From Olden: Briksdal Glacier Guided Hiking Shore Excursion

Briksdal Glacier is the reason to book this outing. You ride from Olden into a dramatic valley, then walk beside waterfalls and glacier-fed streams toward one of the best-known arms of the Jostedal Glacier. I especially like the easy pier pickup and the chance to see the valley slowly unfold from a comfortable bus before tackling the trail.

I also like the back-to-ship guarantee, a major comfort on a cruise day, and the fact that the hike lets you set your own pace. The catch is simple: this is not a gentle stroll for everyone. The opening part is the steepest, and you need warm clothing, sound shoes, and enough fitness for up to two hours of walking.

Key points to know

• The hike takes 45 to 60 minutes each way, with the hardest section near the beginning.
• The 23-kilometer bus ride is part of the sightseeing, passing Olden Lake, peaks, waterfalls, and mountain farms.
• The trail is broad and well formed, but some parts are steep and include stone steps.
• One waterfall can spray the path, so pack a rain jacket even on a sunny day.
• An English-speaking guide adds context, with past guides including Sam, Anna, Alyssa, and Elisabet.
• Cruise passengers receive a back-to-ship guarantee when the ship name is supplied at booking and the official tour ends at least one hour before departure.

From Olden pier into the Olden Valley

The meeting point is unusually easy for a shore excursion. After leaving your ship, walk to the parking area inside the main Olden pier. The bus arrives 15 minutes before departure because of port rules, and your guide wears a blue jacket or carries a sign.

That simple setup matters. Olden is a small place, and you do not need to arrange a taxi or find a distant office. You do need to be at the correct pier parking area at the right time. Give the operator your mobile number with the country code when booking. If you get separated from the group, the guide can call you, but the provider warns that a refund is not available if the number is wrong or unreachable.

The vehicle carries you through Olden village and into the valley. The ride takes about 45 minutes each way, and one past departure described the full route as roughly 23 kilometers. This is not dead time. You get changing views of steep mountains, clear water, farms, waterfalls, and the long curve of Olden Lake.

The guide usually provides commentary during the ride. Past guides have included Sam, Anna, Alyssa, and Elisabet, though your guide will depend on the date. English is the scheduled language, and a second language may be added if the passenger mix calls for it.

One practical point: a bus was late for one departure, causing understandable concern at the pier. The trip got underway and went well afterward, but if you are waiting and cannot see the vehicle, ask nearby excursion staff for help rather than wandering away from the meeting area.

Olden Lake gives you the first big views

Olden Lake is a fine preview of what is ahead. Its water sits below tall mountain walls, and the road gives you several good looks as the bus follows the valley.

The ride is especially useful for anyone who wants the scenery without spending the whole day hiking. You can sit back, listen to the guide, and save your legs for the Briksdal trail. At the same time, do not expect the bus to function only as a shuttle. The journey is one of the main visual parts of the outing.

If you prefer a fast transfer with little commentary, this may feel slow. One past participant would have been happy with transportation alone, while another thought the guide made the drive more interesting. That is a fair split. The bus is comfortable and spacious, but your value depends partly on how much you enjoy a scenic road trip.

Walking toward Briksdal Glacier

At Briksdalsbreen, the main activity begins. You have about two and a half hours at the glacier area, including the walk, time at the viewpoint, and your return to the bus.

The walk to the glacier normally takes 45 to 60 minutes. The first part is the hardest, then the route gradually becomes easier. You will gain height at the start, so do not burn all your energy in the first 10 minutes. Walk steadily, stop for photos, and let faster people move ahead.

The trail is described as wide and well formed, with a few stone steps. It is not a technical mountain route, but the slope can feel strenuous if you are unused to hills. One person with modest fitness found it challenging but manageable, while another group ranging from age seven to 75 handled it well. That does not mean the walk suits every person in that age range. Fitness, balance, and weather matter more than age.

You should also allow extra time if you want to appreciate the route. The stated walking time is a useful guide, not a race target. With photo stops and pauses to take in the views, you may need an hour or a little more each way.

Waterfalls, spray, and glacier-fed streams

The path is rewarding because the scenery changes as you walk. You pass imposing peaks, rushing meltwater, alpine lakes, and waterfalls dropping down the mountain sides.

One waterfall can spray the trail. It may be refreshing on a warm day, but it can also soak a sleeve or make the path wet. Pack a raincoat or waterproof shell even if the sky is clear when you leave the ship. A small umbrella is less useful here than clothing that leaves both hands free.

The streams are fed by melting ice and snow, so the water moves with force. You get the sound as well as the sight, with roaring water beside a trail that otherwise feels open and quiet. These details give the walk its character. The glacier is the goal, but the route to it is not merely a long approach road.

Mountain weather can also shift the feel of the outing. It may be considerably colder near the glacier than at the port. Wear layers, bring a warm jacket, and choose shoes with a good sole. Comfortable city trainers may be enough for dry conditions, but warm, supportive walking shoes are the safer choice.

What you see at Briksdalsbreen

Briksdalsbreen is one arm of the Jostedal Glacier, and the viewpoint gives you a chance to admire the ice, the surrounding peaks, and the valley below. The exact appearance of the glacier can vary with season and conditions, so you should not picture a single fixed postcard view.

This is a viewpoint visit, not a glacier-climbing excursion. You do not walk onto the ice. The value comes from reaching the end of the trail, seeing the glacier in its mountain setting, and watching meltwater run away from it.

