English| EUR
Suggested for you
More currencies
Choose a language
Briksdal Glacier sits 25 kilometers from Olden cruise port, accessible by coach, rental car, or organized tour within a standard shore call window. Most cruise passengers arriving in Nordfjord list Briksdalsbreen as their primary destination, and the logistics are straightforward once you understand the transport sequence and timing buffers required.
Quick answer
A briksdal glacier shore excursion from Olden typically requires four to five hours round-trip, including 30 minutes each way by road, 15 minutes aboard the electric Troll cars from the lower car park to the glacier trailhead, and 40 minutes walking to the ice face. The glacier area itself is free to enter; fees apply only to parking and the optional Troll car service. Cruise passengers should arrive before 08:30 to avoid peak tour-bus congestion between 10:00 and 14:00.
Briksdal Glacier drops from the Jostedalsbreen ice cap through a steep valley carved over millennia, its terminus resting above a milky turquoise lake fed by constant melt. The arm of ice is one of the most accessible outlets of mainland Europe's largest glacier, and cruise lines calling at Olden have routed passengers here since the fjord became a scheduled port in the 1990s. The logistical challenge for cruise visitors is not difficulty but timing. Road travel from Olden port to the Briksdal car park takes 30 minutes under normal conditions, but the single-lane sections and summer coach traffic can add 10 to 15 minutes during peak windows. Once at the site, passengers face a choice: walk the 3-kilometer paved service road to the glacier viewing platform, or board one of the battery-electric Troll cars that shuttle between the lower parking area and the trailhead every few minutes. The Troll car cuts 40 minutes from the ascent and is the preferred option for passengers working within a fixed shore window. The final approach is a 20-minute walk on a graded gravel path that rises gently alongside the glacial stream. Handrails line the steeper sections, and the surface is maintained weekly during the May-to-September season. The path ends at a rock-and-timber viewing platform 150 meters from the ice face, close enough to hear the crack of calving ice and feel the cold air rolling down the valley. Most independent shore visitors allocate 90 minutes at the site itself—enough time for the walk, photos at the platform, and a brief stop at the café near the lower car park. Organized briksdal glacier shore excursion groups typically build in an additional 30-minute buffer to account for varied walking speeds and coach loading times. The return drive to Olden is faster in the afternoon as northbound coach traffic thins after 15:00. Cruise passengers booking through the ship's excursion desk receive guaranteed return timing and a promise that the vessel will not depart without the tour group. Independent visitors must manage their own schedule and should plan to be back at the tender dock or gangway no later than 30 minutes before all-aboard time. The road from Briksdalsbre to Olden offers no shortcuts, and mobile signal drops intermittently in the valley sections, so conservative time planning is the norm among experienced cruise travelers visiting Nordfjord. The meltwater lake at the glacier's base has grown visibly over the past two decades as the terminus retreats upslope. Interpretive panels along the final approach mark former ice positions with dated photographs, a quiet record of climate pressure on the Jostedalsbreen system.
“The path ends at a viewing platform 150 meters from the ice face, close enough to hear the crack of calving ice and feel the cold air rolling down the valley.”
The Briksdal Glacier is located at the end of the Oldedalen Valley in Norway. The most accessible way to reach the site from the Olden cruise terminal is by car or bus via the Oldedalsvegen road.
Follow Rv15 and Fv724 to Oldedalsvegen 2211
Direct shuttle or tour bus from Olden center to Briksdalsbre
From the Briksdal parking area to the glacier viewpoint
Arrive before 08:30 to avoid peak crowds from cruise ship tour buses. Parking is available at the address Oldedalsvegen 2211, 6792 Briksdalsbre, Norway.
The Briksdal Glacier facilities operate on a consistent daily schedule throughout the week to accommodate visitors arriving from Olden. This schedule applies regardless of the specific day, ensuring reliability for your excursion planning.
Access to the Briksdal Glacier area is free of charge for all visitors. Costs associated with a shore excursion are limited to optional transport services and vehicle parking.
Verdict: Most visitors pay 0 NOK for access, with total costs depending on whether they choose to use paid parking or the Troll car transport service.
This itinerary suits cruise passengers docking at Olden who want to experience the glacier and return within a typical shore excursion window of 4–5 hours. The plan balances travel time from the port with on-site exploration.
Board your transport for the 25 km drive south along Oldedalen valley. The journey takes around 30 minutes, so plan to leave port shortly after your ship clears customs.
Park at the lower lot (fee applies) and decide whether to walk the 3 km trail or purchase a Troll Car ticket for the shuttle up to the glacier viewpoint. Walking takes 45–60 minutes each way; the shuttle reduces this to 10 minutes.
From the upper platform you're within 300 meters of the glacier tongue. Spend 30–45 minutes taking photos, watching meltwater cascades, and reading interpretive signage about ice retreat.
On your return, detour along the lower valley path to see waterfalls and glacial streams. This adds 15–20 minutes but offers wider views of the Jostedalsbreen plateau above.
The café near the parking area serves hot drinks, waffles, and light meals. A quick stop here takes 20–30 minutes before your return drive.
Retrace the 30-minute drive north. Build in a 15-minute buffer for any delays so you're back at the ship with time to spare before the all-aboard call.
Pack for changeable mountain weather and prepare your booking confirmation before departure.
Everything you need to know about briksdal glacier shore excursion
To plan your briksdal glacier shore excursion, check your cruise ship schedule and coordinate with local transport options in Olden. Advance research ensures you have enough time to explore the Jostedalsbreen National Park area before your departure. Most visitors prefer to book organized transfers to manage the logistics of the journey from the pier.
Entrance to the glacier area is 0 NOK, meaning there is no cost for basic entry. You will find that while the site itself is free, services like parking or motorized transport to the upper trail require payment. This allows visitors to enjoy the natural landscape without an upfront gate fee for a briksdal glacier shore excursion.
The area is open daily from 09:00 to 17:00, including weekends. This schedule provides consistent access for those arriving on cruise ships. Plan your activities within these windows to ensure you have full access to the trails and visitor facilities during your trip.
To avoid peak crowds from cruise ship tour buses during your briksdal glacier shore excursion, arrive before 08:30. Early arrival allows you to enjoy the trail to the mountain lake and ice formation in relative peace. Arriving before the main wave of travelers provides a better experience of the alpine scenery.
The glacier path is suitable for many visitors, though the final section to the moraine requires steady walking. Families often choose to utilize the Troll car service for parts of the ascent, which helps those with younger children or mobility concerns. Always verify the current trail conditions at the visitor center before starting your hike.
While entry to the glacier area is free, please note that parking and the Troll car transport service involve separate fees. Budget accordingly for these optional services if you prefer not to hike the full distance from the base. These amenities help facilitate your visit and support the maintenance of the path.
The site is located at Oldedalsvegen 2211, 6792 Briksdalsbre, Norway. This is the primary access point for any briksdal glacier shore excursion originating from the nearby harbor. You can easily navigate to this address by road from the cruise port in Olden.