Two heights, one fjord day. This is a tight, well-paced outing that strings together Briksdal Glacier and the Loen Skylift on the same day, plus a calm church stop and a real lunch break. You’ll spend most of the time looking out at mountains and ice, not checking schedules.

What I like most is how efficiently it moves you from town to glacier, with Troll Cars handling the steep road part so you can focus on the views. I also like the variety of stops, from the Olden Old Church to the cable car ride up above the fjords. The day feels like Norway in three different moods, quiet, wild, and high up.

The one thing to plan around is weather. The skylift views depend on conditions, and the glacier area can be cold and wet, so bring layers and stay flexible.

Why Briksdalbreen and Loen Skylift Fit Together So Well

This day excursion works because it balances effort with payoff. The glacier portion is short on time, but it still gives you a close look at the ice and meltwater scenery, plus that signature mountain-road thrill getting there. Then you top it off with a cable car ascent that quickly puts you in the thick of fjord views without a long hike.

You’re also not stuck in one kind of scenery. Olden gives you lakes and classic fjord valleys, the glacier gives you ice and cold air, and the skyline ride gives you wide angles over the Nordfjord region. It’s the kind of day that’s built for photos, but also built for variety.

One more practical win: the group size is capped at 7 travelers, and the transport is an air-conditioned private vehicle. That usually means fewer bottlenecks and more “go at a comfortable pace” energy.

Olden Old Church and Olden Lake Lunch: A Calm Start That Makes the Day Feel Longer

Your day begins in Olden, with pickup from your cruise terminal or hotel and then a drive through the village. You pass the Olden stave church, then continue up the Olden Valley toward Olden Lake. This early portion matters because it sets your eye on the geography, you start to understand how the valleys open up and where the glacier corridor fits in.

Stop 1 is the Olden Old Church, a stave church from the 1700s. You get about an hour here, including the admission ticket. The vibe is quiet and grounding, and it’s a nice change of pace before you head up to ice and altitude. If you like old wooden architecture and simple, no-rush interior time, this stop lands well.

Stop 3 is your break: Olden Lake, plus a Norwegian picnic lunch. You’ll have about two hours here, so you’re not forced into a quick bite and run. The lunch is included with Norwegian specialties, and dietary needs can be accommodated, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free, if you note them when booking.

A small tip for this part: treat the lunch as your energy reset. You’ll be warmer while you eat, then the rest of the day asks you to handle cold air and time outdoors near the glacier.

Troll Cars to Briksdal Glacier: What You Really Do on the Ice Day

The glacier stop is the main event, but the way you get there is part of the story. You drive to the base camp area for the hike, then you ride Troll Cars up the mountain road. That gets you around the steep, winding sections without turning the day into a long uphill climb.

From there, you do a short walk to reach the glacier area, then spend time at the top before heading back down. The timing is tight and clear: about a 15-minute hike up and around 15 minutes on the top before you return. You also have time around the meltwater scenery, including a walk near a meltwater lake and river set against snowy mountains.

What I like about this setup is that it keeps expectations realistic. You get a true glacier experience without spending half the day on the trail. It’s ideal if you want the wow factor, but you also want to save energy for the later skylift ride.

The possible drawback is obvious once you think about it: because the day is condensed, you’re outside and moving even if the weather turns. One of the most consistent notes from people who did this type of trip is that it can be cold and rainy. That means you should dress for damp conditions, not just sunshine.

Loen Skylift: Fast Up, Huge Views (When the Sky Plays Nice)

After the glacier and lunch, you head to the Loen Skylift, the cable car ride up above the fjords. The ride is quick, about 7 minutes, rising from 0 up to 3,000 feet. That speed matters on a day like this, you keep momentum and you don’t lose the weather window to slow transport.

The big payoff is the view when conditions allow. You might see the Loen Lake valley and Olden valley, plus Nordfjord and Loen village. The surrounding mountains sit roughly between 4,500 and 6,000 feet, so you get that dramatic sense of the region’s scale.

Here’s the practical part: the skylift is weather-dependent. If the day is cloudy, you may still enjoy the ride and the mountain air, but the “big fjord picture” is less guaranteed. Because this is one of your most view-heavy moments, I like that the tour is designed so you reach it later in the day, meaning you’re not wasting your morning inside if the weather is good early.

