Briksdal Glacier: A 6‑hour scenic bus pilgrimage from Nordfjordeid into Jostedal Glacier National Park

NORDFJORDEID BUS TOUR FIELD GUIDE

Briksdal Glacier: A 6‑hour scenic bus pilgrimage from Nordfjordeid into Jostedal Glacier National Park

A guided bus tour from Nordfjordeid to the plunging Briksdal Glacier — includes on‑site cake buffet, a choice of walking or limited Troll Car access, and roughly 2½ hours at the glacier.

Briksdal Glacier: A 6‑hour scenic bus pilgrimage from Nordfjordeid into Jostedal Glacier National Park.

Duration
6 hours
Location
Nordfjordeid
Operator
Visit Nordfjordeid
Category
Bus Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Board a comfortable bus in Nordfjordeid for a guided, 6‑hour round trip into Jostedal Glacier National Park to see the Briksdal Glacier — a glacier arm that plunges roughly 1,200 metres into the narrow Briksdal valley and draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Along the way your local guide narrates the landscape and history; on arrival you can sample a cake buffet and coffee, then choose to walk the 3 km path up to the glacier or reserve one of the limited Troll Cars to ride up and walk back down.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE LANDSCAPE

Briksdal Glacier and the plunging ice valley

The Briksdal Glacier is an arm of Jostedal Glacier National Park that descends about 1,200 metres into the lush, narrow Briksdal valley — the dramatic endpoint of the tour and a major draw for visitors from around the world.

THE JOURNEY

Scenic bus drive past Hornindal Lake

Expect a roughly 1 hour 45 minute drive each way from Nordfjordeid along the Hornindal Lake, with a guide narrating points of interest during the transit to and from Briksdalen.

THE EXPERIENCE

Cake buffet, flexible access and free time at the glacier

The tour ticket includes an indulgent cake buffet and coffee at the Briksdalen cafeteria; you will have about 2½ hours on site to explore, buy lunch or souvenirs, and either walk the 3 km trail to the glacier or use the Troll Cars (which have limited availability).

What the day feels like

What to expect on the route

Meet at the quay in Nordfjordeid and climb aboard for a guided drive of roughly 1 hour 45 minutes to Briksdal. On arrival you’ll find a cafeteria with an included cake buffet and coffee; from there you can choose to walk the 3 km path up toward the glacier or purchase a seat on one of the Troll Cars (recommended up, walk down). Note that the Troll Cars are limited and should be booked in advance; from the point where the Troll Cars stop it is a 500‑metre walk to the lake immediately in front of the glacier. You will have about 2½ hours in Briksdalen before the bus returns to Nordfjordeid.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this tour suits

1
Active familiesSuitable for families — the tour is described as for all ages and offers a flexible mix of a scenic bus ride, cafeteria facilities and an optional walk or Troll Car ride to the glacier.
2
Sightseers & photographersA good match for those who want concentrated glacier views without a multi‑day hike: the trip provides direct access to Briksdal and roughly 2½ hours on site.
3
Guests with limited timeIdeal for travelers seeking a day‑trip format from Nordfjordeid — the full outing is scheduled as a 6‑hour round trip with fixed departure and return times.
4
People who prefer minimal walkingWhile the tour is advertised for all ages, note there is a 3 km walk option to the glacier and the Troll Cars stop still requires a 500‑metre walk to the lake; Troll Cars have limited availability and should be booked in advance.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Duration

This is a 6‑hour tour from departure in Nordfjordeid to return (approximately 1 hour 45 minutes each way by bus with about 2½ hours spent at Briksdalen).

What to Bring

The ticket includes a cake buffet and coffee at the Briksdalen cafeteria; additional lunch, drinks and souvenirs can be purchased on site.

Troll Cars & booking

Troll Cars are available for the uphill leg but have limited availability—booking in advance is recommended; from the Troll Car stop it is a 500‑metre walk to the lake in front of the glacier.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the Briksdal Glacier tour?

The full tour is approximately 6 hours from departure in Nordfjordeid to return.

How long is the bus ride to Briksdal?

The drive is about 1 hour 45 minutes each way.

Where do I meet for the tour?

Meet on the east side at the quay building sign marked with “Briksdal Glacier.”

Is food included?

The ticket includes a cake buffet and coffee at the Briksdalen cafeteria; lunch and drinks are also available to buy on site.

Can I take the Troll Cars to the glacier?

Yes — Troll Cars can take you toward the glacier, but they have limited availability and advance booking is recommended; note there is still a 500‑metre walk from the Troll Car stop to the lake in front of the glacier.