Briksdal Glacier is the main character today. This Olden shore excursion takes you from the cruise pier area to Briksdalbreen with a guided drive along Oldevatnet Lake, then a hike through waterfalls and mountain scenery.

I really like the way you get both parts, the comfortable bus storytelling and the payoff of being close to a glacier. I also like the flexibility of the walking, with a trail that is mostly straightforward and time built in to enjoy the glacier lake view at your own pace.

One heads up: you need real hiking readiness. Even when the trail is described as easy-to-moderate, it includes a climb with steep stretches, steps in spots, and weather can bring rain and mist.

Key things that make this excursion work

• The 4-hour pace: quick enough for shore days, long enough for glacier views
• A guided drive plus guide support: history and route context before you start walking
• Oldevatnet Lake photo stop: a turquoise-water break that feels like a “bonus scene”
• Waterfall-heavy hike: expect mist and sound, especially around the middle of the route
• Time at the glacier viewpoint: you are not just rushed to a picture
• Smarter options for mobility: you may be able to use troll cars to reduce walking

From Olden Pier to Briksdalbreen: the simple logistics that matter

If you are cruising, your biggest stress is usually timing. This tour is built around the reality that you need to start near where you dock, and it does, departing within walking distance of the cruise port and many hotels. No hotel pickup is included, so you’ll want to walk to the meeting point with some buffer.

The meeting spot is Norway Excursions Olden, Rv60 190, 6788 Olden, Norway. Once everyone lines up, you board a vehicle for the scenic drive and the glacier day begins.

The group stays relatively manageable, capped at 45 travelers. That matters because the hike is narrow in places and the viewpoints can get crowded. A smaller group usually means easier movement, faster photo turnaround, and less waiting.

Language is also handled in a practical way. The experience is offered in English, and in some conditions the guide may be multi-lingual due to mixed groups. In April and October, English-only guidance may apply because of limited availability.

The scenic bus drive along Oldevatnet Lake (and why it’s not filler)

The bus portion is not just transport here. You ride along the shoreline of Oldevatnet Lake, and the guide adds local context as you go. This is a smart design for shore days because you “start sightseeing” before you even lace up your shoes.

There is also a photo stop during the drive. You’ll see classic Olden views before you reach the Briksdalsbre Mountain Lodge area, so even if weather changes, you’ve already had multiple chances for photos.

Along the way, the bus passes the Old Church in Olden. It’s a small detail, but it helps you orient the place beyond glacier talk. On glacier hikes, it’s easy to feel like you’re only moving between viewpoints. A little history and context helps the day feel connected.

Expect a comfortable ride, and you may be on a double-decker bus. One practical caution from experience: seating can feel tight on a large bus, especially if you end up toward the back. If you’re sensitive to cramped space, go early in boarding and pick a spot where you can stretch your legs during stops.

Oldevatn Camping and the turquoise lake moment you’ll remember

Before the real hiking starts, you make a quick photo stop at Oldevatn Camping. This is one of those short pauses that pays off, because the lake water often looks startling, bright and turquoise against the mountain backdrop.

You get about 10 minutes here. That might sound brief, but it’s usually enough time to grab a few photos, reset your head, and avoid the common shore-day problem where everything is “rushed but not clear.”

This stop also breaks up the day psychologically. After the bus drive, you have a calm moment to look around and take in the scale of the valley. Then you’re ready to start walking with a better sense of where you’re heading.

Briksdalsbre Mountain Lodge: where the hike really begins

At the Briksdalsbre Mountain Lodge area, you get ready for the walk. The time allocated is short for regrouping, around 5 minutes, so don’t use this moment to figure out shoes, rain gear, or socks. Do that before you arrive.

The hike itself is described as relatively flat with a few steep inclines, and many parts are paved or well-maintained. That’s good news if you can handle short climbs, because you are not doing scrambling or rock climbing.

But read the fine print in how people experience it: you can have stretches that challenge your calves, and there may be steps at a point or two. One useful way to think about it is this, the hike can feel easier than you expect on a good day, but it can feel tougher in the rain or wind because everything becomes more slippery.

Waterfall and river scenery is constant. Reviews consistently mention powerful waterfalls and mist when you get close. In other words, the hike is not a boring “walk to a destination.” It’s a moving viewing platform where the environment is actively changing.

The troll car option if walking is limited

If your legs are not up for the full climb, you may be able to use troll cars to reduce how much you walk. People also report that there is still a short walk from the drop-off to the glacier area. This can be a good middle ground if you want glacier views without turning it into a test of endurance.

If this matters for you, plan to ask about the option during the start of the excursion, since availability and instructions can vary by conditions.

Reaching the Briksdal Glacier viewpoint: what you should plan for

The glacier part is where the day earns its reputation. You walk to the glacier lake viewpoint and then enjoy the views of Briksdalbreen from the shore area.

The time at the glacier lake is about 1 hour 45 minutes. That is a big deal. It gives you room to slow down, take photos, and just watch the glacier surface and ice in the water. Glacier experiences are one of those things that look different depending on the angle and the light, and extra time helps you catch that.

