Description

The Briksdal Glacier (“Briksdalsbreen” in Norwegian), is home to one of the most famous glacier hikes in Norway.

Technically, Briksdalsbreen is an arm of the Jostedalsbreen Glacier that extends down a narrow valley, ending in a small glacial lake known as Briksdalsbrevatnet.

The hike is located in Jostedalsbreen National Park and is thus much more developed than some other hikes in Norway.

The hike itself mostly follows a narrow paved and dirt road that the "Trollcars” use to transport people, who would rather not hike, higher up the valley.

However, if you want to get all the way to the glacial lake, you will have to do some hiking on a narrow trail either way.

While you _could_ take the Trollcar during the height of tourist season, at just 5.3km round trip, most will choose to hike the entire route.

Choosing to hike the route allows you to truly grasp the magnitude of the valley and the glacier.

During the climb up, you’ll pass roaring waterfalls that will stun you into silence as you stare at the rush of glacial melt pounding down the mountainside.

Rock outcroppings with stunning views back down the valley, the towering peaks above you, the rushing of the mountain stream… the hike itself would be worth the effort even without the reward of the glacier at the end! If any experience will drive home the reality of climate change, it’s hiking from the valley floor up to the current end of the glacier.

Along the way, you’ll pass signs on the trail that show where the arm of the glacier used to terminate.

The closer you get to present day on the trail signs, the more rapid the retreat of the glacier.

It’s simply astounding how much ice has melted in just the last few decades.

Finally, you’ll reach your reward: up-close views of the glacier arm poised above an aquamarine glacial lake.

Take a seat, enjoy a snack, and soak in the majesty of this otherworldly experience. Sources: https://www.visitnorway.com/listings/briksdal-glacier/3571/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Briksdalsbreen