Vøringsfossen is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Norway. With a fall of 182 meter, the water cascades down the mountainside into the narrow and rugged Måbødalen valley near Eidfjord in the Hardangerfjord.
In this article we will tell you all about it and how to get there.
1. Vøringsfossen Waterfall bridge
Vøringsfossen is located in the western end of the mountain plateau called Hardangervidda, close to the village Eidfjord. The waterfall has always been spectacular, but after the new bridge across the valley opened in 2020, the experience is even more unforgettable. The metal bridge has 99 steps and a span of 47 meters across the waterfall. 
Photo: Visit Bergen / Espen Bakketun - visitBergen.com
The viewpoint at Fossli Hotel, located near the impressive Vøringsfossen in Norway, has been enhanced with various safety measures and improvements for visitors. Among these are viewing platforms and metal walkways, allowing people to move safely through the terrain. Additionally, fences have been installed along the edges of the cliffs, providing a more secure environment for visitors to enjoy the spectacular views and watch the water from Vøringsfossen cascade down from different angles.
Photo: Visit Bergen / Espen Bakketun - visitBergen.com
2. How to get to Vøringsfossen
By car
You can drive to Vøringsfossen both from Bergen and from Geilo/Oslo. From Bergen the drive is 173 kilometers, and normally takes just under 3 hours if you drive via Voss and then over the Hardanger bridge. The bridge is Norway’s longest suspension bridge and offers great views when driving across it. For the last part of the drive the road winds its way up Måbødalen valley, with several scenic viewpoints of the valley along the way.
Photo: Goole Maps
If you’re driving from Geilo/Oslo you cross the mountain plateau Hardangervidda on riksvei 7 (National Road nr. 7). This stretch of road is designated as a Norwegian Scenic Route, which are Norway’s most beautiful road trips. The drive from Geilo is 73 kilometers and normally takes you just over an hour. Beware that this road can be closed in the winter, when the weather conditions are dangerous. You can read more about driving from Oslo to Bergen via Hardangervidda here.
If you like waterfalls, then also check out Steinsdalsfossen waterfall, where you can walk behind the falling curtain of water!
Parking:
There are two places to park close to the waterfall. You can either choose to park at Fossli hotel (about 1 kilometer from the main road), or you can park in the main parking area at the top of Måbødalen (located along the main road). There are restrooms open both places, mainly between 1 April and 31 October.
Photo: Harald Christian Eiken / vmproduksjon.no / Statens vegvesen
3. Guided tour from Bergen
It is also possible to join a guided round trip from Bergen. On the tour “Round-trip from Bergen to the majestic Vøringsfossen (Vøring Waterfall)” you get to see Vøringsfossen, Steinsdalsfossen, Fossen Bratte and Skjervsfossen all in one trip.
4. Best time to visit Vøringsfossen
It is possible to visit Vøringsfossen all year round. However, the most popular time to visit is between May and October. In spring and fall the waterfall might be at its most impressive. During peak season July and August, we recommend you arrive early or late in the day for the best experience.
The road from Bergen is open all the time, but the road between Geilo and Voringsfossen can be closed for shorter or longer periods of time due to poor weather conditions. The view is definitely better before it gets dark in the winter, so we recommend that you visit between kl. 10.00 and 15.00 this time of year. In the winter the toilets at Fossli hotel are closed.
Regulation of water volume:
The water volume is regulated in connection with hydroelectric power. There is a minimum water flow of 12 m3/s (420 cu ft/s) during the summer to guarantee that the waterfall appears as a great spectacle. This only applies in summer and in winter there may be less water in the waterfall and it may also be partially or completely frozen.
5. Vøringsfossen waterfall hike
For those who enjoy hiking, there are walking trails in the area around the waterfall. You can park at Fossli Hotel and follow the trail from there. From the road at Fossatromma, you can walk down to the bottom of the waterfall. Allow up to 1.5 hours for exploring the area. Read more about the hiking area at Vøringsfossen on visitHardangerfjord’s website here.
Photo: Visit Hardangerfjord / Vegard Breie
Bonus: Stop in Voss as part of your trip
If you drive to Vøringsfossen from Bergen, or continue to Bergen after your visit to Vøringsfossen, we recommend that you stop in Voss. Voss is famously called the extreme sports capital of Norway, and guaranteed to get your blood pumping if you’re into adventurous activities. From middle of May to October you can go white water rafting in one of the rivers close to Voss, or why not be a superhero for a day and realize your dream of flying in the indoor skydiving facility at VossVind. At Voss Climbing and Zipline Park the whole family can have fun in the treetops, exploring over 60 different climbing challenges and several long and airy ziplines. In winter Voss offer great conditions for both downhill and cross country skiing.
Looking for more things to do in Bergen? Check out the full list here.
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