Norway is known for its beautiful landscapes and scenery. The Northern Lights, fjords, and majestic mountains have inspired tourists to make the trip and see these sights for themselves. The breathtaking waterfalls peppered throughout the country are no exception.
If you’re a hiker, some of these trails will be sure to challenge you. Plan ahead for the weather and pack the right footwear to give yourself the best experience. There are also ample tours and roadside views available for the more sedentary nature enthusiast. The sights from the accessible summits are truly magical, so no matter where you’re viewing from be sure to keep your camera nearby.
If you’re thinking of planning a trip to this Scandinavian land, be sure to include a few of these natural wonders in your itinerary.
De Syv Søstre (Seven Sisters)
De Syv Søstre is one of the most famous waterfalls in Norway. Located in the Geiranger fjord in western Norway. This beauty features seven separate streams, dropping up to 220 meters.
There are many different ways to see the waterfall. The most recommended is by boat from the fjord below. The easiest is to book a fjord cruise. For the best experience, book a kayak and explore for yourself.
You can also explore the fjord with several breathtaking hiking destinations. One of which is to the abandoned, Knivsflå farm, located on a mountain shelf next to the waterfall. Another is to the Skageflå farm on the opposite side of the fjord. Both offer spectacular views of the waterfall and fjord below. At moderate difficulty, both beginners and experts can make the trip but bring good shoes.
Mardalsfossen
Mardalsfossen is one of the tallest waterfalls in Europe. It has a cumulative height of 655 meters, with its tallest free-fall being 297 meters. Unlike some of the waterfalls on this list, these gorgeous falls have a wide array of options for viewing.
Had work at the Grytten power plant located at the foot of the mountain not begun, this waterfall would have had a permanent flow. After 300 opponents to the power plant formed a human chain to stop the work from commencing, the decision was made for the falls to be open during the peak tourist season from June-August.
Langfoss
This award-winning beauty was voted the world’s most beautiful waterfall in 2006, and not much has changed since then. To get the best view, travel along the Åkrafjorden— you’ll hear the falls before you see them. There’s also a pull-off area where you can step out of your car and take a few pictures.
If you’d rather see the falls from below, you can get on a boat tour in the fjord below. The cruise goes by scenic mountains, waterfalls, and other beautiful sights before stopping at Langfoss.
Vøringsfossen
One of the most popular tourist destinations in Norway, Vøringsfossen is a total of 182 meters with an impressive drop of 145 meters. located in a lush, idyllic setting and is great for couples, families, and single travelers. At just a 30 minute walk from the main road to the bottom of the valley, the breathtaking view from below the falls more than makes up for the short trip.
If you aren’t interested in the walk, there are several boat and bus tours that include these enormous and powerful falls on their journey. There is also a bridge that spans the falls and includes parking, viewing platforms, and restrooms.
Låtefossen
Also known as the ‘Twin Falls,’ these unique dual streams are located in Hordaland county. This is not a free-falling drop, but instead, the streams flow down a mountainside and meet before joining lake Lotevatnet.
There is no hiking route that takes you to the summit. But the best view is from the nearby road bridge and banks of the lake below. Parking can be difficult in high season, but most claim the sight is worth the trouble.
Feigumfossen
The second highest waterfall in Norway at 218 meters, Feigumfossen is located in Skjolden, Sogn Og Fjordane county. The summit of this waterfall can be reached in under 90 minutes with minimal difficulty, and the sight from its base is definitely photograph-worthy. There is ample parking at the trailhead and a clear trail to follow to reach your destination.
If you decide to take the hike, the physical exertion will be worth it. Enjoy the quaint farms dotting the trails, but be careful not to trudge across someone’s lawn. The trail does require some ‘scrambling’ (meaning moving up steep terrain using both hands and feet), so avoid this trail if rain is in the forecast.
Kjosfossen
Kjosfossen is located in Aurland Municipality in Vestland County. It’s known for being one of the most visited tourist attractions in Norway, having an impressive drop of 225 meters. Besides providing scenic views to appreciative tourists. It also provides water to a power station that provides energy to the Flåm railway.
The railway is a popular tourist attraction in itself. It provides a tour through several waterfalls before passing over Kjosfossen, the highlight of the journey. Passengers are able to disembark for a few minutes to soak in the view and take some pictures before departing once more.
Kjelfossen
A beautiful sight visible from several hotels, these three seemingly thin streams drop up to 149 meters. Their overall height is more than 755 meters, making Kjelfossen one of the tallest waterfalls in the world!
To see these gorgeous falls at their best, the time to visit is between June and July when the mountain snow is melting and providing plenty of sustenance for the streams. Kjelfossen can be viewed from road E16 and from the Gudvangen camping site.
Månafossen
Located in Rogaland county, Månafossen is a plunging waterfall with a 92-meter drop. While it can be seen from the ground, most travelers recommend taking a steep hike to the summit to get the best view of the stream.
If you decide to make the trip, keep an eye on the weather. While only a 30-minute hike, the steep mountainside is known to be dangerous and slippery when wet. Sturdy footwear or hiking boots are recommended.
Vettisfossen
This waterfall was voted the most beautiful in Norway in 2016, and for good reason. Surrounded by lush greenery, this stream boasts the highest free fall in Norway at 275 meters. The stream is also quite powerful, making it a sight to see.
Vettisfossen is located in the Jotunheimen mountain range in Vestland county, Norway. Fed by the melted ice of two separate glaciers (Stølsnostinden and Koldedalsbreen), it ends in the river Utla after its impressive drop. The hike to the summit is not for the faint of heart. But if you’re up for the challenge the hike provides some stunning views. You will pass several smaller waterfalls before reaching the show-stopping Vettisfossen waterfall.
Closing remarks
If you’re looking to visit Norway for scenic destinations, the waterfalls included on this list won’t disappoint. There is an option for every traveler, whether you are looking for a roadside attraction or a challenging hike. Since some falls are only available during certain times of the year, be sure to plan ahead. With all of the falls to choose from, it will be hard to pick just one.
