Why Visit the Briksdal Glacier? – Don’t Miss This Easy Glacier Experience
The Briksdal Glacier is one of Norway’s best-known and most easily accessible glaciers, reachable via a short yet spectacular hike. If you want to experience a glacier up close without technical climbing, this is one of the best choices.
Glaciers are a defining feature of Norway’s landscape, shaping fjords, valleys, and mountains over thousands of years. Although many are retreating today, they still offer an incredible experience.
During our trip, we visited several glaciers, some visible from parking areas, others accessible via short hikes. In this guide, I’ll show you one of the easiest yet most rewarding routes to the Briksdal Glacier.
The Jostedalsbreen glacier, covering 487 km², is the largest glacier on mainland Europe, and the Briksdal Glacier is one of its most spectacular arms.
This hike is for you if you want to:
- see the famous Briksdal Glacier up close without a challenging hike
- experience one of Norway’s most accessible glacier trails
- walk through a dramatic valley with waterfalls and glacier views
- add an easy but unforgettable stop to your Norway road trip
Scroll down for my complete Briksdal Glacier hiking guide, including trail details, tips, and what to expect along the way.
If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing a glacier up close without a challenging hike, the Briksdal Glacier is one of the best places in Norway to do it. This short and scenic trail takes you through waterfalls, lush valleys, and dramatic landscapes ending at one of the most accessible glacier tongues of the massive Jostedalsbreen ice field.
It’s one of those places where the journey is just as impressive as the destination and honestly, that’s what makes it unforgettable.
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Norway’s glaciers
Glacier Retreat in Norway
Like elsewhere in the world, glaciers in Norway are continuously melting.
Over the past 30 years, glacier-covered areas have decreased by around 11%, with hundreds of square kilometers of ice disappearing.
This change is clearly visible at the Briksdal Glacier, where the ice tongue is significantly shorter than it was just a few decades ago.
The image shows how the size of the Briksdal Glacier has changed over the past 25 years. The first image (top left) was taken in 1989, while the last one (top right) was taken in 2014.
Famous Glaciers in Norway
- Jostedalsbreen (Vestland) – The largest glacier in mainland Europe with more than 50 glacier arms, including Briksdal and Nigardsbreen
- Svartisen (Nordland) – Norway’s second-largest glacier
- Folgefonna (Hardanger) – Known for summer skiing and blue ice hikes
- Hardangerjøkulen – A vast ice cap on the Hardangervidda plateau
- Austfonna (Svalbard) – Europe’s largest ice cap (not on the mainland)
Programs and Accommodation Guide
Glacier Activities in Norway
Glaciers are not just scenic, they offer a wide range of activities:
- Guided glacier hikes
- Ice climbing
- Ice cave visits
- Viewpoints and easy walking trails
The Briksdal Glacier is unique because you can get very close to the ice with minimal effort.
+1 Tip: Norwegian Glacier Museum
Norsk Bremuseum & Ulltveit-Moe Climate Center
A great additional stop if you want to learn more about glaciers. Interactive exhibits explain how glaciers form, how they shape landscapes, and how climate change affects them.
Norwegian Glacier Museum website
Norway Fjords Travel Guide – Best Fjords to Visit in Norway
Easy Glacier Hikes in the Fjord Region
- Briksdalsbreen (Olden) – The most famous and easiest route (1.5–2 hours round trip)
- Nigardsbreen (Jostedalen) – Close to the parking lot, with optional guided family blue ice hikes
- Kjenndalsbreen (Loen) – Short and scenic walk to a glacier arm
- Buardalen (Odda) – Trail leading to Buarbreen, part of Folgefonna
Where to Stay Near Briksdal Glacier
I recommend staying in the Olden or Loen area, but the glacier can also be visited as a stop along your route.
- Gryta Camping – Where we stayed with our campervan
- Olden Fjordhotel**** – Comfortable hotel with fjord views
- Oldevatn Camping**** – Lakeside cabins and nature-focused stay
- Loen Apartments – Modern apartments in Loen
- Hotel Loenfjord*** – Good value hotel near the fjord
Scandic Hotels – A Trusted Choice Across Scandinavia
If you’re traveling in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, or Finland, Scandic Hotels is a name you can count on. With properties in nearly every major city, Scandic is a popular choice among travelers for its consistent quality, excellent value, and reliable comfort.
