Olden Shore Excursion: the Amazing Briksdal Glacier

One hike, then instant glacier wow. This Olden shore excursion turns a cruise stop into real time in the mountains, with a scenic drive by Oldevatnet Lake and a guided walk to Briksdalbreen at Briksdalsbre Mountain Lodge. I love how the glacier is close enough to feel real, then reveal itself in steps as you climb toward the glacier-view lake.

I also like the built-in pacing. You get a comfortable coach ride with local commentary before the hike, plus time to slow down at the viewpoint rather than being rushed straight off the trail. The main thing to plan for is the physical side: the hike is relatively straightforward at first, but there are inclines and a few steep bits, and rain or mist is common enough to take seriously.

Key things to know before you go to Briksdal Glacier from Olden

• Guided coach + photo stops: Oldevatnet Lake shoreline drive and a turquoise lake photo break in Olden
• A real climb, not a flat walk: mostly easy path with a few steeper stretches as you head uphill
• Waterfalls right on the route: expect loud, misty water along the trail, especially around the halfway point
• Glacier views from the lake edge: the payoff is Briksdalbreen meeting an aqua-blue glacier lake
• Small-to-medium group size: tours run with a maximum of 45 travelers
• Guides often include English speakers: the tour is offered in English, and in some months it may be English only

Olden to Briksdalbreen: the best way to use a cruise day

If your cruise docks in Skjolden and you want more than a quick look, this is a smart use of time. You start in Olden, ride inland with photo stops, then trade the bus comfort for a mountain walk that leads to an up-close view of Briksdalbreen, also called Briksdal Glacier.

What makes it work for most people is the mix. The drive gives you context, the trail gives you exercise, and the viewpoint gives you that glacier-and-mountain feeling you cannot get from a roadside viewpoint. It also helps that the meeting point is within walking distance of the cruise port and most hotels, so you do not have to fight a long transfer just to start.

Value note: at $128.19 per person for about four hours, you are paying for guided transport, on-route interpretation, and a guided route to a major glacier viewing area. It is not a bargain like a DIY parking-lot stop, but it is also not just a taxi ride either. You are buying time management and local know-how, which matters when cruise schedules are tight.

Meeting point in Olden, and what the start feels like

You meet at Norway Excursions Olden, Rv60 190, 6788 Olden, Norway, using a mobile ticket. There is no hotel pickup, so plan to arrive at the meeting point under your own steam. The good news is that it is within walking distance of the cruise pier and many hotels, which keeps the stress low.

Once you find the group, you meet your guide and fellow travelers and board the vehicle. You can expect the tour to be run in English. The operation can also involve a multi-lingual guide when groups are mixed, and in April or October it may be English only due to limited guide availability in shoulder season.

One small but real tip: double-check your meeting time. Even with an easy walking start, cruise days can create last-minute crowding near the pier, and you want to be calm before you start the hike.

The coach ride along Oldevatnet: views plus commentary

The drive is not just transportation. You head along the shoreline of Oldevatnet and get a guided look at the area while the scenery rolls by. There is also a photo stop at Oldevatn Camping, where the water is described as turquoise, which is a lovely pre-hike warm-up.

In the past, guides have shared route context and practical scene-setting, which helps when you later see the same water and mountain shapes on foot. Names that have led this excursion include Marion and Lara or Laura, among others, and people have noted how helpful the commentary is for understanding what you are seeing.

What to watch for on the bus side:

• Bring a layer. Mountain weather can shift fast, and buses can feel warm until you are outside.
• If you get motion sick, sit where you feel steadier. Double-decker buses can feel fine, but body positions matter for comfort.

Stop by Old Church, then the drive turns scenic

On the way, you pass through Olden and go by the Old Church. It is a quick thing, more like an anchor moment than a full sight, but it gives you a sense that you are not just traveling through blank countryside.

Then the route keeps turning into that fjord-valley feel, the kind where waterfalls show up even if you are not hunting them. This matters because the hike route later keeps rewarding you with water sounds and misty scenery.

Do not assume that you will see everything from the bus. The real magic is waiting on the trail, and the coach portion mainly works as your guide-led warmup and route education.

Briksdalsbre Mountain Lodge: where the hike actually begins

The walk starts at Briksdalsbre Mountain Lodge, after a short arrival break. This stop is brief, but it is useful. It is the moment where you shift from time on the vehicle to time on your own legs, and your guide can help set expectations about what is coming.

Then you begin the hike to Briksdalbreen (Briksdal Glacier) and the glacier lake viewpoint. The total glacier portion is listed as about 1 hour 45 minutes, but that is a rough planning number. Your pace and the weather can change how long it feels.

Trail character, based on what people consistently report:

• Mostly paved or sealed surfaces, and the trail is wide enough for steady walking
• A few steep inclines, with some stairs in at least one spot
• Waterfalls are right on the route, so you may get mist and wet shoes if it is raining

One practical thing I recommend: treat the first uphill stretch like a warmup, not the entire challenge. Several walkers find the beginning steeper, then the effort becomes more manageable as the trail settles into a longer climb.

