Olden Shore Excursion: the Amazing Briksdal Glacier

Our look at this Olden shore excursion focuses on the practical parts: where you meet, how the hike really feels, and what you’ll get for the money. This trip is built around one main goal—getting you close to Briksdalbreen (Briksdal Glacier)—with a short, guided intro by bus before you step onto the trail.

What I like most is the combo of strong logistics and big payback. You’re guided by a local guide who gives context on the route and keeps things moving, and the scenery on the way is already jaw-dropping before you even reach the glacier. People repeatedly mention guides by name—Lulu, Lara, Laura, Gabriele, and Gabriel—and that’s usually a good sign the commentary isn’t generic.

One thing to consider: this is not a flat stroll. Even when the trail is described as mostly easy/wide, there’s an uphill effort, plus stairs/steeper bits and possible rain mist from waterfalls—so you’ll want to plan gear and energy like you mean it.

Key things to know before you go

• Maximum group size is 45, so you should feel guided without the chaos of huge bus tours.
• You’ll do a walk of about 1 hour 45 minutes to the glacier lake area, not just a quick stop-and-snap.
• Oldevatnet lake shoreline photo stop helps break up the drive with something pretty even before the hike.
• Guides are praised for knowledge and pacing, with real help on the hike and photo stops (often mentioned by travelers as a highlight).
• Comfort is mixed on the ride, since some boats/buses can feel tight, though many say the bus is clean and comfortable.
• Good weather matters because the tour can be canceled and rescheduled or refunded if conditions aren’t right.

Olden to Briksdal Glacier: the big idea

If your cruise stop is Olden and you want a true Norway “wow” moment, this is one of the cleanest ways to get it. The day is centered on a hike up to the glacier’s viewpoint over the glacier lake—exactly the kind of close-up nature scene that makes you stop talking and start taking photos.

The flow is simple. You start near the pier, ride through Olden and along the lake for a couple of scenic stops, then trade bus windows for hiking boots. The glacier portion is the main event: waterfalls, mountain views, and a strong sense that you’re walking through a landscape that’s been working on itself for ages.

Meeting point and cruise-port friendly timing

You meet at Norway Excursions Olden (Rv60 190, 6788 Olden). The key practical detail: the starting point is within walking distance of the cruise port and most hotels, so there’s no complicated transfer from the ship terminal to a remote bus lot.

Also, there’s mobile ticket support, and confirmation is received at booking. That matters on cruise days, when you don’t want to hunt for paper vouchers or shuffle between offices.

When things go smoothly, the entire day feels “shore excursion simple.” Travelers repeatedly mention that the pickup and return back to the pier are well handled, so you’re not left sprinting with sore calves at the end.

The drive along Oldevatnet: more than just transportation

After you meet your guide and group, you board your vehicle and head out along the shoreline of Oldevatnet lake. You get a photo stop at the lake—tour descriptions call it a turquoise Lake of Olden—and you also get local insights from your guide along the way.

This bus segment is surprisingly important. Even if the glacier is why you came, the drive helps you:

• get oriented to how the fjord-country terrain is laid out
• warm up visually before the hike
• settle into the day instead of launching straight into exertion

Several visitors also appreciate that bus guides provide real commentary, not just a script. People mention “splendid” or knowledgeable commentary, and that the route is scenic all by itself.

Olden’s highlights on the way: the church and lake stops

One of the small stops is a drive past the Old Church in Olden. It’s brief, but it gives a bit of grounding—this glacier area isn’t just scenery; it’s a living village landscape.

Then comes the Oldevatn lake photo stop. This is one of those “small but smart” moments. You’re giving your legs a break while still getting something genuinely pretty. It also works as a mood-setter: you’re already surrounded by mountains and water before the glacier even enters the story.

Briksdalsbre Mountain Lodge: where the hike really begins

At Briksdalsbre Mountain Lodge, you start the walk to the glacier. Think of this as the pivot point: the day becomes about your pace, the weather, and staying steady through the terrain.

What I’d watch for here is how the trail is described. Many people say the path is relatively flat or easy overall, but with a few steeper inclines. Others emphasize that there are stretches that test your calves. Either way, it’s not a “sit in the café and then take a photo” type of outing.

The good news? Travelers also mention the trail is well maintained, and some say parts of it are paved or sealed roads. That’s a huge comfort factor on a glacier trip, because uneven ground can turn a beautiful hike into a miserable shuffle.

The glacier hike: waterfalls, steps, and the payoff

The walk to the glacier area is about 1 hour 45 minutes (with pacing varying). Along the way, you’ll pass waterfalls and a river that runs near the path. People mention getting misted, especially around the waterfall mid-route, and that’s one of those Norway details you can’t fake—bring a lightweight waterproof layer.

A few reviews mention steps at points and a steep or rocky incline at the start for some walkers. Translation: the overall hike can be manageable, but you should treat it as a real hike, not a casual stroll.

What you’ll likely do during the hike:

• stop for photos whenever the view opens up
• steady your pace on the incline sections
• enjoy that “every turn is another postcard” feeling people keep describing

And then, when you reach the glacier viewpoint at the glacier lake, that’s when the trip earns its reputation. Visitors describe the glacier spilling into an aqua-blue lake and floating ice, plus the surrounding mountains and waterfalls that make the scene feel cinematic.

If you’re the type who likes to take it in slowly, you’ll enjoy that the viewpoint is set up for lingering. If you’re more of a “get my steps in and keep moving,” you can still enjoy it because the views keep rewarding you even as you walk.

Why the guide matters more here than you’d think

This kind of tour could easily become: bus, trail, generic info board, goodbye. Instead, travelers consistently call out the guide experience as a major strength.

