The mountain of Ulriken at 643m is the highest of the seven mountains surrounding the city of Bergen. It holds a special place in the heart of many Bergensers, appearing in songs and literature and remaining ever-prominent for its great outdoor appeal, whether as a skiing or a hiking destination. In 1961 the Ulriken Cable Car was opened making the trek to the top that much easier to accomplish.

“Ulriken is not just a mountain with a great view for the citizens of Bergen, but an important landmark and recreational area for the locals,” says Eirik Hokstad, marketing manager for Ulriken643, a panoramic tour that takes in Ulriken and surroundings, starting out from Bergen´s fish market. Open year-round, the tour adjusts its contents and activities according to the seasons and there are many options to choose from. “The Ulriken643 Panaorama Tour starts by the fish market, where our characteristic double decker bus takes you to the lower station in approximately 15minutes,” Eirik continues. The cable car journey, in a so-called gondola, will take about 5 minutes, depending on the weather.

Each gondola, running every 7 minutes, can take 25 passengers to the top at once. On average 100,000 visitors have taken the panoramic tour over previous years, with an expected increase to 180,000 in 2010, making Ulriken one of the most popular sights in Bergen. Once  at the top, visitors can try their hand at some adventurous sports and while hitting the hiking trails remains a favourite activitity, there´s also abseiling, paragliding, climbing and archery for those brave enough. “We have a mountain shop and activity centre called Bergen Base Camp,” Eirik explains, “and our professional and trained staff will help you out there.”

If it´s just a good old-fashioned ramble in the mountains you´re after, this is perhaps the best spot in Bergen. 15 different walking trails, including circular routes, of varying degrees of difficulty and length, take in spectacular views of the district. “The most important facility here is of course the VIEW,” Eirik enthuses. “On clear days you can enjoy the sight of skerries, fjords, mountains and the open sea, not forgetting the city itself. The panoramic view is spectacular and unique, and the high mountain experience is tailor-made to give our visitors a taste of the real wild mountain life Bergen has to offer.”

It´s thirsty work wandering around the mountains, taking the air and enjoying the views, but as luck would have it there´s a restaurant at the top of Ulriken serving excellent grub. The sky:scraper panoramic restaurant is the highest in Bergen and the emphasis is fimrly on local food. There´s a handy kiosk where you can stock up on picnic food before your mountain ambles, a bar for sampling some high altitude drinks and an a la carte restaurant for 3-course dinners. Specialities include a delicious, warming mountain fish soup, a lovely way to end a day´s strenuous hiking, looking out over the splendid scenery.

Factbox:

The cable car runs 0900-2100 May – September and 0900-1700 October-April.

The Panorama tour from the Fish Market costs 195 NOK return.

The Ulriken cable car runs every 7 minutes.

For further info: www.ulriken643.no

First UK Rights