The hike duration can vary by pace and conditions. Many people report around 30 to 60 minutes for the walking segment to the viewpoint, with some saying roughly 1 hour give or take 15 minutes. The “rule” is simple, you’ll move faster on a dry day and slower in wet weather, especially where steps or steep bits appear.

Water and weather matter here. If it rains, you may get mist from waterfalls, and you might feel wet even if you brought a jacket. One of the most common practical notes is to expect getting damp halfway up, right around the waterfall area.

Footwear and clothing are not optional

Since you’re on a trail that can be wet, good shoes matter more than fancy shoes. Choose footwear with solid grip, and wear layers you can handle if it’s chilly but not cold. Bring a rain layer even when the sky looks okay at the port.

If you hate heavy packs, keep it light. Bring only essentials, since you’ll want hands free for photos and railings, plus you don’t want to get weighed down on a climb.

Timing your shore day: how a 4-hour tour avoids the panic

This is designed as a 4-hour (approx.) shore excursion, and that timespan is built around a glacier walk plus return to the pier. In real life, the schedule matters because you are not touring in a vacuum, you’re working against a ship departure.

One thing I like about the flow is that the day is not complicated. You drive out, you walk to the viewpoint, you spend time at the glacier lake, then you drive back. There are no long museum stops or surprise detours.

You should still keep a buffer in your head. If you know you will want longer photo time, move steadily on the way up. If rain hits and the trail is slick, slow down earlier rather than later.

Group management is also part of the value here. Guides often help with pacing and photos during the hike. You may have a guide like Lulu, Marion, Gabriel, Gabriele, Lara, or Laura leading your group, based on past experiences. The big takeaway is that support often shows up in small ways, like checking progress, helping with pictures, or keeping the group together when weather changes.

Price and value: what $128.19 buys you in Olden

At $128.19 per person, this isn’t the cheapest bus ride on the planet. The value depends on what you’d otherwise do on your own.

Here’s the comparison in plain terms. You are paying for organized transportation from the pier area, a guided drive with context, and a structured hike with time allocated to the glacier lake viewpoint. You’re also not paying for a rental car, parking, or the hassle of figuring out the flow with a cruise timetable.

You are not paying for comfort at the glacier. This is nature and walking, not a heated lodge experience. So if you want a glacier without any effort, you’ll probably feel the cost mismatch unless you use troll cars or you’re physically ready for the hike.

On the plus side, multiple people called it worth it, highlighting the waterfall scenery, the glacier lake payoff, and the feeling that the tour is well run. On the downside, a few people felt the bus portion was a bigger share than they expected, especially on days when the hike is steep or when they wanted more guide presence during the walk.

My advice: treat the tour as a guided way to get to a high-impact hike. If that matches your goal, the price is easier to justify.

Who should book this Briksdal Glacier shore excursion

This works best for you if you can handle an uphill walk for a glacier viewpoint. The tour clearly expects a strong physical fitness level, and that lines up with what the terrain is like in real conditions.

You’ll also enjoy it if you like waterfalls, because they’re a major part of the hiking route. The glacier is the headline, but the hike feels like it’s doing the job of building drama along the way.

It’s a good fit for couples, small groups, and solo travelers on a cruise who want an easy plan and don’t want to drive. The English-language guide support helps too, especially if you’re not comfortable navigating on your own.

If you have limited mobility or you struggle with steps and steep inclines, plan carefully. The troll car option may help, but you should still be ready for at least some walking from the closer drop-off point.

If the weather is unstable, keep expectations flexible. This experience requires good weather, and if it is canceled for that reason you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

Should you book this Olden to Briksdal Glacier tour?

Yes, I’d book it if your goal is a close glacier viewpoint plus structured logistics from Olden without renting a car. The combination of the guided drive, the lake photo stop, and a long enough glacier-lake time window makes it feel like more than a quick drive-by.

I would pause and rethink if you need flat walking only, or if you’re expecting a mostly guided walk on stairs and slopes. This tour is guided, but the hike portion is still your responsibility, and weather can add slipperiness and mist.

If you’re deciding between this and DIY, choose this when you value planning and timing, especially for cruise days. Choose DIY when you want maximum control and you’re comfortable handling transport and schedules yourself.

FAQ

How long is the Olden shore excursion to Briksdal Glacier?

It runs about 4 hours (approx.), including the scenic drive, the walk to the glacier viewpoint, and the return to Olden.

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts at Norway Excursions Olden, Rv60 190, 6788 Olden, Norway, and it ends back at the same meeting place near the pier in Olden.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You should make your own way to the meeting point.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes a local guide, sightseeing, the Briksdal Glacier experience, and the Olden Lake stop.

What is the walking like to the glacier?

The walk to the Briksdal Glacier is described as relatively flat with a few steep inclines. Expect waterfalls and mountain scenery along the way, and there can be steps in some areas.

Are there photo stops during the tour?

Yes. There is a photo stop at Oldevatnet Lake during the drive, and you also stop at Oldevatn Camping for a lake photo moment.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The experience is offered in English, and in some shoulder season conditions it may be guided in English only.

How many people are in a group?

The tour has a maximum of 45 travelers.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.