Waterfalls of Norway - Fjords And Mountains

I named today’s post as ‘’Waterfalls of Norway’’ but it can be a bit confused. This won’t be about all waterfalls in Norway or management of water resources. I am going to describe some of the waterfalls I had the pleasure to see during my recent tour (the link to that post is here). So, let’s begin.

Steinsdalsfossen

The waterfall is located about one kilometer from the center of Norheimsund, on Route 7 leading to Bergen. The location near the Hardangerfjord coast close to the often frequented road makes Steinsdalfossen a popular tourist destination. There is a large parking lot, tourist center and two souvenir shops on the path leading to the waterfall. Additional attraction is the opportunity to go beyond the wide stream of falling water. The waterfall itself has 48 meters high, so it is far from the highest Norwegian record holders, but looking at the pictures is really impressive.

Skjervsfossen

Following Route 13 from Eidfjord (eastern branch of Hardangerfjord) to the north, past Granvin, you can reach the scenic Sjervsfossen waterfall (turn aside from the main road after you pass the lake Granvinsvatnet). The waterfall is perfectly visible from the road and crossing the bridge you can stop right behind it (there is place only for two cars). The parking lot is located much higher, behind a few serpents. The waterfall makes a lot more impression at this point. The asphalt path leads almost under the same stream falling from 60 meters of water. The whole waterfall has 150 meters high and a large part of it is on the opposite side of the bridge. On the asphalt path there are stone stairs that you can climb to the upper parking lot (or from the upper parking lot to the waterfall). On the way there are info plates with historical curiosities of the area.

Espelandsfossen

You can find this waterfall on the road 572 from Granvin to Ulvik. About half way next to Espelandsvatnet lake, you can see Espelandsfossen. The parking lot is nearly visible and there is a place only for few cars. The marked path leads through the forest towards the waterfall. After a few minutes of walking the path turns at one of the summer houses and after a few more moments you can admire the waterfall in all its splendor. The narrow path goes on and I think you can get it up to the very top, but I did not check it. The waterfall measures 100 meters high (some sources say about 150 meters).

Tvindefossen

Tvindefossen is located on the E16 road north of Voss. Parking, a souvenir shop and a nearby camping area make this waterfall a tourist attraction. Also this waterfall is perfectly visible from the road, so you can’t miss it. The height of the Tvindefossen is 109 meters, although other sources give divergent versions up to 149 meters.

Stalheimsfossen

Driving further north and holding the E16 road, you will reach the Stalheim Valley. Here you should carefully watch the signs and turn into the side road, Stalheimsvegen leading to Stalheim Hotel. Right behind the hotel is an old, spectacular road with 13 sharp turns leading down (this is one-direction road). At the very beginning of this narrow road near the stone pillar you can stay in a small parking lot and follow the path to the cliff, where you can see the waterfall in all its glory (there is no barrier over the cliff, so be careful). Turning down and crossing the other turns, you can also see the neighboring waterfall, Sivlefossen. At the bottom, just behind the bridge, you can stop the car and go under Stalheimsfossen. The walk takes about 5 minutes and the path is very well maintained. Under the waterfall there is a viewing platform. Vertical mountain slopes rising from three sides and the sound of falling water is breathtaking. The height of the waterfall is also impressive. Stalheimsfossen measures 124 meters.

Rjukandefossen

On the road number 52, near the town of Tuv, there is a sign directing to the waterfall Rjukandefossen. From the parking place just off the road, leads a forest path, which just after two minutes we can reach the waterfall. Despite the height is only 8 meters, the view that we can see is indescribable.

Vøringsfossen

Vøringsfossen is one of the most famous waterfall in Norway. The neighborhood of the Eidfjord, besieged by tourists, the height (182 meters) and the many lookout terraces around the edge of the cliff, make this place crowded in the summer. You can park your car directly at the parking lot beside the road 7, or drive up to the Fossli Hotel on the cliff. Vøringsfossen and the neighboring Tyssvikjofossen fall along the vertical walls to the bottom of the deep Måbødalen valley. There is a path leading from the parking lot on the road number 7, (further down to the Eidfjord) and leading to the valley. From there you can admire Vøringsfossen from below. Unfortunately the view of waterfall was not given to me this day.

This is my second visit to Vøringsfossen this year and so far I haven’t had a chance to watch the waterfall. Previously, at the end of April, parking on the road was full of heavy snowdrifts and the waterfall itself was barely visible as a thin trickle stream of slowly melting snow. Now, the fog in the valley, limited visibility. So I searched for my old photos from this place I took few years ago.

Låtefossen

Låtefossen is another waterfall that you can’t miss from the road. Coming to the direction of Odda from the south or from the Odda towards the E134, at some point, the cloud of water dust falls on the car. Massive masses of water run down the mountain slope and fall under the bridge, where they connect to the Storelvi River. The waterfall takes its origin from Lotevatnet and from there, two troughs flow down, merging into one powerful stream under the bridge. Parking by the road, souvenir shop and toilet make this place a popular stopover and opportunity to take pictures. Rarely anyone is aware of the existence of the neighboring Espelandsfossen waterfall, which is located on the opposite side of the valley only 200 meters away. Låtefossen has 165 meters high.

Langfossen

One of the most impressive waterfalls in Norway. Located at the end of the Åkrafjord, near the E134 road is a great attraction for travelers. Note: driving from west to east is less visible and you may miss it. There is a parking lot and gift shop. You can find also small quay for summer trips with cruise boats. The tunnel under the road leads to waterfall and to hiking path which goes on the slope up over 600 meters. You can admire there the impressive panorama of Åkrafjord. This trail is described here. Langfoss has 612 meters high and 62 meters wide.

Breinostjørni

Breinostjørni does not appear on any map as a waterfall. In fact, it is a mountain lake located in the Breinosi mountain massif with the highest peak of 1641m above sea level. But when I was passing througt and saw this view from the distance (the Breinosi massif rises on the opposite side of Lake Eldrevatnet along the road 52), I could not miss it in this post. I think it can be a great addition to all the ‘official’ waterfalls shown here.