In Norway, and in Western Norway in particular, there are waterfalls almost everywhere you turn.
Especially in spring and early summer, the waterfalls are a great sight, when the snow melt is great and the water flow in the waterfalls is at its most powerful.
MAP – At the bottom of this article there is a map with links to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Western Norway.
Waterfalls in Western Norway
Some of the world’s highest waterfalls are Norwegian, and four of them have a total drop of more than 800 metres. The highest waterfall in Norway, and Europe, is Vinnufossen (860 meters total drop height) in Sunndal, which is also the sixth highest waterfall in the world.
Many of the waterfalls are clearly visible from the road or from the fjord, and some waterfalls can be reached by hiking in beautiful nature. Below you can read more about some of the most beautiful and wildest waterfalls in Western Norway.
SEASON – The best time to see the waterfalls in Western Norway is early summer, when the water flow in the waterfalls is at its most powerful. Some places also depend on the winter-closed roads being open for the season.
Mardalsfossen Waterfall in Eikesdal in Romsdal
Eikesdal is an idyllic village surrounded by steep mountains and waterfalls. Eikesdal is located at the southern end of the 18 kilometer long lake Eikesdalsvatnet.
From Eikesdal you can hike up towards Mardalsfossen Waterfall, which is one of Norway’s highest waterfalls. Mardalsfossen is 655 meters high divided into two vertical waterfalls. You can go on a hike towards Mardalsfossen so you can see the waterfall up close. The hike goes uphill, it is about two kilometers long and takes around 30 to 45 minutes to walk each way.
Mardalsfossen Waterfall is regulated for hydroelectric power, but is “open” in the summer. Then you can see the mighty waterfall as it was in its glory days, before the waterfall was regulated in the 70s. During the tourist season, which lasts between 20 June and 20 August, three cubic meters of water are released per second. The rest of the year the waterfall is dry.
Below you can see a video from the beautiful drive from Vistdalsheia and along lake Eikesdalsvatnet to Eikesdal. At the end of the video, from 17:00 to 17:30, you can see Mardalsfossen in the distance.
Season: Summer – Mardalsfossen is open from 20. June to 20. August.
Romsdalen – the valley with the many waterfalls
On either side of the Rauma river, the vertical mountains tower almost 1,800 meters above the narrow valley. These are mountains that also tower over Norway’s alpine history. Trollveggen is probably one of the most famous mountains in Norway, and probably the most famous Norwegian mountain in the world. At least among the climbers. Trollveggen is Europe’s highest vertical cliff. From the bottom of Romsdalen up to the top of Trollveggen is almost 1,800 metres.
In Rauma, the river that runs through Romsdalen between Lake Lesjaskogsvatnet and Åndalsnes by the Romsdalsfjord, there are several stretches with wild and powerful waterfalls. Kleivfossen, where the rivers Rauma and Ulvåa meet, is one of the most powerful waterfalls in Romsdalen, together with Slettafossen, which is located at Verma further down the valley.
From steep and high mountain ridges on both sides of the Rauma river, countless waterfalls plunge into the valley of Romsdalen. Vermafossen, Gravdefossen and Mongefossen are some of the most powerful waterfalls. Brudesløret is the name of one of the waterfalls, it goes inside a gorge east of Flatmark. Even more powerful are Gravdefossen and Mongefossen on the north side of the valley, midway between Verma and Marstein. You can see these waterfalls from the road that runs along Romsdalen.
Mongefossen comes out of lake Mongevatnet, which is a regulated mountain lake that lies between 907 and 913 masl. Mongefossen has a total drop of 773 meters and is Norway’s fifth highest waterfall. Gravdefossen is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Romsdalen. The waterfall is best seen when you drive down Romsdalen, then you can see Gravdefossen on the right side of the road.
Most of the waterfalls in Romsdalen can be seen from the road that runs through the valley. Note that there is not so many stopping places along the road, so it is therefore not possible or legal to stop at some of the waterfalls. At Slettafossen, which is part of the Rauma river, there is a parking lot and a kiosk. Slettafossen cannot be seen from the main road, but the exit to the car park is well signposted. Below you can see a video from a drive down Romsdalen. The drive starts at Gravdefossen and ends at Trollveggen Camping, which is located below Trollveggen.
