Steinsdalsfossen is one of Norway’s most beloved waterfalls, famous for the rare chance to walk safely behind the curtain of water and feel the roar in your chest. Set just outside the fjord village of Norheimsund in Hardanger, it is an easy stop along Route 7 and a rewarding detour from Bergen. It is also one of those places that delights everyone, from road trippers with ten minutes to spare to photographers chasing golden light.
If you are asking whether Steinsdalsfossen is worth the trip, the short answer is yes. It is free to visit, open year-round, and the viewpoint behind the waterfall is reachable on a short, well-built path. You can pair it with a Hardangerfjord cruise, fruit farm tastings, or a scenic loop through mountains and orchards, making it a flexible highlight in any Western Norway itinerary.
Let’s dig into how to get there, when to go, what to expect on site, and the little local tips that make a quick stop turn into a memory that sticks.
What Makes Steinsdalsfossen Special
Steinsdalsfossen drops about 50 meters, fed by the Fosselva river from the Myklavatnet lake. The standout feature is the walkway that leads behind the cascade. You stay dry enough to enjoy the power up close, but you will still feel spray on your cheeks on breezy days. The sound is its own show. Kids love it. So do grandparents.
The setting is classic Hardanger: green hills, tidy farms, fruit trees, and views down to fjord water that turns slate or silver depending on the sky. I have stood here in rain, sun, and that moody in between that Hardanger does best. Each mood works. On bright days the water glows; in rain the river swells and the waterfall is at its most dramatic.
Where It Is and How To Get There
Steinsdalsfossen sits 2 kilometers west of Norheimsund along Route 7 in Vestland county.
By car from Bergen: Plan on about 1 hour 20 minutes in normal traffic. Take E16 and then Route 7 toward Norheimsund. The parking area is directly off the main road with clear signs.
By bus from Bergen: Skyss buses run to Norheimsund from Bergen Busstasjon. From Norheimsund, you can connect to a local bus that stops at Steinsdalsfossen or take a taxi. If the weather is pleasant and you like a stretch, it is a scenic walk of roughly 25 to 30 minutes from Norheimsund center.
On a Hardanger loop: Many travelers drive a Bergen–Hardanger day loop. Route 7 to Norheimsund, stop at Steinsdalsfossen, then continue along the fjord toward Øystese and further into Hardanger. You can loop back via Tørvikbygd–Jondal–Tysse, or continue south to Odda if you are heading for Trolltunga or Folgefonna the next day.
Parking, Access, and Facilities
There is a main parking lot at the base with a visitor-friendly setup.
- Parking: A marked lot sits right by the river. In high season it can fill around midday. If it is busy, give it ten minutes; turnover is constant as many people stop briefly.
- Toilets and kiosk: Seasonal facilities operate near the parking area. In winter they may be closed, so plan accordingly.
- Path and walking time: From the lot, follow the wide gravel path along the river and up the slope. It takes 5 to 10 minutes at an easy pace to reach the walkway behind the waterfall.
- Accessibility: The lower path is broad and well graded. Wheelchairs and strollers can reach the main viewpoints by the river and close to the fall. The final section behind the curtain is short but slightly steeper and can be slick. If mobility is limited, you still get an excellent front view without committing to the last meters.
When To Visit
Late spring through early autumn is ideal. Snowmelt swells the river in May and June, while July and August bring longer days and lush green hillsides. In September the orchards glow with apples and the light is warm.
- Early morning and late afternoon give softer light and fewer people. Tour buses tend to appear mid to late morning.
- Rainy days can be superb. Flow increases, the spray kicks up, and the colors saturate. Bring a waterproof jacket and you will be rewarded.
- Winter visits are possible, but the walkway behind the fall may be icy. The path is sometimes gritted, sometimes not. Footwear with good grip is essential if you visit in the colder months.
Safety Basics Behind the Waterfall
Norwegian trails can feel casual, but the water and rocks demand a little respect.
- Wear shoes with grip. The bedrock and gravel get slick with spray.
- Stay inside the fenced path when you go behind the fall. The roar can be disorienting and kids sometimes want to dart close.
- In heavy rain, expect more spray and reduced visibility. It is part of the fun, but keep an eye on young ones.
Photography Tips From Someone Who Has Been Soaked Here Often
A few practical tricks make a big difference.
- Bring a lens cloth or microfiber towel. The spray is constant when you are on the behind-the-water platform. Wipe, shoot, wipe again.
- If you have a phone, use your body and any railing or rock to shield the lens from spray between shots.
- Shoot from the lower bridge along the approach path for a classic composition that takes in the river, the fall, and the surrounding green.
- Golden hour is lovely, but so is a bright overcast. Waterfalls photograph beautifully under soft light. If the sun is harsh, try video or embrace the sparkle.
