Olden Shore Excursion: the Amazing Briksdal Glacier

A glacier walk with bus-window views. This Olden shore excursion mixes a scenic drive, quick photo stops, and a hike to the Briksdalbreen glacier with sky-high mountain views. I especially love the Oldevatnet lake viewpoint stop and the payoff of seeing the glacier spill into a blue-green glacier lake.

The catch is simple: you need to be ready for an uphill walk with some steep bits and misty waterfalls. I’d flag this as the main effort level consideration, especially if rain makes the trail slick.

If you want a classic Norway glacier moment without renting a car, this is one of the cleanest ways to do it from a cruise stop. Plus, meeting is straightforward since the tour departs within walking distance of the port.

Key Things That Make This Tour Worth Your Time

• Oldevatnet lake photo stop with that bright turquoise water that makes the whole region look unreal
• Briksdalsbre Mountain Lodge start that turns your glacier visit into a real, guided hike-and-view experience
• Waterfall-lined trail where you’ll likely get mist at key spots (plan for damp clothes)
• Lots of photo time at the glacier lake, not just a drive-by moment
• Small-to-medium groups (max 45), which helps the pace feel manageable

Olden Port Setup: Where You Start and Why It Matters

This excursion is designed for cruise-day timing. You make your own way to the meeting point in Olden, and it’s within walking distance of the cruise port and many hotels. That matters because you avoid the stress of hunting for a pickup at the last minute, especially if your ship schedule is tight.

Once you’re at Norway Excursions Olden, you’ll meet your guide and fellow passengers, then head out by vehicle. The tour runs about 4 hours, so it’s long enough to feel like an excursion, but short enough to fit the rhythm of a port day.

English is available, and in mixed groups the guide may operate multi-lingual with English support. That’s useful on a glacier day, because you’ll get the meaning behind what you’re seeing, not just directions.

Scenic Drive Along Oldevatnet and Olden’s Highlights

The ride out is more than filler. The route follows the shoreline of Oldevatnet Lake, and there’s even a photo stop at Oldevatn Camping where you’ll look across the striking turquoise water.

You’ll also pass through Olden and see the Old Church area on the way. Even if you only get a glimpse from the bus, it gives context for where you are: this is a small community setting up for glacier viewing, not a remote wilderness trek where you feel disconnected from civilization.

On the bus, the best tours do two things: they keep the commentary moving and they set up what you’ll see next. This one aims for that, so the glacier hike feels like the peak of the day, not a random detour.

Briksdalsbre Mountain Lodge: Your Trail Start (and Your Reality Check)

After the drive, you arrive at Briksdalsbre Mountain Lodge, which is where your glacier walk begins. This stop acts like a launch pad: you transition from bus ride mode into trail mode.

The walk to the Briksdal Glacier (Briksdalbreen) is described as relatively flat overall, but with a few steep inclines. That’s a helpful nuance. You’re not climbing mountains for hours, but you are also not doing a gentle stroll on perfectly level ground.

This is also where you’ll want to check your footing and adjust clothing. If it’s cool or cloudy, layering helps. If there’s any rain or mist in the air, waterproof outerwear can make the difference between annoyed and comfortable.

The Briksdalbreen Hike: Waterfall Mist and Glacier Lake Views

The highlight here is reaching the glacier viewpoint area and seeing the ice set into its landscape. The trail runs through scenery dominated by mountains and waterfalls, and one of the most common moments on this hike is the waterfall area where you can get mist on your face and clothes.

Expect a strong photo rhythm. The scenery changes often, and the glacier lake views at the top are the kind that pull you to the edge and make you pause—because the glacier isn’t just in the distance. You’re close enough to really register the shape and the way the ice meets the water.

Timing is generous. You’re scheduled with about 1 hour 45 minutes at the glacier area, which usually gives you time to walk up, stop for photos, and come back with enough margin to not feel rushed. That said, your pace matters. If you move quickly and don’t linger too long at viewpoints, you’ll feel relaxed. If you stop often, you can still make it, but plan your breaks.

How Much Effort You Actually Need (Steep Bits, Steps, and Troll Cars)

This tour asks for strong physical fitness level on the booking info, and that matches what you’ll feel on the ground. Even when a trail is wide and well maintained, there are steep inclines, and some sections include steps. Add rain to that and you’ll be glad you brought sturdy shoes.

Here’s the practical part: you’ll likely be hiking for about an hour give or take 15 minutes depending on pace. Some people report shorter hiking times to reach the top, while others take longer if they pause for photos or take breaks.

