Montana + Ulriken = ❤️

On the way up -- Montana as a starting point

From HI Bergen Montana Ulriken feels both close and huge at the same time. You see the mountain rise straight up from the neighborhood, and the paths winding upward pull you into the first step of mountain tranquility. This is where you notice the transition from urban and neighborhood pulse to nature pulse. One step, then another -- and suddenly you're in the middle of the heather, with birdsong and wind following you on.

The hike up from Montana is varied: steep slopes, flat lots, small rock lots, vantage points that pop up without warning. It makes the ascent both challenging and incredibly satisfying. Each climb shows a little more of the city, the fjord and the west country landscape.

Ulriksbanen — The Airy Shortcut

For those who like the combination of nature enjoyment and airy heights, there is another possibility:

Ulriksbanen. The red gondola soaring up the mountainside has become a little Bergen icon in its own right. Whether you don't want to go all the way up — or if you just want to take a leisurely walk back down — the course is an experience unto itself.

From the gondola you ascend slowly up the mountainside. You see Bergen expanding beneath you, and as it soars into the cloud layer. There's something simple and soothing about it all. A few minutes and you're up -- ready for views, fresh air and your very own perspective of the city and countryside.

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Ulriken — the top of Bergen

When you finally stand up there, whether you've walked or taken the field, the view is the first thing one notices. It makes you wonder a little bit about it all. The sea that opens to the west. The mountain ridges located layer upon layer in the east. The town that lies down there, small but vibrant.

At the top there is always a mix of people: hikers with thermos coffee, families looking towards the islands on the horizon, friends taking pictures, and travelers who just stand completely still and feel the moment. There's something nice about it -- everyone sharing the same view, and the one “element” that unites us; the outdoors and nature.

And right up here, with the wind rustling up his clothes, the air pressure pressing against his face and the clouds sliding past, you might feel what makes Ulriken so iconic:

It's both wild and simple, dramatic and accessible, calm and raw.

Ulriken comb — for the adventurous

If you want to take it a step further, one of Bergen's most spectacular walks starts from here:

Ulriken—Fløyen via Vidden (or the shorter cam trip down towards Montana again).

The comb offers:

• stone formations and narrow lots
• View of the fjord and mountains
• heather, moss and mountains in all directions
• feeling of walking along the back of the city

It is a trip that gives you both pulse and tranquility, and that makes it good to live.

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A little mountain adventure — just outside Bergen

Once Ulrikken is taken in, and after a little rest stop on Montana, maybe it's time to eat and drink something good in the city center (if you haven't already eaten at Skyscraperen or Ulriken café then — which offer lots of good) — in which case maybe pop into the cinema to enjoy some popcorn, soda and chocolate?

Maybe just stay behind at Montana, relax, recuperate and enjoy the reason why Montana has got one of the best prices from hostelworld.com (2x) times, sleep, get up - also go Ulrikken again?

Imagine having Ulriken as a training centre for a couple of days then; it's somewhat that.