Mount Ulriken (643 m) is the highest of the seven mountains ringing Bergen, reached in about five minutes by the Ulriksbanen cable car, which has run since 1961 using some of Norway's largest gondolas. The big draw is the sweeping panorama over the city, its fjords and offshore islands from the summit. As of 2026 the cable car runs daily until late in the spring–autumn high season, and the top offers a view restaurant, a café, a zipline, and the Vidden plateau trail over to Mount Fløyen. Note that a major five-year maintenance closure is scheduled for January 2027, so check the operating calendar before you go.
360-degree panorama of Bergen, its fjords and islands from the 643 m summit
The Ulriksbanen cable car, running since 1961, whisking you up in about five minutes in some of Norway's largest gondolas
The Vidden trail: a roughly 13 km high-plateau traverse from Ulriken to Mount Fløyen, typically 5–7 hours
Norway's fastest zipline, launching below the summit terrace and gliding 300 m toward Fløyen at up to about 93 km/h
Skyskraperen restaurant's seasonal tasting menus plus a casual drop-in café at the top
Good to know
SafetyThe summit is noticeably colder than the city and the weather changes fast. Strong wind or fog can halt the cable car and the zipline at short notice (the zipline refunds in full if cancelled), so pack a wind- and waterproof jacket and layers.
SafetyThe Vidden hike crosses a fully exposed plateau where fog and wind make it easy to lose the trail. Sturdy boots with ankle support are essential; slips and ankle injuries on wet rock are common. Inexperienced hikers should not attempt it in autumn or winter without a guide.
SeasonOutdoor activities like the full Vidden traverse and the zipline are best from May to September. At Bergen's latitude of 60°N midsummer days stay light until nearly midnight, but the city sits below the Arctic Circle, so there is no true midnight sun and the northern lights (a winter, far-north phenomenon) should not be expected here.
RulesThe cable car has no fixed departures — it runs continuously about every 5 minutes in high season and every 10–15 minutes off-season. Booking tickets online at the official site (ulriken643.no) is the surest option, and the Skyskraperen restaurant is reservations only.
MannersTipping is not obligatory in Norway, as service is generally included. On the plateau, follow the Norwegian right-to-roam ethic (allemannsretten): carry out all litter and leave no trace.
CautionBergen is a safe city, but avoid third-party resellers charging above face value and overpriced transfers — book through official channels. Reach the lower station via the seasonal (Apr–Oct) shuttle bus or the Bybanen light rail line 2 to Haukeland Sykehus, then about a 10-minute walk.
Practical info
Reach the lower station from central Bergen on the Ulriken Express shuttle bus (running April–October, about 10 minutes) or Bybanen light rail line 2, getting off at Haukeland Sykehus and following the signs on a roughly 10-minute walk. In high season (April–September) it operates daily 09:00–23:00, with reduced or closed days in winter; a round-trip ticket runs about 435 NOK for adults and 180 NOK for children — but confirm current fares, hours and any maintenance closures on the official website before visiting.
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