Fløibanen funicular in Bergen, Norway – Is it worth it?

Fløibanen funicular in Bergen, Norway

The next stop on our Norway road trip is Fløibanen funicular, one of Bergen’s best-known and most visited tourist attractions. The prize at the end of this funicular railway is the top of Mount Fløyen. This is where you will find the best views in Bergen, Norway.

After checking into our Bergen hotel room, we made our way straight to the Fløibanen funicular.

The entrance to the funicular is located within walking distance to Bryggen, the famous old wharf of Bergen that’s listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It rained a lot during our Norway road trip. And it was supposed to rain heavily the following day. Rather than risk poor visibility from the Mount Fløyen viewing platform, we decided to visit this Bergen attraction first. It was the right call, because it rained heavily the following day. 

Fortunately, the rain stayed away during our visit to Mount Fløyen and Floibanen funicular. It was still cold and cloudy, but at least we were able to see the views (unlike the Stegastein Viewpoint in Aurland the day before).

Related – 12 days in Norway: A Perfect Norway Road Trip Itinerary

Where to catch the Floibanen funicular in Bergen

The entrance to the bottom of the funicular is pictured above. It’s an easy building to spot. 

It’s located a short 5-minute walk from Bryggen and the popular Bergen Fishmarket (Fisketorget i Bergen). You can actually see this unique white building at the end of the road, if you’re standing at the fish market and/or Bergen Harbor.

The address is Vetrlidsallmenningen 23A, 5014 Bergen, Norway.

How far is Bergen cruise port from funicular?

Most cruise ships in Bergen Havn dock at the Skolten cruise port (Vagen Harbor). The Fløibanen funicular station is located about 15 minutes walking distance from this Bergen cruise port.

Therefore, unless you have walking or mobility issues, there’s no need to take a bus or taxi from the cruise port to the Bergen funicular station. It’s a nice walk along the waterfront. 

Inside the Floibanen funicular building at the base of Mount Floyen. This is where you board the car. 

As you can see, the station is wheelchair and stroller friendly.

Inside the funicular car as it travels to the top of Mount Floyen.

The cars have glass ceilings and panoramic windows. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about where to sit when you board. You will have nice views from almost every seat.

Above is the station at the top of the funicular railway. 

How long does Fløibanen funicular take?

The entire journey takes approx. 6 minutes from bottom to top, and vice versa.

There are two cars on this funicular railway, so it does not take long for the next train to arrive. Each train can take up to 100 passengers at a time.

The funicular railway climbs 320 metres (1,050 feet) up the steep track. It transports over 1.8 million passengers per year. 

Mount Floyen viewing platform

Bergen is surrounded by seven mountains. You will have a perfect panoramic view of the harbour and surrounding mountains. From this viewpoint, it’s easy to understand why Bergen has the nickname ‘Gateway to the Fjords.’

Can you walk down from Bergen funicular?

Yes. You can walk up and/or down from Mount Floyen. 

The walk down to Bergen is a popular walk that is suitable for people of all ages. There is a well-marked paved path with signage to guide you. 

We did not do the walk down, but we’re told that it takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on your pace. I’m also told that the path is stroller friendly. However, I cannot confirm this. 

Above is the Bergen funicular map of things to do on Mount Floyen. 

Things to do on Mount Floyen

There are plenty of things to do once you get to the top of the funicular. The most obvious being the walking paths and viewpoints of Bergen.

If you are limited on time, you can simply ride the funicular railway, check out the stunning views, grab a coffee and quick snack at the café, then return to Bergen on the next railway down. You can easily do this in an hour. 

The most popular kid’s attraction at Mount Floyen is ‘The best playground in Bergen’. I mean, with a name like that, it’s got to be good. Right?

It also has a troll forest and some easy hiking trails. Although, the troll forest is actually kind of creepy and might give your child nightmares. 

Our boys did have fun at this outdoor playground.

We spent about 45 minutes here and had to give them a countdown for when we had to leave. Otherwise, they probably would have stayed here for much longer. 

Another kid’s playground at the top of Mount Floyen. This one is located close to the top of the funicular and Fløirestauranten.

Of course, you must take the obligatory photo with a giant troll statue when visiting a Norway tourist attraction. These troll statues can be found at most tourist attractions. 

One of several weird and creepy troll statues in the Troll Forest.

The path was very muddy and slippery during our visit because of the rain. So we did not walk too far down the path. It’s not very long anyways. And the statues are scatted throughout the forest. 

It’s an interesting attraction, I suppose. Although, I can’t decide if it’s a serious attraction. It feels more like an art project by teenage students. What do you think?

Hiking trails on Mount Floyen

The forest and hiking trails look similar to the forest and trails in British Columbia. We felt right at home. The forest is so lush and green, with moss covering the rocks and tree trunks.  

The trails at the top of Mount Floyen are easy and accessible. Most of the trails are either paved or gravel. 

We did an easy loop trail that took about 30 minutes. It was not challenging, which is what we were looking for that day. There are several trails, so you can choose the one that fits you.

If you’re looking for more of an adventure, you can hike from Mount Fløyen to Mount Ulriken. This hike is called Vidden (more info here). It’s one of Bergen’s most popular mountain hikes. 

Ulriken is the highest of the Seven Mountains that surround Bergen. It also has a cable car (Ulriken643) that transports guests up and down the mountain. More info here.

How much does the funicular in Bergen cost?

Adults/children return: NOK 65/35 winter and NOK 90/45 summer. Purchase tickets at the ticket office bottom station or at the Tourist Info.

Fløibanen funicular prices for 2024 [source]

• ​Summer prices: April 1, 2024 to September 30, 2024
  • Adults = NOK 180
  • Children = NOK 85 
• Winter prices: October 1, 2024 to December 30, 2024
  • Adult: NOK 130
  • Child: NOK 65. Senior: NOK 95

The Bergen Card gives a 50% discount on return tickets throughout the year. 

Opening hours for the ticket office:

• May to August:
  • Weekdays from 8:30 AM to 9:00 PM
  • Weekends from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
• September:
  • Weekdays from 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM
  • Weekends from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
• October to March:
  • Weekdays from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
  • Weekends from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Fløibanen tickets can be purchased at the Tourist Information, at www.floyen.no or in the Fløibanen app. 

Read more blog posts from our trip to Scandinavia:

• Should you rent a car in Norway? Tips for driving in Norway 
• The Perfect 12-day Norway Road Trip Itinerary  
• The remarkable Borgund Stave Church in Norway
• Should you rent a car in Norway? Tips for driving in Norway
• Things to do in Stockholm this summer with kids

Do you plan to visit Fløibanen funicular on your next trip to Bergen, Norway?

Leave us a comment below if you have any questions. Or, if you have already visited Fløibanen funicular, please leave us a comment with any tips of recommendations that we missed.