Exploring Bergen by bike

Bergen municipality aims to make Bergen a bike friendly city! In recent years, more and more cycle paths and infrastructure have been added, making it possible for people to use their bikes instead of always taking the car or bus. And for those who don’t have their own bike, there is also good coverage of city bikes that you can rent. Check out this map of city bikes to see if there is one available near you. 

We have made a list of our favourite cycling routes around the city. Both short trips and more challenging rugged paths, depending on what you’re feeling up for!  

No. 1 – Fjellveien

Fjellveien offers fantastic views over the entire city! With a combination of gravel, tarmac, and hilly stretches, you’ll have to put in a bit of effort to make it to the highest point. (But we think it’s worth it).  

Our proposed route is just under 4.6 km one way, but we have also chosen to include a slightly tougher climb to Munkebotsvatnet towards the end. If you’re just looking for an easier trip, you can skip this last part. 

Fjellveien is very popular for cyclists, hikers, and joggers, so remember to pay attention! 

No. 2, 3 and 4 – Svartediket

The cycle along Svartediket lake is not only incredibly scenic, but also an area rich in history. The gravel road is car-free and there aren’t as many hikers as on Fløyen. The route starts with about 3 km of relatively easy cycling before you start the climb to Tarlebøvannet, which can be extended to a demanding trip to Rundemannen and Fløyen if you’re feeling adventurous. 

All tours start from the road barrier near Svartediksveien Bofellesskap.

At the start, you cycle on a flat gravel road along Svartediket until the road splits, either up towards Rundemanen or down to Isdalen. A side trip into the famous Isdalen on the other side of the lake is a nice trip for those who don't want to struggle up hills and is also suitable for children. If you are interested in crime stories, Isdalen was the scene of one of Bergen's great mysteries. A woman was found dead here in 1970, and she later became known as the Isdalskvinnen (Woman of Isdalen). Who she was, where she came from, and what happened to her is still unclear. This makes Isdalen a bit eerie.

It is also nice to explore Hardbakkedalen, where you can find remains of the farms that used to be here. A cultural heritage trail has been set up there.

When you have explored Isdalen, you can cycle back to Tarlebøveien where you can continue up towards Tarlebøvannet (the dam). The trip can be extended over Rundemannen and down Fløyen for the fittest. Just be aware that some places on Fløyen it is prohibited for cyclists. There are signs showing where you cannot cycle. In any case, it is important to be aware of hikers and joggers. This route takes about 1.5 hrs.

• The trip from the road barrier at Svartediket to Isdalen: approx. 3.4 km one way.
• The trip from the road barrier at Svartediktet to Tarlebøvannet: approx. 4.5 km (the last part is long and relatively steep)
• The trip from the road barrier at Svartediket - Fløybanen's upper station: approx. 13.1 km (some relatively steep parts)

No. 5 – From Byparken to Fyllingsdalen terminal

You can now cycle on connected cycle paths from Bystasjonen to Oasen in Fyllingsdalen, including through the Fyllingsdalen tunnel—the world's longest organized pedestrian and cycle tunnel (3 km), which opened in 2023. 

You can either start at Byparken or Bystasjonen. From Bystasjonen there is a continuous cycling path the whole way. Follow the path along Store Lungegårdsvann, through the Kronstad tunnel (475 m) to Kronstad. From Kristianborg, it is 3 km in the tunnel until you reach Fyllingsdalen by the Oasen shopping centre. This is a perfect ride on a lazy Sunday, as the route is relatively flat and not too demanding. In the middle of the Fyllingsdalen tunnel, you can stop and enjoy the sundial or just take a rest on one of the benches. 

The tunnel stays at 7-8 degrees all year round, so it might be a good idea to bring an extra jacket with you in the summer. 

Note that the tunnel is closed at night between 11.30pm and 5.30am, so for those of you who live in Fyllingsdalen you won’t be able to cycle home after a long night out.  

Length of the bike ride: approx. 7.8 km. 

No. 6 – The City Centre to Eidsvåg via Munkebotnen

This route starts in Byparken and goes north via Sandviken hospital and up the relatively steep, winding road to Lake Munkebotsvatnet. At the top you’ll turn left and follow a nice and gentle asphalt road past Langevannet (lake) and down towards Eidsvåg. This route will take you past many nice places to stop and have lunch or just take in the nature, and in the summer you can even take a swim in Langevannet and wash off the sweat you’ve probably worked up! 

It’s also possible to do trail cycling in some places! If you’re the daring type and have the right equipment, you can take the cycle path instead of the asphalt. At the end of Langevannet, cycle down towards Eidsvåg. Please note that this is a very popular footpath for people (and horses) who live in the area, so be careful whilst going down. At the end of the road, you can choose to turn right into Jordalen or you can cycle down to Eidsvåg and back to the city center via Eidsvågneset. 

Rentals

Most international students will not bring a bike when going abroad. But fear not, you have options in Bergen for renting a bike. In the city center you have easy access to cheap city bikes. If you are looking for bikes that can be used for exploring more outside the city or in the mountains, there are some options you can consider.

Bergen Bike Rent – Offers both normal bikes and E-bikes. Both daily rentals and multiday rentals are availble. No student discount. 

Fløyen Bike rental – Offers mountain bikes. No student disocunt. 

Bergen City Bikes – Offers normal bikes. You can either buy a single, daily, monthly or yearly subscription. 

Make sure you are familiar with cycling rules in Norway.