Cold air, warm views, glacier roar.

This shore excursion is built around one thing: getting you from Olden to Briksdalsbreen and back in time for your ship, without the usual scramble. You’ll ride through classic Olden Valley scenery, then hike into a glacier world with waterfalls, meltwater streams, and viewpoints that make your camera work overtime.

I love the balance here: a real guided element for the route and what you’re seeing, plus time to hike at your own pace once you’re on the trail. Two standout wins for me are the guided guidance from people like Sam, Anna, and Alyssa, and the chance to take crisp photos at the Olden Lake viewpoint. The main consideration is physical effort: that first stretch of the walk to the glacier can feel steep, and the tour isn’t suitable for everyone with back or heart concerns.

Key moments you’ll feel right away

• Olden Valley coach ride with mountain views and Olden Lake scenery before you even start hiking
• A steep-then-easier glacier hike that usually takes about 45–60 minutes to reach the glacier area
• Briksdalsbreen within the Jostedal Glacier system, so you’re seeing a major arm of a bigger ice story
• Waterfalls, alpine lakes, and roaring meltwater streams along the hike
• A viewpoint over Olden Lake built for photos and a calmer moment before heading back
• Back-to-ship guarantee timed for cruise passengers (as long as you register your ship correctly)

From Olden pier to the hike start: what the bus time is really for

You start right in Olden, at the Olden cruise kai. The bus meets you inside the main pier area—there’s a parking lot once you’re off the ship—and the operator arrives about 15 minutes early because of port rules. Look for a guide in a blue jacket and/or a sign so you can board without hunting.

The ride itself is part of the experience, not just a transfer. You pass through the village of Olden and then head toward the Olden Valley, with the shimmering waters of Olden Lake showing up as a constant backdrop. This matters on a short cruise day because it lowers the stress before your hike starts. You’re not sitting on a bus wondering if you’ll get there—you’re already getting scenery.

Plan on about 45 minutes of driving each way. That may sound like a lot when you’re excited, but it gives you time to settle in, listen, and get your bearings. Even better: if you’re carrying less patience for big-group bus tours, this one tends to feel focused, with the guide helping you connect sights along the way.

The hike to Briksdalsbreen: steep start, wide trail, real payoff

The hike portion is about 2.5 hours total, but the walk up to the glacier area is typically 45–60 minutes one way. The route is described as having imposing peaks, cascading waterfalls, pristine alpine lakes, and roaring meltwater streams that the glacier feeds.

Here’s the practical truth: the first part is the hardest, then it gets gradually easier. That shape of effort is common on mountain trails, but it’s worth planning for because cruise visitors often overestimate how much energy they have before lunch. If you want to conserve legs for the best views, start slow. Keep your heart rate steady on that initial climb.

The trail is also well-formed and wide, with a few stone steps. One useful tip from people who’ve done it: take your time and don’t treat every photo stop as a sprint. If you stop often (and you should), you’ll still reach the glacier area without feeling rushed—because pacing is built into how the walk is managed.

Two small comfort notes that make a big difference:

• Bring warm clothing even when the day seems mild. In the mountains it can turn colder fast.
• Pack a raincoat, not just a jacket. Even in decent weather, the waterfall mist can spray the trail.

If you’re worried about the steep start, there’s also mention of a buggy option for part of the climb for those who can’t manage the full uphill walk. One account also noted you’d still need to walk the last stretch (about 500 meters). So it’s not a total bypass, but it can help you arrive with less fatigue.

Briksdal Glacier up close: what you’re actually seeing

Once you reach Briksdalsbreen, you’re in the world of Briksdal Glacier, which is one of the arms of the larger Jostedal Glacier. That connection is worth understanding because it changes how you interpret the scene. You’re not just looking at one patch of ice—you’re seeing part of a system where meltwater and glacier flow shape the valleys around it.

Expect dramatic elements: snow-capped mountain views, meltwater streams that sound louder than you expect, and a glacial environment that can look both powerful and delicate. This is the kind of place where photos don’t replace the experience. The sound is the giveaway. The roar of water coming off the ice is what makes it feel real.

The tour is built so you reach a viewpoint afterward with incredible views over Olden Lake. That means you get a two-stage “wow” moment: ice first, then the wider valley perspective. It’s also a nice way to reset your breath before the walk back to the bus.

Waterfalls, alpine lakes, and a photo stop that doesn’t feel rushed

On this hike, the scenery isn’t a single view you stare at for hours. It changes as you move: cascading waterfalls, pristine alpine lakes, and sections where meltwater streams cut through the path experience like you can hear them before you see them.

You’ll also get the built-in photo moment. The stop is designed for pictures of Olden Lake and the surrounding mountains, with a “take a breather, snap some photos, and enjoy” rhythm. If you like posting, this is the easiest place to get a clear shot because the viewpoint opens out broadly.

One tip that helped people enjoy the return: if there’s a choice between returning along the path versus walking on the metalled road, consider the road on the way down. It’s reported to be less crowded and fully metalled all the way, so it can feel more controlled on tired legs. Use your own comfort level, but it’s worth knowing as an option.

