Destinasjon Floyen!

September 6, 2025

I believe that Norway’s entire population of 5 1/2 million was in Bergen today… At least it seemed that way.

In spite of the crowds we were able to fully enjoy two amazing activities/events. To do them both justice I’m going to separate them in two posts. They will be short on narration and long on pictures.

First the Floibanen:

After breakfast we took a five minute walk to the famous Floibanen funicular railway. 

First opened in 1918 this steep 25 degree railway ascends from sea level at Bergen Harbor to Floyen at an elevation of 1000 feet. 

The current ultramodern electrical conveyance consists of two sets of train cars. They are connected by a cable.

Each set of cars can hold up to 120 passengers. When one set of cars is at the top of the hill the other set is at the bottom. They pass each other at mid journey, the weight of one counteracting the weight of the other. They require comparatively minimal engine drive support. 

The journey to the top of Mount Floyen takes about five minutes. A round-trip ticket costed us each $20 (200 kroner). Christine rode the railway back to the bottom, but I hiked down the mountain, a journey of approximately 3 km which took me just short of an hour. 

The views from the top were fantastic.

There is a restaurant that first opened in 1925.

There are also shops, a café, toilets, a playground, and goats!

My hike back to the city center was magical! A forest of massive evergreens, carpeted by moss and ferns.

If you look carefully you will see families of Trolls peaking out from behind the trees… but only if you believe in them.

Part 2 follows. 

Peace Everyone. Pete