Glacier views start before the hike. This Olden shore excursion is a simple, good-value way to reach Briksdal Glacier without doing the whole logistics puzzle yourself. You get a scenic drive, quick lakeside stops, then a guided push uphill to a glacier viewpoint that feels straight out of a fantasy map.

I especially like the combo of coach sightseeing plus real time outdoors. The walking portion has a paved, mostly straightforward approach, and the trail atmosphere is all waterfalls and mountain scenery as you move toward the ice. It also helps that guides like Lulu, Lara, and Gabriel show up in the mix, and their commentary tends to focus on what you are seeing and why it matters.

One drawback to weigh is the physical demand. This is not a flat stroll, and the hike includes inclines and a few steps, plus you may get wet if you hit the waterfall spray in rain.

Key Things I’d Bet You’ll Notice

• Paved route to the glacier lake with only a few steep moments, so the effort feels concentrated, not endless
• Waterfall heavy scenery along the approach, including mist if weather turns
• Oldevatn lake photo stop that gives you glacier country colors even before you reach the ice
• Briksdalsbre Mountain Lodge as your staging point, making the transition from bus to hike smooth
• Guides who manage the day well, often taking time for group pictures and pacing on the trail
• A cruise-port friendly timing layout, since the tour starts near the pier and returns there

The Drive Through Olden Sets the Mood

A glacier day in Norway can feel like two trips in one: the ice itself, and the scenery on the way. Here, the day starts at the Olden pier area, then you ride out along the shoreline of Oldevatnet Lake. Even if you plan to focus on the hike, this drive is not filler. It is where you get context for why Olden looks the way it does, with water and mountains close together and plenty of chances to look around through the windows.

This is also the part of the day that tends to feel easiest on your body. The bus ride is comfortable, and the tour format keeps you from having to coordinate a rental car or figure out parking and timing. Some days you get a clear sky, and some days you get classic “grey with rain” weather, but either way, the route helps you mentally prep for glacier scale.

If you are on a tight cruise schedule, the biggest win is that the departure point is walkable from the cruise port and most hotels. That matters more than you think when you are juggling time, lines, and the general chaos of cruise-day arrivals.

Old Church and Oldevatn, Two Quick Stops That Pay Off

Before you start hiking, you get small but meaningful breaks. One stop is Old Church in Olden, passed by on the way out. It is not a long visit, but it gives you a sense of the human layer in a place that is otherwise all natural drama.

Then comes the Oldevatn lakeside photo moment, where the water is famously turquoise. This is one of those stops that feels short, but it helps you read the rest of the day. When you later see glacial meltwater colors at the glacier lake, your brain already has a reference point from earlier in the afternoon.

I like this approach because it makes the day feel staged, not random. You do not just arrive at a trailhead and hope for the best. You watch the colors build, then you walk into them.

Briksdalsbre Mountain Lodge, Where Your Hike Really Begins

At Briksdalsbre Mountain Lodge, you step out and start your walk toward Briksdalbreen. Think of the lodge as your reset point. You go from bus seating to standing, from roadside views to walking paths, and you get the feeling that the glacier is not far away even before you reach the viewpoint.

The walking route is described as relatively flat overall, but with a few steep inclines. In plain terms, you should plan for effort to show up in chunks. Reviews commonly point out that the early portion can feel steeper than you expect, then things ease up for a while before you hit a few steps and short uneven sections.

Two things help you manage this:

1. You can hike at your own pace. The guide will give information, but you are not forced into a sprint.
2. The trail is wide and well maintained, with a paved feel for large parts of the route.

If rain is in the forecast, it changes the vibe. Waterfalls can spray more, and stones can get slick. In that case, your best friend is footwear with grip and clothing you do not mind getting a bit damp. If your goal is to enjoy the walk, not just survive it, plan for wet weather.

The Hike to the Glacier Lake: Waterfalls, Mists, and Scale

This is the heart of the excursion: the walk to the glacier viewpoint at the glacier lake. You are heading to a dramatic setting where waterfalls and river sections run close to the path. The reward is not only the glacier, but the way it meets the water.

Along the trail, you will often spot the power of the waterfalls before you reach the lake itself. One practical warning from real experience is that you might get misted halfway up near a major waterfall area. That is not an accident, it is part of the landscape you are choosing to walk through.

When you finally reach the glacier lake viewpoint, the payoff is what makes Briksdalbreen famous. You get a view of the glacier coming down into the water, plus the glacial meltwater look that can be striking when weather cooperates. On clear days, the light can make the glacier seem bright and sculpted, and on grey days the ice can look darker and more solid. Either way, it reads as real, not staged.

Time-wise, the walking segment is often around 1 hour 45 minutes total in the tour rhythm, but your personal pace matters. Some hikers find they reach the glacier faster, then slow down at photo stops, while others take more time to take it in. Your goal should be the viewpoint, not the stopwatch.

