During our road trip through Norway, we made a stop at Vøringsfossen, one of the most impressive and probably most famous waterfalls in the country. With a total drop of 182 meters, the water plunges from the Hardangervidda plateau into the depths of the Måbødalen valley. The waterfall is easy to reach and can be viewed from the brand-new platform. You can also do a hike to Vøringsfossen. Lots to do here!
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Where is Vøringsfossen located?
Vøringsfossen is located in the municipality of Eidfjord, in the Vestland region of southern Norway. The waterfall is easily accessible via Norwegian National Road 7 (Rv7), which connects Oslo with Bergen. From the parking area at the Fossli Hotel, it is only a short walk to the viewpoints. Everything is very straightforward once you arrive here. The platform you can walk to is impossible to miss. And there is also a new suspension stair bridge.
- From Bergen: approximately a 3-hour drive via Voss and the Hardanger Bridge.
- From Oslo: approximately a 5-hour drive via Geilo and Rv7.
The best period to visit Vøringsfossen is from May to October, simply because the area is easiest to access then. This is also the high season. In winter, the waterfall can be partially or completely frozen. This also creates stunning scenery!
The spectacular stair bridge
One of the highlights of Vøringsfossen (besides the waterfall itself, of course) is the stair bridge that opened in 2020. This 47-meter-long bridge with 99 steps spans the gorge and offers a beautiful perspective of the waterfall. The bridge connects the viewpoints near the Fossli Hotel with those at Fossatromma.
More than one waterfall
What many people don’t know: Vøringsfossen is not a single waterfall, but actually a combination of multiple streams that come together in the depths of the Måbødalen valley.
The main attraction is of course the huge free fall of 145 meters (a total height difference of 182 meters), but if you look closely from the viewpoints or from the stair bridge, you’ll see additional smaller waterfalls on both sides.
These form because the water from the Bjørveio river splits and partly tumbles down the rocks. When the water level is high—especially in spring and after rain—it can look as though the entire cliff is one giant wall of water.
When we were there, we could see at least four different streams of water rushing down from the plateau.
This combination of water, rocks, mist, and depth makes Vøringsfossen one of the most photogenic places in Norway and the most famous waterfall among tourists.
Vøringsfossen hike: hiking to the foot of the waterfall
Most people admire Vøringsfossen from above, from the viewpoints at the Fossli Hotel or the spectacular stair bridge. But… did you know you can also hike to the foot of the waterfall? Only then do you really feel how powerful it is.
For adventurous hikers, there is a trail leading to the base of Vøringsfossen. The hike starts at the Storegjel parking area and is around 3.7 km long.
We didn’t do this hike ourselves (we had just come from a hike at the Husedalen waterfalls), but if you have the time, it’s definitely recommended.
The hike begins at the Storegjel parking area, a bit further into the valley along Rv7. The trail is signposted and reasonably walkable, but remember: this is Norway—expect mud in places, loose rocks, and quite a bit of elevation gain.
- Distance: approx. 3.7 km out and back
- Duration: about 1.5 hours (depending on breaks and photo stops)
- Difficulty: moderate – doable if you have some hiking experience, but not suitable with strollers or flip-flops
At the foot of the waterfall, you hear the water roaring, feel the mist on your face, and see how the Bjørveio river forces its way through the gorge. From below, you can also see the different streams that together form Vøringsfossen.
Staying near Vøringsfossen
Want to stay near Vøringsfossen? You can! The most iconic place to spend the night is without a doubt the historic Fossli Hotel, which is literally perched on top of the waterfall. This hotel has existed since 1891 and exudes classic Norwegian atmosphere. And the view? It’s absolutely insane. You look straight out over the gorge and see the water thunder down while you’re having breakfast.
A fun fact: composer Edvard Grieg stayed here regularly and even composed music at the hotel. So who knows — maybe you will feel inspired here too!
Campsites in the area
Prefer traveling with your tent or camper? In the area around Vøringsfossen you’ll find several great campsites:
- Sæbø Camping (near Eidfjord) – Small-scale campsite with mountain views and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Eidfjord Gjestgiveri & Camping – A bit larger, with cabins, camping spots and a restaurant.
We chose not to stay directly at Vøringsfossen, but in Odda, because earlier that day we had hiked the Husedalen waterfalls. That hike includes four waterfalls in a row – truly a great experience as well.
From Odda, it takes a bit longer to reach Vøringsfossen (about 1.5 hours), but in May this was a great choice: it was far enough north to be snow-free, while the higher roads towards Hardangervidda were still a bit white. Perfect for a day trip.
I visited Vøringsfossen as a short stop during my 6-day hiking trip through Norway in May. So we were early in the season. Still, it was a great stop. Whether you’re viewing it with kids from the platform or doing the hike, it is Norway’s most famous waterfall for a reason. Enjoy your visit to the Vøringsfossen waterfall!
