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7 Waterfalls to Visit in Norway

Vettisfossen waterfall
Vettisfossen waterfall | © Gabor Igari / Visit Sognefjord

Norway may be famous for its fjords (and rightly so), but its waterfalls are hardly lacking in magnificence. Exceeding over 300 in number with many being among the tallest in the world, Norwegian waterfalls are a sight to behold as they cascade from the mountains. Here are some of the most breathtaking ones to visit.

The Seven Sisters

Natural Feature

Seven Sisters Waterfalls - Geirangerfjord
© TravelingOtter / Flickr

These ladies are definitely the stars of the show. Norway’s most famous cluster of waterfalls is located within the UNESCO-appointed Geirangerfjord. Its cascading waters resemble fine women’s hair — and right across from them is a single waterfall called ‘The Suitor’. According to legend, there was a suitor who tried to court seven sisters, but to no avail, and so all of them died unmarried. Whether or not there’s a kernel of truth to the legend, the waterfalls make for a spectacular view and they’re best admired while cruising the fjord.

Kjelfossen

Natural Feature

Located in Gudvangen, in the Aurland municipality, Kjelfossen rises at 755 metres high. It’s one of Norway’s tallest waterfalls — and the 18th tallest in the world. It’s difficult to reach it properly, but you can observe it from the E16 highway, right before you enter the Gudvanga Tunnel.

Kjosfossen

Natural Feature

Kjosfossen waterfall
© Jorge Láscar / Flickr

Kjosfossen is one of the many wonders you’ll come across while on the iconic Flåmsbana railway in Fjord Norway. On your way from Flam to Myrdal, the train will stop directly in front of the waterfall so you will have time to properly admire it. In the summer, you may catch one of the folk performances taking place here, where actresses dress and perform as a Scandinavian nymph called Huldra.

Steinsdalsfossen

Natural Feature

Steinsdalsfossen ved Norheimsund i Kvam kommune, Nasjonal turistveg Hardanger. ©Foto: Roger Ellingsen / Statens vegvesen
© Roger Ellingsen / Statens vegvesen

Not only are you able to reach this waterfall, but you can also literally walk behind it. Steindsdalsfossen, which can be found along the Hardanger National Tourist Route, is only 50 metres long. The petite waterfall was formed four centuries ago when a river changed course and has been accessible up to this day thanks to a safe path under the rock formation.

Vettisfossen

Natural Feature

Vettisfossen, Courtesy of Visit Sognefjord
© Visit Sognefjord

Located in Utladalen, in Øvre Årdal, Vettisfossen has been voted the most beautiful waterfall in Norway by local newspapers and called ‘the Queen of Waterfalls’ by writers. At a 275-metre single drop, it’s easy to see why this majestic waterfall would get such accolades.

Mardalsfossen

Natural Feature

Located in Nesset, in Møre og Romsdal county, Mardalsfossen is the world’s fourth highest waterfall. It is harnessed for hydroelectric power, but you can see it at its most impressive flow in the summertime when the hydroelectricity company releases the water. The waterfall ends in a valley, allowing you to walk up to it in approximately 30 minutes.

Langfoss

Natural Feature

Langfoss waterfall
© Charlie Dave / Flickr

Norway’s fifth highest waterfall (at 612 metres), Langfoss is known for its unique drop: instead of the water falling down a straight line, the waterfall follows the cliff and zig-zags with it like a stream. It’s also one of the very few Norwegian waterfalls that haven’t been tapped for hydroelectric power, and thus maintaining its natural state. Located in Åkrafjorden, you can best admire the waterfall from the viewpoint on the E-134 highway or from the Eljervik Farm.

About the author

Danai is a writer and editor by day, a tarot card reader by night, and a cat person, 24/7. Born in Athens, Greece, Danai spent the last 5 years as the Editorial Director of Savoteur in NYC before deciding to relocate to Scandinavia and learn how to forage berries. When not covering all things Norway for Culture Trip or all things relationships for Marie Claire, she enjoys watching superhero shows, baking cakes for loved ones and trying to live each day as magically as possible. Want to share ideas for cool features, or just cat videos? Reach out at danai.christo@gmail.com

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