Also, this is where the guide’s role matters most. A good guide helps keep the group together without turning the hike into a march. In reviews, many guests praised guides for taking pictures for people and for offering real comments along the way, like how the surrounding water and ice connect to the region.

How the Tour Stays Cruise-Friendly (Even If Weather Turns)

A glacier excursion can break easily if the day runs long or the group can’t move smoothly. This one has a structure designed to reduce stress. The stops are short, the guide helps with timing, and the return ride goes back to the Olden pier area.

Weather is the big wild card. The tour depends on decent conditions. If the day is rainy, you still may hike, but you should expect extra wetness near waterfalls and reduced visibility at distant points. That does not automatically ruin the glacier view, but it changes the photo experience.

If you are sensitive to rain, bring layers you can strip on and off, plus a light waterproof shell. If you get soaked, you lose comfort fast. Glacier days are beautiful, but they are not warm-weather sightseeing.

One more comfort note: group size is capped at 45. That is large enough for a lively bus day, but not so huge that you feel totally lost on the trail.

Price and Value: What You’re Really Paying For

At about $128.19 per person for roughly 4 hours, this is not a bargain-basement excursion. But it also is not just a short ride to a viewpoint. You are paying for three kinds of value:

1. Convenience from the cruise port area, since you start and end near the pier without hotel transfers.
2. Local guiding and route context, including commentary during the drive and guidance around the hike.
3. Access to the glacier walk experience without needing to coordinate transport yourself.

Could you rent a car and drive up independently? Yes, that option exists, and the main advantage would be more flexibility. But in Norway, “flexibility” can turn into stress on a cruise day. Parking, timing, and weather planning cost energy. Here, you trade a bit of freedom for a smoother day.

In reviews, a few people felt it was expensive mainly because they felt the bus ride portion dominated and the hike was the real work. That is a fair point. If you hate long coach segments and you prefer to move at your own tempo, this format might not feel like the best fit. If, however, you want a guided, scheduled route that gets you to the glacier with minimal friction, the price starts looking more reasonable.

What to Pack (So the Hike Feels Fun, Not Miserable)

The tour guidance strongly suggests proper shoes and clothing, and that is not just legal language. You are walking near waterfalls, and you may encounter rain mist even when the sky is only partly gloomy.

Here is what you should plan around:

• Grip-first shoes: trail conditions can be uneven, and wet stones are common near waterfalls.
• Layering system: a base layer plus a warm layer plus a waterproof shell works well.
• Rain protection for your day bag: keep your phone and camera safe.
• A bit of patience for short climbs and steps: this is where your legs do most of the work.

If mobility is a concern, note that some guests mention alternatives such as troll cars that can help reduce walking distance. The tour overall still involves hiking, but those options can make the glacier day possible for people who would struggle with the full approach.

Who Should Book This Briksdal Glacier Day

This is a great match if you want:

• a guided shore excursion that feels organized and not chaotic
• a meaningful outdoor walk with real scenery payoffs
• a day plan that respects cruise timing, returning back toward the pier

It is also a strong choice for first-timers to Norway’s fjord region who want glacier country in one half-day block. The trail is not described as a brutal scramble, but it does require a strong fitness level. If your body can handle inclines and a few steps, you should be fine. If your mobility is limited, consider whether you need the reduced-walking options before you book.

It can be less ideal for people who want everything flat and easy, or for anyone who is expecting a totally gentle walk from start to finish. The scenery is worth it, but you should not pretend the hike is effortless.

Should You Book the Olden Shore Excursion to Briksdal Glacier?

If your priority is seeing Briksdalbreen without DIY logistics, I think you should strongly consider booking. The structure is built for cruise-day reality, and the walk is where the magic happens, with waterfalls, river views, and glacier lake rewards.

I would book it if you can handle a moderate uphill hike, you are willing to get a little wet, and you want a guided day that keeps moving. I would pause before booking if you hate steep inclines, you are not comfortable with steps, or you want total freedom to linger and wander without group timing.

Bottom line: this is one of those glacier experiences where the payoff is obvious once you are on the trail. If you come prepared, it is the kind of afternoon you will remember long after you leave Olden.

FAQ

How long is the Olden shore excursion to Briksdal Glacier?

It runs about 4 hours in total, with the glacier walk taking around 1 hour 45 minutes.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Norway Excursions Olden at Rv60 190, 6788 Olden, and it also uses the Olden pier as the start point. It ends back at the Olden pier area.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The experience is offered in English, and in mixed groups you may be guided by a multi-lingual guide in English.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes a local guide, sightseeing, entry related to the Briksdal Glacier, and the Olden Lake stop.

Are hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

How strenuous is the hike to the glacier?

The hike includes inclines and a few steep stretches and steps. It is described as relatively flat overall with some steep moments, but you are advised to have a strong physical fitness level. Some guests also mention troll car options for reducing walking distance.

Will I be walking for most of the afternoon?

You will do a guided drive and photo stops first, then spend the main time hiking to the glacier viewpoint and back, with time at the glacier area to enjoy the views. The rest is travel back to Olden.