Driving Through the Valley of Waterfalls in Hardanger

You drive along the winding roads of the Hardangerfjord, and at every turn you see waterfalls tumbling over the high cliffs. Some are thin silver lines, others are wide and powerful. You stop the car often, just to stand and watch. The sound of the water fills the valley, and a light mist touches your face. 

Driving the Hardangerfjord Scenic Route feels less like ticking off stops on a map and more like letting the world gently slow you down. The road winds through quiet villages, steep mountains, and orchards that smell like summer. 

Your first real moment comes at Steinsdalsfossen. You walk the path behind the waterfall, half expecting to get soaked, but instead the mist brushes against you like a cool whisper.

A little farther along is Skjervsfossen, quieter but no less powerful. The twin falls slide down the rock in a wide, graceful sheet. The walkway lets you get surprisingly close, close enough to hear the rush of water as a steady, grounding sound.

And then there’s Vøringfossen. Nothing quite prepares you for it. The waterfall crashes into a deep gorge with a force you can feel in your chest. Walking across the footbridge above it, you can’t help but pause in the middle, suspended between sky and stone.

These waterfalls are not only beautiful—they are part of a very old story. Thousands of years ago, huge glaciers covered this land. As the ice moved, it carved out the deep fjords. When the ice melted, rivers were left behind, and today they drop as waterfalls into the fjord below.

The water from the mountains runs into the saltwater fjord, mixing fresh and salt water. This mix makes the fjord full of life, with fish like trout and cod. But there is also a warning in this beauty: the Folgefonna glacier, which feeds many of these waterfalls, is shrinking because of climate change. The water you see today is part of a glacier that may not last forever.

Still, standing there, you feel small but full of wonder. The waterfalls are like the voice of nature—loud, strong, and timeless.

Additional Waterfalls to Explore Along the Hardangerfjord Scenic Route:

- Låtefossen – Also called the Twin Falls, it is one of the most famous waterfalls in Hardanger. It’s located right by Route 13, between Odda and Rødal, and has a car park close by. The waterfall pours under an old stone-arch bridge, making it a very photogenic stop. 

- Waterfalls in Oddadalen, the “Valley of Waterfalls”– The Oddadalen valley, on Route 13, is dotted with several waterfalls, including Tjørnadalsfoss, Strandfoss, Vidfoss, and Espelandsfoss. These are more “off-the-beaten-path” than the big tourist spots, but they make for a magical drive and several good viewpoints. 

- Furebergsfossen – This waterfall lies along Route 551, between Ænes and Sundal. In high flow, especially in late spring, the water cascades dramatically and even flows under some parts of the road. 

- Røykjafossen – A quieter, more secluded waterfall in Osa, Ulvik Municipality, reachable with a short hike from a parking area. Great if you want a more peaceful, less crowded nature stop.

- Skrikjofossen – A very tall and dramatic cascade located in Ullensvang Municipality, not far from the fjord. 

Top Tips for Experiencing the Waterfalls:

- Stop often along the winding Hardangerfjord roads – each bend reveals a new waterfall.

- Visit in spring to see the waterfalls wild with glacier meltwater.

- Come in autumn for even bigger flows after the rains.

- In winter, look for frozen waterfalls shimmering in the cold.

- Feel the mist on your face and listen to the thunder of the water for a truly immersive moment.

- Reflect on the connection to the Folgefonna glacier – a reminder of both natural beauty and fragility.