Two German tourists needed volunteer assistance to descend from Ulriken mountain in Bergen after darkness surprised them during their hike. The hikers became disoriented when night fell and feared continuing their descent alone. Rescue teams reached their location and escorted them down the Ulriksbanen cable car by 10:47 PM.
According to operations leader Tore-Andre Brakstad from the local police district, the tourists contacted emergency services themselves. Brakstad confirmed both individuals were wet and cold but otherwise unharmed following their mountain rescue in Norway.
A rescue helicopter happened to be in the Bergen area at the time, but low cloud cover prevented aerial assistance. The incident highlights how quickly conditions can change in Norwegian mountains, even near populated areas like Bergen.
Ulriken stands as the highest of Bergen's seven mountains at 643 meters, attracting thousands of hikers annually. Many visitors underestimate how rapidly daylight fades in Norwegian evenings, especially those unfamiliar with Nordic conditions. This rescue operation demonstrates the importance of proper planning for mountain hikes in Norway, regardless of proximity to urban centers.
Local rescue services regularly assist unprepared tourists during Norway's hiking season. Proper equipment and early starts remain essential for mountain safety in the Bergen region.