Season: Summer.
Stigfossen Waterfall at Trollstigen and Gudbrandsjuvet in Valldal
Trollstigen is one of Norways Tourist Icons. It is part of the Geiranger-Trollstigen National Tourist Route, 18 kilometer from Åndalsnes by the Romsdalsfjord.
The Trollstigen Mountain Road with it´s 11 hairpin turns is closed during winter. The road usually opens late May or early June, depending on the amount of snow and the avalanche danger in the surrounding mountains.
The mountains which encircle the Trollstigen road are enormous. The Stigfossen Waterfall gushes down the mountainside towards the luscious Isterdalen Valley and in the middle of all this the Trollstigen Road winds its way up the mountainside.
There is a large car park and viewpoint by the road at the bottom of the Trollstigvegen Road. This is the best place to see Stigfossen where it cascades down the steep mountainside and below the beautiful Stigfossbrua Bridge.
From the Trollstigen Mountain Plateau there is a short walk to the Viewpoints which are great for taking in the breathtaking views towards the Trollstigen Road, the waterfalls, the river and the Isterdalen Valley.
Gudbrandsjuvet is a gorge in the river Valldøla that runs between Valldal and Trollstigen, Gudbrandsjuvet is located about 11 kilometers from Valldal.
A great viewpoint has been built at Gudbrandsjuvet. This is one of many architectural constructions made in connection with the road´s status as a National Tourist Route.
The viewing platforms that run along and over the gorge is a fantastic experience. Here you can see the foaming river, waterfalls and potholes in a beautiful and awe-inspiring chaos.
Not far from Gudbrandsjuvet is Juvet Hotel. This hotel has won many awards for its special construction and integration into the wild and beautiful surroundings. Remember to book a room at Juvet Hotel well in advance of your possible stay, this is a popular hotel and it can be fully booked long in advance.
Season: Summer.
NOTE – TROLLSTIGEN MOUNTAIN ROAD CLOSED THROUGHOUT 2024 AND PARTS OF 2025
On 20 June 2024, it was decided that the Trollstigen Mountain Road would be closed for the whole of 2024 due to the high risk of rockfalls. The road at the back of Trollstigen, between Valldal and the Trollstigen Plateau, is open during the summer season.
The work to secure the Trollstigen road has not been completed and will continue in 2025. A goal has been set to open the Trollstigen road on July 14, 2025. This date is however uncertain due to the demanding work with a lot of loose rock. See the website of the Norwegian Scenic Routes for more information about the closure of the Trollstigen road.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT TROLLSTIGEN MOUNTAIN ROAD
Trollstigen Mountain Road is closed in winter. Many of the roads in Western Norway are prone to rockfalls, landslides and avalanches, especially in rainy and snowy weather. Trollstigen Mountain Road is one of these roads and may therefore be closed during periods where the risk of rockfalls is high. See Vegvesen.no for information on whether Trollstigen Mountain Road is open or closed (in Norwegian only).
The Waterfalls in Geiranger and by the Geirangerfjord
In Geiranger there are waterfalls everywhere. But there are five waterfalls that stand out. They are the three famous waterfalls that end in the Geirangerfjord, The Seven Sisters, The Suitor and The Bridal Veil. And there are Storfossen Waterfall in Geiranger and the Storseterfossen Waterfall above Vesterås, which again lies above Geiranger.
The Seven Sisters, The Suitor and The Bridal Veil are powerful waterfalls that are best experienced from the ferry that runs between Geiranger and Hellesylt, on a fjord sightseeing with a fjord cruise or on a fjord safari aboard a Rib boat. You can also see the The Seven Sisters waterfall from the Ørnesvingen viewpoint and from the abandoned mountain farm Skageflå.
A fantastic adventure, a combined fjord cruise and the steep and airy hike up to the abandoned mountain farm Skageflå, located 250 meters above the Geirangerfjord. The trip starts with a fjord cruise from Geiranger to Skagehola, which is the starting point for the hike up to Skageflå. Book fjord cruise tickets online in advance, so you are sure to get a reserved place on the boat.
