From Olden: Briksdal Glacier Guided Hiking Shore Excursion

Briksdal Glacier is the star here, but the road from Olden is part of the show. You ride through the village and along Olden Lake, then walk into a mountain valley framed by peaks, rushing meltwater, and waterfalls. I like the easy cruise-port meeting point and the back-to-ship guarantee, two details that remove much of the worry from a port-day outing.

I also like that the hike gives you time to set your own pace. The first section is the hardest, but the route gradually eases, and you can stop often for photos. The main drawback is simple: this is not a gentle stroll. The walk normally takes 45 to 60 minutes each way, with uphill sections, and some people may wish they had more than the allotted time.

Key points before you book

• Briksdal Glacier is reached by foot: Allow about 45 to 60 minutes each way, with the steepest part near the start.
• The drive is a major part of the experience: You spend roughly 45 minutes each way passing Olden Lake, mountains, waterfalls, and the Olden Valley.
• Guiding quality is a strong point: Guides such as Sam, Anna, Alyssa, and Elisabet have been praised for clear explanations, patience, and keeping an eye on the group.
• Waterproof clothing matters: One waterfall can spray the path, even on a sunny day.
• The $146 price buys convenience: You get bus transport, a guided hike, and cruise timing protection, but food and drinks are extra.
• The return guarantee has conditions: Give the operator your ship name when booking, and the official tour must finish at least one hour before departure.

The ride from Olden pier to the glacier valley

Your day begins at Olden cruise pier, where the local bus arrives 15 minutes before departure under port authority rules. Look for a guide in a blue jacket or someone holding a sign. The meeting point is inside the pier parking area, so you do not need a separate taxi from the ship.

The bus first passes through Olden, a small village set between water and steep mountains. Then the road follows the Olden Valley toward Olden Lake. The lake views are not a throwaway introduction. The water reflects the surrounding peaks, and the changing views give you a good sense of how tightly this community fits into its mountain setting.

The drive takes about 45 minutes each way. That means roughly 90 minutes of your four-hour outing are spent on the bus. I consider that time well used because the scenery begins immediately, but you should know what you are buying. This is both a transport service and a walk, not several separate sightseeing stops.

The coach is described as comfortable and spacious, and the driver is part of the experience. Guides provide information during the ride, with the possibility of a second language if the passenger mix calls for it. The main tour language is English.

Following the Briksdal route toward Jostedal Glacier

The walking portion begins at Briksdalsbreen, one of the arms of the much larger Jostedal Glacier. You are not simply arriving at a viewpoint, taking one photo, and returning to the bus. The route lets you watch the scenery change as you move farther into the valley.

The trail is well formed and wide, with a few stone steps. It climbs in places, especially during the first part. The walk to the glacier normally takes 45 to 60 minutes, but I would allow longer if you want to stop for photos and enjoy the waterfalls rather than treat the route like a fitness test.

The reward comes in layers. You pass meltwater streams fed by the glacier, hear the water rushing down from the heights, and see snow-capped peaks above the valley. Alpine lakes and open mountain views appear along the way. The air is crisp, and the temperature can be much lower than at the pier, so pack a warm jacket even if Olden feels mild.

One especially useful tip is to bring a raincoat. A waterfall can spray the path, and a fine day does not protect you from falling water. Comfortable shoes are essential, and warm shoes are recommended. This is not the place for smooth casual footwear.

What you see at Briksdalbreen

The glacier viewpoint is the main destination. From there, you can look across a dramatic mountain setting shaped by ice and meltwater. You get time to admire the view and take photographs before returning toward the bus.

The word glacier can create the wrong expectation. You are visiting an arm of Jostedal Glacier, but this is not a technical glacier walk, and there is no suggestion that you step onto the ice. The appeal is the approach, the valley, the water, and the sight of the ice from the viewpoint.

The route also rewards people who enjoy the walk itself. A long view of the glacier is memorable, but so are the smaller details along the way: spray from a waterfall, streams cutting through the valley, and the contrast between the pale ice and dark mountain slopes.

You can walk back by the same route. One useful suggestion is to consider the road rather than the footpath on the return, since the road is paved and may be less crowded. Any change of route should follow your guide’s instructions and the conditions on the day.

There is a cafe and gift shop at the start and end of the walk. Food and drinks are not included, so this is a useful place to plan a purchase if you need one. Do not depend on the tour price to cover refreshments.

How much help will your guide provide?

The tour includes a guided hike, but the experience is not necessarily a step-by-step walking lecture from the bus to the viewpoint. Several parts of the hike are effectively taken at your own pace. That is good for a mixed group, but it can disappoint you if you expect the guide to lead every person together for the entire route.

The guide quality can make a real difference. Sam was praised for explaining the geography and local area in a clear, informative way. Anna was described as excellent at keeping the trip organized, while Alyssa was noted for watching the group and checking on people who walked more slowly. Elisabet helped a delayed group member feel comfortable and added useful information about Norway during the ride.

These details matter because cruise shore excursions often include people with very different walking speeds. A guide who checks on the slower walkers is more valuable than one who simply reaches the viewpoint first. You should still be prepared to manage your own pace and tell the guide if you need a break.

