Olden & Briksdal Glacier: Shore Excursion with Valley Drive

Summary

Olden’s valley road to Briksdal Glacier with lakeside stops and mountain air

You’ll ride from Olden through valleys dotted with farms and waterfalls before walking (or riding) up to Briksdal Glacier’s blue lake viewpoint. Expect fresh mountain air, local stories from your guide, and plenty of chances to pause or laugh along the way. It’s less about ticking boxes than feeling small in front of something ancient.

What’s the experience like?

It’s hard to explain the first few minutes after we left Olden pier — the bus windows fogged a little from our breath, and outside, that sharp green you only get in Norway. Our guide (I think her name was Ingrid?) pointed out the “little red church” as we rolled by. She grinned when someone asked if it’s really always that red (“It gets repainted every few years — tradition!”). The road wound past farms where I saw a kid chasing a chicken, which felt oddly comforting.

We stopped at Olden Lake for photos — honestly, I thought the color was edited in brochures but nope, it’s that blue-green in real life. There was a faint smell of wet grass and something sweet from wildflowers along the bank. The air tasted cold. Then came the drive up toward Briksdal Inn; you could hear waterfalls before you saw them, especially one that sounded like applause echoing off stone. Ingrid told us stories about glacier trolls (she swears she saw one as a kid), and I tried to pronounce “Briksdalsbreen.” She laughed — probably because I butchered it.

The walk up to Briksdal Glacier starts easy but gets rocky fast — not impossible, just… uneven enough to make you watch your step. Some folks took those little troll cars (they look like golf carts dressed for winter), but I wanted to feel my boots on the trail. The closer we got, the quieter everyone became; only wind and water rushing somewhere below. When we reached the glacier lake viewpoint, I just stood there for a while — didn’t even take a photo at first. Sometimes you want to keep something for yourself, you know? Even now I remember how cold my hands felt leaning on that wooden railing.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Briksdal Glacier half-day excursion

• Depart from Olden pier
• Drive through Olden, pass Old Church
• Photo stop at Lake of Olden
• Start walk to Briksdal Glacier
• Walk to glacier and lake viewpoint
• Drive back to Olden pier

Top questions

How long does the Olden & Briksdal Glacier shore excursion take?

This is a half-day tour departing from Olden pier and returning there after visiting Briksdal Glacier.

Is walking required on this Briksdal Glacier tour?

You can walk from Briksdal Inn to the glacier viewpoint or rent a troll car if you prefer not to walk.

Are guides included on this day trip?

Yes, a local guide leads the excursion and shares stories along the route.

Can infants or small children join this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

Is this excursion suitable for wheelchair users?

The vehicles support foldable wheelchairs; terrain is uneven near the glacier so contact before booking for ramp needs.

What should I wear for visiting Briksdal Glacier?

Wear appropriate shoes and clothing for uneven terrain and changing weather conditions near the glacier.

Does this tour operate in English?

Tours are usually multilingual but may be guided in English only during April or October due to guide availability.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup at Olden pier, all transfers through valleys past Olden Lake and waterfalls with a local guide sharing stories along the way; sightseeing stops; entry to Briksdal Glacier area; plus flexible options for walking or riding up to the glacier viewpoint before returning together.