Hiking in Bergen: Make the Most of Bergen’s Mountains

Famous for its location nestled between towering mountains and fjords, Bergen offers some of Norway's most breathtaking hiking trails. Here's how to plan a hiking trip that combines rugged natural beauty with a rich cultural history.

Norway is well-known around the world as an ideal destination for hiking enthusiasts. What's often less well known is how good the opportunities are to access the outdoors from Norwegian cities.

That applies to even the biggest cities, such as Bergen. Norway's second biggest city is a wonderful destination for those looking to combine a city break with nature-based experiences.

Whether you're looking for a challenging ascent up Mount Ulriken, a leisurely stroll through the forests of Fløyen, or a picturesque coastal walk along the fjords, Bergen's trails promise unforgettable experiences.

Along the way, hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of the city, pristine lakes, and the vast expanse of the North Sea.

Beyond the natural splendour, these trails also offer a glimpse into the region's history, with ancient paths and traditional Norwegian cabins dotting the landscape.

Walking in Central Bergen

The downtown area is perfect for casual strolls, most notably at the Bryggen wharf. Here, historic buildings line narrow alleyways, perfect for exploring. The lake lines by the buildings of Bergen Art Museum is another good central walking spot.

From the Fish Market area, walk along the Nordnes peninsular to the aquarium. Bergen's watery attraction is one of the best aquariums in Norway.

Want something longer? Then head past Bryggen, through the fortress grounds and through the suburb of Sandviken until you reach the Old Bergen Museum. Here you can learn about historic Bergen, before walking back, taking the bus, or taking the summer passenger ferry back to Bryggen.

But given the spectacular natural setting of Bergen with mountains in almost every direction, anyone with the slightest interest in hiking should head for the hills. It's easier to get started than you might expect.

Hikes from Mount Fløyen

Easily accessible from city centre thanks to the Fløibanen funicular railway, Mount Fløyen is the starting point for many of Bergen's best-loved hikes. The quick ride up the mountain is popular with tourists and locals alike, but keen hikers can walk!

At the top, allow a little extra time to take in the view of the city from the purpose-build viewing platforms. A browse around the gift shop is worthwhile too, but you'll find the aroma from the freshly-baked sweet buns in the adjacent cafe hard to resist!

You'll find several trailheads behind the buildings. If you're travelling as a family, the troll forest is a worthwhile distraction for kids.

The Brushytten cabin is a popular destination for beginners as it's well-signed and only a 2km walk from the top of the funicular. During the summer season the kiosk may well be open, serving coffee and waffles to fuel you up for the return walk.

Don't miss the great viewpoint a few hundred metres before the cabin. To continue hiking, you could return to the city centre via one of three well-marked paths.

Alternatively, continue on to the west to the top of Mount Blaamanen and Mount Rundemanen, or to the south towards Mount Blaamanen.

Ulriken Cable Car

Mount Fløyen is also the start or end point of the famous hike between the top of the Fløibanen funicular and the cable car over on Mount Ulriken. This hike is not for the inexperienced, but it offers tremendous views across the city and its surroundings.

Much of the hike takes place on fairly exposed ground, so consider the weather before making the trip. A map is recommended, and you should allow at least five hours for the one-way hike.

Many locals take the funicular at one end and the cable car at the other. For visitors, it's a good idea to start with the cable car, so you finish your hike in the city centre.

Bergen Cable Car is worth the trip just for the spectacular views of Bergen, regardless of whether you're undertaking the long hike to Fløyen or one of the other trails from the top of Mount Ulriken.

Lovstakken

To the west of the city, Lovstakken is a quieter option yet still offers stunning views of the region. The hike was rumoured to the the favourite of the famous Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg.

There are various routes depending on whether you are walking from the city, arriving at the foot of the mountain by bus, or driving.

The most commonly used walking route from downtown Bergen is from Danmarksplass, but you can also walk over Puddefjorden bridge and up from Gyldenpris.

The mountain hike itself is around 2.2km, but you can double that distance if you start the walk from the city centre.

Damsgårdsfjellet

Another of the seven mountains surrounding the city, Mount Damsgård is a fine alternative to Lovstakken to the west of central Bergen. At just 317 metres above sea level it is the lowest of the seven.

The shortest hike is from Melkeplassen. From Olav Kyrres Gate you can take bus number 19, or you can walk from the city centre in about 45 minutes via the Puddefjorden bridge. The hike itself is around 5km.

Stoltzekleiven

Could you handle 722 steps? If so add Stoltzekleiven to your list. It's a steep paved trail and stone staircase up to Sandviksfjellet and is one of the most popular trails in the city. You can extend the trail by walking to the trailhead on Fjellveien in the Sandviken suburb of Bergen from the city centre.

From the top of Stoltzekleiven you can expect great views of Sandviken and the water. The views get better the higher you go, encouraging you farther up the stairs! Once at the top, many people choose to continue their walk along to Mount Fløyen and take the funicular back down to the city.

As the surface of the steps is predominantly stone (there are some wooden staircases on the steepest parts), it can get slippery after a rain shower, so take extra care.

Bruviknipa

If you're prepared to travel a little from Bergen to start your hike, your options increase significantly. One of the best-loved hikes in the wider region is Bruviknipa on the island of Osterøy, the largest Norwegian island not located adjacent to the ocean.

The well-worn 4.4km return trail should take most people between three and four hours. It's accessible from early March through to mid-October most years.

Plan Your Bergen Hiking Trip

Although Norway's hiking trails are well maintained and signposted, it's a good idea to pack carefully for a trip. Many of these tips apply for everyone hiking in Norway, regardless of the location or time of year.

The weather in Bergen is notoriously changeable, so waterproof layers are essential even if the weather looks good. A warm hat, gloves and neck gaiter are also wise things to pack.

If you're planning a long-distance hike, tell someone where you plan to go and what time you'll be back. Make sure your phone is charged and you have some snacks and fresh water with you.