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Bergen Cable Car opening hours 2026

Ulriken Cable Car operational timings

DayOctober to MarchApril to SeptemberFrequency

Monday

Closed

9am to 11pm

Approximately every 5–15 min

Tuesday to Wednesday

9am to 7pm

9am to 11pm

Approximately every 5–15 min

Thursday to Saturday

9am to 11pm

9am to 11pm

Approximately every 5–15 min

Sunday

9am to 7pm

9am to 11pm

Approximately every 5–15 min

Ulriken Cable Car timing notes & visitor warnings

  • Open-dated tickets: Standard tickets are not timed, so you can board any running departure during the operating hours.
  • Last descent: If you plan to take the final cable car down, arrive at the lower station well before closing time to allow for the journey and any queues.
  • Plan your transfer: The lower station is outside central Bergen, so allow extra travel time, particularly when arriving from the harbour. See getting to Ulriken Cable Car for the main transport options and routes.
  • Ulriken Express: The shuttle runs April 1 to October 15, with departures every 30 minutes from central Bergen.
  • Seasonal hours: From April to September, the cable car operates 9am to 11pm daily. From October to March, opening hours vary by day, with Mondays closed.
  • Weather check: Poor visibility can significantly reduce the summit experience. Check current conditions before setting out, especially if you are planning a sunset visit or hike. Plan your visit with this Ulriken Cable Car guide.
  • Seasonal frequency: Departures are approximately every 5 minutes in high season and 15 minutes in low season, so you generally do not need to plan around a specific departure.

Popular routes & durations

RouteAvg. journey

Ulriken Cable Car lower station → Mount Ulriken summit

5 mins one way

Mount Ulriken summit → Ulriken Cable Car lower station

5 mins one way

Ulriken summit → Fløyen via Vidden trail

Around 5 hours

Late rides are possible because the Ulriken cable car currently runs from 9am–11pm daily. The operating route is the standard lower station–summit return, and regular round-trip tickets are open-dated rather than tied to a fixed slot. That makes sunset visits practical, but fog, rain, or low cloud can reduce the payoff quickly. Leave enough buffer for the final descent instead of boarding at the last possible minute. Clear-weather afternoons and sunset rides are the most timing-sensitive slots, book early if you want more flexibility.

Best time to visit Ulriken Cable Car

Spring (Apr–May)

  • Pros: Good balance of daylight, summit time and hiking conditions. The Ulriken Express Bus returns from April 1.
  • Cons: Mountain weather can change quickly, so clear cable-car operation doesn’t guarantee good summit visibility.

Summer (Jun–Aug)

  • Pros: Long daylight hours are ideal for views, dining, photos and summit walks. Easy to pair with a fuller Bergen itinerary.
  • Cons: Busiest season, so allow more time around clear afternoons and sunset.

Fall (Sep–Oct)

  • Pros: Good for summit views and shorter walks without peak-summer crowds. The Express Bus runs until October 15.
  • Cons: Shorter daylight makes late visits and sunset timing less forgiving.

Winter (Nov–Mar)

  • Pros: Best for a focused cable-car and viewpoint visit without planning a full hiking day. Late-afternoon and early-evening visits are possible during operating hours.
  • Cons: No Express Bus, and changing weather can affect transfers and summit visibility.
  • Morning: Best if you want maximum flexibility after arrival. An earlier ascent leaves room for a meal, short marked walks, and a relaxed return without watching the clock.
  • Midday: Works well if you’re fitting Ulriken between other Bergen plans. You’ll usually have the fullest summit-service window, but clear-weather middle hours can feel busier.
  • Evening: The strongest choice for sunset colors or city lights. The cable car currently runs until 11pm, but leave generous buffer time so your return doesn’t depend on the final car.

Weather at Ulriken

Weather at Mount Ulriken can change quickly and may differ from conditions in central Bergen. Cloud, fog and rain can reduce summit visibility, so check the forecast before your visit, especially if panoramic views or a hike are part of your plans. Wind and changing mountain conditions can also affect your experience.

How long should I spend at the Ulriken Cable Car?

With 2 hours

This works for a simple round trip. You’ll have time for the 5-minute ride up, panoramic photos, a short stroll near the top station, and a comfortable ride down. It’s the best fit for cruise passengers or travelers squeezing Ulriken between other Bergen plans.

With 4 hours

This is the sweet spot for most visitors. You can ride up, spend proper time at the viewpoint, have a meal or coffee near the top station, and follow one of the marked summit walks without rushing. It gives Ulriken much better value than a quick photo stop.

With 6+ hours / Full day

Choose this only if the mountain is the main event. A full day gives you time for longer hiking from the summit, a slower restaurant break, and more deliberate photo stops. It’s also the most realistic window if Ulriken is your launch point for the Vidden route.

Frequently asked questions about Ulriken Cable Car timings

The cable car operates year-round, but logistics change through the year. The seasonal Ulriken Express Bus runs only from April 1 to October 15, so winter visits usually need public transit, taxi, or a walk to the lower station. Check directions to Ulriken Cable Car.