From Olden: Briksdal Glacier Guided Hiking Shore Excursion

Olden saves its best view for the uphill walk. I like the spectacular route through Olden Valley, where the bus passes Olden Lake, sharp mountain peaks, waterfalls, and glacier-fed streams. I also like the practical back-to-ship guarantee, a major comfort for cruise passengers. The main drawback is the hike itself: the first section is the hardest, and the walk can take longer than the stated 45 to 60 minutes if you stop for photos.

This four-hour outing costs $146 per person and includes transport, an English-speaking guide, and the guided hike. Guides such as Sam, Anna, Alyssa, and Elisabet have been praised for clear commentary and patient group care. Still, you should know that much of your time at Briksdalbreen is self-paced, so this is best for you if the scenery matters more than a tightly narrated walking tour.

Key points to know before booking

• The walk to Briksdalbreen takes about 45 to 60 minutes each way, with a steeper start and an easier-feeling trail afterward.
• The bus ride is part of the attraction, passing Olden, Olden Lake, waterfalls, peaks, and the Olden Valley.
• A wide, well-formed track makes the hike manageable, though stone steps, slopes, and wet spray from a waterfall require care.
• The glacier viewpoint is the reward, with views toward Briksdal Glacier, meltwater, alpine scenery, and Olden Lake.
• Cruise passengers receive a back-to-ship guarantee when the ship name is entered correctly at booking.
• Warm layers and proper shoes matter, since mountain temperatures can be much lower than at the pier.

Leaving Olden pier for the Olden Valley

Your day begins at the Olden cruise quay, where the meeting point is inside the pier parking lot. The bus arrives 15 minutes before departure because of port rules. Look for a guide in a blue jacket or someone holding a sign.

That simple setup matters. You do not need to arrange a taxi or find a distant village office, and the pier is close to the ship. You do need to pay attention when you leave the vessel, since the operator asks for your correct mobile number, including the country code, in case you get separated from the group.

The bus is described as comfortable and spacious, and the drive takes about 45 minutes each way. Those 90 minutes are not dead time. The route through Olden and the valley is one of the strongest parts of the outing.

Olden is small, scenic, and framed by steep mountains. Soon the road reaches the shimmering water of Olden Lake, surrounded by high slopes and snow-topped peaks. You will want your camera ready before the hike even starts.

The guide provides information during the drive, and the quality of that commentary can add real value. Sam was praised for explaining the area with geographical detail, while Anna, Alyssa, and Elisabet were noted for friendly, attentive care. Guides also help set expectations, point out useful details, and keep an eye on the group as walking speeds spread out.

One caution: a late bus pickup was reported on one outing, leaving people unsure where the vehicle was. Once the trip got moving, the day went well, but you should still arrive at the stated meeting point early and keep your phone available.

The Briksdalbreen trail and its changing pace

At Briksdalsbreen, you have around two and a half hours for the visit, including the hike and free time. Briksdal Glacier is one of the arms of the huge Jostedal Glacier, and the route gives you a close look at the forces that shape this part of Norway.

The walk to the viewpoint normally takes 45 to 60 minutes. That estimate is reasonable for a steady pace, but it does not leave much room for lingering. If you stop often for photographs, admire every waterfall, or walk with a slower member of your group, allow an hour or a little more.

The first part is the hardest. The trail then becomes easier gradually, but you should not confuse easier with flat. The route is uphill in places, with a few stone steps. One useful detail is that the track is wide and well formed, making it easier to choose your own speed.

I would treat this as a moderate hike rather than a casual stroll. A family group ranging in age from 7 to 75 managed it, but fitness levels vary greatly. If you have back, heart, or mobility problems, this outing is not recommended.

There is an option to use a buggy for part of the route if you cannot manage the full climb. The buggy does not take you all the way to the final viewpoint, so you still need to walk the last 500 meters. Confirm the current availability and cost when booking, since the basic excursion price includes the bus and hike, not food, drinks, or a buggy.

The trail itself is part of the reward. You pass cascading waterfalls, clean mountain air, snow-capped peaks, alpine lakes, and rushing streams fed by glacier meltwater. One waterfall can spray the path even on a clear day, so a rain jacket is useful for more than bad weather.

The walk down gives you a second view of the route. One practical tip is to consider walking back on the paved road rather than the path, if your guide permits it and conditions are suitable. It is less crowded and easier underfoot, though you may prefer the trail for its closer views and natural feel.

Reaching the Briksdal Glacier viewpoint

The final viewpoint opens toward Briksdal Glacier and the surrounding mountains. You are not simply looking at a wall of ice. The scene includes the glacier, streams carrying meltwater away from it, waterfalls dropping through the valley, and the broader view toward Olden Lake.

This is the moment to slow down. The official stop gives you free time to admire the view and take photographs, but the clock still matters. The group must return to the bus and reach the pier in time for the ship.

Do not expect a long guided talk at the viewpoint. Some people appreciated the freedom to hike at their own pace. Others expected more continuous guiding and found the visit more like independent hiking with transport and support. That difference is important when deciding if the $146 price feels right to you.

The guide may help keep the group together and share information along the way, but you should be prepared to walk independently for much of the trail. Also, do not assume that the guide will take photographs of every person. One participant wished for more help with group pictures, so bring a small tripod or arrange a photo swap with someone in your group if good portraits matter.

Why the bus ride adds value

It is tempting to think of this as a hike with a transfer attached. That undersells the drive. The road into Olden Valley provides changing views of water, mountains, and waterfalls without asking you to spend your limited shore time arranging transport.

