Briksdalsbreen, or Briksdals Glacier, is one of Norway’s most stunning and accessible glaciers, located in the Jostedalsbreen National Park in the western part of the country. It’s famous for its dramatic blue ice, picturesque surroundings, and relatively easy access, making it a popular destination for travelers. Here’s how you can get to Briksdalsbreen:
1. Getting to the Nearest Town: Olden
Before heading to Briksdalsbreen, you’ll need to reach the nearest town, Olden. Olden is the gateway to the glacier and is well-connected by road and ferry. Here’s how to get there:
By Car:
- From Bergen: Olden is around 4-5 hours drive (about 250 kilometers) from Bergen, via the E39 and RV15 roads.
- From Oslo: If you’re coming from Oslo, it will take around 7-8 hours by car (about 450 kilometers), following the E6 and RV15.
By Bus:
- There are bus connections from Stryn to Olden, especially during the tourist season. You can take a bus from Stryn or Sogndal, which are well connected to other major cities.
By Ferry:
- Cruise Ships: Olden is a popular port for cruise ships. Many cruises to the Norwegian fjords make a stop at Olden, allowing passengers to visit Briksdalsbreen.
2. From Olden to Briksdalsbreen
Once you’re in Olden, the glacier is about 25 km (15.5 miles) away. Here’s how you can get there:
By Car:
- Self-drive: From Olden, take the RV725 road toward the Briksdal Glacier parking lot. It’s a beautiful, scenic drive that takes about 30-40 minutes.
By Shuttle Bus:
- Shuttle Services: During the tourist season (spring and summer), there are shuttle buses that run from Olden to the Briksdal Glacier parking area. This is a convenient option if you don’t want to drive yourself.
By Bike or Walking:
- If you’re feeling adventurous and love the outdoors, you can cycle or hike from Olden to the glacier, though it will take several hours. The hike itself offers stunning views, but it’s more challenging and time-consuming.
3. At Briksdal Glacier
Once you arrive at the Briksdal Glacier parking lot, there are several options for getting up closer to the glacier itself:
1. Walking to the Glacier:
- Trail: From the parking lot, there is a well-maintained walking path that takes you to the Briksdal Glacier. The trail is about 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) long and takes around 30-45 minutes, depending on your pace. It’s a moderate hike with some uphill sections, but the path is paved and suitable for most visitors.
2. Troll Cars (Trollcars):
- Troll Cars: If you prefer not to hike, there is a popular option to take a Troll Car, a small, open-air electric vehicle, which transports visitors from the parking lot to a closer viewpoint near the glacier. The ride takes about 15 minutes each way and is a fun, easy way to get up to the glacier without much effort. It’s particularly helpful for those with mobility issues or those in a time crunch.
Tips for Visiting Briksdalsbreen:
- Best Time to Visit: The summer months (June-August) are the best time to visit Briksdalsbreen, as the weather is milder, and the glacier is more accessible. However, it’s open year-round, and visiting in winter offers a quieter, more peaceful experience.
- Clothing: Wear comfortable walking shoes, especially if you plan to walk to the glacier, as the ground can be uneven. Layered clothing is advisable, as temperatures can vary.
- Guided Tours: There are several guided tours available for visitors, which can be a great way to learn about the glacier’s history, formation, and the surrounding area.
Summary:
To visit Briksdalsbreen, you first need to get to Olden, either by car, bus, or ferry. From Olden, you can take a shuttle, drive, or hike to the glacier. Once there, you can either hike or take a Troll Car to get closer to the glacier itself. It’s a spectacular spot for photography and nature lovers, offering breathtaking views of the glacier and the surrounding landscape.
Happy travels, and enjoy your visit to one of Norway’s most stunning natural wonders!