From Skageflå there is a fantastic view towards the UNESCO-protected Geirangerfjord and to the Seven Sisters Waterfall on the other side of the fjord. This hike is not suitable for children and people with a fear of heights as there are several steep, narrow and exposed sections on this trail.
The Fosseråsa National Hiking Trail runs from Geiranger below the Storfossen Waterfall via Norsk Fjordsenter and up to the Storseterfossen Waterfall above Vesterås. The lower part of Fosseråsa runs along Storfossen, between Geiranger and Norsk Fjordsenter. It is a wonderful experience to walk along this trail when the snowmelt is at its strongest in the spring and early summer.
Storseterfossen Waterfall is the end point of the Fosseråsa hiking trail. Storseterfossen is special because you can walk behind the waterfall. This is a great experience in itself together with the beautiful nature with high mountains, rivers, waterfalls and deep valleys. The hike to Storseterfossen will take you around 45-60 minutes each way. Vesterås is also a great starting point for hikes in the Geiranger area. Below you can see a short video from the hike between Vesterås and Storseterfossen.
Season: Summer.
Feigefossen Waterfall by the Lustrafjord
From Solvorn, it is only a short and charming ferry ride over to Urnes Stave Church, which is also part of our common world heritage. Urnes Stave Church is the oldest of the remaining stave churches in Norway, and is one of four UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Western Norway. Urnes Stave Church was built around 1130 AD. In the summer, you can join a guided tour both outside and inside the church.
From Ornes it is about 13 kilometers north along the fjord to Feigum. From Feigum you can go on a nice hike up the trail to the viewpoint where you can see the mighty Feigefossen Waterfall from close range. Especially in early summer, this is a great sight, when the snow melts and the water flow in the waterfall is at its most powerful.
The hike to the viewpoint is nice and takes around an hour each way, the trail is marked. There is about a 150 meter climb from the start at Feigum to the viewpoint. The trail is rocky in the end and it can be slippery due to water splash from the waterfall. Feigefossen Waterfall has a vertical drop of 229 meters.
Feigesagi Café is an idyllic café down by the fjord at Feigum, it is open from time to time.
Feigefossen is clearly visible from the road that runs on the opposite side of the fjord. The waterfall is also a great sight from a kayak or from a guided trip in a Rib-boat on the Lustrafjord.
Season: Summer.
The waterfalls in the Flåmsdalen Valley
Flåmsdalen is a beautiful small adventure. The valley between Myrdal and Flåm by the Aurlandsfjord is 21 kilometers long. The valley is narrow and the mountains are steep, and there are waterfalls and rivers wherever you turn around.
Flåmsdalen runs between Myrdal (866.8 m) and the fjord village of Flåm, which lies down by the Aurlandsfjord. The road along Flåmsdalen between Myrdal and Flåm is 21 kilometers long. The upper part is a gravel road, the lower part is an asphalted road. Flåmsdalen is a great place for hiking and cycling. The Flåm Zipline sends you off at over 100 kilometers per hour, just hanging by a thin steel wire high above the valley.
Just below Rallarrosa Stølsysteri, where the zipline tour ends, you will find Kårdalsfossen, one of the striking waterfalls in Flåmsdalen. You can walk or cycle across the bridge that crosses Flåmselvi river at the top of Kårdalsfossen. After cycling down the hill, you can see Kårdalsfossen again, this time from below.
The bike road Rallarvegen (The Navvie´s Road) ends in the Flåm Valley, and you can also take the train up and down the Flåm Valley with the Flåm Railway. Flåm Railway has been named one of the ten most beautiful railways in the world. It starts at Flåm at the inner part of the Aurlandsfjord and ends at Myrdal Train Station which is part of the Bergen Railway. This is the train journey from fjord to mountain, and many people take the train ride both ways.
Flåm Railway is one of Norway’s most spectacular railways with its 20 tunnels and a gradient of 1 to 18 on almost 80% of the line. The train stops at Kjosfossen Waterfall where passengers can experience and take pictures of the wild and beautiful waterfall before the train continues on to the end stations which is Myrdal on the high mountain or Flåm down by the fjord. From the train on the Flåm Railway there is a great view of the steep mountain sides and the many waterfalls that plunge into the valley.
