About This Hike
Bordalsgjelet is a deep river gorge on the edge of Voss and can be reached without a car. From the town centre, follow the gravel path beside Vangsvatnet through Prestegardsmoen, cross the bridge over the Vosso, turn right beside the river and continue on the signed residential approach. Visit Voss lists the complete walk as 5 kilometres, about 50 metres of ascent and 1.5 hours return. Drivers can instead reach the information-board car park on Gjernesvegen in roughly ten minutes. At the gorge, benches and a viewpoint introduce potholes and overhanging rock walls shaped by ice and running water. When the route is free of snow and ice, an adapted path with railings and stairs continues farther into the narrow gorge. The barriers define the safe visitor area: do not climb over them, scramble towards the river or treat the site as a swimming place. Outside the May–November season, or whenever steps are icy, enjoy only the accessible viewpoint if conditions allow. The walking approach passes private homes, so remain on the signed route and avoid photographing residents or gardens without permission.
Highlights
- ✓ Potholes ground into the bedrock by ice and running water over thousands of years
- ✓ A secured path with railings and stairs that runs right into the narrow gorge
- ✓ Overhanging rock walls, a viewing point and two small shelters with benches
- ✓ Reachable on foot from Voss town centre in about 45 minutes, or a 10-minute drive
Getting There
Signed car park with information board on Gjernesvegen, 10 minutes by car from Voss centre. Fees not published.
Municipality: Voss, Vestland
Before You Go
Visit only for the marked gorge path and viewpoint. The adapted route is seasonal and should be skipped when snow or ice makes the railings, steps or gorge floor unsafe. Do not turn the visit into a river swim or scramble: water level and current can change quickly, and the maintained visitor route is the appropriate boundary for a family stop.
Information checked: September 2026 against Visit Voss information.
⚠️ Safety Notes
- Use the marked paths and the adapted path into the gorge only when it is free of snow and ice.
- Do not climb over the fence.
- The recommended season is May to November.
- Stay on marked paths and follow local safety information.
- The approach on foot from town passes through a residential area — keep to the marked route, respect residents’ privacy, and carry out all litter