About This Hike
Stoltzekleiven is Bergen's famous staircase workout, climbing 315 metres up Sandviksfjellet on a steep, roughly 900-metre stone path. Start at Fjellveien 13, about a 30-minute walk from central Bergen; bus passengers can get off at Ludebryggen and walk uphill for around 10 minutes to the trailhead. The climb has about 908 steps and takes most walkers around 30 minutes, though its relentless gradient makes it genuinely demanding. The narrow stairway is intended for uphill travel only, so do not descend the steps. At the top, enjoy the view over Sandviken and Byfjorden, then either follow a marked descent or continue to Fløyen, which takes about 40 minutes and gives an easy funicular or walking return to the city. Wear shoes with good grip: wet stone, fallen leaves, snow and ice make the route slippery, and the climb is not recommended in winter conditions.
Highlights
- ✓ Quick summit access
- ✓ Great workout
- ✓ Popular with locals
- ✓ City and fjord views
Getting There
Start at Fjellveien 13. Walk from central Bergen or take a bus to Ludebryggen and walk about 10 minutes uphill.
Before You Go
Stoltzekleiven is a short fitness climb, not a two-way stair route. Start at Fjellveien, ascend the roughly 908 stone steps at your own pace, then choose a marked descent or continue towards Fløyen; do not turn around and descend through the narrow staircase. Wet stone and crowding matter more here than map distance, so move aside only where safe and skip the stairs when they are icy or you cannot maintain secure footing.
Information checked: September 2026, against current Visit Bergen route, access and one-way-stair information
⚠️ Safety Notes
- The staircase is narrow and intended as one-way for those heading up, so come down by the marked side path rather than the steps.
- Wet stone, moss, and fallen leaves make the steps slippery in rain and through autumn, well beyond the icy winter months.