Briksdalsbreen Glacier

Briksdalsbreen is an accessible arm of the Jostedalsbreen glacier, the largest glacier on mainland Europe, in the Briksdalen valley above Olden in Stryn municipality, Vestland, Norway. A road climbs from Olden to the Briksdalsbre Fjellstove car park and cafe, from where visitors walk about 45 minutes each way along a marked path to a glacial lake at the foot of the ice. The path follows a rushing river and passes the Kleivafossen waterfall, which sprays spectators near the trail. As an alternative, open horse-drawn style carts known as troll cars carry passengers up the valley for about NOK 300 return, shortening the walk to the last stretch; walking is free. At the end of the route the glacier tongue descends from the plateau into a small milky-green meltwater lake, and the blue ice faces are the main sight and photograph. The ice has retreated markedly in recent decades, so the view differs from older photographs. Visitors typically spend two to three hours including the walk and cafe stop. The path is open from mid-May to late September, with snow possible early in the season and high water at peak melt. The car park fills up and tour buses arrive around late morning and midday in July and August, so early morning or late afternoon visits are more peaceful. Sturdy shoes and a rain jacket are advised, since the path is wet and uneven. Guided glacier walks on the ice itself are run by licensed operators and are separate from the standard route. Olden is about 25 minutes by car, with bus links from Stryn and Olden.