The new Fløibanen
Facts about the new Fløibanen
A brief history: Fløibanen is the only funicular cable car in Scandinavia and was opened on 15 January 1918. The previous cable cars were from 1974 and represented the 3rd generation Fløibanen cars. In addition to providing transport for residents in the Fjellsiden area, Fløibanen is Bergen's greatest and one of Norway's most popular tourist attractions.
The new Fløibanen
A fantastic experience becomes even better
Fløibanen's track and equipment have been extensively upgraded over the past few years. Substantial investment in new stations at both ends of the line has improved conditions for travellers. In particular, the line has been made more accessible to wheelchair users and passengers with children and pushchairs. The final phase of the renovation took place in autumn 2002 and almost the entire service has now been upgraded. Fløibanen has been fitted with new cable cars, tracks, engines and ticketing system. In addition, we have refurbished the three interim stations, while the lower station building retains its original, distinctive appearance. We have also designed a new graphic profile which is present in our logo, employees' clothing, signs, brochures and web pages. This complete renewal has cost around 46 million Norwegian kroner, and the main supplier is Doppelmayr Tramways Ltd of Switzerland.
The new cable cars
The new cable cars have been named Rødhette (little Red Riding Hood) and Blåmann have increased our capacity.
More room and greater comfort
The new cars are able to carry 100 passengers, compared with 80 previously. The new cars provide substantially better comfort and have glass ceilings and large side windows to give the best possible view and enhance the experience. The lower sections of the cars have become viewing platforms with panoramic views. The seats and standing areas have been designed to provide maximum comfort during the journey. Modern and hard-wearing fabrics and materials give the cars an up-to-date yet classical look. The cars also have easy access for pushchairs and wheelchairs. The new cars were designed by the Norwegian industrial designer Espen Thorup and manufactured by the Swiss company Gangloff.
Fløibanen is not a high-speed train
The cable cars are now able to travel at several speeds. Although Fløibanen is not meant to be a high-speed train, increased capacity and more frequent departures mean we can carry more passengers in a shorter time.
Safety is paramount
Safety is Fløibanen's top priority. Fløibanen has introduced additional safety measures, on top of the requirements of international regulations and safety inspector Det Norske Veritas. You are always safe when you travel on Fløibanen.
New tracks
Until 2002, part of the track network dated back to 1918 while the rest was from 1954. The new tracks will make the journey even more comfortable.
New engines
New and bigger engines have been installed in order to operate larger cars at greater speed. A separate diesel engine has been installed to provide back-up in the event of power failure or other incidents. The diesel engine enables the cars to continue to the next station.
Short waiting time
The new cars will be able to adjust their speed according to the level of traffic. At busy times when passenger numbers are high, the cars can increase their current speed to 6 metres per second. This will help reduce queues and waiting time substantially. At less busy times, the cars will travel at normal speed, giving passengers the time to enjoy the wonderful views and the journey to the top of the mountain.
New ticketing system
Fløibanen has introduced a brand new, automatic ticketing system. Although the ticket office, which has been refurbished, remains the most important outlet for tickets, all stations have been fitted with machines where passengers can buy their tickets prior to boarding. The machines sell the standard single and return tickets. The ticket machine at the lower station can be used when the ticket office is closed. This machine accepts payment by coins, notes and the Visa, Mastercard and Eurocard credit cards.
New ticket categories
Our new electronic ticketing system has made it possible to introduce several new ticket categories. For instance, we now sell a family ticket for two adults and two children (aged 4-16), as well as a sledding ticket and a company ticket. There are two main types of tickets: Firstly, there are bar code tickets, used mainly for single and return tickets. The second ticket type needs to be stamped, and applies mainly to multi-journey tickets. Tickets must be scanned by the electronic ticket readers before boarding. These readers are located in the ticket halls of the lower and upper stations and on the platforms of the other stations. They can read all ticket types and have a screen that shows the number of journeys left on a multi-journey ticket. For more information about tickets please go to prices and tickets.
Face-lifts for the interim stations
Architect Elisabeth Rakner from Bergen was asked to give the three interim stations at Promsgate, Fjellveien and Skansemyren an aesthetic and architectural face-lift. She has done a wonderful job and the stations now have a uniform look with emphasis on the use of natural materials and classic simplicity.
Lower station
Fløibanen's characteristic brick building at Vetrlidsallmenningen has been restored to its original style. The ivy, which unfortunately had grown into the wall, has been removed and the building now has the sharp, clean lines it had when Fløibanen first opened.
New profile
Fløibanen's renewal in autumn 2002 has taken many forms. The well-known designer Bruno Oldani has developed our new graphic profile which appears in advertising material and on signs, tickets and our internet pages. Mona Larsen from Emelle Design is behind the modern, stylish and sporty new clothes worn by Fløibanen's staff.