Måløy: Briksdal Glacier Guided Tour

Key Points

• Duration of 7.5 hours includes transport, exploration, and breaks
• Scenic drive through Nordfjord with a local guide sharing stories and history
• Visit to Briksdal Glacier, part of Jostedal Glacier National Park, with 2.5 hours of free time
• Options to walk or ride the Troll Car to the glacier, with recommendations for the walk-down
• Includes access to a visitor center with a cake buffet, café, and souvenir shop
• Comfortable bus journey of approximately 2.5 hours each way, with scenic views along Hornindal Lake

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discover the Briksdal Glacier from Måløy

This guided tour from Måløy offers a full day around one of Norway’s most breathtaking natural sights, the Briksdal Glacier. The tour lasts 7.5 hours and is rated 4.8 out of 5, highlighting its popularity and quality. It features a scenic drive through the Nordfjord region, giving travelers the chance to enjoy impressive views and listen to stories from a local guide about the area’s history and highlights, including Hornindal Lake, known as Europe’s deepest lake.

The journey begins at the Måløy terminal, where travelers meet at signs marked “Fjord Guiding”. From there, a comfortable bus takes about 2.5 hours to reach the glacier. The long drive offers plenty of opportunities to relax and soak in the stunning landscapes before arriving at the Briksdal visitor center.

Scenic Drive Through Nordfjord and Hornindal Lake

The scenic drive from Måløy to the glacier is a key highlight of the tour. Travelers enjoy vistas of the Nordfjord and learn about the region’s history and natural features from a friendly local guide. Along the way, the guide points out notable sights, including Hornindal Lake, which is recognized as Northern Europe’s deepest lake.

This part of the tour is ideal for those who appreciate beautiful fjord landscapes and want a relaxed, informative journey. The bus ride is well-paced at approximately 2.5 hours, giving ample time to enjoy the scenery and hear engaging stories about the area’s geography and culture.

Exploring Briksdal Glacier at Your Own Pace

Once at Briksdal, visitors have 2.5 hours to explore at their leisure. You can choose to walk the 3 km up to the glacier, experiencing the rugged beauty of the surrounding landscape. Alternatively, you can purchase a ticket for the Troll Car, which takes you most of the way up the hill, allowing for a more relaxed ascent.

It is recommended to take the Troll Car up and walk down for the best experience. From where the Troll Cars stop, there is still a 500-meter walk to reach the glacier’s edge, providing stunning views of the icy landscape. The glacier itself is part of Jostedal Glacier National Park, adding to the sense of awe at this impressive natural formation.

Visiting the Briksdal Visitor Center and Local Delights

At the visitor center, visitors find a delicious cake buffet and coffee, with as much as they like. The café also serves lunch and drinks, making it easy to enjoy a meal amid the scenic surroundings. A souvenir shop offers mementos of the visit, perfect for those wanting to remember their time at the glacier.

The visitor center enhances the experience by providing a comfortable place to rest, indulge, and shop. After exploring the glacier, travelers can relax and enjoy the amenities before heading back to the bus for the return journey.

More Great Tours Nearby

Optional Troll Car Rides for a Relaxed Ascent

The Troll Cars are a popular feature of this tour, offering a more relaxed way to reach the glacier. Their limited availability means they should be booked in advance. Using the Troll Car for the ascent allows travelers to focus on enjoying the scenery and taking photos without the physical strain of a long walk uphill.

Most visitors choose to ride the Troll Car up and then walk down, combining comfort with the opportunity to experience the landscape at a slower pace. This method is especially recommended for those who prefer a less physically demanding visit but still want to get close to the glacier.

The Return Journey and Practical Details

After the exploration, the bus departs from Briksdal around 2.5 hours later, heading back to Måløy. The return journey offers more scenic views and the chance to reflect on the day’s highlights. The entire trip wraps up at the Måløy terminal, making it easy to connect to other transportation.

The tour includes live English-speaking guides and is wheelchair accessible, though it is not suitable for those with mobility impairments. Travelers should bring comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing to prepare for changing weather conditions.

Who Should Choose This Tour

This tour suits nature lovers and photographers eager to see one of Norway’s iconic glaciers. It also appeals to those interested in scenic drives and learning about local history from a knowledgeable guide. The free time at the glacier allows for personal exploration and capturing memorable photos.

Since the tour involves walking and some physical activity, those with mobility limitations should consider the restrictions. The comfort of the Troll Car makes the experience accessible for many, but advanced booking is necessary due to limited availability.

Overall Review of the Briksdal Glacier Guided Tour

The Måløy departure offers a well-rounded experience combining scenic drives, informative guides, and flexible glacier exploration. The 2.5 hours of free time at the glacier is generous, allowing visitors to truly enjoy the icy landscape and take plenty of photos. The visitor center amenities, including a cake buffet and souvenir shop, add nice touches to the trip.

One of the tour’s standout features is the option to ride the Troll Car, which makes the journey more comfortable without sacrificing the experience. The scenic drive through Nordfjord and views of Hornindal Lake are equally captivating, making this tour ideal for those who appreciate Norway’s natural beauty and want a structured yet flexible day out.

While the long bus ride may be a consideration for some, the comfortable vehicle and engaging guide make it worthwhile. This tour provides a comprehensive and enjoyable way to experience the Briksdal Glacier and the surrounding area, suitable for most travelers seeking a memorable day in Norway’s stunning landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the bus ride to and from Briksdal Glacier?
The bus ride takes approximately 2.5 hours each way, providing scenic views of the Nordfjord region.

Can I walk to the glacier instead of using the Troll Car?
Yes, you can walk the 3 km route to the glacier; many choose this for the full experience, though it involves some physical effort.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible; however, it is not suitable for individuals with significant mobility impairments.

What should I bring for the visit?
Travelers are advised to bring comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing due to changing weather conditions.

Do I need to pre-book the Troll Car?
Yes, since Troll Cars have limited availability, it is recommended to reserve tickets in advance.

What amenities are available at the visitor center?
The visitor center offers a cake buffet, lunch and drinks, and a souvenir shop.

Is there free time at the glacier?
Yes, you have 2.5 hours to explore at your own pace, which is enough for walking, photos, and enjoying the scenery.

What highlights does the guide cover during the drive?
The guide shares stories about Hornindal Lake, Nordfjord, and local history, enriching the scenic drive with background information.

Is there an age limit or physical requirement for the tour?
The tour is suitable for most, but it involves walking and some physical activity, so it may not be ideal for those with mobility impairments.

What is the rating of the tour provider?
The experience is offered by Fjord Guiding, rated 4.8 out of 5, reflecting high customer satisfaction.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby