Ulriken

At an elevation of 643 meters, Ulriken is the tallest of the seven mountains surrounding Bergen, in Norway. This true local landmark offers hikers breathtaking views of the city, fjords, and surrounding islands. There are several trails that lead to the summit; the most famous is the Sherpa Steps, an impressive stone staircase with over 1,300 steps.

Remarks

Ulriken Cable Car: A convenient option for ascending or descending if you wish to conserve energy or enjoy the scenery without exertion.

Best time of year to hike: From May to October, on average. See the Norway FAQ for more details.

Access and Parking: Parking near the trailhead in Montana is very limited. Public transportation is a safer and more environmentally friendly option.

Difficulties of the hike

The trailhead is in the Montana residential neighborhood, which is accessible by bus from the city center. The route starts on a wide gravel path and then continues up the Sherpa Steps, climbing 500 meters in elevation over just two kilometers. It's a short but steep climb. Once you reach the imposing radio antenna at around 600 meters, the route continues along a traditional hiking trail winding through the wild landscape typical of the Norwegian mountains.

For the return trip, you have several options. You can descend via the same Sherpa stairs or opt for a deeper immersion in nature by following the "Korketrekkeren" trail, which winds through a magnificent plateau dotted with small mountain lakes. Though the route is unmarked, the trail is signposted; simply follow "Ulriken" on the way there and "Montana" on the way back.

What you'll love

  • Spectacular panoramic views: Take in the 360° panorama from the summit overlooking the city of Bergen, the fjords, and the islands on one side, and the untamed wilderness on the other.
  • Immersion in nature: Escape the hustle and bustle of the city in just a few minutes' walk to find yourself in the heart of a typical Norwegian landscape.
  • A flexible hike: Adapt the difficulty to your preferences! The cable car (for ascending or descending) and the multitude of trails connecting Montana to the Ulriken summit allow you to personalize your hiking experience.
icone activite
Activity: Hiking
icone difficulte
Difficulty: EasyiDifficulty levels explained here:
➡️ Hiking parameters
icone duree
Average duration: 2 h 45 miFind out how we calculate the duration here:
➡️ Hiking parameters
icone distance
Length: 5.5 km
icone typetrajet
Type of route: Loop
icone denivele positif
Elevation gain: 510 m
icone altitude
Maximum altitude: 643 m
Vertiginous: NoiVertiginous levels explained here:
➡️ Hiking parameters
icone balise
Marked: No
frequentation
Popularity: Moderate
icone region
Region: Vestland
icone depart
Start point: 60.37256, 5.36978
Ulriken