- If you carry a small tripod, you can do short long-exposures on the lower viewpoint. Keep it quick to avoid soaking the gear.
What It Costs
Visiting Steinsdalsfossen is free. Parking may have a fee in peak months depending on the year’s arrangements, but it is modest. There is no entrance gate or time limit.
What To Wear and Bring
Hardanger weather flips fast, and the waterfall adds its own microclimate.
- A light rain jacket even on clear days. Spray is part of the experience.
- Comfortable shoes with a bit of tread.
- A hat or cap to keep the mist out of your eyes if you plan to linger behind the fall.
- In colder months, gloves are welcome. The walkway feels cooler thanks to wind and water.
Easy Add-Ons Nearby
You can make a relaxed half day right around Norheimsund without pushing the pace.
- Norheimsund center: Stroll the waterfront, grab coffee and a cinnamon bun, and watch the boats. The fjord view is wide and calming.
- Hardanger Maritime Museum (Hardanger fartøyvernsenter): Traditional boat building, rope making, and local maritime history. It is hands-on and great for families.
- Fruit farms and cider tastings: Hardanger is Norway’s fruit basket. In season, farms sell fresh apples, cherries, and juice. Many offer Hardanger cider tastings with strict rules for drivers and age limits. Ask locally for which farms are open the day you visit.
- Fyksesund: A steep-sided fjord arm east of Norheimsund. The drive is short and the viewpoints are dramatic. On calm days the reflections are mirror clean.
- Hiking options: If you want a leg-stretcher, there are signed local trails on the hills above Norheimsund and Øystese with fjord panoramas. Check the weather and stick to marked paths.
Pairing Steinsdalsfossen With Bigger Hardanger Plans
If you are building a longer itinerary, Steinsdalsfossen easily fits as a start or end.
- Bergen to Hardanger day trip: Drive to Steinsdalsfossen, continue to Øystese for lunch, add a short fjord cruise if schedules align, then loop back to Bergen. It is a full but comfortable day.
- Folgefonna glacier region: If you are heading to Jondal, Rosendal, or the Folgefonna National Park side, stop at the waterfall on your way through.
- Trolltunga base in Odda: Travelers with two or three days can route Bergen–Hardanger, pause at Steinsdalsfossen, then continue to Odda for Trolltunga the next morning.
Food and Places To Stay
Eating: Norheimsund and Øystese have cafes and restaurants that lean into local produce. Expect fresh fish, homemade soups, and baked goods. In fruit season you will find apple cake and fresh juice on many menus. If you prefer a picnic, there are benches near the river by the parking area. Pack out your rubbish.
Staying: Norheimsund offers hotels and guesthouses, including historic options by the water with fjord-facing rooms. Booking ahead for summer weekends is smart. If you travel with a camper, look for signed camping areas along Route 7 rather than overnighting in the small waterfall lot.
Visiting With Kids
This is a great stop for families. The walk is short, the goal is clear, and the sensory hit behind the water is unforgettable.
- Keep small children close on the behind-the-fall section. The railing is sturdy, but the noise can make it hard to hear each other.
- Bring a spare layer. Kids tend to lean into the spray more than adults, and that enthusiasm gets damp quickly.
Seasonal Notes Only Locals Tend To Mention
- May and June bring peak flow from snowmelt. The path sometimes feels like a cool, breezy tunnel. It is fantastic.
- July and August are busy, but evenings calm down. After 6 pm you often share the walkway with a handful of people instead of a bus group.
- September and early October give you fjord light and apple season. Fruit stands pop up along the road with fresh Hardanger apples and juice. Bring small cash or be ready for VIPPS or card where available.
- Late autumn and winter can be quiet and beautiful if you are comfortable with icy paths. Check the surface before you commit to the behind-the-fall section and consider traction cleats if you are touring Norway in winter.
Quick Itinerary Ideas
- Ten-minute stop: Park, walk to the lower bridge, snap your photo, and enjoy the sound.
- Thirty to sixty minutes: Walk behind the waterfall, take a short riverside stroll, use the facilities, and browse the kiosk if open.
- Half day with Norheimsund: Add the maritime museum, a cafe break on the harbor, and a short drive to a fruit stand.
Practical Essentials At A Glance
- Cost: Free
- Open: All day, every day
- Walking time: 5 to 10 minutes from parking to the behind-the-fall platform
- Footwear: Shoes with grip recommended
- Strollers and wheelchairs: Lower viewpoints accessible; final meters can be slick
- Nearest town: Norheimsund, about 2 kilometers
- Good to know: Carry a light rain jacket even on sunny days due to spray
Let yourself linger for five minutes longer than you planned. Watch the sheets of water fold and break. Listen for the deeper note under the roar. Steinsdalsfossen is easy to reach and simple to enjoy, and sometimes simple is exactly the point.