Vøringsfossen waterfall in Måbødalen is perhaps the most famous waterfall in Norway. Vøringsfossen waterfall has a 182 meters (597 feet) free fall before continuing through the grand canyon Måbødalen. The river Bjoreia steeps down the 2-300 metres deep valley and Vøringfossen and Tyssvikjo falls into the deep. Many people think Tyssvikjo is Vøringfossen because they see it first. Its just a nice small waterfall compared to Vøringfossen.
Vøringfossen waterfall is situated about 280 km from Bergen and 300 km from Oslo. Among many Norwegian waterfalls the best known one is Vøringfossen. The most beautiful view you will have when sun and water are creating a rainbow into the valley.
The facility around Vøringfossen, which is one of the attractions along the national tourist road Hardangervidda, has been improved in recent years. In August 2020, the newest addition to the attraction was opened: a spectacular bridge over the waterfall! The bridge has a span of 47 meters and has 99 steps. The staircase bridge, together with the paths and viewpoint, is the second construction step in the Norwegian Public Roads Administration’s development of Vøringsfossen. The first was ready in 2018 and includes viewing platforms, paths, fence, parking and service building below Fossli hotel.
Måbødalen
It is also possible to see the waterfall from the bottom of the valley. Måbødalen is a narrow, steep and beautiful valley that stretches from Eidfjord up to Hardangervidda. In older times, several roads ran through Måbødalen, and in the 1780s, 1,300 stone steps were built to make the journey easier.
The road from Måbødalen up to Fossli was completed in 1916, and the old road can still be experienced on foot or by bicycle. Today’s road through Måbødalen has several tunnels, but also many great stops and viewpoints. From the main road, it takes 30 minutes to walk in to the waterfall.
Sightseeing tours to Vøringsfossen
Two of the trips from Fjord Tours include a sightseeing trip to Vøringsfossen and to Hardangervidda Nature Center. You can also travel with Go Fjords’ tours from Bergen, Norheimsund or Eidfjord. Go on a fjord cruise and see the beautiful Vøringsfossen on the ” Sightseeing tour Hardangerfjord and Vøringsfossen “. Another option is the tour “Sightseeing tour to Vøringsfossen ” – by bus from Eidfjord.
Norway’s most inaccessible farm?
Not far from Vøringsfossen lies Kjeåsen mountain farm – formerly Norway’s “most inaccessible farm” – like an eagle’s nest on a ledge in the steep mountainside at 530 m. by the Simadalsfjorden.
Kjeåsen fjellgård in Eidfjord municipality has been inhabited since at least the 1650s. The farm consists of two uses and is mentioned in books, on radio and television programmes. Now the farm is no longer in operation, but it is inhabited during the summer months, when tourists come to visit.
It is possible to drive up to the farm, but be aware that the road is narrow and driving times up to the farm are limited to every full hour down from the farm every half hour.
There is also a hiking trail up the steep mountainside, which takes 1 to 1.5 hours each way. Start from the road to the left of the car park at Sima power plant. Turn left towards the fjord to Kjeaneset. The path turns to the right and winds steeply up the mountainside. Ropes and ladders are necessary aids along the way, and don’t forget to admire the fantastic views along the path.
Drive to Vøringsfossen
Vøringfossen is located along the Hardangervidda National Tourist Route.
Drive by car approx. 20 minutes from the center of Eidfjord in the direction of Geilo on Rv7. At the Fossli Hotel and at the Vøringfoss cafeteria and souvenir just off RV7, you can find good vantage points for the large amount of water that plunges down from the Hardangervidda plateau into Måbødalen.
Måbødalen meanders down from the high mountain plateau to the softer and greener area of Hardanger, where it ends in Øvre Eidfjord. Here we find the natural and cultural history experience center Norwegian Nature Center – Hardanger and several nice rest areas and places to stop to snap a few photos along the way.