Now the good news: there are ways to reduce the strain. Several visitors mention that troll cars (troll tram-style transport) can help you bypass part of the climb, with a remaining walk still needed from where you drop off. If you’re concerned about mobility or endurance, this is the kind of option worth looking into before you commit.

If you’re debating between this tour and a more leisurely glacier plan, be honest about your calves and your comfort on uneven ground. This isn’t a flat boardwalk day.

Timing on a Cruise Day: Smooth Back-to-Port Rhythm

You’re not just hiking and disappearing into the woods. The schedule is built around port logistics: you drive back to Olden and return to the pier at the end.

What I like about this format is that it keeps the day balanced. The bus gives you perspective and context, the lake photo stop breaks up the travel, and then the hike delivers the main event. When you’re done, you’re not stuck planning a return. Your vehicle is waiting.

One small comfort detail: the bus is reported as clean and comfortable by many visitors, and some trips are on double-decker vehicles. That helps if you want easier views during the drive.

Price and Value: Is $128.19 Worth It?

At $128.19 per person, this is not a bargain-basement excursion. So you should judge value by what’s included and what you’re avoiding.

You’re paying for:

• a guided experience (including commentary during the drive and guidance around the glacier visit)
• the scenic transport along Oldevatnet
• access to the Briksdal Glacier area with enough time to actually enjoy it
• built-in photo stops that make the day more than just one hike

What you’re not paying for: hotel pickup and drop-off. You also should plan to supply your own water/snacks if you want them, since the tour info you have doesn’t mention refreshments.

Is it worth it? If you want a guided glacier hike from a cruise stop, without car logistics, the price can feel fair. If you’re expecting a super-easy walk with minimal effort for maximum time on the glacier, then it may feel expensive. The trail climb is real, and part of the cost is that you’re buying transportation plus an organized schedule.

My quick rule: if you can handle an uphill hike in the rain, the value comes alive. If you need a totally low-effort option, you may want to rethink or use troll cars if available.

Weather Reality in Olden: Build in Flexibility

This is a “good weather required” type of outing. Bad weather can cause cancellation, and if that happens you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Even when the day is running, weather still changes the hike. Rain and waterfall mist are common enough that you should dress for getting damp. Many people remember the waterfall sections most, and not in a calm way. Water is loud, spray is real, and slick ground can make steps more demanding.

If your cruise stop is windy or cold, bring a jacket you can handle getting wet in. If you run warm, you can always layer down, but you can’t “un-rain” your shoes.

Who Should Book This Briksdal Glacier Shore Excursion

This tour fits best if you:

• want a classic glacier-and-waterfalls day from Olden with minimal logistics
• are comfortable hiking uphill for part of the route
• enjoy photography and want time at the glacier lake, not just a quick viewpoint stop
• like a guided day where your guide explains what you’re seeing

It may not be the right fit if:

• you struggle with steps or steep, damp trails
• you need a fully level walk for the entire route
• you’re expecting a short, mostly seated trip

Family fit is mixed. Some visitors describe the path as paved and manageable in stretches, and they mention people using mobility aids or pushing strollers part of the way. Still, the steep and step segments are the deciding factor, so choose this with eyes open.

Should You Book This Olden Shore Excursion?

If you want real glacier proximity, a guided day that keeps you on schedule, and scenery that changes every few minutes, I think this is a strong choice. The combination of Oldevatnet lake views, the waterfall-lined approach, and time at the Briksdal Glacier lake is exactly the kind of port-day experience that feels worth leaving the ship for.

Book it if you can handle an uphill walk and you’ll treat rain and mist as part of the deal. Skip or plan differently if your comfort zone doesn’t include steep sections, steps, or walking on damp ground.

If you match that sweet spot, you’ll come away with the kind of glacier memory that feels bigger than the time you spent getting there.

FAQ

What’s the duration of the Olden shore excursion to Briksdal Glacier?

The tour runs about 4 hours (approx.).

Where do I meet for the tour in Olden?

You meet at Norway Excursions Olden, Rv60 190, 6788 Olden, Norway, which is within walking distance of the cruise port.

Is this tour guided in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English, and in some cases a multi-lingual guide may provide English due to mixed groups. In April or October, guidance may be in English only due to limited guide availability.

How difficult is the walk to the glacier?

The walk is relatively flat with a few steep inclines, but it does involve uphill effort and includes some steep sections and steps. Strong physical fitness is recommended.

Are there photo stops during the excursion?

Yes. There’s a photo stop at Oldevatn Camping for the Lake of Olden, and you’ll also reach glacier viewpoint areas with extensive photo opportunities.

What happens if the weather is bad?

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