Hike to Ulriken

Last night we made the trek up Ulriken, the highest of the 7 mountains that surround Bergen. It was a 5 hour hike round trip and we didn't get back until around 1 AM. The mountain isn't really that tall compared to most, but the trail leading up to the top was just straight up and was basically a stream bed full of rocks and boulders. It was definitely the hardest hike Dan and I have ever done. We are both completely sore today. The idea was to "practice" with Ulriken to get in shape for our hiking adventure this weekend. We are planning to take a bus to Stavanger, Norway (about 5 hours away) and stay for 3 nights. We're planning to hike to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) and Kjeragbolten each a full day hike.

Ulriken was beautiful. There is a little restaurant at the top and most people take the cable car up to the top. We might do that next time, because I am definitely not hiking up this thing again!

Pretty church on our way to the base of the mountain.

 Cute couple enjoying the view on a Sunday evening.

 I love all the colored homes!

This was the trail. No joke.

Two thirds of the way up we came to the hand rail. We learned that this was the steepest part of the trip and basically gripped the rail for dear life. Even with the rail we both slipped several times (why we didn't invest in some good hiking boots before we came, I have no idea!!).

 Totally worth it.

 The non-Bergen side was just beautiful. 

Hopefully we can explore this side sometime while we're here.

 The restaurant was closed, since it was Sunday, but we definitely want to eat here sometime.

 This big guy was also at the top.

We made it! It was so windy and cold up there. 

It was getting dark by the time we reached the bottom. 

Hopefully now we are well prepared for our trip this weekend!