Names that came up in past visitor comments include Lulu, Lara, Laura, Gabriele, and Gabriel. People mention that guides:

• explain things you pass on the route
• help take photos during the hike
• check on the group’s progress
• keep the day organized even when weather gets messy

That last point is important. If it rains, visibility can drop and footing can feel slick. A guide helps you move at the right pace and not fall into the trap of rushing just to “get it over with.”

The guide also helps translate what you’re seeing—why this glacier exists here, how the landscape is shaped, and how Olden fits into the bigger fjord region story.

Time, pacing, and how not to get trapped by cruise schedules

This is a 4-hour tour on paper, and it often works out because the structure is tight. You’re doing:

• a short ride with stops
• the hike portion as the core block
• the return to the pier in Olden to end the tour

Even with good pacing, your personal fitness level matters. One visitor-style lesson shows up again and again: if you push through the steep early bits, the hike tends to feel more manageable once you’ve leveled out. If you start fast and then regret it, you’ll feel it later when you want energy at the viewpoint.

Plan like this:

• Wear shoes you trust on wet ground.
• Assume you might spend a bit longer than you think at the waterfall area.
• Leave a little buffer for the viewpoint so you don’t feel rushed.

Several travelers say they had enough time to enjoy the glacier and also eat or visit a lodge/gift shop area nearby—so there may be at least some built-in slack. Still, with cruises, don’t plan on long detours. The whole point is to finish in time.

Weather reality: rain, mist, and April/October language notes

Two weather-related details are worth highlighting:

• The tour requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.
• Even when the tour runs, you may still get rain or mist. People mention walking in rain and being misted near waterfalls.

That means you should pack for the in-between conditions: damp air, wet rocks, and sudden drizzle. A waterproof shell and waterproof shoes make the difference between “adventure” and “regret.”

There’s also a seasonal language note. In April or October, the tour may be guided in English only due to limited guide availability during shoulder season. If English-only guidance is important to you, that’s useful to know ahead of time.

Physical fitness and accessibility: who will love it most

The tour requires a strong physical fitness level. Yet the way it’s described by travelers ranges from easy-to-moderate walking with sealed roads to steeper inclines that need real effort.

So who should book?

• You’ll love it if you enjoy hiking and want a glacier viewpoint you can reach on foot.
• You’ll still likely enjoy it if you’re fit but you don’t love steep starts—just take it slow on the early incline sections.
• You might struggle if mobility is limited, especially with steps, incline stretches, or wet footing.

A few travelers mention the idea of troll cars as a way to reduce walking for those who find the full hike tough. The key takeaway isn’t that it’s guaranteed—just that some visitors note it as an accessibility workaround. If you’re concerned about distance or steep parts, it’s smart to ask about options when you book.

Service animals are allowed, which is always good to see.

Group size and the bus experience

The maximum group size is 45 travelers, which keeps the day social but not overwhelming. In practice, bus comfort seems decent. Travelers mention double-decker buses and say the bus was clean and comfortable, though one person did note that space can feel tight.

That’s normal on popular fjord routes. What you can control is your own comfort:

• wear layers
• bring a rain layer
• keep your camera ready (the scenery starts on the bus)

Value for money: what $128.19 buys you

At $128.19 per person for about 4 hours, this isn’t a bargain bus ride. But it also isn’t just a taxi to a glacier viewpoint. You’re paying for:

• a guided experience (local guide)
• scheduled stops that reduce stress and help you get the most out of limited time
• the logistics of getting to a trailhead and back to the pier
• a hike that actually gets you close to the glacier lake

One reason it feels like good value for many cruise passengers is that it often comes across as a calmer alternative to cruise-line shore trips. People also mention it as worth it, especially once they’re on the trail and seeing waterfalls and glacier views up close.

If you’re comfortable with the hike and you want a guided day that doesn’t require renting a car, this price can make sense.

Cancellation policy you should actually read

Here’s the practical side of the cancellation terms:

• Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
• Changes within 24 hours aren’t accepted.
• Good weather is required, so if the tour is canceled for poor weather, you’ll get an alternative date or a full refund.
• There’s also a minimum number of travelers; if it doesn’t meet that threshold, you’ll get a different date/experience or a refund.

For cruise travelers, this matters because your options are limited. Still, knowing you can cancel up to a day before helps if weather forecasts look shaky.

My honest take: should you book this glacier hike in Olden?

I think you should book this excursion if you want a real glacier visit and you’re okay with a guided hike that has inclines, possible mist, and stairs in spots. The repeated theme from travelers is simple: guides help, the views are stunning, and the hike feels worth the effort once you reach the glacier lake.

I’d hesitate only if:

• you can’t handle uphill walking or steps
• you hate wet weather hiking
• you’re expecting a mostly flat “easy walk” with zero exertion

If you’re in the middle—fit enough for a real hike but not trying to be a mountain athlete—this tour is usually a strong match. It’s a well-paced, fjord-country day that gives you glacier access without the hassle of arranging everything on your own.

FAQ

How long is the Olden shore excursion to Briksdal Glacier?

The tour is approximately 4 hours.

What is the price per person?

The price is $128.19 per person.

Where do I meet for the tour in Olden?

You meet at Norway Excursions Olden, Rv60 190, 6788 Olden, Norway.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Is there a guided hike to the glacier?

Yes. You’ll meet your guide and then walk to the Briksdal Glacier and the glacier lake.

About how long is the glacier walking portion?

The walk to the Briksdal Glacier area is about 1 hour 45 minutes.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English. In mixed groups, it may be guided by a multi-lingual guide in English. In April or October, guidance may be English only due to limited guide availability.

What should I wear or bring?

Wear appropriate shoes and clothing. The walk can involve waterfalls and you may get wet, so plan for weather changes.

How big is the group?

The maximum group size is 45 travelers.

What if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.