Steinsdalsfossen, Norway

Steinsdalsfossen is a 160 foot / 49 meter tall waterfall in Norway. It is an easily visited waterfall and a sensory experience. You can walk behind the falls on a very nicely built trail. If you have limited vision, this waterfall provides an amazing opportunity to hear, smell, and feel the spray of the falls.
Steinsdalsfossen in May 2015

Of the countless amazing waterfalls I saw while driving through Norway, Steinsdalsfossen remains one of the most memorable, not just for its beauty but for its incredibly unique and interactive experience. In a country where you can easily see dozens of waterfalls in a week, this one stands out. It’s conveniently located right off road Fv7 in the Steinsdalen valley and is one of the most visited falls in the nation for a very good reason.

From the dedicated parking area, a short, paved path winds its way up toward the cliffside, bringing you closer to the powerful cascade. But what makes Steinsdalsfossen so special is that the path doesn’t just stop at a viewpoint. It leads you directly behind the thundering curtain of water. Walking behind the falls is a pretty awesome experience. The sound is immense, and you can feel the raw power of the water as it crashes down just feet in front of you. You can expect to get a bit wet from the swirling spray, but it’s completely worth it for the thrill of seeing the world from behind a waterfall.

The ability to so easily and safely walk behind such a powerful force of nature is what makes Steinsdalsfossen a must-see. It doesn’t require a long or difficult hike, making it accessible for almost everyone.

Directions:

  1. The waterfall is on Road Fv7. It’s east of Bergen, so you’d probably be taking E16 and then turning right onto Fv7. (Fv7 is a very narrow road in places with some blind curves.)
  2. The parking area is a bit west of the town of Norheimsund.
  3. From the parking area (there might be two, one being closer to the falls), it’s a short hike.

Accessibility: 10/10 (easy)
Height: 160′ / 49 m
Length of Hike: Roadside (very short hike to go behind falls)

Where in the World is Steinsdalsfossen?

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