Olden Shore Excursion: the Amazing Briksdal Glacier

The glacier is only half the story. This four-hour trip from Olden combines a scenic bus ride, turquoise Olden Lake, roaring waterfalls, and a walk to the Briksdal Glacier. I especially like the easy-to-find port meeting point and the chance to see so much Norwegian scenery in one short shore day. The guide adds useful local commentary, too.

I also like that you are given time to walk at your own pace rather than being forced into a tight hiking line. Guides such as Lulu, Laura, Gabriel, and Gabriele have earned praise for explaining the sights and helping with photographs. The main caution is fitness: the trail is broad and maintained, but it is uphill, with steep sections and some steps. In rain, you can expect mud, slippery footing, and spray from the waterfalls.

Key points at a glance

• A real glacier viewpoint: Walk to the lake below Briksdalbreen, where floating ice and mountain walls create the tour’s big moment.
• Olden Lake photo stop: Pause beside the turquoise water before heading inland toward the glacier.
• Uphill but manageable trail: Most of the route is wide and paved or gravel, though some sections work your calves.
• Waterfall spray is part of the fun: Bring waterproof clothing, since the path passes close to a powerful waterfall.
• Cruise-friendly timing: The meeting point is within walking distance of the pier, and the excursion returns to Olden.
• Maximum group size of 45: This is a shared coach tour, not a private outing, and the vehicle may feel busy.

What this Olden glacier trip is really like

This is a compact nature excursion built for cruise passengers. You meet the Norway Excursions Olden team at Rv60 190, a short walk from the cruise pier and most Olden hotels. There is no hotel pickup, so you need to reach the meeting point yourself.

The advertised duration is about four hours. That includes the drive out, a photo stop at Olden Lake, the walk to the glacier, time at the viewpoint, and the return drive. The actual walking portion is listed at about one hour and 45 minutes, although your uphill walk might take roughly 30 to 60 minutes depending on your pace and how often you stop for pictures.

I like this format for a port day because it avoids the wasted time that comes with a long formal pickup route. You walk to one central place, board the coach, and head straight into the valley. Just keep an eye on the departure time. A glacier visit is much more enjoyable when you are not watching the clock every two minutes.

The group can reach 45 people. That is a reasonable size for a shore excursion, but do not expect the intimacy of a private guide. Some departures use a large or double-decker bus. The bus is described as clean and comfortable, though the seating can feel tight when full.

Leaving Olden beside the fjord and lake

The bus begins near the pier and passes through Olden, including a view of the Old Church. This first section gives your guide a chance to explain the area and point out details you might miss from a taxi window.

The road then follows the shoreline of Oldevatnet, often called Olden Lake in tour materials. The water’s turquoise color is one of the first clear signs that this is a glacial setting. Mountain slopes rise around it, and the road offers frequent views across the water.

The planned photo stop at Oldevatn Camping lasts about 10 minutes. That is short, but enough to get out, stretch your legs, and take photographs. The stop also breaks up the bus ride before the walking part begins.

Weather makes a large difference here. In sun, the blue-green water and sharp mountain views can look almost unreal. Under clouds or rain, the scene becomes moodier, with waterfalls and mist taking over. The tour does require good weather, so poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund.

The walk from Briksdalsbre Mountain Lodge

The walking route begins at Briksdalsbre Mountain Lodge. From here, you follow a clear route toward Briksdal Glacier and its lake. It is not a wild mountain scramble. The path is described as wide, paved, well maintained, or gravel in different sections, making it more approachable than the word glacier hike might suggest.

That does not mean it is flat. The trail contains uphill stretches, a few steep inclines, and steps in at least one section. Some people describe it as easy to moderate, while others found it strenuous. Both impressions make sense. A fit walker may reach the viewpoint in 30 to 40 minutes, while someone taking a slower pace may need close to an hour.

I would call it an uphill nature walk rather than a technical hike. You do not need climbing skills, but you do need steady footing and enough strength for a sustained incline. The operator asks for a strong physical fitness level, and that warning is worth taking seriously.

The scenery gives you plenty of excuses to pause. The river runs beside the path, waterfalls pour down the rock walls, and the mountains close in as you approach the glacier. Several sections are ideal for photographs, so you may not walk continuously for the entire hour.

One waterfall is especially close to the route. You might get misted on a dry day, and in wet weather you should expect to get properly damp. Waterproof shoes, a rain jacket, and a cover for your phone are sensible choices.

Reaching Briksdalbreen and the glacier lake

The destination is the viewpoint at the glacier lake below Briksdalbreen. Here you see the glacier spilling down between the mountains toward water that can appear bright blue-green, with pieces of floating ice visible in favorable conditions.

The glacier has retreated over time, and you should not expect to stand directly on the ice. The appeal is the view from the end of the trail: the ice, lake, waterfalls, and mountain walls gathered into one powerful scene. The final viewpoint is the reason to make the climb, but the route itself is a major part of the experience.

You are normally given time to look around, take photographs, and return at your own pace within the allotted schedule. Some guides walk with the group, while the operator also allows people to set their own speed. That is helpful for mixed groups, since fast walkers can move ahead and slower walkers can stop without feeling pushed.

The tour is guided, but it is not necessarily a continuously guided hike. The path is clearly marked, and some departures allow you to walk independently while the guide checks on the group. If you want commentary during the walk, ask your guide before setting off. This small step can prevent disappointment, especially if you expected a naturalist-style hike.