Timing on cruise day: fitting 4 hours to real-world port rules

This is a 4-hour excursion, so timing isn’t just scheduling—it’s the whole game. The tour runs with cruise passengers in mind, and the “back to ship guarantee” is only meaningful if the ship details are registered during booking. The official tour time is designed to end 1 hour before your ship’s departure, which gives a buffer for walking, board checks, and any minor delays.

That buffer matters because the hike itself takes a chunk of your day. Even though you’re out there for about 2.5 hours, you’ll also spend time on the transfers and the viewing moments. If you’re the type who likes to linger, tell yourself that you still have time—just don’t plan on a long, slow wander past the official end point.

One operational detail: the bus arrives 15 minutes early due to port authority regulations. If you’re prone to being late (I get it), build in extra slack so you’re not chasing the group right when the door is closing. Also, make sure your mobile number (with country code) is correct. If you get separated, the provider can call you—but refunds aren’t provided if they can’t reach you with the number you gave.

The overall experience also depends on group energy and pace. Some reports highlight that guides stayed aware of different walking paces, including mixed groups with ages spanning from kids to older adults. That’s a good sign if you want a steady pace rather than a sprint.

Guides make the difference: what I’d watch for on the day

The biggest recurring theme is how guides bring the scenery to life. You’ll hear facts tied to the region and what you’re standing on, and guides like Sam (with a science-leaning way of explaining geography) and Anna (praised for exceptional organization) are repeatedly described as informative and helpful with tips.

Here’s what you should expect from the guide role in practice:

• They set the tone on the bus so you understand what you’re heading toward.
• They keep the group together without turning it into a lecture.
• They help you pace the walk and manage the steeper sections.

One fair note: the hike includes a lot of self-paced walking time, so the experience is not a constant narration from start to finish. If you’re expecting a full-time storyteller holding your attention every minute, you might find the guided aspect more about route and key moments than nonstop talk.

Also, not every guide will automatically snap photos of your whole group. If that matters to you, ask early if they’re able to take a few pictures, or designate one person as the photographer before you start.

Price and value: does $146 make sense for what you get?

At about $146 per person for a 4-hour shore excursion, this is not a bargain-basement add-on. But it does compare well for cruise travelers because you’re paying for three things together:

1) Comfortable round-trip coach transport from the pier area

2) A guided hike to the glacier viewpoints

3) A back-to-ship system that helps you avoid the number-one cruise-travel fear: missing your ship

You’ll still have to provide your own food and drinks, and you’ll need comfortable shoes and weather gear. But the day is structured so you spend most of your time doing the experience itself—seeing the glacier environment—rather than figuring out logistics in a new place.

If you’re the type who hates big tour bus chaos, this can feel worth it because the focus stays on the hike and the scenery, not on check-the-box stops. One review even framed it as paying for coach time, but with stunning nature plus an excellent guide and a photo stop. That’s a good way to think about value: you’re buying a guided nature day with a cruise-safe timeline.

Who should book this glacier hike from Olden?

This works best if you:

• Want one of the most recognizable glacier experiences in the Olden area, without having to plan transportation
• Are comfortable hiking uphill for a while, with a steeper beginning and gradually easing trail sections
• Appreciate guided context but still want freedom to stop for photos and take your time

It might not fit if you have back problems, mobility impairments, or heart problems, since the hike includes a significant walking component and steep sections. Also, pets aren’t allowed.

If you’re traveling with mixed abilities, it’s worth noting that pacing can be managed and one account mentions a buggy option for part of the route (with the last portion still requiring walking). Ask ahead if you’re concerned, so you can match your plan to what’s available on your day.

Should you book the Briksdal Glacier guided hiking shore excursion from Olden?

If your main goal is Briksdal Glacier plus big Olden Valley views in a cruise-safe package, I think this is an easy yes. You’re getting the glacier arm of the Jostedal ice system, meltwater drama, waterfalls, and that Olden Lake viewpoint—without needing local transport planning.

Book it when:

• You want a guided experience that still leaves time to hike at your pace
• You’re okay with a hike that starts tougher than you expect
• You’ll bring warm gear and footwear, including something for misty waterfall conditions

Skip or reconsider if:

• You can’t manage steep or prolonged walking
• You’re hoping for a mostly flat, low-effort tour
• You prefer a more “fully narrated” experience all the way through, every minute

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Briksdal Glacier guided hike shore excursion?

The total duration is about 4 hours.

Where do I meet the guide when I get off the cruise ship?

The meeting is inside the main Olden pier area, near the parking lot. The bus arrives about 15 minutes before departure, and the guide wears a blue jacket and/or holds a sign.

How long is the walk to reach the glacier area?

The walk to the glacier normally takes around 45 to 60 minutes, with the first part described as the hardest.

What should I bring for the hike?

Bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, weather-appropriate clothing, and warm shoes. A warm jacket is recommended because it can be colder in the mountains.

Is food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Does the tour include transportation back to the ship on time?

Yes, there is a back-to-ship guarantee for cruise passengers. The official tour time must end 1 hour before ship departure, and you need to register your ship name when booking.

Is the tour fully accessible for people with mobility issues?

The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and it also isn’t suitable for people with back problems or heart problems.