Vidden - A mountain foot walk from the city of Bergen
The primary mountain region within Bergen kommune is Gullfjellet, with Gullfjellstoppen as the highest peak (987m). A number of lower peaks are found on - or connects logically to the Gullfjellet massif. Another significant mountain plateau, Ulriken - Vidden - Rundemanen, is found just east of the city of Bergen - Norway's 2nd largest city.
Vidden – the plateau. The walk across the mountain plateau to Mount Ulriken goes through lovely high-mountain terrain. Grønetua ("The Green Turf") is a point on "Vidden" - the mountain area between the mountains Haugavarden/Ulriken and Rundemanen in Bergen. There are Mountion bikers tracking from Mount Ulriken to Mount Fløyen over the 700 meter high Vidden mountain plateau adjacent to the city of Bergen. The plateau is above the tree-limit and experiences an Alpine climate.
From the upper station of Fløibanen, head toward Brushytten, then up Bergensbakken, past Tarlebøvatnet lake. The journey continues to Langelifjellet and Borgaskaret, over to Storfjellet and Skomakerdalen valley. The trail turns westwards again, past Årstadhytten cabin to Mount Ulriken-Vidden-Floyen. Grønetua is the highest point north of Borgaskaret - the pass that logically divides "Vidden" into a north and a south section. The main trailheads for reaching Grønetua are; Jordal, Hjortlandsdalen, Borgo, Bergen via Våkendalen, Bergen via Rundemanen, and via Såtbotn.
You need to be prepared for rapidly changing conditions. Nevertheless, the Vidden is a very popular hiking place for the people from the city of Bergen; multiple accesses to the plateau are situated in the city center, such as Fløibanen funicular and the Ulriken cable car. Cairns mark the route. Reckon on taking 5-6 hours. The plateau is exposed to the elements, so you should always take extra clothing with you in your rucksack. If you are going to walk across the plateau, walk first to the Brushytten cabin, then continue to Rundemanen or Blåmanen and follow the marked path from there.
All of the mountains are highly accessible to the public, seen in light of road access, trail systems and low difficulty. Both Gullfjellet and the Ulriken - Vidden - Rundemanen massif by Bergen are popular in all seasons. The Ulriken - Vidden - Rundemanen massif also offer easy access through gondola and funicular. The leveled plateau between Rundemanen and Ulriken is excellent for skiing in winter, providing the snow stays.
Vidden - A mountain foot walk on a foggy afternoon in June (A Practical Experience)
In the morning heavy rain poured down on Bergen. Around noon the sun showed up for an hour or two. When my daughter came home from school the mountain crests where covered again by dense clouds. Still we headed for "Ulriksbanen" and went to the top - although we would not see much there...
In the beginning we where frightened that we might loose our way, because we never walked in the clouds before. This was exciting, not the usual thing.. But helped by the excellent navigation-aids of the Norwegian Tourist Association it was not difficult to keep on the trail. When the sun broke through the clouds we were rewarded with stunning scenes of interacting light, wind and mist. Few hours later we descended - tired but happy - back home.
This is the area map of "Bergen Byfjellene" (Click on the map below)
Step - 1
South of "Skomakerdalen" - heading eastwards surrounded by drifting clouds.
Step - 2
Looking southwestwards on "Svartediket" and "Langelivatnet".
Step - 3
The sun is breaking through the clouds. We are standing north of "Storhaugen", looking southwards.
Step - 4
The clouds are being lifted up by a steady breeze. We can look far into the countryside.
Step - 5
In the distant there is light across the sea: "Bergen Vågen"
Step - 6
The clouds are closing in on us again.
Step - 7
But there are always instants of bright sunshine.
Step - 8
And exciting scenes of neighbouring valleys. Looking eastwards to "Indre Arna".
Step - 9
The typical norwegian landmarks, "Vardene", help us not getting lost in the clouds.
Step - 10
Descending south of "Øvre Jordalsvatnet".
Step - 11
There is extremely little water in the "Tarlebøvatnet", Bergen's main drinking-water reservoir.
Step - 12
A water cascade on the foot of "Blåmanen".
Day trips: Mount Ulriken - Vidden - Mount Floyen
5 Hours Walk
Map for Day trips: Mount Ulriken - Vidden - Mount Floyen
How to get there:
Bus to Haukeland (main hospital).
Bus no 2 every 12 mins from Nygaten or Kong Oscarsgate
Walk from hospital to Ulriksbanen (cable car)
Cable every 10 mins
From Floyen - walk down to city or Funicular.
Always follow the Norwegian Mountain Code (called "Fjellvettreglene" in Norwegian) is directed towards your safety.
Contact:
The Norwegian Trekking Association
Youngstorget
1 0181 Oslo Norway
Phone: +47 4000 1868
Email: info@turistforeningen.no
http://www.turistforeningen.no/english
Also you may contact for Ulriken tour at http://www.ulriken643.no/en/Home/
Dont forget to check:
The best campsite in Bergen
The Top of Bergen - ULRIKEN - highest of the 7 mountains
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