Vidden Hike
Bergen, Norway, 5014
The “city between seven mountains,” Bergen has its fair share of fabulous scenery and aerial views. The Vidden Trail—a popular 8-mile (12-kilometer) trek between Mount Ulriken and Mount Floyen—offers some of the best vistas, from mountains to sea. And with cable cars on either end, this is one hike where you never really have to come back down.
The basics
The Vidden Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Bergen for three reasons: The trailheads are within city limits, the views are excellent, and you don’t technically have to hike up or down. Most visitors start (or end!) by riding the Ulriken Cable Car or the Floibanen Funicular up to the respective peak, basking in the views, and trekking from there.
Of course, you can walk it all, too: The trek up Mount Ulriken and the trek up Mount Floyen take roughly an hour each. Between summits, it’s 8.2 miles (13.2 kilometers) and more than 1,200 feet (365 meters) of elevation gain, so be sure to pack decent hiking shoes for this one. Guided hikes and tours are also widely available for those who want a bit more out of their aerial time in Bergen (and those who want to navigate a bit less).
Things to know before you go
Though the path is well-marked, this is not an easy hike—sharp and slippery rocks are common. Make sure you wear the proper footwear.
If you’re considering this hike in fall or winter, go with a guide. Days are short and inclement weather is common.
Cable cars and funicular tickets can be bought at their respective stations.
Bathrooms can be found at either end, and Brushytten, a waypoint.
Dogs are welcome, but they must be kept on a leash.
How to get there
Most trekkers start on the Ulriken side, either by riding the Ulriken cable car or taking the path up from the cable car station; there is also a path up from the Floyen Funicular. Once at the top of your chosen mountain, you’ll see signs for the Vidden Trail. When in doubt, follow the crowds—this is a popular trek.
When to get there
The Vidden Trail is best tackled from May to September when the weather is reasonably warm, the trail is snow-free, and the days are longer. Other than that, the only bad time to hike the trail is too late in the day—most hikers take a minimum of six hours, so plan for this one to take up most of your day.
The views—and the waffles
From the top of Mount Ulriken (Bergen’s highest peak) and Mount Floyen, views stretch along the fjord and to the islands around Bergen—on a clear day, you might even spot the Folgefonna Glacier. On Saturdays, break up your viewing trek with a stop at Brushytten, where you can grab a classic Norwegian waffle to fuel back up.
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