Brekkefossen Waterfall, not far from Flåm, is a popular hiking goal. A nice trail has been made up to the viewpoint under Brekkefossen. The first part of the trail is a gravel road, then there are 578 steps of stone that go up to the viewpoint Raokjen.
FjordSafari organizes guided tours from Flåm to the viewpoint below Brekkefossen. The first part of the hike is about two kilometers long and goes on the road along the Flåmselvi river from Flåm to Brekkevegen, then the rest of the hike goes along the trail up to Raokjen. The trail is 1.3 kilometers long with an ascent of 170 metres. From Raokjen there is a great view down to Flåm and to the inner part of the Aurlandsfjord.
The video below shows the train on the Flåm Railway near Høgabru and Rjoandefossen Waterfall, which is about 2.5 kilometers north of Høgabru in Flåmsdalen.
Season: Summer.
Låtefoss Waterfall and the waterfalls in Oddadalen by Odda
From Odda there is a short distance to the Oddadalen Valley with the famous waterfalls like Låtefossen and Tjørnadalsfossen Waterfalls. The Oddadalen Valley, which is called the Valley of Waterfalls, is 10 kilometers long and there are many waterfalls that end at the bottom of the valley.
Låtefoss is a 165 meter high waterfall cascading into the Oddadalen Valley, 16 kilometer south of Odda. The Oddadalen Valley is 10 kilometers long, there are many waterfalls ending into the valley. Låtefoss is the most famous one, and it is funneling under the rustic six-arched bridge along Riksvei 13 (Route 13). There is a car park next to the waterfall, in summer there is also an open kiosk next to the waterfall.
Below you can see a video from the drive between Odda and Låtefoss. In the video you can also see some of the other waterfalls in Odda and Oddadalen, we mention the river Opo which runs from lake Sandvinvatnet and down to Sørfjorden at Odda and Vidfossen Waterfall which ends at Hildal in Oddadalen.
NOTE! The car park at Låtefoss is small and narrow, and the car park can sometimes be full. It can be a challenge to park there, and there is a lot of traffic going straight past at high speed. You have to be careful and aware of many people and a lot of traffic in terms of parking.
Season: Summer.
Vøringsfossen Waterfall by Måbødalen in Hardanger
Vøringsfossen Waterfall in Måbødalen is Norway’s most famous waterfall and is visible from the road between Eidfjord by the Hardangerfjord and the Hardangervidda Mountain Plateau.
You can drive to the view points and see the Vøringsfossen Waterfall from above. Park the car at the parking lot on the south side of Fossli Hotel.
A new viewing platform and a viewing bridge above the Vøringsfossen Waterfall has been constructed in conjunction with the Hardangervidda National Tourist Route. There is a short walk to both of those viewpoints from the parking lot.
Man kan kjøre til utsiktspunktene og se Vøringsfossen ovenfra. Parker bilen på parkeringsplassen på sørsiden av Fossli Hotell.
You can also hike along a trail down in Måbødalen and experience Vøringsfossen from below. This hike usually takes about an hour each way.
Season: Summer. You should never walk on the viewing platforms and the viewing bridge if there is snow and ice, this is not safe!
Other beautiful waterfalls in Western Norway
Along the Nærøyfjord there are several beautiful waterfalls. Some of the most beautiful are Kjelfossen Waterfall at Gudvangen, which is located deep inside the Nærøyfjord, Tuftefossen Waterfall next to the Rimstigen trail at Tufto outside Bakka and Lægdafossen Waterfall at the very end of the Nærøyfjord.
Tuftefossen (680 meters high) and Lægdafossen (575 meters high) are best seen from a fjord cruise or from a fjord safari with a rib boat on the Nærøyfjord. You can see Kjelfossen (755 meters high) from the Viking village of Njardarheimr in Gudvangen, just look straight up in the southeast direction.
Below you can see a video from a fjord cruise on the Nærøyfjord, at the end of the video you can see the Lægdafossen Waterfall cascading down the steep mountainside. Season: Summer.
Ramnefjellsfossen Waterfall is 808 meters high and falls from Mt Ramnefjellet at Nesdal, which is located at the innermost part of lake Lovatnet in Loen. You have a great view towards Ramnefjellsfossen from the last part of the road along lake Lovatnet, from the road that goes to Kjenndalsstova.
