Olden and the Briksdal Glacier
Waking up at Olden was a treat. From the cruise terminal, we were greeted by breathtaking scenery. The fjord waters were calm and reflective, framed by steep mountains dusted with greenery. It felt like we had stepped into a postcard.
Our excursion started with a scenic bus ride through the Olden Valley, winding past waterfalls, farms, and dramatic mountain slopes. The valley has long been shaped by glaciers and rivers, giving it the lush landscape we saw. We made a stop at Lake Olden to take photos. The water was still and clear, perfectly mirroring the surrounding peaks. It was the sort of spot that makes you pause and just take it all in.
The bus then took us to the Briksdalsbre Mountain Lodge and Restaurant. Before beginning our hike, we enjoyed the included cake and coffee at the lodge. It was a lovely way to settle in and take in the mountain air before starting the walk towards the glacier.
We began our hike, a gentle uphill walk to Kleivafossen, a waterfall cascading down the mountain slopes. The path was easy to follow, lined with lush greenery and mountain streams. Along the trail, information signs explained how the Briksdal Glacier had shaped the valley over centuries and how the surrounding flora had adapted to the conditions.
Further along, we came across the Jettegrytene Pottholes, natural rock formations carved by glacial meltwater over centuries. These circular basins in the rock were fascinating to see up close, and it was amazing to think of the force of water that shaped them over time.
Finally, we reached the Briksdal Glacier itself. Even from a distance, it looked magnificent, a river of ice tucked into the mountains. The excursion allowed us to get close enough to see the deep blue crevices and snow-white ridges. The air was crisp and fresh, carrying that unmistakable scent of mountain streams and melting ice. We could have spent hours there just soaking up the views.
On our walk back towards the bus, we took a slightly different route. There was just us and one other man ahead of us, which made the walk feel peaceful and quiet. Before the hike started, our guide had given a handy tip: if we kept walking in the direction of Volefossen, we would be on the right path back to the bus pick-up. Along the way, we passed some farm animals and came across a swing with the glacier perfectly framed in the background, making a lovely photo opportunity.
Once we reached Kleivafossen, we rejoined the rest of the hikers. We then took the same scenic bus ride back to the ship, giving us another chance to enjoy the Olden Valley and snap a few last photos of the mountains and waterfalls. There was still a little time before departure, so we explored the shops and had a second round of coffee and cake at the lodge. We did not have time to explore Olden town itself, but that felt fine. Instead, we went for a late lunch and sat on the ship’s deck, enjoying the mountain scenery around us.
Watching the sailaway from Olden was special. A few people on the quay waved flags as we departed. It was our first sailaway party and a perfect, peaceful way to end a day filled with scenery, gentle hikes, and small adventures.
