Briksdalsbreen Glacier in Olden, Nordfjord, is an arm of the Jostedalsbreen Glacier surrounded by steep mountains, crashing waterfalls and wild nature. The hike from Briksdalen Valley to the glacier is one of Norway’s most scenic, with views of rugged peaks, rushing rivers and the blue glacier ice. Map to use: Jostedalsbreen Nasjonalpark 1:50000.
The Briksdalsbreen Glacier has retreated significantly in recent years, and its glacier front is no longer as impressive as it once was. Nevertheless, the walk to the glacier lake remains one of the most beautiful and accessible nature experiences in Norway. The lush valley, powerful waterfalls and steep mountain slopes make the hike well worth it – even though the glacier is smaller than it used to be. The three-kilometre hike starts at Briksdalsbre Mountain Lodge and takes about one hour each way.
The road along Oldedalen Valley to Briksdalsbre Mountain Lodge
From Olden, drive the Oldedalen Valley along Lake Oldevatnet in Nordfjord towards Briksdalsbre Mountain Lodge where you can park your car.
It is difficult to drive this road without having several photo stops. Beautiful and wild scenery everywhere.
Important information about roads in Western Norway – Remember that many roads in western Norway are prone to landslides and avalanches, especially in rainy and snowy weather. The roads along lake Lovatnet and lake Oldevatnet are two of these exposed roads.
Winter tires are required in winter. Read more about Tyre Requirements in Norway…
Hike to Briksdalsbreen Glacier
The trail to Briksdalsbreen Glacier starts at Briksdalsbre Mountain Lodge at the innemost part of the Briksdal Valley. The trail is surrounded by beautiful and wild nature, with steep mountains, wild rivers and waterfalls everywhere. The altitude difference from the start to the end of the trail by the glacier lake is 200 meters.
The last years, the Briksdalsbreen Glacier has retreated several hundred meters. But you can still see the glacier hanging steep down from the Jostedalsbreen Glacier which is the largest glacier in the European mainland. And the green chartreuse colour on the glacial lake is worth the hike alone.
The trail ends when you arrive the glacial lake. It is recommended not to walk further inwards along the lake due to the steep terrain and the risk of landslides and avalanches from the terrain and the glacier.
The hike takes around one hour each way on a well prepared trail.
Safety in and near Glaciers
Do not walk on a glacier without guide! It is also very important that one never hikes in front of a glacier. It is encouraged that one admires the beauty of a glacier from a safe distance.
The last years there have been some fatal accidents by the foot of Norwegian glaciers.
A glacier is like a river in “slow motion”, glaciers are always moving. This causes the gacier to calv now and then, and sometimes the Glacial River will accumulate under the glacier and come out as a “tsunami”.
Read more about safety on and near glaciers.
Nordfjord – What to See and Do
The mountains, glaciers, fjords and coastline of Nordfjord are some of the most beautiful landscapes Norway has to offer. Hjelle in Oppstryn, Loen Skylift, Briksdalsbreen glacier and Hoddevik beach are great places to visit when you are in Nordfjord. Nordfjord is located in the northern part of Vestland County, in the middle of Western Norway.
Visit Nordfjord
Visit Nordfjord is the official destination company for the Nordfjord area.
Accommodation in Stryn and Oppstryn
Hjelle Hotel at Hjelle in Oppstryn
Cabins at Glomnes at Hjelle in Oppstryn
Folven Adventure Camp in Oppstryn
Strynsvatn Camping in Oppstryn
Lidasanden by Lake Oppstrynsvatnet
Stryn Hotel in Stryn
Visnes Historic Hotel in Stryn
Stryn Camping in Stryn
Accommodation in Loen
Hotel Alexandra in Loen
Hotel Loenfjord in Loen
Loen Apartments in Loen
Sande Camping by Lake Lovatnet
Loenvatn Feriesenter by Lake Lovatnet
Sandeåsen Feriehytter by Lake Lovatnet
Kjenndalstova at the inner part of Lake Lovatnet
Accommodation in Olden
Oldevatn Camping
Aabrekk Gard in Oldedalen
Melkevoll Bretun Camping
Yrineset by Lake Oldevatnet
Briksdalsbre Mountain Lodge
Olden Camping Gryti
Olden Fjordhotel in Olden
Accommodation in Innvik
Loen and Olden – Useful Links
Gondola in Loen – Loen Skylift
Adventure Company in Loen – Loen Active
Briksdal Adventure Adventure in Olden – Briksdal Adventure