Briksdal Glacier is one of the most famous glacier attractions in Norway, and it is easy to understand why. Located at the end of the dramatic Oldedalen valley near Olden in Western Norway, Briksdal Glacier combines steep mountains, roaring waterfalls, turquoise glacial water, and one of the most scenic short walks in the country.
The short answer is that Briksdal Glacier is absolutely worth visiting, especially if you are staying in Olden, Nordfjordeid, Stryn, or arriving by cruise ship. The main glacier walk is around 3 kilometers each way from Briksdalsbre Fjellstove, and visitors who prefer not to walk the full route can use the famous Troll Cars for much of the way.
This is one of those places where the journey is part of the experience. The road through Oldedalen, the view of Oldevatnet lake, and the walk through Briksdalen valley are all part of what makes the trip special. Let’s take a deeper dive into how to visit Briksdal Glacier, what to expect, and how to make the most of your day.
Where Is Briksdal Glacier?
Briksdal Glacier, called Briksdalsbreen in Norwegian, is an arm of the larger Jostedalsbreen glacier. Jostedalsbreen is the largest glacier on the European mainland, and several of its glacier arms can be visited from different parts of Vestland county.
Briksdal Glacier is located in Briksdalen, at the end of Oldedalen valley, near the village of Olden. Olden itself sits by the Nordfjord and is a popular cruise port, so many visitors come to Briksdal Glacier as a shore excursion. It is also a natural day trip if you are staying in Stryn, Loen, Nordfjordeid, or around the inner Nordfjord area.
The official visitor area is by Briksdalsbre Fjellstove and Oldedalen Skyss, which sit near the start of the walking route and Troll Car departures. The area has parking, toilets, food, souvenirs, and the transport service up toward the glacier.
How To Get To Briksdal Glacier
The easiest way to reach Briksdal Glacier is by car. From Olden, you drive south through Oldedalen valley, following Oldedalsvegen along lakes, farms, waterfalls, and mountain scenery. The drive from Olden to Briksdal normally takes around 30 minutes, but I strongly recommend allowing more time because this is one of the most beautiful valley roads in the area.
If you arrive by cruise ship in Olden, there are usually local shuttle buses, organized excursions, and private tours that take passengers to Briksdal. Some tours include the Troll Car, while others only include transport to the starting point. Always check exactly what is included before booking, since the Troll Car is often a separate add-on.
Visitors from Nordfjordeid, Hellesylt, and other nearby cruise ports can also visit Briksdal Glacier on organized day trips. These tours usually include bus transport through the fjord and valley landscape, with time at Briksdal to walk, take the Troll Car, eat, and shop for souvenirs.
Public transport is possible in some seasons, but it is not the most flexible way to visit. For most travelers, a rental car, cruise excursion, or local tour is the best option.
Parking At Briksdal Glacier
There is paid parking at Briksdal for visitors arriving by car or camper. The official Briksdal parking information lists short free parking for up to 30 minutes, a day rate for 30 minutes to 10 hours, and a higher rate for 10 to 24 hours. Payment can be made at the parking machine or online after leaving.
The parking area is close to Briksdalsbre Fjellstove, where the main hiking trail begins. During peak summer days, especially when cruise ships are in Olden, it is smart to arrive early if you are driving yourself. The area can get busy, but the trail itself usually feels more spread out once people begin walking at different speeds.
Hiking To Briksdal Glacier
The classic Briksdal Glacier walk starts at Briksdalsbre Fjellstove and follows a wide trail through Briksdalen toward the glacier lake. The most commonly described route is around 3 kilometers each way, making it a manageable walk for many visitors with average fitness.
The trail climbs gradually, but it is not a difficult mountain hike. It follows a good path through lush valley scenery, with waterfalls, rivers, boulders, and mountain views along the way. One of the highlights is Kleivafossen, a powerful waterfall where the spray can be intense. On warm summer days this feels refreshing, but in cooler weather you may want a waterproof jacket.
The final section brings you toward the glacial lake in front of Briksdal Glacier. The glacier itself has retreated significantly over time, so do not expect to stand right next to a huge wall of ice like in older postcards. Even so, the setting is spectacular, with the glacier high above the water, surrounded by steep rock walls and snow-streaked mountains.
Do not cross barriers or approach unstable ice, steep slopes, or unsafe lake edges. Glacier areas can be dangerous, even when they look calm from a distance. Falling ice, rockfall, slippery terrain, and cold water are real risks.
Taking The Troll Car To Briksdal Glacier
One of the most distinctive ways to visit Briksdal Glacier is by Troll Car, locally called Trollbil. These small motorized vehicles take visitors from the Briksdal visitor area up through the valley toward the glacier. The ride itself takes around 10 to 15 minutes, and a round trip with a stop at the top takes about 1.5 hours.
The Troll Car does not take you all the way to the glacier lake. From the upper stop at Kleivane, there is still about 500 meters to walk on a wide path to reach the lake in front of the glacier.
This is a great option for visitors who have limited mobility, are short on time, or simply want to save energy. It is also popular with cruise passengers, families with children, and older travelers. In busy periods, it is wise to book in advance if possible, since seats can sell out when many tour groups arrive at the same time.
Best Time To Visit Briksdal Glacier
The main travel season for Briksdal Glacier is late spring, summer, and early autumn. May to September is the most popular period, with the easiest access, most services open, and the best chance of comfortable walking conditions.
June, July, and August are the busiest months. This is when the valley is green, waterfalls are powerful, and cruise traffic is at its peak. If you want the best balance between pleasant weather and fewer visitors, I personally like late May, early June, or early September. The scenery is still beautiful, but the atmosphere can be calmer.
