đđ Bergen at sunset: evening trails of the âseven hillsâ
đŻ Who is it for and what is the goal
For those who want to catch the sunset after work and get back by 9â10 p.m. without a car. Below are three scenarios for 60â90 minutes: where to go, how to get there by Bybanen/bus, what to pack in your âwetâ backpack, and how not to slip.
đ Sunset routes (overview)
đť Fløyen â viewing points and forest loop
You can go straight from the centre: the climb to Fløyen takes about 45â60 minutes depending on your pace; at the top, there is a network of trails and short loops along lakes and forest roads. Return on foot or by the Fløibanen funicular if you are short on time.
Route map: start at the lower station of Fløibanen / Bryggen; circle along the forest paths (Skomakerdiket â Fløysletten) and back to the centre. In rainy weather, stick to the main gravel roads.
â°ď¸ Løvstakken â shorter but steeper
Classic weekday option: bus no. 10 to Blekenberg (from Olav Kyrres gate) or Bybanen to Danmarksplass, then a 10â15-minute walk to the start of the trail. The climb is compact, with some âpulsatingâ sections and quick views.
Route map: Blekenberg â markings to the summit â return the same way; alternatively, exit to Løvstien and make a gentle âedgeâ loop. (Løvstien is easily accessible from Danmarksplass by following the signs.)
â°ď¸ Sandviksfjellet / âstepsâ
The Stoltzekleiven steps are a short and steep climb to a view over Sandviken; the route is narrow and one-way uphill, with alternative paths down (to Munkebotn or Fjell). At the start, it is convenient to take the bus to Ludebryggen or walk from the centre (â30 min to Fjellveien 13)..
Route map: Fjellveien 13 â Stoltzekleiven (â800â900 steps; ~300 m elevation gain) â follow the signs to Fløyen and descend on foot/by funicular. In wet weather, the steps and walkways are particularly slippery.
đ§ď¸ Rain and cobblestones: how to walk safely
- Surface. The trails have stone steps and sections with wooden walkways â in wet weather, keep your pace slow and use the handrails where available. (At Stoltzekleiven, the upper part is a wooden staircase and the lower part is stone steps.)
- Footwear. Trail running shoes with grippy soles; in the city before the start, avoid slippery cobblestones.
- Poles. Lightweight trekking poles help on wet descents.
- Descent plan. Do not go down the steps â use the detour to Flen/Munkebotn.
đ Logistics: Bybanen and buses
- Bybanen (light rail). Line 1 â city centre â airport; Line 2 â city centre â Fillingdal. It is convenient to get to Danmarksplass for Løvstakken; timetables and maps are available from the transport company Skyss.
- Buses. For Stoltzekleiven, take the Sandviken/à sane direction and get off at Ludebryggen; for Løvstakken, take bus no. 10 Blekenberg. Check the current timetable on the Skyss planner.
- Loop rule. Start and finish at the same stop; plan to return between 9 and 10 p.m., when buses are still running frequently, but check the timetable anyway.
| Block | Checklist |
|---|---|
| Evening essentials (minimum) | Shell jacket + light pants, thin fleece |
| Cap/visor for rain, thin gloves | |
| Headlamp + reflectors (look for EN 17353) | |
| Dry socks in bag, phone with offline map, water/thermos | |
| Bergen rain protocol | Top: shell jacket; Bottom: quick-dry layer (no water absorption) |
| Dry shoes with paper/ventilation (not radiator) | |
| Gloves & hat â spare dry set in bag | |
| Plan B for heavy rain: shelters near museums/stops (Bygdøy, Bergen Kyststien) | |
| On descent: small steps, poles; avoid wet stones/roots | |
| Mini-guide Stoltzekleiven | Pace: steady âstair cadenceâ, no sprinting |
| Breaks: on platforms/turns, not narrow steps | |
| Descent: only via detour (Munkebotn/Fløyen) â safety & trail flow â | |
| Quick wet-backpack checklist | Shell jacket + fleece |
| Headlamp + reflectors | |
| Dry socks, thin gloves | |
| Trekking poles (foldable) | |
| Thermos / water + snack | |
| Phone with Skyss/UT route (offline) |
â FAQ
Fløyen is the easiest after work: you can start from the city center, hike up in 45â60 minutes, and take the funicular down if short on time. Løvstakken is steeper but compact, reachable by Bybanen or bus. Sandviksfjellet via Stoltzekleiven offers a quick climb, but plan extra time for descent via Fløyen or Munkebotn.
Stick to Fløyenâs gravel paths instead of steep steps. Use trail shoes with good grip and trekking poles for stability. On wet days, avoid descending Stoltzekleiven â take safer detours.
Use Bybanen (Line 1 or 2) or Skyss buses. Examples: bus 10 to Blekenberg for Løvstakken, bus to Ludebryggen for Stoltzekleiven, or just walk from the center for Fløyen. Always check Skyss schedules and aim to return before 21â22:00 when departures are still frequent.
Light membrane jacket + pants, thin fleece, cap/visor for rain, headlamp, reflectors (EN 17353), dry socks in a bag, light gloves, trekking poles, water/thermos, snack, and phone with offline maps.