Guides, commentary, and the shared coach

The strongest part of the human service is the guide quality. Several guides have received warm praise for clear commentary, friendly help, and assistance with photographs. Lulu is noted for explaining sights in two languages, while Laura has been praised for helping people who found the climb harder. Gabriel and Gabriele are also singled out for friendly, useful guidance.

The commentary begins on the bus, where the guide can explain Olden, the surrounding area, and the route to the trailhead. That turns the drive into part of the tour rather than a simple transfer. The best guides give you a sense of place before you arrive, so the glacier feels connected to the communities and roads you have just passed.

Quality can vary on a mixed group departure. The tour may use a multilingual guide, and in April or October, limited staffing means the tour may operate in English only. You should also expect that the guide may repeat information on the return journey, especially when the coach includes people who missed part of the first commentary.

The vehicle is practical rather than luxurious. A double-decker bus can provide good views, but seating space may feel snug. With as many as 45 people, boarding and unloading take time. On the positive side, the buses described in the feedback were clean, on time, and comfortable enough for the drive.

Is $128.19 a fair price?

At $128.19 per person, this is not a bargain bus ride. The price pays for organized port-day transport, a local guide, the Olden Lake stop, and a timed return to the pier. For a cruise passenger, that last part matters. Missing the ship is a much costlier mistake than paying for a planned excursion.

The value is strongest if you want a simple package and do not want to arrange transport to Briksdal Glacier yourself. The operator says its price is lower than cruise-line excursions, although you should still compare current prices before booking.

The value is weaker if you see the outing as only a coach transfer plus an unguided walk. There is no meal, bottled water, or hotel pickup included. One critical assessment described the experience as expensive for the amount of guiding provided, while another felt the tour was little more than a taxi ride. Those concerns are fair for anyone who prefers a private guide or expects a full-service excursion.

I would book it for convenience and time control, not for luxury. You are buying a structured route from the port to one of Norway’s best-known glacier viewpoints, with commentary and a return plan. If you can arrange a much cheaper transfer and are comfortable managing the timing yourself, the price may feel high.

Fitness, shoes, and weather advice

The most important practical issue is the walk. The trail is not uniformly steep, but the uphill sections can be demanding. You should be comfortable walking for an extended period and handling steps, inclines, and wet conditions.

Wear shoes with a firm sole. Trainers may work in dry weather, but waterproof walking shoes are safer when rain makes the surface slick. Bring a waterproof jacket even if the weather looks promising at the pier. The waterfalls can spray the path, and Norway’s weather can change quickly.

If walking uphill is difficult, troll cars are available in the Briksdal area, according to the tour feedback. They are not listed among the included features, so plan on paying separately and arranging them in advance if you need this option. A ride does not remove all walking: one account describes another 15-minute walk from the troll cars to the glacier.

The tour is not described as fully accessible, and the operator asks for strong physical fitness. Service animals are allowed. If you have limited mobility, contact the provider before booking and ask exactly how much walking remains after any troll-car ride.

Timing and cruise-day planning

The meeting point is Norway Excursions Olden, Rv60 190, 6788 Olden. It is within walking distance of the cruise pier, but you still need to leave enough time to disembark, find the meeting point, and check in.

The excursion includes about 10 minutes at Olden Lake and roughly one hour and 45 minutes around Briksdal Glacier. The remaining time covers the drives and transitions. That is enough for a proper visit, but not enough for endless photo stops or a long meal.

Give the operator your ship name when booking. This helps them manage cruise-day timing. The tour ends back at the meeting point near the pier, not at your hotel, so you can walk back to the ship after the excursion.

Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather or insufficient bookings force cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Who will enjoy this excursion most

I would recommend this tour to you if you want a major natural sight without arranging a rental car, navigating Norwegian roads, or building a port-day schedule from scratch. It suits active adults, families with capable walkers, and cruise passengers who value a planned return to the pier.

It is also a good choice if you enjoy photography. The Olden Lake stop, river, waterfalls, glacier, and floating ice offer a steady series of picture stops rather than one single viewpoint.

You should think twice if you dislike group coaches, need a flat route, or expect a fully guided hike with constant commentary. The trail is manageable for many people, but it is not flat, and the weather can make it much harder. If your priority is the lowest possible price, compare a simple transfer with this guided option before committing.

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 in Olden.

How long does the tour last?

The excursion lasts approximately four hours.

Is transportation from my hotel included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to make your own way to the meeting point.

How long is the walk to Briksdal Glacier?

The planned glacier visit lasts about one hour and 45 minutes, including time around the viewpoint. The uphill walk itself may take roughly 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your pace and stops.

Is the walk difficult?

The route is wide and maintained, with paved or gravel sections, but it includes uphill stretches, steep inclines, and some steps. The operator advises that participants have a strong physical fitness level.

Are troll cars available?

Yes, troll cars are available in the Briksdal area, according to the tour information and guest feedback. They are not listed as included in the tour price, and a further walk to the glacier may still be required.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded.

Should you book the Briksdal Glacier tour?

I would book this excursion if you want an efficient, scenic Olden shore day and can handle an uphill walk. The best parts are the turquoise lake, waterfall-filled route, and final view of Briksdalbreen above its glacial lake. The guides often add real value, and the return to the port is reassuring on a cruise schedule.

I would skip it if you want a cheap transfer, a flat stroll, or a private experience. At $128.19, the price is fair for organized transport and port-day convenience, but it is not simply a fee for walking to a viewpoint. Pack waterproof clothing, allow for a serious incline, and book the troll car ahead if needed. With those expectations, this is a strong way to see one of Norway’s most memorable natural sights in four hours.