Briksdal Glacier turns the dial to wow. This Olden shore excursion lines up a scenic drive along Oldevatnet and then gets you walking toward Briksdalbreen with great views.

What I love most is the payoff: glacier ice spilling into a pale blue lake, framed by steep mountains and loud waterfalls. I also like the way the day feels organized without being rushed, thanks to the guiding and the steady flow from bus to trail. (Some groups get guides like Lulu, Lara, Laura, or Gabriel.)

One thing to plan for: it’s an uphill hike in places, and if the weather turns wet and misty, you’ll want grippy shoes.

Key things to know before you go

• Briksdal Glacier is the star: the walk ends at a glacier viewpoint by the lake.
• Waterfalls are on the route: expect mist and power long before you reach the ice.
• Oldevatnet photo stop: you’ll stop at the turquoise lake area en route.
• Easy walking most of the way, uphill in spots: there are inclines and at least some step climbing.
• You’re back from the hike in time: the day is built as a cruise-friendly 4-hour loop.
• Smallish group size: capped at 45 travelers, which helps the logistics feel calmer.

Olden to Briksdal: Why this glacier trip is so satisfying

If you like Norway when it’s at full power—waterfalls roaring, mountains pressing close, and snow-ice doing its slow-motion thing—this is a strong shore excursion pick. Briksdalbreen is one of the most famous glacier tongues in the region, and the route from Olden is designed to get you there without turning the day into a logistics puzzle.

The experience works because it’s not just “drive up, look, leave.” You get a sightseeing ride first, with a couple of short stops that set the scene (and give your camera a warm-up). Then you switch modes to your own two feet for a hike that’s short enough to fit a cruise day but real enough to feel like you earned the view.

Just keep your expectations tied to the hike level: it’s described as a relatively easy hike with some steeper inclines, but a review comment you should take seriously is this—there isn’t much flat walking. Plan for an uphill push, and you’ll enjoy it more.

The ride from Olden: quick pier start, lake views, and onboard stories

You’ll meet your guide near Norway Excursions Olden at Rv60 190, 6788 Olden. The good news for cruise days is that this is within walking distance of the cruise port and many hotels, so you’re not sitting around waiting for a pickup van.

Once everyone’s accounted for, you board the vehicle and head out along the shoreline of Oldevatnet, the lake that gives Olden its bright color and clean mountain backdrop. Expect a photo stop early on—one of the most photogenic moments of the day is the quick pause near Oldevatn Camping, where the water shows up as that turquoise pop you’ve probably seen in glacier-region pictures.

On the bus, the guide provides local context as you pass by familiar sights like the Old Church area. In multiple accounts, guides (including Lulu, Lara, Laura, and Gabriel) are praised for explaining what you’re seeing, not just reciting names. That kind of commentary matters here because the terrain changes fast: fjord shoreline, mountain walls, waterfalls, then eventually a landscape that starts looking like the ice is about to show up on its own schedule.

One practical note: bus seating can feel tight depending on the vehicle and crowding. If you’re tall or you dislike cramped rows, dress with comfort in mind and keep your “getting out quickly” mindset. The driver and guide keep moving, and the time budget is real.

Stop-by-stop: what each part of the day is really for

This tour runs about 4 hours total, built around the timing of a shore visit. The stops are short, but they’re not random. Each one sets up what comes next.

1) Norway Excursions Olden (start at the pier area)

This is your rendezvous point. The schedule here is tight—think minutes, not a long wait—so arrive a bit early, use the bathroom if you need it, and get your shoes sorted before you board.

2) Oldevatn Camping (turquoise lake photo stop)

This short break is about views and reset. You’re not hiking yet, but you’re already seeing how the lake and mountains frame the glacier region. It’s also the moment where many people catch their breath after the cruise ship crowd rhythm.

If you love photography, this stop is useful because it’s calmer than the trail later. You can take photos without stopping every few seconds for steep terrain.

3) Briksdalsbre Mountain Lodge (trail start)

This is the moment your day becomes hiking. You’re guided to the start area, then you head onto the trail toward the glacier and the glacier lake viewpoint.

The big advantage of starting at Briksdalsbre Mountain Lodge is that it’s the natural gateway to the hike. You’re not guessing routes or hunting signage. Once you’re on the walking path, it’s set up for visitors.

4) Briksdal Glacier (Briksdalbreen): hike and viewpoint time

This is the payoff chunk—about 1 hour 45 minutes allotted for the walk to the glacier lake area and time at/near the viewpoint. The trail is described as having a relatively flat feel with a few steeper inclines, but another honest read from real visitors is that you’ll still work your calves.

Here’s what you should expect on the way:

• Waterfalls and mist: there’s often a strong waterfall nearby halfway up, so you may get damp or misted even if the rest of the day seems fine.
• A guided experience, but at your own pace: your group walks together, and the guide gives information and helps with pictures, but you aren’t forced to match a single speed.
• Mixed terrain: a review noted a paved and well-maintained path, while another mentioned steps at one point. That means you should treat the trail as manageable, not “flat easy.”

When you reach the glacier lake viewpoint, the view is what the whole day was about: glacier ice near a lake with pale blue coloring, plus dramatic mountain walls around you.

5) Drive back to Olden pier (end)

After the glacier time, you return by vehicle. The goal is simple: finish your hike and get back to the ship area smoothly, without sprinting.

How hard is the hike, really?

The tour info flags that you should have strong physical fitness. That doesn’t mean you need to be an elite athlete, but it does mean you should show up ready for an uphill walk.