Most locations offer a generous breakfast buffet included in the price, along with family-friendly amenities. Rooms are clean, modern, and straightforward, and the staff is known for being warm and helpful.
👉 Looking for a dependable hotel in Scandinavia? Check availability at Scandic Hotels here and book your stay with confidence!
Why do I recommend Get Your Guide website or app? Because it offers free cancellation. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund!
Briksdal Glacier Hike
Briksdal Glacier Hike Overview
The Briksdal Glacier is part of Jostedalsbreen National Park, cascading from around 1,200 meters into the lush Briksdalen Valley.
The valley itself has been shaped by glaciers over thousands of years, with smooth rock surfaces and vibrant greenery. It has been a popular destination for over 100 years.
Explore more norway travel tips on my blog – Check it Now
Where Is Briksdal Glacier Located?
The Briksdal Glacier is located in Western Norway, in Vestland county, at the end of the Oldedalen Valley near the village of Olden. This region is one of the most beautiful fjord areas in Norway, where glaciers, waterfalls, and green valleys create a breathtaking landscape.
Hike Details
- Distance: 2.5 km (one way)
- Start/End: Briksdalsbre Mountain Lodge
- Duration: 40–60 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
This is one of the easiest glacier hikes in Norway.
Car rental – Tip
Search and book a car on one of the popular search portals and find the best deal for you!
One of my favorite search sites is Discovercars.com, because there are no hidden costs, you can cancel the reservation for free if your travel plans change, and last but not least, they offer rental cars at very reasonable prices. The filters allow you to select the type of card you want to use, the amount of the deposit and the payment terms.
Walking or Taking the Troll Car?
Electric “Troll cars” operate along the trail:
- Round trip: 300 NOK
- One way (only up way): 200 NOK
- Operates frequently in high season (May–October)
The round trip by Troll car takes about 1.5 hours, including a stop at the summit. From the final stop, you still need to walk about 500 meters.
We chose to walk and honestly, that’s where most of the experience comes from.
Briksdal Glacier Hike Description
The hike starts from the parking area at Briksdal Mountain Lodge, where you’ll find a restaurant and restrooms.
The trail follows a river and quickly leads to the impressive Kleivafossen waterfall, fed largely by glacial meltwater. At times, up to 10,000 liters of water per second cascade down.
Crossing the bridge, you can literally feel the mist on your face.
As you continue, the valley becomes even more dramatic, waterfalls rush down the mountainsides, the river roars below, and the Briksdal Glacier appears more and more frequently.
At one point, the trail splits:
- Left: paved road (used by Troll cars)
- Right: forest trail (recommended)
Near the end, you’ll reach a bridge with a nearly full view of the glacier. After a short forest section, you arrive at the glacier lake.
We spent some time here walking around, taking photos, and simply enjoying the scenery.
On the way back, it’s worth taking a different path for variety.
Summary
The Briksdal Glacier is a perfect choice if you’re looking for an easy yet spectacular glacier hike in Norway.
It doesn’t require special fitness, yet offers a chance to see a constantly changing natural wonder that is, unfortunately, shrinking over time.
That’s exactly what makes it so special.
Tips for the Hike
- Bring a waterproof jacket
- Wear comfortable shoes
- Watch out for Troll cars on shared sections
- Arrive early to avoid crowds
Briksdal Glacier Photo Gallery
Things to Do Near Briksdal Glacier
If you’re traveling through the area, there are several iconic stops nearby:
- Loen Skylift – Cable car to Mount Hoven (1,000 m) with incredible views
- Geirangerfjord – UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Norway’s most famous fjords
- Trollstigen – One of Norway’s most scenic mountain roads
Check out my complete Geirangerfjord travel guide for more inspiration
briksdalen weather forecast
Need help planning your trip?
Here are my favourite sites to use when planning my trips:
Find your flight: Kiwi or use the airline’s direct website
Book your Hotel: Booking.com and Airbnb
Search for a rental car: Discovercars
Stay Connected Anywhere: Airalo eSIM
Book an unforgettable experiences: GetYourGuide website.
Source: Wandering Linda
Photos: Wandering Linda
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