Vøringsfossen Waterfall in Norway: All You Need To Know

A deafening roar

When we travelled around southern Norway with our caravan, Vøringsfossen was one of our absolute favourite stops.

In summer, around 12,000 litres of water plunge over Vøringsfossen Waterfall every second (also known as Vøring Falls in English), crashing into the Måbødalen valley below with a thunderous roar.

It’s something you won’t soon forget.

Before visiting Norway, we thought this kind of wild, dramatic scenery could only be found much further from Denmark, where we live. We couldn’t have been more wrong. Norway is simply breathtaking.

With a total drop of 182 metres, Vøringsfossen is “only” Norway’s 83rd highest waterfall.

Yet thanks to its dramatic setting and easy access, it’s by far the country’s most famous waterfall and one of the biggest attractions in the Hardanger region.

Whether you’re planning to admire the Vøringsfossen views from the spectacular viewpoints, tackle the hike or stay at one of the nearby hotels, this guide covers what you need to know before you visit.

Note: We visited Vøringsfossen in August 2019, while the viewpoints were still being built. The step bridge across the falls opened the following summer, and the new car park, toilets and paths at Fossatromma opened in September 2024. Expect to find more paths, platforms and facilities than you see in our photos here.

Where to stay near Vøringsfossen

• Luxury: Fossli Hotel – Historic hotel right above Vøringsfossen with spectacular valley views and direct access to the viewpoints and hiking trails.
• Value for money: Vøringfoss Hotel – Comfortable hotel in Eidfjord with a great location for exploring Vøringsfossen and the Hardanger region.
• Budget: Kvamsdal Pensjonat – Simple, affordable guesthouse in Eidfjord offering a cosy stay and excellent value for travellers on a budget.

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, there are actually two falls.

The main fall (Vøringsfossen) has all the volume. The flow is partly regulated by a hydroelectric dam further up the river, and from 1 June to 15 September the required minimum flow is 12 cubic metres (12,000 litres) per second.

The smaller waterfall is commonly known as Tysvikjofossen.

There are now several viewpoints from which to admire Vøringsfossen.

Viewpoint at Fossli Hotel

The main Vøringsfossen viewpoint is right beside the waterfall and offers spectacular views across the whole of the Måbødalen valley.

You’ll find a large car park here, along with Fossli Hotel (adlink) and its restaurant.

The viewing area has several fenced lookout points.

If you only have time for one of the two Vøringsfossen viewpoints, this is the one we’d recommend. If you have more time, a step bridge links the two in about 500 metres, so you can see both without moving the car.

Viewpoint at Fossatromma

The other Vøringsfossen viewpoint is at Fossatromma, around 2 kilometres west of the main viewing area by road, or about 500 metres on foot over the step bridge. You’ll find it at this car park.

Fossatromma was the last part of the site to be finished and opened in September 2024.

The car park here sits right beside Route 7 and is much bigger than the one up at Fossli.

From here, a network of secured paths and platforms climbs towards the falls, including a fenced viewing platform overlooking Vøringsfossen Waterfall, and the views get better the higher you go.

Allow around 25 minutes at an easy pace. The rocks can be slippery, so wear something with grip and hold the railings on the way back down.

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The step bridge over Vøringsfossen

A step bridge crosses the river Bjoreio just south of where the water goes over the edge, connecting the paths and viewpoints at Fossatromma and Fossli.

It has 99 steps and a span of 47 metres, and it stands about 50 metres above the rapids, which makes it a viewpoint in its own right.

The height difference between the two sides of the gorge is 16 metres.

It also solves the problem of getting from one side to the other. The path over the bridge is about 500 metres long, so you can walk between the two viewpoint areas instead of driving.

If you would rather not take the steps, the path along the old pack trail covers the same ground in about 525 metres, climbing 65 metres on the way.

The bridge suits children and older walkers, but it is not wheelchair friendly. The viewpoint at Fossatromma is accessible with a wheelchair or pushchair. The bridge closes for the winter along with the viewpoints.

