Norway’s waterfalls are a mesmerizing natural phenomenon. Travelers are captivated by the stunning landscapes of the fjords, the perfectly straight roads that lead to the most remote regions of the country, and, of course, the abundance of waterfalls. Norway is the only country that boasts such a rich collection of natural beauty. It would take an encyclopedia spanning multiple volumes to cover all the waterfalls in the country. Norway is home to over 900 glaciers, which, as they melt, create a rushing torrent of water that cascades into the fjords. Today, we will talk about the most beautiful and picturesque waterfalls in the Scandinavian country.
1. The Seven Sisters Waterfall (Norway)
The waterfall is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful in the world, formed by seven streams of water that fall into the meandering Geiranger Fjord, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The height of the waterfall is 250 meters. It is located 550 km from the capital city of Oslo (by road) and 370 km from the tourist destination of Bergen. It is often depicted in photographs of Norway’s waterfalls as it is considered the most picturesque and visited. There are many interesting legends associated with the waterfall.
The best time to visit the Seven Sisters Waterfall in Norway is late spring and early summer. This is the period when the mountain peaks begin to melt, filling the streams.
You can get there by car from the city of Brønnøysund by two roads:
- Fv17 is the shortest route, taking just over 2.5 hours, and a ferry takes you to the waterfall;
- Routes Rv76 and E6 are longer, taking 3.5 hours, but you won’t have to take a ferry.
The coordinates of the waterfall on the Fjord are: 62.10711, 7.09418.
2. Monafossen
The height is 92 meters, and the road to it goes along the 45 highway, through a tunnel that goes straight to the fjord. The mountains and the picturesque waterfall are on the right. If you climb up the mountain serpentine, you can find yourself in a car parking lot. Near Monafossen, there is an information board with a detailed map of the area.
The road to the observation deck is difficult, you have to hold on to the chains, climb over the rocks. It is necessary to wear comfortable shoes, ideally trekking boots. The path from the parking lot to the attraction takes from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the physical condition of the person. Tourists unanimously claim that Monafossen is worth the effort spent on the road. The exact location: 58.85766, 6.38436.
3. Lotefoss
Perhaps the most popular waterfall in Norway is Lofotfoss, which is located near the town of Odda. It is unique for its two streams that diverge and converge, creating a powerful flow of water. In the late 20th century, Lofotfoss was added to the list of protected water bodies by the government.
The waterfall begins on the Hardangervidda plateau, where the Lotevatnet River falls 165 meters. A granite ledge divides the stream into two, and near the bottom, the streams merge again. A bridge has been built for tourists at the bottom.
Not far from Lothefoss (200 meters to the north), there is another beautiful waterfall, Espelandsfossen, and another 7 km away is Vidfossen.
You can get to the waterfall by three routes: E18, E134, and Rv7. On the map: 59.94782, 6.58426.
4. Vøringsfossen
The height is 182 meters, and the best view is from the foot of the waterfall. There is also a 150-kilometer hiking trail from here. There is an observation deck at the top of the waterfall. The climb is quite challenging and winding, with plenty of rest areas and picnic spots along the way.
Location: Hardanger region, Møbelalen valley. Coordinates: 60.42657, 7.25146.
5. Mardalsfossen
The height of Mardalsfossen is 705 m, and it is one of the few cascading waterfalls in Norway. It can only be visited in the summer, from the second half of June to the end of August. The visiting hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. During the rest of the year, the waterfall supports the operation of hydroelectric power plants.
Mardalsfossen is located in Møre og Romsdal county. Location on the map: 62.47303, 8.12177.
6. Svaldalsfossen
For tourists, a bridge and a metal staircase leading to the upper rapids are equipped directly in front of the waterfall. Travelers who have visited this place recommend climbing the stairs, as it is at the top that you can get very close to the water, and here you can see the most beautiful view of Svaldalsfossen in the middle of the forested area. And in the morning, there is a good chance of seeing a rainbow.
The waterfall is easy to find, it is located south of the town of Sauda, on the way of the national tourist route Rufüleke. You need to follow the route Rv520 only 5 km. Point on the map: 59.62509, 6.29073.
7. Kjøsfossen
The waterfall is a cascade, its length reaches seven hundred meters, while the height difference is 225 m. It is located in the town of Aurland (western Norway).
The main feature is that this is not just a landmark of Norway, the waterfall provides electricity famous Flam railway, which was built in incredibly difficult conditions – the path is laid at an altitude of 866 meters above sea level, here even in summer you can see snow. Trains pass through the tunnel of Nori, and come to the observation deck, which offers an amazing view of a small, picturesque hill and a mountain lake.
The best time to visit the waterfall is in spring and summer. At this time, in addition to the powerful gurgling stream of water on the rocky shore near Kjosfossen, you can see a singing girl in a red dress. This small performance is organized by actors specifically for tourists. It is a very unusual and colorful sight.
The point on the map: 60.74584, 7.13793.
8. Furebergsfossen
The vertical length of the flow reaches 108 meters. Furebergsfossen is located in the southwest of the Folgefonna glacier plateau in the Hordaland region. There is not much information about the waterfall, but it is incredibly beautiful. Visitors come here not only to admire the powerful waterfall, but also to see the glacier flowing down from the plateau.
You need to drive along the Rd551 highway, keeping to the left side of the fjord. The route goes through a toll tunnel that is more than 11 km long. The exit from the tunnel is located at the foot of the plateau. Then the road goes along the coast to the observation deck. On the left you can see the slopes covered with forests, on the right – the fjord. If you want to take beautiful photos of the waterfall, it is better to go on a water trip along the fjord. The landmark can be found on the map using the following coordinates: 60.09979, 6.16915.
9. Vidfossen
The Hordaland region is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque in Norway. It is home to small villages that are surrounded by blooming gardens every spring. The region is also famous for its many waterfalls, including the Folgefonna Glacier. The area is particularly rich in waterfalls of varying power and height. Vidfossen, with a height of 307 meters, begins as a raging torrent before breaking into streams that create a white, turbulent foam. Vidfossen location on the map: 59.98776, 6.56372.
10. Vettisfossen
It reaches a height of 275 m. You can see it in the Sognefjord gorge in the western part of the country. It is quite difficult to get here, and even on sunny days, it is dimly lit. The waterfall is one of the highest in Scandinavia. It is fed by the Utlå River, and the best time to visit is in late spring and early summer. Vettisfossen is located in a protected area in the stunning Utlådalen valley.
You can get here from the town of Upper Ordal. The journey takes about four hours.
Location data for the navigator: 61.38134, 7.94087.
All of Norway’s waterfalls are a breathtaking sight. If you’re planning a trip to this country, be sure to check out the most popular ones, such as Lofotfoss. Many of the attractions are located along the RV13 highway, starting from Kinsarvik and heading south. This route is known as the “Waterfall Road” in Norway.
