Briksdahl Glacier Hike

Hike through the gorgeous mountain wilderness, following a trail to the face of Briksdal Glacier, an arm of the largest glacier in continental Europe.

A scenic drive takes you through the fertile Olden Valley, at times following the shore of beautiful Lake Olden. Along the way, you will pass several small farms where crops such as barley flourish in the rich soil.

After approximately 45 minutes, you will arrive at Briksdal Mountain Lodge, a small hotel at the foot of a mountain not far from Briksdal Glacier. The lodge is a popular starting point for hiking to the glacier so you’re sure to see other adventurers. The trail will take you past a small glacial lake and as near to the glacier as is safe. Briksdal is a massive branch of the even larger Jostedal Glacier, and the closer you get to the ancient ice flow the more breathtaking it becomes. While standing near the glacier, you can easily see how the powerful force of the moving ice has shaped the landscape over the centuries.

At its thickest part, Briksdal Glacier is nearly a quarter mile deep, although the glacier’s size and depth depends on climatic conditions. In the last decade or so Briksdal has receded at a slower pace than other European glaciers, presumably because it’s entirely on dry land.

After viewing the glacier up close, you will hike back to the mountain lodge for coffee and a snack before returning to the pier.