- Highlights: Awesome views
- Distance: 3.6 miles out and back
- Elevation Change: 1,010 feet
- Trail Surface: paved and dirt sections
- Difficulty Level: Moderate/strenuous (elevation)
- Trailhead Parking: Fløibanen funicular station, Vetrlidsalmenning 23 A, 5014 Bergen, Norway
- Website: AllTrails
- Beer Pairings: Brian Boru Irish Pub—Guinness Stout & Citralicious IPA
The Hike:
This hike is for our international friends. We recently travelled to Scandinavia for two weeks. We were finally able to squeeze in a hike in Bergen, Norway. Bergen has over 300 days of rain each year and parts of this hike reminded us of a rain forest. This popular hike climbs from the city center to Fløyen and has great views of the fjord, mountains, and the city below.
The trail is well marked and well maintained. We waited until early afternoon as Fløyen was completely socked in with fog in the morning. We were joined on this hike by our friends Andrew and Tricia. From the funicular station in the center of town, follow the signs to Fløyen. The first part of the climb begins on a sidewalk through a cute neighborhood and switchbacks help with the ascent.
Continue following the signs to Fløyen as the sidewalk ends and a paved path passes through a park. The climb and the switchbacks continue. The views get better as you climb. Ferns and moss thrive in the wet climate and some sections resembled a fantasy land. Reach the summit of Fløyen at 1.8 miles. On clear days, the views of the fjord, mountains, and Bergen are spectacular. On cloudy and rainy days, the views are just awesome.
In addition to great views, a cafe, rest rooms, and the funicular station are located here. To return, you can buy a ticket on the funicular or retrace your steps on the trail downhill to the city center. Either way the views are amazing.
Hike Photos:
Click on an image below for an enlarged view.
Beer Pairing:
In our never-ending quest to find unique beer venues, we decided to visit Brian Boru, Bergen’s only Irish pub. Named after a high King of Ireland, the Brian Boru is a friendly pub located about 250 meters from the funicular station. They have indoor and outdoor seating, live music most nights, wine, cocktails, and nine beers on tap.
Pete opted for his go to stout. Guinness always tastes better in Europe. Kathy and Andrew tried the Guinness Nitro IPA and Trisha enjoyed a Grimbergen Blonde, a nice Belgian beer from Denmark.
Hike and drink responsibly. Never drink and drive. Stay safe, be responsible, and leave no trace.