Have you heard about Norway's latest attraction Hoven Loen?
From the Norwegian fjords to the mountaintops in the blink of an eye on our Bergen to Trondheim self drive itinerary.
A must for any travellers heading to the fjord region of Norway is a visit the cable car, Hoven Loen Skylift. It is one of the world's steepest cable car rides and it transports you from the fjords to the mountaintops in the blink of an eye. Our Bergen to Trondheim - self drive farm stay drives right past the base of this cable car on Day 1 and you can easily stop at the base of the skylift and head on up with it's half hourly regular departures.
The aerial ropeway is located in the innermost part of the Nordfjord. From the Fjord Station you start the ascent with the Cable Car to Mt. Hoven (1011 m). After 7 airy minutes you arrive at the Mountain Station, and the restaurant where you will have a 210 degree panoramic view overlooking Mt. Skåla and Lake Lovatnet in the east, Jostedalsbreen Glacier and Olden in the south, and the Nordfjord that winds its way towards Stryn in the west. From Mt. Hoven you can explore the mountain on your own in a comprehensive network of trails, or with a guide. Either on foot or skiing..
A nice surprise awaits for you at the top - a modern, fjord facing restaurant and outside eating area. You won't be able to resist sitting down by the fire on a cold day or enjoying a glass of wine by the huge glass windows in summer. It is well set up for wintery, windy weather or calm summer nights. We recommend booking a table by the window if you have a good idea of the time you will arrive as the restaurant is set up like a movie cinema with booths facing the magnificent view over the fjord.
Our self drive Bergen to Trondheim tour, staying at boutique farm and historic hotels, allows you to arrive by car at your leisure and if you time it right, when the cruising crowds aren't there. We also recommend joining a 'Via Ferrata' climbing trip up to the top of the Skylift - a super fun and exciting way to reach the top.
Facts & Figures about the Loen Skylift:
Time in Cable Car 5-7 min. each way
Speed 7 m/s
Capacity in each cabin 35 persons (45+1)
Capacity pr hour 350 persons (462)
Highest point above ground 173,5 meters
Closest distance from the mountain 9 meters
Steepest point Approx. 53 degrees
Elevation difference 989.50 meters
Length of wire 1534 meters
Diameter suspension cable 42 mm
Diameter pulling cords 32 mm
Normal performance main engine 400 kW
Manufactured by Doppelmayr Garaventa
Check out the opening hours and prices here.
Image credits: Bard Basberg and Jan Heggheim, Danielle Langedal and Torjus Loen.