Excursion Worth Your Time

• Guided drive with photo stops that make the bus ride feel like part of the experience, not dead time
• Waterfall-and-mountain hike with a lot to see even before you reach the glacier
• Glacier-lake payoff where the ice sits in a vivid aqua-blue setting
• Real guidance from the trail team, with guides like Lulu, Lara, and Gabriel stepping in for pacing and photos
• Small-ish groups for cruise shore tours, with a maximum of 45 travelers

Olden To Briksdal, A Big Glacier Moment in Roughly 4 Hours

This is a 4-hour Olden shore excursion built around one payoff: walking up to Briksdalbreen (Briksdal Glacier) and seeing it spill into the glacier lake from a viewpoint. The schedule is tight enough to fit a cruise day, but it still gives you a proper hike and time at the top.

The location matters. Olden is compact, and the tour departs within walking distance of the cruise port and most hotels. That reduces stress, which is the best souvenir you can bring home.

Also, the tour is popular. On average, it’s booked about 113 days in advance, so if you’re flexible with dates, you might still want to plan ahead. When you wait until the last minute, fjord weather and sold-out tours start playing their own games.

Finding the Meeting Point, Then Settling Into the Scenic Bus Ride

You’ll start at Norway Excursions Olden at Rv60 190, 6788 Olden, Norway. The meeting point is easy to spot, and the setup is designed for cruise passengers who don’t want complicated transfers.

From there, you board your vehicle for a drive along the Oldevatnet lake shoreline. This is one of those drives where you stop thinking like a tourist and start thinking like a passenger: windows open to the views, camera ready, and your guide filling in the meaning behind what you’re seeing.

A lot of what people love about this tour is how it’s run. Reviews mention the bus being clean and comfortable, and the commentary adding history and setting. Some guests even highlight named guides like Marion (driver) and Lulu, Lara, Laura, or Gabriel/Gabriele as the kind of guides who keep the group engaged and moving at a sane pace.

Time on the road is not wasted. You get a photo stop, plus you pass key landmarks as the group gets ready for the walk.

Old Church Drive-By and the Oldevatnet Photo Stop That Actually Feels Useful

Before the hike, the tour gives you a couple of quick visual wins.

First, you drive through Olden and pass the Old Church. It’s a brief moment, but it helps you understand you’re not just rushing to a glacier. You’re traveling through a real village that exists beyond the postcard.

Next comes the photo stop at Oldevatn Camping. This is your chance to look for that famous fjord color palette, with Oldevatnet’s turquoise water standing out under changing skies. The timing is short, but it’s placed well. You get your bearings, you shoot a few photos, and then you shift into hiking mode.

Practical tip: if you’re the type who takes lots of photos, use the Oldevatnet stop to set up your “system” (where you’ll stand for the best angles later, what lens you’ll use, and how you’ll keep your hands warm). You’ll thank yourself when you’re halfway up the trail.

Briksdalsbre Mountain Lodge: The Walk Starts Here, and It’s Not All Flat

The walk begins around Briksdalsbre Mountain Lodge. You’ll have a short transition, then it’s time to head up toward the glacier lake viewpoint.

Here’s the honest hiking picture:

• The path is described as relatively flat in stretches, with some steep inclines
• There can be steps in at least parts of the route
• Waterfalls and mist sit close to the trail, so expect damp conditions in the right places

Some guests say the incline feels steeper at the start before things ease off. Others say it’s an easy-to-moderate hike once you get into rhythm. Either way, you should plan to work a bit, not just “amble.”

Footwear is a big deal here. The tour advises wearing appropriate shoes and clothing, and that’s not generic advice. You’re on a trail near water. Even on clear days, surfaces can be slick around misty areas.

If mobility is a concern, some guests mention troll cars or a tram option that can reduce the walking. The tour itself still expects fitness for the hike, so think of any ride option as something you’d use to adjust your own pace, not as a guarantee the tour will replace the walk entirely.

Reaching the Glacier Viewpoint, Where Waterfalls and Ice Take Over

The main hike segment is about 1 hour 45 minutes of walking time (depending on pace and how often you stop). The route is scenic even before the glacier reveals itself.

What you can expect along the way:

• A trail surrounded by mountains and waterfalls
• Water right near the path, with the sounds and spray building as you climb
• A sense that every turn gives you another photo angle

One detail that pops in guest comments: the waterfall area can be misty. If rain is in the forecast, bring layers you can manage. If it’s dry, bring something light you can still wear when the air cools near water.

Then you reach the glacier lake viewpoint. This is the part you came for: the glacier itself, and the ice sitting in the bright water below. Guests describe it as stunning, with floating ice and a “close enough to feel it” effect. It’s one of those moments where people stop talking and start pointing their cameras at everything.

And yes, the glacier can look different over time. Some guests note it has been shrinking over the years, which is a reminder that glaciers are living systems. You’re seeing it at its current scale, and that makes the views feel even more real.

What the Guide Actually Adds on This Hike (Named Pros Help)

A glacier excursion can be either “walk and hope” or “walk and learn.” This one tends to lean toward the second part because the guide plays a real role on the day.

