Vidden in Bergen – Hike from Ulriken to Fløyen

Vidden from Ulriken to Fløyen

The hike starts at Bergen’s highest city mountain, Ulriken, at 643 metres above sea level, and crosses the open Vidden plateau before continuing towards Rundemanen and Fløyen. Along the way, you can enjoy magnificent views of Bergen, Byfjorden, the islands outside the city and the surrounding mountains. Most people choose to start at Ulriken and hike towards Fløyen. This is a good direction because you start at a high elevation and finish naturally near Bergen city centre.

The route across Vidden

From the summit of Ulriken, follow the signs and marked trail towards Vidden and Fløyen. The terrain is open, rocky and gently undulating, but the trail is clear and well marked with cairns and red T markers. Although the hike is often described as flat, the route crosses genuine mountain terrain with short ascents, descents, wet sections and areas of scree. Good footwear is recommended. You will eventually reach the Vidden plateau itself. Here, the route passes through beautiful, open mountain terrain, even though you are still close to Bergen city centre. The views change throughout the hike. On clear days, you can see far across the city, the fjord and the islands west of Bergen.

Detour to the Human Rights Cairn

About halfway across Vidden, a short detour to the Human Rights Cairn on Storhaugen/Storfjellet, 662 metres above sea level, is recommended. This is a wonderful viewpoint just off the main trail and is well worth the short extra walk. From here, you have panoramic views of Bergen, Byfjorden, Ulriken, Rundemanen and the open mountain plateau around you. The detour is also an ideal place to stop for a meal or take photos.

Borgaskaret on Vidden

The route continues towards Borgaskaret, a distinctive mountain pass and one of the most characteristic sections of Vidden. Borgaskaret lies roughly halfway between Ulriken and Fløyen and was historically an important route between Bergen and Arna. Here, the terrain becomes more undulating. The trail descends into the pass before climbing again on the other side. Some sections can be slippery in wet conditions, so take your time and follow the trail markers.

From Rundemanen to Fløyen

After Borgaskaret, the hike continues across the mountain plateau towards Jordalskaret, Øvre Jordalsvann and the area around Rundemanen. The surface gradually changes from a narrow mountain trail to a wider path and gravel road. The final section towards Fløyen crosses easier terrain, passing Rundemanen before descending towards Brushytten. This makes for a pleasant end to the hike, and if Brushytten is open, it is a lovely place to stop before the final stage to Fløyen.

Take Fløibanen or walk down to Bergen city centre

When you reach Fløyen, you are almost back in Bergen city centre. From here, you can take Fløibanen down or walk to the city centre. The walk down from Fløyen usually takes about 45 minutes, depending on your pace and chosen route. Fløibanen is a good option if your legs are tired after the hike across Vidden.

Practical information about the hike

The hike from Ulriken to Fløyen is approximately 14 km and usually takes around 5 hours, depending on your pace, breaks, the weather and trail conditions. Allow more time if you hike Oppstemten first or take the detour to the Human Rights Cairn. Although this is a popular and well-marked route, it crosses open mountain terrain. Check the weather forecast before setting out, bring extra clothing, food, water and a map/GPS, and be prepared for rapidly changing weather on Vidden.