Glaciers, gondolas, and a Viking hunt in one day. This private shore excursion strings together Briksdal Glacier close-ups, sweeping gondola views, and a real sense of place around Nordfjordeid and the Nordfjord region. I especially like the pace a private guide can set, so the day feels efficient instead of rushed.

I also like that the key transport moments are handled for you—Troll Cars are included—so you spend less time figuring things out and more time looking at ice and water. The main thing to consider is that the SkyLift ticket for adults isn’t included, and this is mostly an outdoors, weather-dependent outing (the tour specifically requires good weather).

Key things to know before you go

• Private, shore-time aware: You only travel with your group, and the return to the port is built in.
• Troll Car access is included: You get to the Briksdal area using the electric open-air vehicle.
• A short, uneven glacier walk: Expect rocky ground and some slight inclines on the trail to the glacier tongue.
• Gondola views from 1,000 meters: SkyLift takes you up to Mount Joven for panorama time.
• Plenty of viewpoints, fewer crowds: The private format helps you stop at the best spots rather than only where buses can.

A private glacier day that starts with Vikings in Nordfjordeid

This is the kind of cruise-shore outing that works because it’s not just a single photo stop. You move from history to deep water to glaciers and back again, all with the same guide and vehicle. In other words: less waiting around, more seeing.

Nordfjordeid is your first anchor point. You’ll learn how this area functioned like an independent kingdom back in Viking times, and you’ll get pointed to finds and artifacts that help make those centuries feel real. You’ll also drive through the White City—pay attention to the 18th- and 19th-century architecture as you go. That mix of old town feel and modern-day scenery is part of the appeal.

Two notes I think matter here. First, the stop is designed to be flexible: you can ask for a short photo stop. Second, the tour connects the dots between what you see and how people lived—like hearing about a Viking burial site you pass and learning that the largest Viking ship was discovered here in 1874.

If you’re the type who likes meaningful stops (not just scenic ones), this “first chapter” sets the tone well.

Hornindalsvatnet Lake: Europe’s deepest lake and the legend layer

After Nordfjordeid, you head along the route toward the glaciers and you pass Hornindalsvatnet. This is where the day adds a different kind of wonder: scale and depth. The lake is described as the deepest in Europe, with an area of 50.5 square kilometers and a depth of 514 meters.

What you’ll notice isn’t just size. Your guide frames the lake as a mirror—mountains, clouds, forests, and farms appear in the water. And if you like local stories, you’ll also hear legends connected to the lake, including talk of a Horney monster.

You’ll also get a quick reality check about the ecosystem. The lake itself has only a few fish species (like trout, char, and eel), while the rivers are said to be more productive. If you’re curious, the tour also mentions fishing permits can be bought locally at hotels along with maps for where fishing is allowed.

This stop works best if you like slow moments. It’s not a long hike; it’s a breathing-space pull-off so your brain can switch gears from Viking times to modern nature.

Stryn and Olden: changing scenery without wasting time

You drive through Stryn without stopping. That’s deliberate: it’s the gateway area to Jostedalsbreen National Park, the largest glacier in continental Europe. Stryn is also described as the kind of place where the valley shifts from lush green to alpine mountains. Because there’s no stop here, you get the visual sweep without losing time you’ll want later.

Olden is different. This is a village by the mouth of Nordfjord, and in summer cruise ships dock almost every day. The tour’s practical angle here is smart: if you arrive when ships aren’t in town, the village can feel surprisingly quiet—almost like it’s asleep.

You get a coffee break and restroom break in Olden before you head deeper into the glacial region. I like stops like this on private shore days because they keep you comfortable for the tougher outdoor parts later. It also makes the scenery feel more like an experience rather than a sprint.

Oldedalen valley: private stops where buses can’t go

Oldedalen is one of those places where a private format can genuinely help. The tour drives through the valley and emphasizes that you’ll be able to stop at the most interesting spots that aren’t available on bus routes. That matters because the whole point is to see glacial lakes and surrounding views with fewer people around.

The day-to-day feel here is simple. You’re on the road, your guide chooses where you can safely pause, and you get time to take photos and just look. The information given for this part points to glacial lakes and lots of flowers in season, surrounded by dramatic valley scenery.

The main drawback to keep in mind: because stops are flexible and the day is long, your schedule depends on road conditions and timing. On days with slow traffic or changing weather, you may find you have to accept shorter views at some points to stay on track for glacier and lift time.

Briksdal Glacier by Troll Car: the short walk that feels huge

Briksdal Glacier (Briksdalbreen) is the headline. When you arrive at the glacier national park, you board an open-air electric vehicle known as the Troll Car. It takes you along a serpentine road toward the best access point for the glacier tongue.

This part is included in the tour price, which I think is a big deal. Getting there by your own means can be a hassle on a cruise day. With the Troll Car handled, you can focus on the visuals: waterfalls, ice caps on mountain peaks, and even goats grazing in the area—yes, goats. The guide leans into the atmosphere rather than just handing you directions.

Then you walk about 10 minutes to the glacier tongue. The trail is uneven and rocky with slight inclines, so comfortable shoes aren’t optional if you want an easy stroll. This is not a steep trek, but the ground can be rough.

Once you reach the viewpoint, the glacier-and-water combo is what you’re after. The tour mentions an amazingly beautiful lake near the glacier tongue, which helps explain why this spot is so popular: the setting frames the ice rather than isolating it.

One more practical tip: bring a camera that handles changing light. In glacier regions, the sky can shift fast, and the ice color can look totally different in minutes.

