The 8 Best Hiking Trails in Bergen
I fell in love with Bergen. Known as the gateway to the fjords, Bergen is the perfect place for basing yourself while you visit the stunning nearby scenery. With its magnificent mountain ranges and scenic landscapes, Bergen offers some of the best hiking trails in Norway.
During my four-week trip, I got out and explored much of the nearby area and hiking trails. In this article, I'll introduce you to my top picks for the best hiking trails in Bergen, so you can make the most of your trip and experience the beauty of Norway's nature.
View of Bergen from Mt. Fløyen
Where is Bergen?
Bergen is a city on the southwestern coast of Norway, surrounded by seven mountains and fjords. It's a perfect destination for hikers, nature lovers, and adventurers. The city is also home to the UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf, where you can explore Norway's rich history and culture. But to experience the best of Norway's nature, you must hit the hiking trails. Here are my top eight hiking trails in Bergen!
Mt. Ulriken
Mt. Ulriken is the highest mountain in Bergen, at 643 meters above sea level. It offers breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding fjords. The trail is well-maintained and is even accessible by cable car, making it a popular tourist destination. You can also hike up the mountain for a more challenging experience. The trail starts from the Ulriksbanen cable car station and takes about 2-3 hours to reach the summit. It is a fairly tough trail with a steep incline for most of the 2 to 3-hour hike, so come prepared with water and snacks and make time to stop along the way as needed.
Mt. Fløyen
Mt. Fløyen is one of the most famous mountains in Bergen, located just a few minutes away from the city centre. It's a popular hiking trail for both tourists and locals, offering panoramic views of the city and the fjords. You can hike up the mountain or take the Fløibanen funicular (mini train), which runs from the city centre to the summit. The trail is well-maintained and takes about 1-2 hours to reach the top.
Hidden lake on Mt. Fløyen
Vidden Trail
Vidden Trail is a popular hiking trail that connects Mt. Ulriken and Mt. Fløyen, offering stunning views of the mountains and the fjords. The trail is about 13 kilometres long and takes 5-7 hours to complete. It's a challenging trail that requires good physical fitness and stamina, but the views are well worth the effort! You'll be able to see the fjords and islands around Bergen, and on a clear day, you can enjoy the view of Folgefonna glacier!
Stoltzekleiven
Stoltzekleiven is a steep and challenging hiking trail made up of over 900 steps originally created by sherpas in the area. The trail offers breathtaking views of Bergen and the surrounding fjords.
Mt. Sandviksfjellet
Mt. Sandviksfjellet is a hidden gem in Bergen, offering stunning views of the city and the fjords. The 6.1-km out-and-back trail is not as popular as other hiking trails in Bergen, making it a peaceful and quiet day hike. From the peak, you'll be able to see the city centre, the city fjord, Askøy island and the other mountains around Bergen. The trail is well-maintained and takes about 2-3 hours to complete.
Rundemanen
Mt. Rundemanen is the second highest of Bergen's seven mountains and is a popular hiking trail for locals, offering panoramic views of the city and the fjords. This was one of my most favourite hikes I did while in Bergen and I highly recommend checking it out. On your way up, you will get a beautiful view of the Bergen area and west towards the sea. Once at the top, you have a scenic view of Ulriken, Vidden and the islands to the west of Bergen.
The trail is well-maintained and accessible by bus or foot, making it an excellent option for those who prefer not to take the cable car or funicular. The route takes about 2-3 hours to complete and (in my opinion) is relatively easy, making it suitable for hikers of all skill levels.
View from the top of Rundemanen
Lyderhorn
Slightly outside of Bergen (you will need to take a car or public bus to the start point), the Lydernhorn hike is well worth the trip! This hike is a great alternative hike to the more famous Ulriken, with a slightly quieter trail and a panoramic view of Askøy, Sotra and Bergen.
I recommend checking this one out on AllTrails to get a good idea of the location and check out some images from the top of the trail!
Damsgårdsfjellet to Melkeplassen
Starting slightly south of Bergen city centre (you may wish to taxi to the start point), is the Damsgårdsfjellet to Melkeplassen hike. This trail is far less touristy than some of the other hikes mentioned on my list but is 100% worth doing for the fabulous views! Its a moderately short hike (only 1.6 miles), and takes an average of 1 h 4 min to complete so is suitable for most hikers.
Conclusion
Bergen is a city full of natural beauty, and hiking is the best way to experience it. I absolutely fell in love with the beauty of this place while visiting - just sitting in the apartment, overlooking the mountain with my morning coffee, was a delight.
Then spending the afternoon exploring the stunning mountain ranges and scenic landscapes, Bergen has to be one of the most incredible cities I've ever visited.
So if you're looking for a thrilling adventure and want to experience the best of Norway's nature, Bergen is the perfect destination for you. Don't forget to bring your hiking boots, camera, and sense of adventure, and get ready to explore the top hiking trails in Bergen.
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