Based on what people emphasize in their feedback, here’s a realistic picture:

• You’ll likely walk more than you think for a “short shore excursion.”
• There are inclines and at least some step climbing.
• If it’s raining, you’ll feel it on your grip and footing.

On the bright side, the path is widely used by visitors, and several people specifically call out that the trail is paved/sealed and well maintained in parts. That combo—maintained path, plus uphill stretches—explains why you’ll see everything from hikers to families taking it seriously.

If mobility is a concern, there’s also mention of troll cars that can drive most of the way up, with still some walking from there. The key is to plan ahead in your own mind: the tour itself is built around the walk, so bring the right gear and decide early what pace works for you.

Views, waterfalls, and the little moments that make it feel worth it

This is not a “stand in one spot” glacier trip. The most praised aspect of the day is the sequence of scenery: you don’t just see the glacier at the end—you see it arrive.

Waterfalls are a big deal here. Reviews repeatedly call out powerful falls and mist along the route. That matters because it gives the trail energy even if you feel tired. Every time you think the hike is getting repetitive, the scenery changes—more river sound, more waterfall motion, and then more open views as you climb.

Then there’s the glacier lake viewpoint. People describe it as stunning and photo-rich for a reason: the glacier is close enough to feel dramatic, and the lake below helps it pop visually.

And the bus ride isn’t just filler. The photo stop at Oldevatn and the quick look around Olden set context. Even if you’re not a history person, the guide commentary helps you connect what you see on the ride to what you’ll walk toward next.

Price value: is $128.19 a good deal for a cruise stop?

At $128.19 per person for a roughly 4-hour excursion, you’re paying for more than “a glacier view.” You’re paying for the whole package:

• guided transport from the Olden meeting point area
• guided sightseeing (including the lake photo stop)
• entry-related components tied to the glacier visit
• a planned schedule that fits cruise timing

Is it expensive? One critic felt it was pricey for the amount of hiking time after a bus ride. That complaint makes sense if you’re comparing it to a do-it-yourself drive plus independent hiking.

But if you’re trying to avoid stress—no route hunting, no parking decisions, no timing pressure of getting back to the ship—this is exactly what shore excursions are for. The best value comes when you use the guide’s time well: take the offered stops, ask questions on the bus, and don’t waste your glacier time looking for where to go next.

In other words: it’s best value for travelers who want a smooth cruise-day plan and prefer guided logistics over self-navigation.

What to wear and pack for Briksdalbreen

The tour advice is straightforward: wear appropriate shoes and clothing, and expect weather to matter. From the hike experience described, you should pack for damp.

My go-to checklist for this kind of glacier walk:

• Grippy shoes (water-resistant if possible)
• A waterproof layer (rain can show up right when you’re near waterfalls)
• Warm layers you can adjust (mountain air can feel cooler near water and ice)
• Quick-dry socks if you have them
• A small day bag for a snack/water if you like (the tour doesn’t mention food stops)

Also, bring your patience for steps and inclines. If you treat the trail like a short nature walk and not a “flat stroll,” you’ll have a better time.

Who should book this Olden shore excursion

This works especially well if:

• You want a glacier experience without spending your shore day planning transportation and timing.
• You’re comfortable walking for around 1.5 hours total on a maintained path with some steep sections.
• You like nature with narration—guides who explain what you’re seeing tend to make the day better.

You might reconsider if:

• You strongly dislike uphill walking or have limited mobility and can’t use the alternative transport option mentioned (troll cars).
• You get thrown off by wet/misty conditions. The waterfalls can mean dampness.

On the plus side, reviews repeatedly say the hike is doable for many people, and the trail is described as paved and well kept. So it’s not a “hardcore mountaineering” situation—it’s a classic glacier viewpoint walk with a bit of a climb.

Should you book? My practical verdict

Book it if you want a cruise-day glacier visit that feels organized and scenic from start to finish. The combination of the Oldevatnet drive, the turquoise lake stop, and the walk to Briksdalbreen’s viewpoint is a strong mix: transport + payoff + photo moments.

Skip it (or be cautious) if you’re looking for a low-cost hike-only option. The hike is the core, but the price is tied to the guided transportation and structured timing. Also, be honest about your willingness to handle uphill sections and wet weather.

If you’re the type who wants to “just get there” and spend your energy on enjoying the scenery—this is the right kind of tour.

FAQ

How long is the Olden shore excursion to Briksdal Glacier?

The tour is approximately 4 hours.

Where does the tour start in Olden?

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

Do I need hotel pickup?

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

What languages are available on the tour?

The tour is offered in English. In April or October, it may be guided in English only due to limited guide availability during shoulder season. In other times, a multi-lingual guide may be used depending on the group.

How much walking is involved?

You walk to the Briksdal Glacier and the glacier lake viewpoint. The glacier stop allows about 1 hour 45 minutes for the walk and viewing time.

Is the hike flat?

Not entirely. The trail is described as relatively flat with a few steep inclines, but you should be prepared for uphill walking.

Where do we get photo stops during the day?

There is a photo stop at Oldevatn Camping (the turquoise lake area), and you also reach scenic viewpoints on the walk to the glacier lake.

Does the tour include a guide?

Yes. A local guide is included.

What’s included in the excursion price?

It includes a local guide, sightseeing, the Briksdal Glacier visit, and the Olden Lake. (Admission at the listed stops is shown as free in the schedule.)

What happens if weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.