Waterfall · Eidfjord, Vestland
Vøringsfossen
The waterfall that drops 182 meters into the Måbødalen canyon, on the edge of the Hardangervidda plateau, 18 km from Eidfjord, with viewpoints above and a stair-bridge over the abyss.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Vøringsfossen
Vøringsfossen is one of Norway's best-known waterfalls. The Bjoreio River, which comes from the Hardangervidda plateau, drops about 182 meters into a narrow canyon, 163 meters of them in free fall, down to the bottom of the Måbødalen valley. It is about 18 km from Eidfjord along road 7, which climbs the valley through spiral tunnels.
There are viewpoints on both banks. On the west side, beside the historic Fossli Hotel, platforms give a frontal view of the fall and the valley below. On the east side, at Fossatromma, a path with platforms and railings follows the canyon edge. Between them, a steel bridge-stair with steps spans the abyss above the waterfall and allows you to walk from one side to the other with the fall just below.
From the bottom of the Måbødalen valley, an old trail with 1,500 stone steps climbs the slope, and another leads close to the base of the fall, where you can see the waterfall from below, with its spray cloud.
The waterfall's volume changes with the season and with the hydroelectric plant upstream, which controls part of the river; in summer, from June to September, the flow is usually maintained for visitors.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 to 2 hours for the viewpoints on both banks and the bridge-stair.
Best time
From June to September, when the waterfall typically has more water and the viewpoints are free of snow. The viewpoints are usually accessible year-round, with snow and ice in winter; check conditions.
How to get there
It is on road 7, about 18 km east of Eidfjord, up the Måbødalen valley. There is parking at the Fossli Hotel and at Fossatromma. In summer, tour buses run up from Eidfjord.
Tip
Park on one side, cross the bridge-stair and return to see the fall from both banks. Bring a jacket: it is windy and there is spray on the canyon edge.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Vøringsfossen
How tall is Vøringsfossen?
About 182 meters in total, with 163 meters of free fall.
Are the viewpoints open in winter?
They are usually accessible, with snow and ice. Check conditions before you go.
How to get there without a car?
In summer there are tour buses from Eidfjord and Bergen. Regular buses along road 7 also pass nearby.
What is the bridge-stair?
A steel walkway with steps that crosses the canyon above the waterfall, connecting the viewpoints on both banks.
