About This Hike
The Briksdalsbreen walk starts at Briksdalsbre Fjellstove and follows a broad road and path beside Briksdalselva for 2.5 kilometres to the viewing area at Briksdalsvatnet. Official guidance grades the route easy and estimates 40–60 minutes each way, but allow extra time for the steady ascent, waterfall spray and photo stops. The road passes Kleivafossen, where mist can soak the surface and walkers, before continuing into the upper valley. At the lake, you view the retreating glacier arm across meltwater; the marked viewpoint is the destination, not an invitation to approach or step onto the ice. A seasonal Troll Car can cover most of the uphill road to Kleivane from May to October, but passengers must still walk roughly 500 metres to the lake. Booking requirements vary through the season, so check before arrival. Troll Cars and walkers share parts of the route: use the indicated walking side, listen for vehicles and keep children close. Glacier warnings and barriers can change with icefall, flooding and rockfall conditions and must always override an older map or photograph.
Highlights
- ✓ The turquoise meltwater lake Briksdalsvatnet directly below the tumbling blue ice of the glacier arm
- ✓ Kleivafossen waterfall, which the path skirts and which often mists walkers on warm days
- ✓ An optional Troll-car ride that covers most of the climb for those who prefer not to walk it
- ✓ A well-graded gravel road that makes this one of Norway's most accessible glacier views
Getting There
Paid car and camper parking is available below Briksdalsbre Fjellstove. Follow the payment instructions and local signs.
Before You Go
Decide before arriving whether you are walking the full 2.5 km each way or using the Troll Car to Kleivane. The transport still leaves a 500-metre walk to the lake, operates only from May to October, and requires advance booking in May and from 20 September. In either case, the marked viewpoint—not the glacier front—is the destination.
Information checked: September 2026, against Briksdal's official walking, parking and Troll Car information
⚠️ Safety Notes
- Follow all warning signs, fences and marked routes at the glacier. Hazard signs in Jostedalsbreen National Park warn of icefall, sudden flooding and rockfall linked to glacier melt.
- Do not climb toward the glacier front or continue beyond barriers into unmarked terrain.
- Keep children close near water and follow any on-site safety information.
- Wear footwear suitable for a gravel path that can be wet near Kleivafossen.
- Troll Car services operate from May to October; in May and from 20 September, advance booking is required. Check current transport arrangements before travel.