BRIKSDAL GLACIER
The mighty Briksdal Glacier is part of the Jostedal Glacier national park. From a height of 1200 metres the wild glacier drops right down into the narrow, fertile Briksdalen – a sight which attracts visitors from all over the world every year.
THE GLACIER
The Briksdal Glacier is a western arm of the Jostedal Glacier, the biggest glacier on mainland Europe – protected as a national park. The glacier was formed approx. 2,500 years ago. It covers an area of approx. 10.4 km². Most of it (88%) is on the glacier plateau, 1,500 metres above sea level. The glacier descends from 1,910 metres above sea level almost right down to the Briksdalsvatnet lake at 350 metres above sea level. The glacier covers a horizontal distance of 2 km from the glacier plateau (1,500 metres) to 350 metres above sea level.
The glacier has formed Briksdalen valley, with its landscape of smooth rock covered in lush vegetation, over thousands of years. The magnificent scenery is among the most beautiful in Norway – and tourists have been visiting the valley for more than 100 years.
CASCADING WATERFALLS
Kleivafossen waterfall has long sprayed tourists crossing the bridge on the way to the Briksdal Glacier. This waterfall is one of the most photographed subjects in all of Norway.
When the glacier melts, it swells many waterfalls so they thunder and cascade down the mountainsides in Briksdalen valley. Like white and silver ribbons, they plunge down the sheer smooth rock on their wild journey to sparkling blue-green lakes on the valley floor. It is as if the water is in a frenzy after being trapped as ice for hundreds of years. The spray from the waterfalls, Kleivafossen in particular, is part of the nature experience that Briksdalen has become synonymous with.
ON FOOT OR BY TROLL CAR?
At the foot of Briksdal Glacier is a small lake (346 m.a.s.). The glacier is easily reached from Briksdalsbre Mountain Lodge (Fjellstove) by following the 2.5 km road/trail along the river on foot or in a “Troll car”.
THE BRIKSDALEN VALLEY - BRIKSDAL GLACIER
2.5 km / 40 - 60 min
Start from the Mountain Lodge at Briksdalen
Green Path: EASY
FRONT POSITION
Front position measurements were started in 1900 (Rekstad, 1904). Until 1934 there were only minor changes in front position. Between 1934 and 1951 the terminus retreated more than 800 metres and uncovered lake Briksdalsvatn. After 1951 the glacier had small advances and since 1967 the glacier has advanced 465 metres and has covered the former lake entirely. The glacier area has increased by approximately 0.15 km² or 1.5 %. Between 1988 and 1996 the glacier advanced 390 metres. After 2000 the glacier drew rabidly back and stood autumn 2007 no longer into the water.
The National Park
The biggest glacier in mainland Europe
History
The first tourists
Glacier Shuttle
‘Troll car’ safari to the Briksdal Glacier
Nature Trail
Mountains and waterfalls in Briksdal