A few people expected more active guiding on the trail and felt that transport plus a self-guided walk would have been enough. That is a fair criticism. The bus ride has guide commentary, and the walk is supported, but this is not a tightly scripted interpretive tour at every bend.

Fitness, pace, and the optional buggy

The first part of the hike is the hardest. It gets gradually easier, but you still need to handle an uphill route and a total walking time of around 90 minutes or more. The actual time can stretch if you stop for pictures, which you probably will.

The outing has worked for mixed ages, including a group ranging from seven to 75, but that does not make it suitable for everyone. It is not recommended for people with back problems, mobility impairments, or heart problems. Be honest about your fitness before booking, especially because the schedule leaves limited time to linger.

A buggy option may be available for people unable to manage the full walk. You still need to walk the final 500 meters, so this is not a complete substitute for walking. Confirm the current arrangement with the operator if this matters to your group.

I would choose this excursion for someone who can walk uphill at a moderate pace and who is happy to pause when needed. I would not choose it for someone looking for a bus-only sightseeing trip or a flat, easy path.

Is $146 good value for a cruise day?

The price is $146 per person. That is not cheap, especially when the actual destination is reached by a relatively short hike and the tour includes no food or drinks. You are partly paying for the bus, guide, port coordination, and the safety net of getting back to your ship on time.

Compared with arranging similar transport through the cruise line, the price can be attractive. One experienced participant calculated that much of the cost covered the coach ride, but still considered the excursion worthwhile because the scenery was so strong and the cruise-line alternative cost more.

The value improves if you care about three things: not having to arrange transport in an unfamiliar port, receiving commentary during the drive, and having a return-to-ship guarantee. The value drops if you would be comfortable finding your own transport and walking without a guide.

You should also consider the time. Four hours is enough to make the outing work during a cruise stop, but it does not offer a relaxed half-day at the glacier. One person wanted at least another hour. If photography is your main goal, the fixed schedule may feel tight.

Cruise timing and meeting details

The tour is adapted to ship arrival and departure times, and modified departure times are announced in advance. The official tour time must finish at least one hour before your ship leaves for the return guarantee to apply.

When booking, provide the correct mobile number with the country code. The operator may call if you get lost, and no refund is provided if they cannot reach you using the number supplied. Also enter your ship name so the back-to-ship protection can be applied.

A bus arriving late would be frustrating at the pier, and one such delay has been noted. Once the outing began, the trip ran well, but you should still arrive early and stay alert for the blue-jacketed guide or sign.

The meeting point is a short walk from the ship, inside the main Olden pier parking area. You do not need to arrange transport to the starting point unless your ship docks elsewhere.

What to bring for changing mountain weather

Pack for two climates. Olden at the pier may feel comfortable, while the glacier valley can be considerably colder.

Bring:

• Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
• Warm shoes
• A warm jacket or extra layer
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• A raincoat or waterproof shell
• A phone or camera with room for plenty of photos

The raincoat is not just a precaution. Waterfall spray can reach the path. Warm layers also give you flexibility if the bus ride begins in mild weather and the mountain air feels cold later.

Pets are not allowed. Food and drinks are not included, so bring or buy what you need at the permitted stops.

Who should book this Briksdal Glacier outing?

I would book this tour if you want the classic Olden combination: a scenic bus ride, a real mountain walk, waterfalls, glacial meltwater, and a strong viewpoint. It is especially useful for cruise passengers who want a shore excursion with clear timing and a back-to-ship guarantee.

Families and mixed-age groups can make it work if everyone understands that the first section is uphill and that the pace may vary. The tour suits people who enjoy taking their time, stopping for photographs, and breathing in the scenery rather than racing to a landmark.

I would look elsewhere if you have serious mobility limits, back or heart problems, or if you want a fully guided walk with constant commentary. I would also skip it if you dislike cold weather, wet paths, or a schedule that gives you only limited time at the glacier.

For most reasonably fit cruise passengers, the combination of scenery, access, and timing makes the $146 worthwhile. Just book it for the right reason: the full journey through Olden Valley is the experience, not only the final glacier view.

FAQ

Where does the Briksdal Glacier excursion begin?

It begins at the Olden cruise pier. Inside the main pier is a parking area where the bus arrives 15 minutes before departure.

How do I find the guide?

Look for a guide wearing a blue jacket or holding a sign.

How long is the excursion?

The full excursion lasts four hours, including the bus ride to Briksdalsbreen and the return journey to Olden.

How long does the hike take?

The walk to the glacier normally takes 45 to 60 minutes. You should allow similar time for the return, especially if you stop for photos.

Is the hike difficult?

The first part is the hardest, with uphill sections. The route gradually becomes easier, but it requires comfortable walking shoes and a reasonable level of fitness.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Bus transportation from the Olden meeting point and back is included.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. There is a cafe and gift shop near the start and end of the walk.

Is there a back-to-ship guarantee?

Yes, for cruise passengers who provide their ship name when booking. The official tour time must finish at least one hour before the ship’s departure.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.