The drive also makes the excursion practical for cruise passengers. Briksdalbreen is not at the pier, and the bus handles the outward and return journey while the guide manages the schedule. You can look out the window rather than concentrate on directions or parking.

At the same time, the bus is a large part of the four-hour program. One passenger calculated that the outing includes roughly a 23-kilometer coach ride, though the scenery makes the time worthwhile. If you want several hours of hard hiking, this tour may feel short. If you want a scenic ride followed by a memorable mountain walk, the balance works better.

The bus may also be able to drop you near Olden’s outlet center on the return, as one driver did for a passenger. Do not count on this as a standard stop, but it is worth asking politely if your schedule and the operator allow it.

A realistic look at the $146 price

At $146, this is not a cheap transfer. You are paying for the bus, a guide, port-to-port coordination, and the security of a cruise-friendly schedule. The experience is also considerably less expensive than the comparable excursion sold through some cruise lines, according to one direct comparison.

The value depends on how you use the four hours. The scenery begins on the drive, and the hike gives you a strong outdoor experience without requiring a full day away from the ship. The guide adds useful facts and helps with timing, but the hike is not continuously narrated.

I think the price is easier to justify if you are visiting Olden from a cruise ship, do not want to rent a vehicle, and care about returning without transport worries. It is harder to justify if you are already staying in the area, can arrange a cheaper ride, or mainly want a self-guided walk.

The cancellation terms help reduce the risk. You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Departure times are adjusted to ship arrival and departure schedules, with modified times announced in advance.

What to wear for a mountain route

Olden at the pier and Briksdalbreen in the mountains can feel like two different climates. Bring warm clothing, a warm jacket, weather-appropriate layers, and sturdy, comfortable shoes. Warm shoes are specifically recommended.

A raincoat is especially useful because waterfall spray can reach the path on a sunny day. You do not need to pack for an extreme expedition, but ordinary sightseeing shoes with smooth soles are a poor choice for a damp, uphill trail.

I would also bring water and a small snack, even though food and drinks are not included. A cafe and gift shop are located at the start and end of the walk, but you should not rely on the tour price to cover refreshments.

Pets are not allowed. The excursion is also not suitable for people with mobility impairments, back problems, or heart problems. If one person in your group cannot complete the main route, ask about the buggy option before you commit.

How the timing works for cruise passengers

The published schedule allows about 45 minutes of sightseeing on the way to Briksdalsbreen, two and a half hours at the trail, and 45 minutes back. That gives you enough time for the walk if you keep a steady pace, but not unlimited time for wandering.

The back-to-ship guarantee applies to cruise passengers when you provide the correct ship name during booking. The official tour time must end at least one hour before the ship’s departure. This is valuable, but you still need to show up at the correct meeting place and follow the operator’s instructions.

Enter your mobile number accurately, with the country code. If the provider cannot reach you because the number is wrong, a refund is not provided. That is a small booking detail with a large practical effect, especially in a busy pier parking area.

The tour is in English. A second language may be added depending on the passenger mix, but you should book this expecting English guidance.

Who will enjoy this excursion most

I would choose this for you if you want Norway’s big mountain scenery but prefer a planned outing over independent transport. It suits people who can walk uphill for roughly an hour, stop as needed, and handle a few steps and wet patches.

It is also a good match for families and mixed-age groups, provided everyone understands that the route is moderate and not fully flat. A guide can help watch the group, but each person still needs to manage their own pace.

You may want another option if you require a fully guided walk, want to spend more time at the glacier, or have serious mobility, heart, or back concerns. The tour provides a scenic and organized framework, not a private hiking experience with constant one-to-one attention.

Should you book the Olden glacier hike?

Yes, if your main goal is to see waterfalls, mountains, glacier meltwater, Olden Lake, and Briksdalbreen in one well-organized shore outing. The views are the star, and the combination of a scenic bus ride and uphill walk gives you a satisfying taste of the region in four hours.

Book it with realistic expectations. The first part of the hike is strenuous, your time at the viewpoint is limited, and the guiding may be lighter on the trail than you expect. Wear warm, sturdy clothing, arrive early at the pier parking area, and enter your ship and phone details carefully.

For a cruise passenger who wants a strong nature experience with a back-to-ship safety net, I consider this a worthwhile use of your day in Olden.

FAQ

How long does the Olden Briksdal Glacier excursion last?

The excursion lasts four hours, including the bus ride from Olden to Briksdalsbreen, the visit and hike, and the return journey to the Olden cruise quay.

Where do I meet the guide?

The meeting point is inside the parking lot at the Olden pier, after you leave the ship. The bus arrives 15 minutes before departure, and the guide wears a blue jacket or holds a sign.

How long is the hike to the glacier viewpoint?

The walk normally takes 45 to 60 minutes each way. The first part is the hardest, and the route gradually becomes easier. Allow extra time if you plan to stop for photographs.

Is the hike difficult?

The walk is moderate, with an uphill section and a few stone steps. It is described as manageable for a wide age range, but it can be strenuous at times and is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, back problems, or heart problems.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Bus transportation from the Olden pier to Briksdalsbreen and back is included. Food and drinks are not included.

Is there an alternative to walking the entire route?

A buggy may be available for part of the route if you cannot complete the hike. Even with the buggy, you must walk the final 500 meters to the viewpoint.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable and warm shoes, warm layers, weather-appropriate clothing, and a warm jacket. A raincoat is useful because waterfall spray can reach the path.

Does the tour guarantee that I will return to my cruise ship on time?

A back-to-ship guarantee is provided for cruise passengers when the ship name is correctly registered during booking. The official tour time must end at least one hour before the ship’s departure.