THE FIRST TOURS

In the mid-19th century, the first tourists appeared in Briksdalen. It was mostly wealthy English people who came at this time. But when the Rustøen - Briksdal road was built around 1890, tourism increased. Many of the tourists were driven up to the glacier in hay wagons, which were later replaced by chair carts. 

WITH BOAT TRANSFER ABOVE

Tourists came up to Rustøen by boat. The first boat was called D/B "Victoria" and arrived around 1895. Shortly afterwards, the D/B "Briksdal" arrived. The trip up to Oldedalen and Briksdal became very popular. After World War I, the tourist flow exploded. One to two thousand tourists could visit Briksdal in one day. A round-trip ticket on Oldevatnet with "Briksdal" cost 30 øre.
Oldedalen was without road connections until 1955, so the people were dependent on the water as a means of transportation. The first motorboat was put into operation in 1915 and it had a daily service throughout the year.

FROM FARMING TO TOURISM

In 1891-92, Anders Briksdal built a tourist cabin and sold beer, soft drinks, milk, bread and sour cream. There was also an opportunity to stay overnight for people who were going to walk over the glacier to Jostedalen or to Jølster through Oldeskaret. During the war, there was no tourist activity. After the war, they operated both tourism and farming, but tourism took over more and more, and in 1966 the goats were sold. The barn was converted into a souvenir shop and accommodation for tourists. In 2004, the horse-drawn carriage was replaced by "Trollbilar" with better capacity.

HORSE CARE

Over 20 horses were in action in Briksdalen during the summer. At the end of the 19th century, transport began, first with hay wagons, but gradually horse-drawn carriages arrived in the valley. Stately teams of fjord horses and horse-drawn carriages transported tourists from Oldevatnet and inland towards the glacier. The road from the mountain lodge to Briksdalsbreen was built by the farmers in the valley, who provided Oldedalen with transport and ensured this service for tourists. In 2004, "Trollbilar" (Troll cars) took over the transport from the mountain lodge to the holding area by the glacier.

FRESH FALLS

When the glacier melts, the waterfalls cascade down the mountainsides of Briksdalen. Like white silver ribbons, they plunge down steep rocky cliffs in their wild dance towards the sparkling, blue-green waters at the valley floor. It is as if the water is in a very busy state after being bound as ice for hundreds of years. The roar of the waterfalls is part of the natural experience that has made Briksdalen famous.