SkyLift to Mount Joven: 1,000 meters of open-air payoff

Next you switch from glacier ground to sky-high panoramas. The tour includes a modern gondola ride to the top of Mount Joven, which sits about 1,000 meters above sea level.

This is a high-value segment for two reasons. First, you get a bird’s-eye understanding of how the region is laid out—mountains, valleys, and the relationship between coastline and inland terrain. Second, it gives you a break from walking. You still need to be comfortable outdoors near the gondola, but the heavy effort is minimal.

A word on the cost: SkyLift entry for adults is not included. If you’re pricing this tour against others, include that extra ticket in your math. The tour does include Troll Car tickets, snacks, and bottled water, but the adult gondola admission is clearly separate.

You’ll also hear stories linked to tragedies and tsunamis connected to the places you’re seeing. That adds an emotional layer to the views. Just be prepared: it’s not only scenery talk.

If you want a day that mixes awe with meaning, this is where it happens.

Loen and the Mount Hoven lift: views without the grueling hike

If you don’t want a full-on hike, Loen is the fix. The tour positions this segment as the fastest and most enjoyable trek in the world, with breathtaking views at 1,000 meters above sea level.

You take a short, 5-minute ride on the Loen lift to Mount Hoven. From there, you walk along the summit area. The plan includes time to eat, plus viewpoints over Oldedalen and Lodalen valleys.

You’ll also see turquoise glacial lakes, and the tour mentions they hide a tragic secret. Since the details aren’t spelled out here, I’ll keep it honest: don’t expect the tour to be a short lecture with dates and names. Expect more of a story-led explanation tied to what you’re looking at.

This stop works especially well for cruise travelers who want maximum reward without feeling like your legs are the main entertainment.

Nordfjordeid return with Norwegian ice cream

When the tour heads back, it’s not just a drive to the ship. You’re told a timely return to port is guaranteed. That matters because shore excursions live and die on timing, and private guides tend to be better at managing the minute-by-minute reality.

On the way back, there’s a Norwegian ice cream treat. The description is refreshingly specific: natural, made from fresh cream, pleasantly cold, and not frozen solid. That small detail is a clue about what you should do here: eat it slowly and let it be your reward, not your fuel.

If you’re traveling as a family or with older friends, this kind of finish helps the day feel complete.

Price and value: $2,036.24 for up to 4 and what you’re really paying for

The price is $2,036.24 per group for up to 4 people, for about 8 hours. That’s not “cheap,” but it’s not trying to be either. The value comes from bundling transportation, a private guide, included Troll Car tickets, and the ability to tailor stops.

Here’s how I’d think about value if you’re comparing options:

• You’re paying for convenience and time. Cruise days are short. This tour is structured to fit a full day of multiple regions without forcing you into transfers and ticket lines.
• Troll Car tickets are included. That’s one expensive-ish piece you don’t have to line-item separately.
• Snacks and bottled water are included. Small cost, but it helps your pacing during outdoor parts.
• Lunch is not included. You’ll likely want to plan around a coffee break and then handle food on your own or during the Loen summit time if you choose.
• SkyLift adult tickets cost extra. This is the biggest add-on you should budget for when you evaluate the final total.

Also, this tour is said to be booked about 83 days in advance on average. That’s a good sign: the schedule likely gets picked over for cruise weeks, especially when weather is decent. If you have a specific cruise date, you’ll want to treat booking early as part of good planning.

Who should book this private excursion, and who should skip it

This tour is a great fit if you want:

• A private guide to help you move fast and make sense of what you’re seeing
• Glaciers plus viewpoints without committing to a long strenuous hike
• Enough structure to cover Nordfjordeid, Hornindalsvatnet, Briksdal, and Loen in one day

You might want a different option if:

• You dislike spending much of the day outside, even if walking is limited at most stops
• You don’t want to pay extra for SkyLift adult tickets
• Your group struggles with uneven, rocky ground at the Briksdal Glacier trail

One more key factor: the tour requires good weather. If weather is poor, it can be canceled and you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

If you’re okay with that trade-off, the payoff is strong: you get ice views, gondola panoramas, and story stops that connect history and nature.

Should you book the Nordfjordeid Glaciers and SkyLift private excursion?

I’d book it if your priority is a full, well-paced day from Nordfjordeid that hits Briksdal Glacier and Mount Joven without making you juggle multiple transport plans. The private format is the real differentiator, especially for cruise travelers who want the experience to feel intentional instead of chaotic.

Before you commit, do two quick checks:

• Budget for SkyLift adult tickets and plan for food since lunch isn’t included.
• Be honest about comfort with uneven rocky terrain near Briksdal and the fact that the tour is weather-dependent.

If those boxes work for you, this is a strong choice for a dramatic Nordfjord day.

FAQ

How long is the Nordfjordeid private excursion?

It runs about 8 hours.

What does it cost and how many people can join?

The price is $2,036.24 per group, up to 4 people.

Where does the tour start and where do you end?

It starts at the Nordfjordeid Cruise Ship Terminal (Kaivegen 12, 6770 Nordfjordeid, Norway). It ends back at the same meeting point, with return to port stated as timely.

What is included in the price?

Included items are bottled water, snacks, and tickets to the Troll Cars.

What is not included?

Lunch is not included, and SkyLift entry tickets for adults are not included.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s private, so only your group participates.

Do I need special shoes for the Briksdal Glacier walk?

Yes. The trail to the glacier tongue is uneven and rocky with slight inclines, so comfortable shoes are recommended.