Gretchen Stuppy Carlson
Not far from Loen and Olden in Norway, the popular Briksdalsbreen Glacier is a great place to visit a glacier for close up views of the ice and some incredible waterfalls. You can either hike or take the Troll car up to the Glacier viewing area. We happened to do the hike on a very rainy day and didn’t experience the crowds. Below I’ll share what you need to know to visit Briksdaal Glacier. This is a very popular hike that is often crowded.
Looking for more to do in the area? Check out our guide to Loen or our bike trip around Lovatnet Lake. You can also get all my travel guides in my newsletter.
Overview of Briksdalsbreen Glacier
Briksdalsbreen Glacier, one of Norway’s most famous glacial arms, is a part of the larger Jostedalsbreen Glacier: the largest glacier in continental Europe. Nestled in the scenic Briksdal Valley, the glacier is visible from the trail and flows down from high mountains, creating striking blue ice formations. Throughout the year, Briksdalsbreen offers breathtaking views of ice cliffs, glacial lakes, and cascading waterfalls.
Quick Look at the Briksdalsbreen Glacier Hike
Distance: 3.3 miles
Elevation: 650 feet
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Other Options: Take the Troll Car up to the Glacier viewpoint. You can buy a ticket right at the Welcome Center
While the Glacier is impressive (although small) one of the best parts of this hike is the waterfalls along the way: both directly on the route and in the mountains around the glacier. The trail itself is mostly on a gravel road and is easy walking.
Details for Hiking Briksdaal Glacier
The trail leaves from the Visitor Center and descends slightly before climbing steeply for a short distance. This is the steepest part of the hike and it quickly flattens out on a wide dirt path. The trail has some great views and passes right by a massive waterfall and over a bridge. Due to the rain when we visited, this waterfall was incredibly powerful and covered us in mist.
Just past the waterfall, the trail climbs gradually with some intesting views. From here continue on the trail passing a series of signs showing the extent and shrinking of the glacier over the years. Eventually you cross another bridge with a final walk to the final glacier viewpoint.
This is a great place for some photos and offers a good look at the glacier itself. To complete the hike return the way you came down the trail or take the Troll Car.
Taking the Troll Car to Briksdaal Glacier
For over a century, local farmers in the area took people to Briksdalsbreen Glacier with horse-drawn carriages. In 2004, this was updated with the introduction of “Troll cars.” These open-air vehicles seat up to seven people and take passengers close to the glacial lake and viewpoint.
Keep in mind that even after leaving the Troll cars, there is still a short walk of about 10 minutes to reach the glacier itself (the car can’t quite make it to the end of the trail. These vehicles offer a fun and accessible way to experience the glacier, making it possible for visitors with limited mobility to enjoy this spectacular natural wonder without undertaking the full hike.
If you are able to make the walk – it is well worth it!
What to Know about Visiting Briksdaal Glacier
Parking
There are several parking lots at the start of the glacier walk that do require a fee to park. Make sure to drive all the way up to find parking.
Facilities
The welcome center has bathrooms and a shop and makes a nice place to stop before or after visiting Briksdaal glacier. The Briksdalsbre Mountain Lodge is a great spot to graf something to eat or drink after your hike.
Getting to Briksdaal Glacier
The glacier is located in Oldedalen, about 25 km from the village of Stryn in Norway. The most common way to reach it is by car or guided tour:
- By Car: From Stryn, drive along Route 60 to Oldedalen. There’s a parking area near the base of the glacier trail where you can access the walking paths or board the “Troll cars” to get closer.
- By Bus or Tour: Many tour companies operating out of Stryn, Loen, or nearby fjord towns offer day trips to Briksdalsbreen. These often include transportation, a guide, and sometimes the Troll car ride.