The climb and waterfalls: where the photos start paying off

Halfway up, you typically see the waterfall zone that people talk about a lot. It is not subtle water either. It can be powerful enough to toss mist into the air, and that is part of the experience. The sound is loud, and your brain instantly shifts into mountain mode.

You walk through a mix of views: glacier approach lines, valley angles, and repeated waterfall views that keep changing as you move. Even if you stop often to take photos, you still usually have time to get to the lake viewpoint and enjoy it.

If it is raining, plan for it. One common reality is that the trail can get wet and slippery, especially around water spray zones. Wear shoes with grip, and do not wear brand-new soles that have not broken in.

Also consider your walking confidence:

• If you are steady on inclines and steps, you will likely find the experience enjoyable
• If you struggle with steep terrain, it is worth asking about alternatives such as the troll car option that some visitors mention can help you avoid some of the steepest segments

Glacier-view lake at Briksdalbreen: the payoff

Reaching the viewpoint is the moment the whole day makes sense. You are rewarded with spectacular views of Briksdalbreen as it comes down toward the lake. The glacier lake is often described as crystal clear and aqua blue, with floating ice visible from the edge.

This is not a generic glacier photo. It is a close-up feeling, because the glacier sits in front of you rather than far away behind glass. The view keeps unfolding as you reposition, so even if you are not an expert photographer, you can still capture a range of angles.

A bonus is that you generally have time to slow down once you reach the top area. People have noted time to eat and visit a gift shop on-site, which can help if you need a snack break after the climb.

Weather tip: if the clouds lift and you get clearer skies, the glacier contrast improves fast. Even if the weather is not perfect, the glacier still looks dramatic because the water and mountain shadows change constantly.

Time back to Olden: finish while your energy is still good

After your glacier time, you return by bus to Olden and the tour ends back at the pier area. The driving back is short compared with the hike, and it feels like a natural landing. You are not stuck in a long timeline where everyone is exhausted and hungry.

This matters for cruise passengers. You need to be back on schedule, and the tour is designed to tie the excursion to the port day flow. A well-run bus return makes the difference between an enjoyable half day and a stressful scramble.

Who should book this Olden shore excursion, and who should rethink it

I would book this if you want one clear glacier goal in a limited amount of time. It fits people who like guided structure but still want the physical payoff of walking to the viewpoint.

It also suits active families in good condition because much of the path is wide and manageable, and the scenery on the way helps keep morale up. Several people mention pushing strollers or using mobility help to keep up, which suggests the trail can work with support, as long as you are prepared for inclines.

I would rethink it if:

• Your fitness is limited and inclines or steps feel hard
• You get nervous on wet surfaces and steep bits
• You want a glacier experience with minimal walking, since the trail portion is the whole point of the day

The strongest practical match is someone who can handle a hike that is mostly easy to moderate but includes some climbs. That is exactly what the tour signals with its fitness expectations.

Price and value: what $128.19 buys you here

This is where I encourage you to be honest with your own preferences.

You are paying for:

• A guided coach ride and local insights along the way
• Photo stops that make the drive more than dead time
• A guided route into the Briksdalsbre area so you spend your time hiking to the glacier rather than hunting logistics
• A defined timeline that keeps cruise-day stress low

You are not paying for:

• A no-walking glacier experience
• A chance to spend all day in the glacier area, because it is still a half-day style excursion

Some people feel it is pricey if they compare it only to time at the glacier edge. Others feel it is worth it because transport, group management, and the quality of the hike route save energy and reduce hassle.

My practical take: if you are already comfortable walking, this usually feels like fair value for a glacier outing from a cruise stop. If you need the easiest possible option, you may want to explore alternative transport or shorter access routes.

Should you book the Briksdal Glacier tour from Olden?

Book it if you want the classic Briksdalbreen moment, close enough to feel real, with a guided start and a hike that you can pace yourself on. It is especially appealing when the weather is decent, because the glacier-view lake and waterfall mist are both part of the story.

Skip or adjust if steep terrain is a deal-breaker for you. The tour can be a mix of paved walking plus inclines and stairs, and rain makes footing more demanding. If you are in that group, ask about options like troll cars ahead of time through the operator so you can match the day to your comfort level.

If you do go, come ready for water, wear grippy shoes, and keep one mindset: you are there for the climb and the payoff. When you reach the glacier lake viewpoint, you will understand why people call this a must-do in Olden.

FAQ

How long is the Olden shore excursion to Briksdal Glacier?

It runs about 4 hours in total.

Is the tour walking-heavy?

Yes. You will hike from Briksdalsbre Mountain Lodge to the Briksdal Glacier viewpoint and glacier lake area for about 1 hour 45 minutes, and the route includes some inclines.

Does the tour include English guidance?

The tour is offered in English. In April or October it may be guided in English only due to limited guide availability.

Where do I meet for the excursion?

The meeting point is Norway Excursions Olden, Rv60 190, 6788 Olden, Norway.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

Are admission tickets included for the stops?

The information provided lists admission tickets as free for the stops, and the walk area and glacier viewing are part of the scheduled experience.

How many people are on the tour at most?

The tour has a maximum of 45 travelers.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

What if bad weather cancels the tour, or I need to cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.