Also notice the pacing. After your skylift time, you’ll drive back toward your ship. If there’s time, there’s a quick drive up the Loen valley, with a chance to buy local berries and local jam. It’s a small add-on, but it can be a fun last stop if you like bringing home food souvenirs.

Private Vehicle Comfort, Small Group Size, and Real-Time Snacking

This excursion is built around comfort and flow. You ride in an air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced driver guide, and you get complimentary snacks and drinks during the ride. That sounds simple, but it makes a difference on a day with outdoor time. It reduces the chances you’ll spend the best moments thinking about hunger or thirst.

The tour is also small, max 7 travelers. In practical terms, that usually means less waiting, fewer “where are people” moments, and smoother movement between stops. You’re not in a huge herd, you can actually hear your guide when they point out the route and the scenery.

You’ll also use a mobile ticket, which is convenient when you’re traveling with a phone and trying to keep luggage-free during day outings.

One detail that’s easy to miss until you’re there: the day ends back at the meeting point in Olden. That makes your logistics simpler than tours that drop you in a random spot.

Pricing and Value: Is $400.27 Worth It for This Much Driving and Tickets?

At $400.27 per person, this isn’t a cheap day trip. But it isn’t just “a ride to two places” either. You’re paying for a private small-group day, transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, snacks and drinks, a guided day with an experienced driver guide, and tickets to Troll Cars and Loen Skylift.

You also get a lunch picnic with Norwegian specialties, plus admission included for the Olden Old Church and the glacier visit. When you add up those elements, the price starts to make more sense, especially if you’d otherwise have to buy multiple timed tickets and coordinate transport yourself.

Who this usually fits best:

• Couples or small groups who hate wasted time.
• Travelers who want the glacier and skylift combo without DIY logistics.
• People who value guided pacing and a smooth sequence of stops.

Who might hesitate:

• Budget-first travelers who don’t mind planning transport, timing, and ticketing on their own.
• People who are extremely weather-sensitive and would prefer a more flexible plan.

How to Dress and Plan for Cold Ice and High Wind

Even on a good day, the glacier area can be cold. One of the notes from people who went is that rain and cold were part of the experience, yet they still had a fantastic time taking photos and enjoying the power of the meltwater.

So go with a layered approach:

• Warm mid-layer plus a shell for rain or wind.
• Waterproof shoes or shoes with solid grip for wet terrain near ice areas.
• A hat or hood you can pull up quickly.
• Gloves if you get cold easily.

The skylift can also feel breezy at height. Bring something you can wear comfortably for views that may be short-lived if weather changes.

Finally, keep expectations about timing. You’ll have specific chunks of time at each stop, so this is not a “wander for hours” day. The trade-off is you get to see the major highlights without spending your whole day in transit.

Should You Book This Briksdal Glacier and Loen Skylift Day Excursion?

I’d book this if you want a high-value Norway day with minimal stress and maximum variety. The combination of Briksdalbreen and Loen Skylift is the core strength, and the tour protects that experience by handling the steep road segment with Troll Cars and keeping hikes short.

You should also book if you like the mix of quiet and wild. The Olden Old Church gives you a calmer start, Olden Lake and the picnic lunch recharge you, then the glacier and skylift deliver the big emotional payoff.

I would skip or reconsider only if you know you can’t handle cold, wet weather, or you’re the type who needs guaranteed clear views at height. Because conditions matter, you’re choosing an experience that can be gorgeous even when it’s not perfect.

FAQ

How long is the Briksdal Glacier and Loen Skylift day excursion?

It runs about 7 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Norway, Olden, Fjordvegen 1562, and ends back at the same meeting point.

What stops are included during the day?

You’ll visit Olden Old Church, the Briksdal Glacier area, Olden Lake for a picnic lunch, and take the Loen Skylift.

Is lunch included, and can you handle dietary restrictions?

Yes. Lunch is included as a picnic with Norwegian specialties, and dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free can be accommodated if you indicate them when booking.

What is included for the Briksdal Glacier and Loen Skylift tickets?

Tickets are included for Troll Cars and Loen Skylift, and admission is included for the Olden Old Church and the glacier visit.

How long does the Loen Skylift ride take, and how high does it go?

The cable car ride takes about 7 minutes and goes from 0 up to 3,000 feet.

Is cancellation refundable if weather is poor?

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