Along the bus route and at key points, your guide provides local insight and background. On the hike, the better guides also help with pacing and photos. Reviews include examples of guides like:

• Lulu, who led commentary and supported the group during the walk
• Lara or Laura, who handled the pace and helped people with harder moments
• Gabriel/Gabriele, who joined the hike and kept things friendly and informative

Even when the scenery does the heavy lifting, the guide still matters. They help you notice details you might otherwise miss, and they help keep the group together so you’re not guessing where to go next.

One practical note from experience-based feedback: some tours feel like you’re dropped at the trailhead with limited guidance during the hike. This tour is designed as a guided experience, and the guide is meant to provide information during the day. Still, remember that the hike is self-paced on the trail. Your guide isn’t replacing the walk, they’re supporting it.

Timing, Pace, and Why Your “Steady” Hiking Style Wins

The schedule is built to move. You’ll drive to the lodge area, hike up, then return to Olden for the end back near the meeting point and pier.

Because it’s a cruise shore excursion, timing is everything. That’s why a “steady pace” strategy works better than racing at the start. You’ll spend less time recalibrating, and you’ll get more enjoyment at the glacier lake, which is where the best photos happen.

Use this approach:

• Start with comfortable effort in the first incline segments
• Stop when you want, but don’t burn time early
• Keep an eye on your footing around steps and near misty areas
• Plan a longer pause at the glacier lake viewpoint, not during the hardest climb

Some guests say the walk took around 30 to 40 minutes for them, while others quote longer times. That difference usually comes down to pace, stops, and weather. Go slower if you’re taking photos. The point is to arrive feeling fresh, not wiped out.

Price and Value: What $128.19 Buys You (and What It Does Not)

At $128.19 per person for about four hours, you’re paying for more than bus transport. You’re paying for:

• A guided day with a local guide
• Scenic driving and interpretation along the way
• Organized stops, including Oldevatnet’s photo stop
• A structured route to reach Briksdalbreen and the glacier lake viewpoint
• A convenient setup that works well for cruise schedules

What it doesn’t do is eliminate the hike. If you want glacier views with zero effort, this is not that tour. You should treat this as a guided nature hike with transport, not a sightseeing bus ride that ends in a chairlift.

One fair criticism you might hear is that the hike is the real event, while the bus portion can feel short. I think the value still holds if you like guided context and want to avoid dealing with parking, directions, and timing on your own.

For best value, match the tour to your strengths. If you can handle a steep incline with occasional steps, the experience tends to feel worth it because the glacier payoff is real, and the guides help you get there smoothly.

Weather Reality Check: Rain Can Improve the Adventure, But Pack Smart

This area is all about water. That means waterfalls, mist, and occasional rain are part of the natural show.

Guests describe rain during the walk and still calling it a great adventure. Mist from waterfalls can happen even when it’s not a full downpour, and that changes how slippery certain sections feel.

So I’d pack like this:

• Waterproof outer layer you can keep on during the climb
• Sturdy shoes with good grip
• A layer for temperature changes as you move from village warmth to valley cool air
• If you’re sensitive to cold, plan for it, because the glacier-lake area can feel brisk

If the day’s weather is poor enough, the experience can be canceled due to weather. In that case, you’ll be offered an alternate date or a full refund. That’s the risk you accept with Norway in shoulder or variable weather seasons.

Who This Briksdal Glacier Excursion Fits Best

This tour is a great match for you if:

• You want a glacier close-up without renting a car
• You’re okay with a hike that includes inclines and maybe steps
• You enjoy guided storytelling during the drive, not just silent sightseeing
• You like structured timing that works for cruise stops

It’s also a good choice for families who are comfortable walking, since the trail itself can be wide and easier than you might expect once you’re moving.

It’s less ideal if:

• You want mostly flat walking
• You have limited mobility and cannot manage even a partial incline
• You’re expecting a glacier view without rain-mist reality

For English speakers: the tour is offered in English. In mixed groups, guides may be multi-lingual while still covering English. In April or October, guidance may be English only because of limited guide availability.

Should You Book the Briksdal Glacier From Olden?

If you want one of Norway’s most dramatic glacier views and you can handle a meaningful hike, I’d book this. The value comes from the full package: guided transport, real trail time, and a payoff at the glacier lake that stays with you after the ship sails.

Book it with eyes open about the effort. Bring solid shoes, expect mist, and aim for a steady pace. If you do that, Briksdalbreen delivers the kind of scenery that feels bigger than the time you spend getting there.

FAQ

How long is the Olden shore excursion to Briksdal Glacier?

The tour duration is approximately 4 hours.

How much does the Olden Briksdal Glacier excursion cost?

The price is $128.19 per person.

Where do I meet the guide for this tour?

You meet at Norway Excursions Olden, Rv60 190, 6788 Olden, Norway.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English. Guides may be multi-lingual in mixed groups, and in April or October it may be English only due to limited guide availability.

Do I need to be able to walk uphill?

Yes. The hike includes inclines and you should have a strong physical fitness level. The trail is described as relatively flat with some steep inclines, but there can be steps in parts of the route.

Do I get a mobile ticket?

Yes, the tour uses a mobile ticket.

What happens if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.