Vøringsfossen Waterfall in Norway: All You Need To Know

A deafening roar

12,000 litres of water rushes out per second at Vøringsfossen (Vøring Falls in English), hitting Måbødalen valley below with an epic sound.

With a total drop of “only” 182 metres, it’s the 83rd highest waterfall in Norway.

But the picturesque (and convenient) location has made it the most famous waterfall in the country and Vøringsfossen is a huge tourist draw in the area.

Read on to learn everything you need to know about visiting Vøringsfossen.

Where to stay near Vøringsfossen

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• Budget: Kvamsdal Pensjonat
• Value for money: Quality Hotel Vøringfoss
• Luxury: Fossli Hotel

What to expect at Vøringsfossen

Vøringsfossen emerges from the Bjoreia River on the western part of the Hardangervidda plateau.

As you may be able to tell from the photos, it is actually two falls.

The main fall (Vøringsfossen) has all the volume. The flow is partly regulated by a hydroelectric dam further up the river.

The smaller one is called Thomas Meier Foss.

There are two main places from which to admire Vøringsfossen with more planned in the near future.

Viewpoint at Fossli Hotel

The main viewpoint is located just next to the plunge and it is from here you get the magnificent view of the whole valley below.

Here you’ll find parking as well as the hotel and restaurant Fossli (adlink).

There are a lot of safe lookout points so if you bring kids and only go to one of the two viewpoints this is the one we would recommend.

Viewpoint at Fossatromma

The other viewpoint is located 2 kilometres of driving west at Vøringsfoss Kafeteria & Souvenir (Vøringsfossen Cafeteria). The area is called Fossatromma.

There’s also a parking lot here but the area is a lot wilder with no fencing. The views are incredible.

If you walk away from the waterfall (towards the start of the hike to the bottom) there’s a nice and fenced viewpoint further ahead.

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Hike to the bottom of the waterfall

If you want to get up close to Vøringsfossen, it’s possible to hike to the base of the waterfall.

Park your car at either Vøringsfossen Cafeteria (along route 7) or if there are any available parking spaces, choose a spot further down at Storegjel (called Parking for Vøringsfossen Hike in Google Maps).

From Vøringsfossen Cafeteria it’s about 4 kilometres each way and from Storegjel it’s about 2 kilometres of hiking.

The terrain is rough at places and rather wet and slippery.

Make sure to wear proper footwear and consider not to hike here in the winter.

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Practicalities

Opening times

Vøringsfossen is roaring 24/7.

Price

There is no admission price to visit Vøringsfossen.

Parking is free at both parking spots.

Map

Where to stay near Vøringsfossen

Luxury

Fossli Hotel

By far the coolest place to stay in the area.

Fossli Hotel is built directly on top of Vøringsfossen!

From here you have stunning views of Vøringsfossen and the valley below as well as direct access to hiking routes from your doorstep.

The Fossli Hotel was built in 1891 and was designed in the Art Nouveau style by architect Frederik Konow Lund.

Check prices and availability at Fossli Hotel (adlink).

Value for money

Quality Hotel Vøringfoss

For a very convenient stay near Vøringsfossen, consider Quality Hotel Vøringsfoss located in the nearby city of Eidfjord.

Eidfjord is a destination in its own right with amazing fjord views and this Quality Hotel has you covered for a comfortable night’s sleep with sound insulation, dark drapes (for those light summer nights), private bathrooms and wifi.

Check prices and availability at Quality Hotel Vøringfoss (adlink).

Budget

Kvamsdal Pensjonat

The hotel is conveniently located close to Eidfjord just 10 kilometres away from Vøringsfoss.

Each of the three rooms at Kvamsdal Pensjonat (Kvamsdal guesthouse) has a double bed, a bed sofa and comes with a private bathroom and wifi as well as a simple kitchen.

Check prices and availability at Kvamsdal Pensjonat (adlink).

How to get to Vøringsfossen

Vøringsfossen is strategically located on the Norwegian National Road 7, which connects Bergen with Oslo.

From Bergen, it’s about 2.5 hours of driving. From Oslo, it’s closer to 4.5 hours.

Prior to visiting the impressive waterfall, we had stayed in Rjukan, located about two hours away in the opposite “corner” of the Hardangervidda Mountain Plateau.

After Vøringsfossen, we stayed for a few days in Eidfjord, just 20 minutes away.

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When to visit Vøringsfossen

Seasons

Like most of the rest of Norway, it is generally best to visit Vøringsfossen from late spring to early autumn – from May to October.

Of course, visiting in the popular months of July and August also means you’ll compete (a bit) for the best photo spots with other travellers.

In spring, the falls are at their mightiest with extra water flowing from the thawing snow.

In the winter months it gets pretty chilly in Norway at these altitudes. Bring layers in summer as well.

Time of day

Plan to arrive early or late in the day for a mostly tourist-free experience and better light conditions.

What to bring to Vøringsfossen

• Travel insurance (adlink). Never travel without it!
• A good camera – here’s a guide to the gear we use.
• Sunscreen (adlink). Even though it might be cold the sun can still be strong.
• Hiking shoes if you intend to walk to the base of Vøringsfossen.
• Change of clothes. Bring layers and accessories like gloves and a hat. Even if the forecasts say it’s going to be sunny.
• Plenty of snacks and water. Norway’s water tastes so good.

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Minimise your impact

To minimise your impact at Vøringsfossen, follow these guidelines:

• Bring your own drinking water in a refillable bottle (adlink).
• Avoid single-use plastics, including straws.
• Dispose of waste properly.
• Take only photos, leave only footprints. Let shells and corals stay in their natural home.
• Be considerate of other visitors.
• Respect wildlife.

Thanks for reading

Thanks for reading our travel guide to Vøringsfossen. We hope it has been useful!

What do you think about Norway’s most famous waterfall?

If you’ve been to Vøringsfossen it would be awesome to hear your best tips and tricks in the comments. Perhaps there’s a secret viewpoint?

If you haven’t been to Norway yet, please don’t hesitate to ask us anything. We’re glad to help.