Briksdalsbreen (Briksdal Glacier) is a western arm of Jostedalsbreen, mainland Europe's largest glacier, tucked at the very head of the Oldedalen valley in Briksdalen, within Jostedalsbreen National Park near Olden. It is one of Norway's most photographed sights, framed by the plunging Kleivafossen waterfall and the emerald glacial lake Briksdalsvatnet beneath ice that spills from over 1,000 m of cliff. Since about 2000 the glacier has retreated sharply — by 2007 it was estimated to be at its smallest since the 13th century — so today the ice sits well above the lake, making a visit as much a window onto a vanishing glacier as a scenic one. Reachable roughly May–October, it is easy to reach via a well-kept valley trail or the open-air electric 'Troll Car' shuttle, making it suitable for almost all ages.
The glacial lake Briksdalsvatnet (~350 m) and the ice tongue now perched above it — the current face of a glacier famous for advancing and retreating through the 20th century
Kleivafossen, a thundering waterfall dropping more than 1,000 m — one of Norway's great photo spots, with spray drifting onto the trail
The ~3 km valley trail to the glacier basin (about 700 m on foot after the Troll Car stop), past waterfalls, mossy cliffs and turquoise meltwater
The open-air 7-seat electric Troll Car — a 10–15 minute ride up the valley, ideal for travelers who can't manage the full walk
The pristine national-park scenery of Jostedalsbreen and Olden's signature turquoise glacier-fed water
Good to know
SafetyThe glacier front is genuinely dangerous: ice can calve and rock/snow can slide without warning. Never cross safety barriers or warning signs, and never walk on the glacier without a licensed guide. Avoid pushing further along the lake into steep, rockfall-prone terrain.
SeasonThe Troll Car and trail generally operate May–October (walking is most reliable June–September), with opening dates varying by snow and weather each year. At ~61.7°N the site sits below the Arctic Circle, so there is no true midnight sun, but June–July bring long, near-round-the-clock daylight; winter access is effectively closed.
RulesIn the shoulder season (May and from 20 September) Troll Car tours must be booked in advance (7 per car, up to ~105 per departure). Fares and operating hours change, so verify the latest details on the official site before you go, and follow national-park rules — stay on marked trails and carry out all litter.
MannersTipping is not obligatory in Norway; service is included and gratuities are never demanded. The country is card- and mobile-payment first, so you rarely need cash (the Troll Car takes both card and cash). On the narrow trail, yield to uphill walkers and to passing Troll Cars.
CautionNorway has very low crime and tourist scams are rare, but around Olden's cruise pier you may be approached by informal 'private shuttle/tour' touts. Use the official local bus (#115) or a reputable operator, and because prices are high, check food, drink and souvenir costs in advance to budget realistically.
SafetyWeather changes fast and waterfall spray plus glacier chill make it feel cold: bring a waterproof jacket, warm layers and grippy shoes. Wet rock and trail are slippery even in summer, and the Troll Car is open-topped with no shelter from rain.
Practical info
Briksdal lies about 25 km from Olden's cruise port and village, reached in summer by local bus #115 (about 45 min), shuttle buses, or by car. From the Briksdal Mountain Lodge (Fjellstove) it is roughly a 1.5–2 hour round-trip walk to the glacier viewpoint (2.5–3 km each way, easy grade), or you can take the open-air electric Troll Car (about a 1.5-hour round trip). Troll Car fares (roughly NOK 200 one-way / NOK 300 return), bus times and whether advance booking is required change by season, so confirm the latest details on the official website before visiting.
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