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Glacier · Olden, Vestland
Briksdalsbreen
The tongue of the Jostedalsbreen glacier at the end of the Oldedalen valley, descending to a small glacial lake; about a 3 km trail from Briksdal, beside waterfalls, and tourist electric cars in summer.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Briksdalsbreen
Briksdalsbreen is one of the tongues of the Jostedalsbreen glacier and one of the most visited in Norway. It descends from the plateau between rock walls down to a small glacial lake at the end of the Oldedalen valley, about 23 km from Olden. The blue ice, crevasses and the blocks floating on the lake can be seen from the shore.
The trail starts in Briksdal, next to a mountain guesthouse with a café and parking, and is about 3 km each way, beginning with a gentle climb and then steeper, taking roughly 45 minutes to 1 hour to go. The path runs beside the Kleivafossen waterfall, whose spray reaches the trail, and crosses bridges over the meltwater river. In summer, tourist electric cars — the troll cars — often take visitors for much of the route.
The glacier has retreated considerably in recent decades: in the 20th century it reached to cover the lake and the valley below. The size and position of the glacier front change from year to year. Ropes and signs mark how far you may go; follow the guidance and local guides. Walks on the ice are only done with a guide, on other tongues of the glacier.
On the way through the Oldedalen valley the road passes Lake Oldevatnet and old farms, with several waterfalls on the slopes.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
2 to 3 hours round trip from Briksdal.
Best time
From May to September, when the trail is usually snow-free and the electric cars operate. On cruise ship days in Olden the trail gets busier at midday; go early or late afternoon. Check conditions before you go.
How to get there
It is at the end of the Oldedalen valley, about 23 km from Olden, roughly a 30-minute drive. In summer there are usually buses and organized trips from Olden, Loen and Stryn.
Tip
Bring a raincoat: the Kleivafossen waterfall wets those who pass beside it. Walk the trail on foot at least on the way down to see the waterfalls at leisure.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Briksdalsbreen
How long does the trail to Briksdalsbreen take?
About 45 minutes to 1 hour each way, roughly 3 km in each direction.
Are there electric cars to the glacier?
In summer, there are often electric shuttle cars for much of the route. Check before you go.
Is the glacier retreating?
It has retreated significantly in recent decades. The size and position of the glacier front change; follow local guidance.
Can you walk on the ice at Briksdal?
Not on your own. glacier walks are done only with a guide, on other glacier tongues of the Jostedalsbreen.