Olden & Briksdal Glacier: Half-Day Shore Excursion from Cruise Port
Four Hours from the Cruise Pier to a Glacier Lake Surrounded by Waterfalls
You board a bus at Olden pier, drive through a valley past waterfalls and farms, stop for photos at the turquoise Olden Lake, then walk or ride a troll car to a viewpoint overlooking the Briksdal Glacier and its lake. The return journey gets you back to the ship in time, with no need to arrange transport or worry about timing yourself.
4h
Step-by-step itinerary
Briksdal Glacier half-day excursion
- Depart from Olden pier
- Drive through Olden, pass Old Church
- Photo stop at Lake of Olden
- Arrive at Briksdal Inn start walk
- Walk to Briksdal Glacier and lake
- Drive back to Olden pier
The Experience
"How much of this walk is actually steep?" The question came up on the bus before we'd even left the pier in Olden, and our guide didn't dodge it — he said the track to the glacier lake has uneven terrain and a real climb, but the pace is set by the group, and if you need it, you can rent a troll car (a small motorized vehicle) to cover part or all of the distance. That honesty shaped the whole half-day. The bus leaves from the cruise port and winds through the valley, past the old church with its white walls, then stops at the turquoise Olden Lake for photos. The light hits the water differently depending on the hour, and the mountains behind it don't need a filter.
At the Briksdal Inn, the real walk begins. The track is narrow in places, bordered by waterfalls that drop from the cliffs above, and the glacier itself sits at the end like something you've earned. It's not a casual stroll — the ground is uneven, there are roots and rocks — but the viewpoint at the glacier lake is where you stand and understand why people come back to this part of Norway. The walk takes around an hour and a half depending on fitness and pace. If the walk isn't for you, the troll car option means you're not stuck at the inn; you move through the landscape at your own speed instead of the group's.
The whole excursion runs about four to five hours from pier to pier, which matters if your ship has a tight turnaround. Your guide speaks English — though in April or October, when fewer guides are available, you might have a multilingual guide working with mixed groups. Wear proper shoes and layers; the weather changes fast in the valley, and the terrain doesn't forgive flip-flops. If you're traveling with small children, strollers work on parts of the track, though not all of it. Wheelchairs can board the vehicles, but the glacier walk itself has steep, uneven ground that isn't accessible.
What’s included
Your excursion includes pickup and return transport by bus from Olden pier, a local guide who speaks English, a photo stop at the turquoise Olden Lake, and access to the walking track (or troll car rental) leading to the Briksdal Glacier and its viewpoint. The guide manages the pace and timing to ensure you're back at the ship before departure.
Operated by Norway Excursions AS
Is this one for you?Book this if your cruise stops in Olden and you want to see the Briksdal Glacier without arranging your own transport or worrying about getting back to the ship on time — the fixed schedule and pier-to-pier service are what make a glacier visit possible in a port day.
Traveler reviews
Top questions
How long is the walk to the Briksdal Glacier?
Around an hour and a half at a moderate pace, depending on fitness and group speed. The terrain is uneven with roots and rocks.
What if I can't do the full walk?
You can rent a troll car (a small motorized vehicle) to cover part or all of the distance to the glacier lake viewpoint.
What's included in the price?
Bus transport from Olden pier, a local English-speaking guide, the walk or troll car ride to the glacier, and the return to the pier.
How much time do I have at the glacier?
The excursion runs about four to five hours total, including transport and the walk. Time at the glacier viewpoint depends on group pace.
Is this suitable for children?
Infants and small children can travel in a stroller or pram on parts of the track, but the full walk has steep, uneven terrain. Bring your own child or infant seat for the bus.
What should I wear?
Proper walking shoes and layers. Weather in the valley changes quickly, and the terrain is uneven. Avoid flip-flops.
Are wheelchairs accessible?
Vehicles support foldable wheelchairs, but the glacier walk itself has steep, uneven ground. Contact the operator before booking if you need a wheelchair ramp or have access questions.
What language is the guide?
English-speaking guides lead most departures. In April and October, guides may be multilingual due to limited availability in shoulder season.
Will the ship wait if I'm late?
No. The excursion is timed to return before the ship departs. Confirm your ship name at booking so the operator can plan the schedule around your departure time.
Can I bring a service animal?
Yes, service animals are allowed on the tour.
Olden & Briksdal Glacier: Half-Day Shore Excursion from Cruise Port
4h · EN · DE +3
from US$ 124 per person
★★★★★★★★★★4.61518 reviewsVerified traveler reviews via our booking provider