Hike to the bottom of Vøringsfossen Waterfall

A new bridge has been built on the valley trail, but the old suspension bridge at the very end has been closed for safety reasons and may still be. Check the signs on site, as you may not be able to reach the very bottom of Vøringsfossen Waterfall or cross the river below the falls.

The trail runs through the Måbødalen valley below the falls, and walkers enjoy it for the views back up the valley, with the waterfall visible in the distance for much of the route.

The trail is uneven in places and can be wet and slippery, so it suits confident walkers in sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots rather than families.

The official route starts at “Parking place Voringsfossen” at Fossatromma. If you park at “Vøringsfossen Visitor Parking” by Fossli Hotel (adlink), first walk across the step bridge to Fossatromma. Do not park outside the tunnel at Storegjel, as that can create dangerous traffic situations.

From Fossatromma, follow the old road for about 2 kilometres to Storegjel, continue for another 300 metres, then take the signposted trail into the canyon.

Allow around 2-3 hours. The usual season is from May or June until October, and you should not attempt the hike when there is snow or ice.

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Good to know about Vøringsfossen

Opening times

The waterfall itself is there around the clock, but the viewpoints are seasonal.

Parking and toilets at Fossli and Fossatromma are normally open from 1 April to 31 October, and the viewpoints, the step bridge and parts of the path network close for the winter.

Heavy snow can bury the safety fences at Fossli, so the viewpoints are not safe to visit after a big snowfall.

Price

Free! There is no admission fee to visit Vøringsfossen.

Parking

There are two car parks, one at each end of the site, and parking is free at both.

Fossli, the upper one, is right next to Fossli Hotel (adlink) and puts you at the main viewpoints straight away. On maps it is “Vøringsfossen Visitor Parking“. It is the smaller of the two, with very little room for anything large.

Fossatromma, the lower one, is a little further along Route 7 towards Eidfjord, listed on maps as “Parking place Voringsfossen“. It is much bigger and has charging points for electric cars, so it’s the one to aim for in a camper or with a caravan. From here you walk up, which takes around 25 minutes.

Campervan and caravan toilets cannot be emptied at either car park.

Both have toilets, and the step bridge and paths connect them, so you can park at either and reach everything on foot.

Map of Vøringsfossen Waterfall

Where to stay near Vøringsfossen

Luxury: Fossli Hotel

Quite possibly the coolest place to stay near Vøringsfossen.

Fossli Hotel is perched right above the waterfall, giving you front-row views of Vøringsfossen and the Måbødalen valley below.

You can step straight out of the hotel and onto nearby walking trails, making it a great base if you want to explore the area beyond the main viewpoints.

The historic hotel was built in 1891.

With its old-world charm, unbeatable location and dramatic views, staying here is an experience in itself.

Fossli Hotel operates as a seasonal summer hotel, so check the current opening dates before booking.

Check prices and availability at Fossli Hotel (adlink).

Value for money

Vøringfoss Hotel

For a very convenient stay near Vøringsfossen, consider Vøringfoss Hotel in the nearby village of Eidfjord.

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

Check prices and availability at Vøringfoss Hotel (adlink).

Budget

Kvamsdal Pensjonat

The guesthouse is conveniently located in Eidfjord, just 20 minutes from Vøringsfossen.

Rooms at Kvamsdal Pensjonat (Kvamsdal guesthouse) come with a private bathroom, wifi and kitchen facilities, but layouts and bed configurations vary by unit.

Check prices and availability at Kvamsdal Pensjonat (adlink).

How to get to Vøringsfossen

Vøringsfossen is on 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.

Before visiting the impressive waterfall, we had stayed in Rjukan, located about three hours away in the opposite “corner” of the Hardangervidda plateau.

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

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When to visit Vøringsfossen

Seasons

As in most of Norway, it’s generally best to visit Vøringsfossen from late spring into autumn, from May to October.

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

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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Sustainable travel tips

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.
• Be considerate of other visitors.
• Respect wildlife.

Thanks for reading our Vøringsfossen Waterfall guide

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.

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