Exploring Briksdal Glacier

Bluewater and breathtaking views at every turn are just some of the things you can expect from Briksdals Glacier. Located just south on a scenic drive from the charming village of Olden, the glacier is situated inside Jostedalsbreen National Park.

This glacier is one of the most accessible arms of the largest glaciers on the Norwegian mainland, the Jostedal Glacier. From a height of 1200 meters, the glacier spectacularly makes its way down Briksdal valley to the lake just outside of Olden.

Though the glacier has shrunk dramatically over the past 15 years, visitors from all over the world make their way to Briksdal to take in these postcard-worthy views and potentially visit the glacier before it is gone.

Like most of the sights in Norway, Briksdal glacier is most accessible by car. However, there are shuttle buses and sightseeing buses departing from Olden that will take you out towards the glacier. These options will allow you to explore the glacier at your own pace and without a guide. Be advised that some of the buses might stop at the lake. From the lake, you’ll have a beautiful view of the scenery with the glacier in the background but you will not be able to reach the glacier. If you want to hike all the way up you’ll need to reach the tourism centre just outside of Jostedalsbreen National Park.

Another option is to join a guided tour out to the glacier. There are several local excursion companies offering excursions to the glacier. Although at a higher price point, this will allow you to reach the glacier without any hassle and you will also have a knowledgeable guide to tell you about the area.

From the parking lot, you’ll have the option of hiking all the way to the glacier or buying a ticket for the Troll cars. The Troll cars will take you within a few hundred meters of the glacier, but you will still have to hike the last 10 minutes. As the first and longest part of the hike is accessible for these cars the roads are relatively flat with small inclines. The hike from the parking lot is about 2,5 km and will take you around 45-60 minutes each way with an overall gain of altitude of approximately 200 meters.

The scenery on the hike in itself is arguably just as beautiful as the glacier and if you are able I would strongly recommend taking the opportunity to walk the incredible landscape. The trail takes you past thundering waterfalls and roaring wild rivers. And if you are lucky you might even meet some of the local wildlife! Alternatively, you can choose to use the Troll cars one way and hike back.

Duration                       1-2 hours
Distance                       6 km round trip
Difficult                        Easy
Maximum ascent         200 meters
Path                             Well travelled and well signed

Check also out my guide to visiting Geiranger