Mountains, green fields, stunning views over the fjords and simply an outstanding nature – welcome to Norway. A country which is a traveller´s pardise for multiple reasons. It is the place to be for all outdoor lovers and adventurers who are seeking to explore some of the most stunning places in Scandinavia. If you love to hike and simply cannot get enough of the views from the top, Norway seems to be the right choice. One of the most popular areas to dive deeper into the hiking paradise of the country is Bergen. These are the top 6 hikes in Bergen and the surrounding area.
Be aware that hiking in Norway always involves checking the weather. The conditions can change quickly and even during the summer, there can be snow on top of the mountains. Bring the right equipment and only plan treks which do fit your level of experience!
Introducing Bergen
Bergen is the second biggest city in Norway and combines two things travellers absolutely love: the sea and the mountains. The city is located in the Fylke Vestland and a popular base for hikers and outdoor lovers. Bergen has quite a big airport with good connections to the surrounding countries. You can also easily reach the city by train or car from other locations in Norway, such as Oslo or Stavanger. While the city itself is also worth a visit, most travellers head directly to the countryside to start the picturesque hikes.
Bergen is known as the gateway to the Norwegian fjords and the stunning nature. Therefore, it is considered to be a supreme destination for everyone who wants to get to know Norway better and fall in love with the country. And yes, that will definitely happen on the 6 best hikes in Bergen. Promised!
Ulriken for a panorama view over Bergen
The hike up the Ulriken mountain is probably the most popular hike to do when you are travelling Bergen. It offers you a great panorama view over the whole city and the surrounding area. You can see the sunset from the top or have a coffee at the restaurant while enjoying the overview of the stunning city.
The typical tourist thing would be to take the cable car up to the top of the Ulriken. But as we try to avoid these things, we hike up the mountain. The trail is moderate and with quite a lot of signs it is nearly impossible to get lost. The way will lead you through the hills and gift you with amazing views over the area.
Length:
around 1-1.5 hours to the top
How to get there:
You can park your car in Montana. If you come by bus, there is also a nearby bus station (Montana). From here, the way is already signed out and you can simply follow the signs until the official start of the hiking trail.
Hike to the Buer Glacier in the Folgefonna Nationalpark
Are you ready for some glacier views? Let´s be honest, glaciers really are some of the most impressive landscape the mountains can offer, right? And of course, you will get the chance to see one in the Bergen area as well. The next hike on the list of the x best hikes in Bergen leads you to the Folgefonna Nationalpark, which is located close to Odda. You will need a car to reach the area (even though the drive is a little bit longer, do not worry: you will already get the best views during the drive).
The trail up to the glacier really is full of different experiences. You will cross rivers, snow fields and enjoy the stunning views over the valley. It really is a picturesque hike and the drive to Odda from Bergen is more than worth it.
Length:
1.5 hours to the glacier
How to get there:
From Odda, follow the gravel road to the Buardalen/ Buarbreen Carpark. You will need to pay a small fee for the parking. There is only one way leading up to the glacier, along the river until it leads you right up the mountain.
Please note that you should never enter the glacier without a guided tour. You will notice when you´ve reached the official glacier area as there are signs for guided tours and the dangers which can occur if you hike on your own. If this is something for you, make sure to consider and plan it a little in advance. But it is also a great experience to simply hike up to the beginning of the glacier and enjoy the views from down there.
Mount Samlen for the best fjord views
It would not be a trip to Norway without the typical views over the fjord. One of the best hiking trails in the Bergen area is Samlen. It is located in the Hardangerfjord Nationalpark. And be sure, those are for sure one of the best views on the list of the best hikes in Bergen. You will not only hike through stunning forests and already get to enjoy the views over the green hills, but as well the summit gifts you with the absolute panorama view over the Hardanger fjord. The summit itself is quite big and you can spend a whole hour just walking around and looking at the different perspectives. Make sure to soak it all in!
Length:
1.5 hours to the top
How to get there:
From the village of Herand, follow the road 550 up the mountain through the forest until you reach the official parking lot for Samlen on the right side. The parking itself is free, but you will need to walk down the road for around 200 meters until you reach the official starting point of the hike. It is marked with a sign, so you will definitely not miss it.
Short but sweet: Hananipa hike
This hike is closer to Bergen itself and can therefore be reached easier than the other trails. It is the perfect choice for everyone who does not want to drive long but still get out of the city to enjoy the real Norwegian nature. If this sounds exactly like what you are looking for, the Hananipa hike is just made for you.
It is located a few minutes up the hill from Trengereid and you need to drive up the road until you reach the starting point. You can park your car somewhere next to the road at the Skulstadvegen (there actually is an official parking lot at the end of the raod. However, it was closed at the time I was there, but you can simply check it out yourself. There will for sure be a parking opportunity!). The Hananipa hike is marked with signs which makes it easy to follow the right trail. You will cross a stunning mountain stream, hike over the hills and even get to enjoy some fjord views on the way up.
When you´ve reached the summit, you can either continue to follow the trail as long as you want or take a break before you hike back down.
Length:
1-1.5 hours to the top
How to get there:
To reach this hike on the list of the best hikes in Bergen drive to Trengereid. From here, follow the road Skulstadsvegen until the very end.
Tourist and social media hotspots: hike to Trolltunga and the Queen Sonja´s trail
And last but not least: two tourist hotspots when it comes to hiking in the Bergen area. Both hikes are totally beautiful and will lead you to some of the best views in the area. However, they are famous on social media and therefore quite crowded. Plus, they take up to 12 hours and you will need to pay a ridiculously high fee for parking or shuttle. But still, they should not be missing on the list of the best hikes in Bergen, Norway. They will only be introduced shortly. If you actually plan to do them, check out the official sites linked below.
Trolltunga is probably THE hike in the Bergen and Odda area. It is a famous trail which leads to the Trolltunga rock. A rock formation which is located directly over the fjord. The whole hike takes around 10 hours and is only open from mid May to the end of August (each year, the exact dated depend on the snow and weather condition). Please note, that the spot itself is indeed very beautiful. But still, it does not differ much from views on other (more remote and quieter) trails. You can choose if the picture for the gram is worth it.
Click here for all updates on the trail and to check the conditions.
The Queen Sonja´s trail is well-known among hikers. You can hike the whole trail which takes around 10 hours and includes a shuttle back to the starting point in the end. Click here for more information on the trail.
!!!! Please note: Both of the trails are recommended for experts only. This means you need to be an experienced hiker with the right equipment to be able to hike the routes! If you are unsure, be wisely and choose different trails. Another option is to hire a guide.
Hiking in Bergen – is it worth it?
Absolutely worth it! Bergen is the perfect hiking area as it offers routes for any kind of hiker – from beginner to experienced mountain lovers. Everyone will find a fitting trail in the Bergen area. You can spend over a week hiking the different trails and still explore more and more views. If you want to get a glimpse into the beauty of Norway and fall in love with the country, Bergen is your right choice.
What are you waiting for?
Click here for more Norway guides.
