Highlights
- Briksdal Glacier, an accessible arm of Jostedalsbreen
- Scenic coach journey through Oldedalen and along Olden Lake
- Little Red Church along the valley route
- Walk towards the glacier lake viewpoint
- Cruise-port departure with timings designed for ship visits
- Local guide commentary on the valley and glacier landscape
About this tour
Briksdalsbreen is one of the most accessible glacier arms in Norway, and the reason many cruise passengers choose to go ashore in Olden. This guided excursion combines the scenic drive through Oldedalen, the shoreline of Olden Lake, and time on foot towards the Briksdal glacier lake viewpoint.
From the Olden cruise terminal area you travel south through the valley, past Olden's historic red church, fertile farms and waterfalls, before arriving in the Briksdal area near Briksdal Inn. There you walk towards the glacier lake viewpoint, with the first section the most challenging.
The excursion is designed around cruise visitors to Olden. Departures are scheduled around ships in port, and the local operator works to a back-in-time-to-ship commitment. Exact meeting instructions and departure time are provided once your request is confirmed.
Itinerary
Guided Briksdal Glacier & Olden Lake itinerary
4 hours · Starting at Olden cruise terminal area
- Meet at Olden cruise port — meet your excursion representative in the cruise-terminal area before setting off through the village.
- Little Red Church & Oldedalen — travel past Olden's historic red church and into the dramatic Oldedalen valley.
- Olden Lake — follow the shoreline of Olden Lake, surrounded by mountains, waterfalls and farms.
- Briksdal — continue towards Rustøen and the Briksdal area before arriving near Briksdal Inn.
- Walk towards Briksdal Glacier — allow approximately 45–60 minutes for the walk towards the glacier lake viewpoint. The first section is the most challenging; suitable footwear and weather-ready clothing are recommended.
- Return to Olden — rejoin the vehicle for the return journey through the valley to Olden and the cruise port.
Tour ends: Olden cruise port. Stop order may vary operationally on the day.
Is this excursion right for you?
- Approximately 45–60 minutes walking towards the glacier viewpoint
- The first section is the most challenging; after that the route becomes relatively more even
- Reasonable fitness recommended
- Wear suitable walking shoes
- Bring layers and weatherproof clothing — conditions can change quickly
- If anyone in your party has limited mobility or specific accessibility requirements, contact us before requesting so we can check suitability
What's included
- Guided Briksdal Glacier and Olden Lake excursion
- Coach / bus transportation
- Local guide
- Scenic route through Oldedalen and along Olden Lake
- Applicable VAT / taxes
What's not included
- Food and drinks
- Personal purchases
- Optional gratuities
Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 48 hours before departure.
- Cancellations made within 48 hours of departure are non-refundable.
- If we are unable to confirm your excursion, you will receive a full refund.
- If your cruise ship does not call at Olden, you will receive a full refund.
- Payment receives your request — it does not confirm the excursion until we email confirmation separately.
Cruise passenger timing advice
Best suited to port calls of four hours or more.
Disembark promptly on multi-ship days — popular Briksdal departures fill.
Arrive at the meeting point about 15 minutes before your confirmed departure time.
Keep a sensible buffer before all aboard for the return to the pier.
Weather can affect visibility at the glacier — pack a waterproof layer.
Read the Olden port guide, plan your day with our one day in Olden itinerary, and use the Olden port-day planner to think through hours and return buffer.