You can visit Kjenndalsstova which is a great starting point for adventures on lake Lovatnet. Here you can rent both a rowing boat and a canoe, and join guided fishing trips. They also offer boat trips with the tourist boat MS Kjenndal which runs between Kjenndalsstova and Sande by lake Lovatnet. If you participate in any of these activities at lake Lovatet, you will get to see Ramnefjellsfossen up close.
It was parts from the 1493 meter high Mt Ramnefjellet which collapsed when the rock avalanche accidents hit the villages around lake Lovatnet in year 1904 and 1936. After the rock avalanche accident in 1936, the survivors did not return to Bødal and Nesdal. Today there are farms in Bødal and a few people who live there. No one lives permanently in Nesdal anymore. Season: Summer.
Kleivafossen Waterfall in Briksdal, in the heart of Oldedalen Valley, is one of our most famous photo motifs. The gravel road to Briksdalsbreen Glacier starts at Briksdalsbre Mountain Lodge in the heart of Briksdalen Valley. The road is surrounded by beautiful and wild nature, with steep mountains, wild waterfalls and foaming rivers everywhere. Kleivafossen Waterfall is one of these waterfalls, and you will definitely get wet when you cross the bridge that goes over Briksdalselva river, just below Kleivafossen. The difference in height from the start of the hike to the glacier lake is approximately 200 metres.
In recent years, the Briksdalsbreen Glacier has retreated several hundred metres. But you can still see the glacier hanging on the steep mountainside down from the Jostedalsbreen Glacier, which is the largest glacier cap on the European mainland. The emerald green colour of the water in the glacier lake is worth the trip alone. Season: Summer.
The hike up to the abandoned mountain farm Segestad in Nordfjord takes around an hour and the trail is 3.2 kilometers long. You start from the car park (32 masl) between Hjelle and Glomnes (parking fee) and you must walk around 500 meters along the road to the bridge at Glomnes. From the road you can see the mighty Glomnesfossen Waterfall.
The trail up to Segestad starts on the left side of the river Glomsdøla. There are several great viewpoints along the steep but well-marked trail to Segestad. From the trail, you can also take a short detour to the viewpoint below the spectacular Glomnesfossen Waterfall (be careful, it can be wet and slippery there). From the mountain farm at Segestad (314 m above sea level) you have a fantastic view down to Lake Oppstrynsvatnet and to the snow-covered mountains that surround the lake. Season: Summer.
Tvindefossen Waterfall near Voss has a total drop of 110 metres. The waterfall is a great sight in the summer when the snow melts and the water flow is at its most powerful. The waterfall has many courses where it tumbles down among the steep and wooded cliffs.
You can see Tvindefossen from the road. There is a large car park nearby the waterfall, there is also a kiosk and a campsite. There is a gravel road to the foot of the waterfall. Tvindefossen is located at Tvinde, about 13 kilometers north of Voss and 32 kilometers southwest of Gudvangen. Gudvangen is the gateway to the Nærøyfjord, which is an arm of the Sognefjord and part of our common world heritage. Season: Summer.
The 38 kilometer long Sørfjorden is one of the many side fjords of the Hardangerfjord. Along Sørfjorden are small picturesque villages like pearls on a string, surrounded by fjords, mountains, waterfalls and rivers and not least all the fruit trees that are widely known for their beautiful blossoming in spring. Kinsarvik is one of these villages, situated at the outermost part of Sørfjorden.
The Husedalen Valley near Kinsarvik is a popular hiking destination with great scenery and mighty waterfalls. If you walk the entire hike between Kinsarvik and Fjaoene, you can see four beautiful waterfalls if you wish; Tveitafossen, Nyastølsfossen, Nykkjesøyfossen and Søtefossen waterfalls. The hike to the innermost waterfall, the round trip, takes around six hours or more. The hike is heavy, steep and demanding and it can be slippery to walk on the trail. Season: Summer.
Below you can see a video of a hike up to Briksdalsbreen. The trail is surrounded by beautiful and wild nature, with steep mountains, wild rivers and waterfalls everywhere.
Links to other pages with information about waterfalls in Norway
Visit Norway – Norway’s most beautiful waterfalls.
Fjord Norway – The 14 most beautiful waterfalls in Western Norway.