You get free time at the viewpoint for photos and a rest before returning. The views back toward Olden Lake are also important. Several people have found the final sight worth the effort of the climb, while others have said the whole route feels like a postcard from start to finish.

A café and gift shop are available at the beginning and end of the walk. Food and drinks are not included, so bring money if you want to use them. Do not count on a full meal during the excursion, since the schedule leaves limited time before the bus returns.

The return walk and the time limit

You can return by the same trail, enjoying a different angle on the waterfalls and peaks. One past participant preferred walking down the paved road instead of the path because it was less crowded and metalled all the way. That choice may depend on the guide, traffic, weather, and the instructions for your departure, so ask before setting off independently.

The schedule allows about 45 minutes back to Olden after the glacier stop, but the bus transfer itself is listed as another 45 minutes. Keep an eye on your watch. This is a group excursion, and the bus cannot wait indefinitely for a slow final return.

The tour is designed around cruise arrival and departure times. Modified departure times may be announced in advance, so check the timing supplied for your sailing rather than relying on a generic start time. The back-to-ship guarantee applies to cruise passengers only when you register the ship name at booking. The official excursion time must end at least one hour before the ship departs.

That promise is a strong point, but it is not a reason to arrive late at the meeting place. You are still responsible for joining the bus on time and following the guide’s instructions.

Is $146 a fair price?

At $146 per person, this is not a cheap bus ride. A large share of the cost covers transport into a remote valley, the driver, the English-speaking guide, and the planning needed to fit a glacier visit into a cruise stop.

The price looks better when compared with arranging the same journey through the cruise line, which has generally cost more for this destination. You also get the comfort of a coordinated transfer and a back-to-ship guarantee, two things that have real value when your ship is waiting.

Still, you should be honest about what you are buying. The walking portion is largely self-paced, and some people may feel they are paying mainly for the coach ride and access to the trail. If you would rather hike independently and can arrange your own transport, the guided format may not be essential. If you want a simple, ship-safe way to reach Briksdal Glacier, the cost is easier to justify.

The guide’s role varies in importance from person to person. Guides such as Sam have offered geographic and nature-focused information, while others have helped keep mixed-pace groups together. Alyssa, for example, was noted for checking on people at the back. That kind of attention can make the walk more comfortable, especially when your group includes different ages and fitness levels.

Who should book this hike?

I would choose this excursion if you want a major Norway scenery day without spending hours planning transport. It suits people who can walk uphill for 45 to 60 minutes, pause as needed, and manage a return walk before the bus departure.

It is a good fit for:

• Cruise passengers who want a clear ship-time safeguard
• People who enjoy waterfalls, mountain roads, lakes, and glacier views
• Families with older children who can manage a moderate walk
• Visitors who prefer a small guided outing to a large cruise excursion
• Anyone who wants transport and commentary but still values free time on the trail

Think twice if you have back, heart, or mobility problems. The experience is not recommended for those conditions. The trail is well formed, but that does not remove the slope or the need to walk a fair distance.

A buggy may sometimes be available for people unable to complete the full hike, but this is not listed as an included service. One past participant noted that the buggy still left about 500 meters to walk. Ask about current availability before booking rather than assuming it will solve every mobility concern.

Packing for a cold, wet mountain walk

Bring comfortable walking shoes, warm shoes if your footwear is not insulated, and layers that can handle changing weather. A warm jacket is important because the mountain can be much colder than Olden.

Your short packing list should include:

• Waterproof rain jacket
• Warm middle layer
• Supportive walking shoes
• Water and a small snack
• Phone or camera
• Correct mobile number saved in your phone

Food and drinks are not included. The café at the trailhead gives you an option, but the safest plan is to carry a small snack and drink for the walk.

Pets are not allowed. The tour is in English, although another language may be added depending on the group.

Should you book From Olden: Briksdal Glacier Guided Hiking Shore Excursion?

Book it if Briksdal Glacier is high on your Olden wish list and you want the practical safety net of organized transport and a back-to-ship guarantee. The strongest reasons are the spectacular route, the broad trail, the flexible walking pace, and the guides who can add useful detail about Norway’s mountains and waterways.

Skip it if you dislike uphill walking, want a private or fully guided hike, or would rather spend your Olden stop in the village. At $146, the tour asks you to pay for convenience as much as for guiding.

For most reasonably fit cruise passengers, I think the combination works. You ride through one of Norway’s most striking valleys, walk toward a glacier, and return on a schedule built for the ship. Pack a raincoat, start slowly, and leave enough time for the views.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is the parking lot inside the main Olden cruise pier. After leaving the ship, walk to the parking area and look for a bus arriving 15 minutes before departure.

How long is the excursion?

The full experience lasts four hours. The bus sightseeing portion takes about 45 minutes each way, with roughly two and a half hours at Briksdalsbreen.

How long does the walk to Briksdal Glacier take?

The walk normally takes 45 to 60 minutes each way. The first section is the hardest, and the route gradually becomes easier.

Is the hike suitable for beginners?

The trail is broad and well formed, but parts are steep. It can be manageable for people with moderate fitness who walk steadily and take breaks, but it is not suitable for everyone.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The live tour guide speaks English. A second language may be added depending on the passenger mix.

Is transport included?

Yes. Bus transportation from the Olden cruise pier to the Briksdal Glacier area and back is included. Food and drinks are not included.

Does the tour guarantee that I will return to my ship on time?

A back-to-ship guarantee is provided for cruise passengers when the ship name is registered during booking. The official tour time must end 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. The reserve-now-and-pay-later option lets you book without paying immediately.