About This Hike
Vøringsfossen is one of Norway’s best-known waterfalls, where the Bjoreio drops 182 metres from the Hardangervidda plateau into Måbødalen. This is a network of viewpoints and secured paths rather than a conventional mountain hike. The upper Fossli area and lower Fossatromma area have separate parking and are linked on foot by the old pack road and the 99-step bridge over the river. Across the completed site there is more than one kilometre of secured path, several viewing platforms, two service buildings and spacious parking; Fossatromma also has EV charging. The attraction is only partly wheelchair accessible, so visitors who need step-free access should consult the current site map before choosing a parking area. Toilets at Fossli and Fossatromma are normally open from early April to November, while the bridge and parts of the path system close in winter. Snow, ice or maintenance can affect access even when the waterfall remains visible, so follow barriers and check the live opening status before travelling across Hardangervidda.
Highlights
- ✓ Panoramic views of the 182-metre Voringsfossen from platforms on both rims of the Mabodalen gorge
- ✓ The 47-metre step-bridge with 99 steps over the river Bjoreio, opened in 2020
- ✓ The linked Fossli (upper) and Fossatromma (lower) viewpoint areas, completed in September 2024
- ✓ The historic Mabodalen pack road below the falls (a separate demanding route)
Getting There
Use the designated parking areas at Fossli or Fossatromma beside Route 7. Toilets and parking opening can vary with snow, ice and weather; Fossatromma has EV charging.
Before You Go
For most visitors, Vøringsfossen is a short viewpoint circuit: park at Fossli or Fossatromma and use the secured paths, allowing 30–90 minutes depending on whether the 99-step bridge suits everyone in the group. A separate, demanding 3.7 km one-way hike reaches the bottom of the waterfall from Fossatromma; it crosses rough, slippery boulder terrain and is not an extension of the easy viewpoint walk. Parking, toilets, the bridge and parts of the viewpoints are seasonal and can close early in snow or ice. If the site is closed, do not step past barriers simply because the waterfall is still visible from the road.
Information checked: September 2026, against current Visit Norway and Norwegian Scenic Routes access and winter-closure information
⚠️ Safety Notes
- Stay on the secured paths and keep children close; marked fall-danger areas border the deep gorge.
- The 99-step bridge and parts of the trail system close in winter. Do not enter closed areas.
- Heavy snow can cover safety fences at Fossli; viewpoints may be unsafe in snowy or icy conditions.
- The separate hike to the bottom of the waterfall is demanding rough terrain with boulders; it is not part of this viewpoint visit.
- At around 700 m above sea level, bring warm, weatherproof clothing and suitable footwear, particularly in spring and autumn.