Weather changes quickly in this part of Norway. Even in summer, you should bring a light waterproof jacket, good walking shoes, and an extra layer. The valley can feel warm and sheltered near the visitor center, then cooler and wetter near the waterfall and glacier lake.
What To Wear And Bring
You do not need technical hiking equipment for the standard Briksdal Glacier walk, but you should dress sensibly. Good sneakers or hiking shoes are strongly recommended. The path is generally good, but it can be wet in places, especially near waterfalls or after rain.
Bring a waterproof jacket, even if the weather looks fine when you start. A small backpack with water, snacks, and a camera is enough for most visitors. If you are visiting with children, bring a change of socks or light rain pants if the forecast is uncertain. Norwegian valley weather can turn a simple walk into a very wet experience.
Sunglasses can be useful on bright days, and sunscreen is worth bringing in summer. The combination of mountain air, water, and reflective surfaces can make the sun stronger than you expect.
Facilities At Briksdal
The Briksdal visitor area is well set up for tourists. Around Briksdalsbre Fjellstove, you will find food, drinks, toilets, souvenirs, parking, and the Troll Car departure point. This makes Briksdal an easy glacier attraction compared to many other glacier areas in Norway, where access can require longer hikes or guided tours.
It is a good place to have lunch before or after the walk. Many visitors also stop here for coffee and cake, especially if they are on a guided excursion with limited time. Prices are typical for tourist areas in Norway, so expect food and drinks to cost more than at a regular supermarket.
Can You Walk On Briksdal Glacier?
For ordinary visitors, Briksdal Glacier is mainly a viewpoint and scenic walk, not a glacier hiking destination. Due to ice conditions at Briksdal Glacier, guided glacier hikes are not generally run on Briksdalsbreen itself, and glacier hiking is instead moved to other glacier areas such as Tystigbreen at Mt. Stryn.
This is important to know before you visit. If your dream is to put on crampons and walk on blue glacier ice, you should book a proper guided glacier hike elsewhere in the region. If your goal is to enjoy a beautiful valley walk with glacier views, Briksdal Glacier is a fantastic choice.
Never attempt to walk on glacier ice without a certified guide and proper equipment. Glaciers have crevasses, unstable ice, meltwater channels, and hidden dangers that are not obvious from the surface.
Is Briksdal Glacier Worth Visiting From Olden?
Briksdal Glacier is one of the best day trips from Olden, especially for first-time visitors. The distance is short, the scenery is dramatic, and the experience is easy to fit into a cruise stop or relaxed day in the Nordfjord region.
That said, it is not just the glacier that makes the trip worthwhile. The drive through Oldedalen is beautiful in itself, with bright glacial lakes, old farms, waterfalls, and mountain views. I always tell visitors not to rush straight to the parking lot. Stop safely along the way, enjoy the valley, and take in the full landscape.
If you only have a few hours in Olden, Briksdal is one of the most efficient ways to experience classic Norwegian fjord and glacier scenery in a single trip.
Visiting Briksdal Glacier With Children
Briksdal Glacier can work very well for families. The main walking trail is wide and scenic, and the distance is manageable for active children. The Troll Car is also a fun option, especially if younger kids get tired or if you want to reduce the amount of uphill walking.
Bring snacks, water, and suitable clothing. Children often enjoy the waterfalls and river more than the glacier itself, so allow time for small stops along the way. Keep a close eye near water, slippery rocks, and steep edges. The landscape is beautiful, but it is still wild Norwegian nature.
How Much Time Do You Need At Briksdal Glacier?
If you walk both ways from the visitor center to the glacier lake, allow around 2 to 3 hours including photo stops. Fast walkers can do it quicker, but this is not a place where you should rush. The valley is part of the experience.
If you take the Troll Car, the visit can be shorter, but you should still allow enough time for the ride, the 500-meter walk from the upper stop, photos by the lake, and the return trip. A Troll Car round trip is commonly described as taking about 1.5 hours with a stop at the top.
For a relaxed visit with lunch or coffee at Briksdalsbre Fjellstove, plan for 3 to 4 hours in the Briksdal area. If you are driving from Olden, add travel time through Oldedalen.
Nearby Places To Combine With Briksdal Glacier
Olden is the most natural base for visiting Briksdal Glacier, but the wider area has plenty to offer. Loen is nearby and is famous for the Loen Skylift, which takes you from fjord level to high mountain views in just a few minutes. Stryn is a useful base with shops, accommodation, and access to several scenic valleys.
Oldedalen itself deserves time. The lake Oldevatnet is one of the most beautiful lakes in the region, especially when the water has that pale turquoise glacial color. On calm days, the reflections of mountains and waterfalls can be incredible.
If you enjoy hiking, there are more demanding routes in the Briksdal and Oldedalen area, including hikes toward other glacier viewpoints and mountain passes. These should be treated as proper mountain hikes, with suitable gear and weather awareness.
Practical Tips For Visiting Briksdal Glacier
Arrive early in peak season if you want a quieter experience. Cruise days can make the area very busy, especially from mid-morning to early afternoon. If you are staying locally and have flexibility, late afternoon can also be a lovely time to visit.
Check weather conditions before you go, but do not cancel too quickly just because there is some rain in the forecast. This part of Norway is often wet, and the waterfalls are at their most impressive after rain. Just dress properly and protect your camera or phone from spray.
Book the Troll Car in advance during high season if it is important for your visit. This is especially relevant if you have limited mobility or a strict cruise schedule.
Most importantly, do not judge Briksdal Glacier only by the size of the visible ice. The glacier has changed a lot, but the valley remains one of the most impressive and accessible glacier landscapes in Norway. For many visitors, the walk through Briksdalen, with waterfalls thundering beside the path and mountains rising above the valley, becomes the real highlight of the day.