The view of the city, its harbour, and the larger Bergen peninsula have long made it a popular attraction.

[1][2][3] The idea to build a funicular was first put forward in 1895 by John Lund, a local resident and member of the Norwegian legislature.

However, with the cars being built by Maschinenfabrik Esslingen in Germany, and the rails being supplied from Switzerland, shortages caused by the outbreak of World War I delayed the work.

[4][5][6] During World War II, the German occupying forces constructed many bunkers and other defensive features on the Fløyen mountain.

In 2002, a fourth generation of car was introduced to the line, built by Doppelmayr (underframes) and Gangloff (bodies), capable of carrying 100 passengers, and equipped with larger windows and glass roofs.

The line was extended by 5 metres (16 ft) at its upper end to allow step-free access between the car and the viewing platform.

The new cars carry the traditional blue and red colours and names, and like their predecessors have large windows and glass roofs.

The cars have a stepped floor, large windows and a glass roof, in order to maximise visibility of the view whilst in transit.

[5][6][7] The drivers remotely control the speed of the cable, which is powered by a 355 kW (476 hp) electric motor and slowed by redundant braking systems, all located at the upper terminus.

In the early morning and late evening, departures are half-hourly, increasing to quarter-hourly during the day and more frequently at times of high demand.

Depending on speed and stops, the journey can take from 3 min to 8 minutes, and at its maximum capacity the line can carry 1,530 passengers per hour.

Wheelchairs and strollers/buggies are carried on the level of the car accessed through the uppermost door, and can board and exit at the terminal stations only.