Steinsdalsfossen is one of the most distinctive waterfalls in Norway, famous for the path that lets visitors walk safely behind the falling water.
About Steinsdalsfossen
Steinsdalsfossen is located just outside Norheimsund and has attracted visitors for generations. The waterfall has a drop of around 50 metres, and the highlight for many travellers is the walkway that leads behind the water curtain. Here you can feel the power of the falls while staying dry, and take in the waterfall from both the front and behind. The area is easy to explore, and the short path makes it suitable for all ages.
Steinsdalsfossen waterfall. Photo: Visit Bergen / Espen Bakketun - visitBergen.com
1. How to get to Steinsdalsfossen from Bergen
By car:
The drive from Bergen takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Follow the E16 east out of the city towards Trengereid, then continue on road RV7 over Kvamskogen in the direction of Norheimsund. This scenic route takes you past mountain lakes, forests and small villages on the way into Hardanger. Steinsdalsfossen sits right beside RV7, with a clearly marked entrance and only a short walk from the car park to the viewpoint.
Norwegian Scenic Routes consist of 18 specially chosen stretches of road that take travellers through areas of extraordinary nature – from coastline and fjords to mountains and cascading waterfalls. These routes are designed as inspiring alternatives to the main thoroughfares, where the journey is meant to be just as memorable as the destination. Steinsdalsfossen is located along one of these roads.
By public transport:
If you prefer public transport, buses operated by Skyss run from Bergen bus station to Steinsdalsfossen. Bus number 925 or 930 takes around 1 hour and 25 minutes, and the stop is conveniently called Steinsdalsfossen. The buses run roughly once an hour or once every 1.5 hours, depending on the time of day and the day of the week, making it easy to plan a flexible day trip from Bergen. Departure times can be found on Skyss.no If you have the Bergen Card, the ticket with the Skyss bus is free.
2. Parking near the waterfall
Free parking is available directly across the road from the waterfall. From here it takes just a minute or two on foot to reach the start of the path behind the falls.
3. Toilet facilities
Public toilets are located next to the car park and are open from May until the end of October. They remain closed during the winter months.
4. Acessibility:
Steinsdalsfossen is partly accessible for wheelchair users. The riverside path from the car park is wide and well maintained, making it easy to reach the lower viewpoints in front of the waterfall. However, the section that continues behind the waterfall includes stairs and is therefore not accessible for wheelchairs or visitors who cannot manage steps. Read more about accessible attractions in Bergen here.
Walking behind the waterfall. Photo: Roger Ellingsen, Statens vegvesen
5. Visiting in winter
Steinsdalsfossen can be visited all year, and winter brings a calmer atmosphere to the area. Depending on temperature and rainfall, sections of the waterfall may develop ice along the rock face, creating a different visual experience compared to summer. The riverside path is usually accessible, but conditions can be slippery after snow or frost. The section behind the waterfall may be icy in winter, and parts of the path can be closed or difficult to access depending on weather conditions.
Parking is available as usual, but the public toilets remain closed outside the main season from May to the end of October. Winter visits can be rewarding - just be prepared for changing weather and bring proper footwear.
6: Tours from Bergen that includes Steinsdalsfossen waterfall
Several guided tours from Bergen include a stop at Steinsdalsfossen, often combined with the Hardangerfjord, viewpoints and small villages in the region. It is also possible to join a tour in Hardanger and visit the waterfall afterwards, then return to Bergen by bus. This flexibility makes Steinsdalsfossen easy to add to a day trip, whether you prefer a guided experience or want to explore at your own pace.
Below this section you can add your list of tours that either stop at the waterfall or make it possible to continue to Steinsdalsfossen before heading back to Bergen.
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