Norway is home to some of the highest, most powerful, and visually captivating waterfalls on the planet. Driven by massive glaciers, snowmelt, and rugged fjord topography, the country's landscape is carved by hundreds of cascades.

If you are planning an epic road trip through the Scandinavian wild, here are 20 breathtaking waterfalls in Norway you simply cannot miss, along with tips on where to find them and how to visit.

The Masterpieces of the Western Fjords

1. Vøringsfossen (Hardanger)

• Height: 182 meters (597 ft)

• Highlights: A dramatic step-bridge spanning the canyon, accessible viewing platforms, and thunderous power.

• Why Visit: Vøringsfossen is arguably Norway’s most famous waterfall. Falling into the deep Måbødalen valley, it offers breathtaking views right from the main highway, making it both easily accessible and unforgettable.

 

2. Seven Sisters / De Syv Søstre (Geirangerfjord)

• Height: 250 meters (820 ft)

• Highlights: Seven individual streams cascading directly into a UNESCO World Heritage fjord.

• Why Visit: Located inside the world-renowned Geirangerfjord, this waterfall is best viewed via a fjord cruise or kayak. Legend has it the sisters remain unmarried, while "The Suitor" waterfall directly across the fjord tries eternally to woo them.

 

3. Låtefossen (Odda)

• Height: 165 meters (541 ft)

• Highlights: Twin streams merging right beneath an iconic 19th-century stone arch bridge.

• Why Visit: Located along Route 13 near Odda, Låtefossen sprays directly onto passing cars. It’s an iconic photo spot where the sheer force of water meets historic stone architecture.

 

4. Steinsdalsfossen (Norheimsund)

• Height: 50 meters (164 ft)

• Highlights: A paved path that allows you to walk behind the waterfall without getting soaked.

• Why Visit: If you’ve ever wanted to stand behind a roaring wall of water and look out over green fields, Steinsdalsfossen offers one of the safest and most accessible ways to do it.

 

Giants of the Valleys & Canyons

Hidden Gems & Dramatic Cascades

9. Tvindefossen (Voss)

Legend says the waters of Tvindefossen possess properties of eternal youth. This wide, multi-tiered cascade drops over smooth stone ledges, making it a favorite stop between Bergen and Flåm.

 

10. Feigefossen (Luster)

Dropping 229 meters into the Lusterfjord branch, Feigefossen offers a rewarding short hike along a rushing river. The mist off the main drop creates vibrant rainbows on sunny days.

 

11. Hellesyltfossen (Hellesylt)

Flowing straight through the center of the village of Hellesylt, this powerful torrent splits the granite landscape right before rushing into the Geirangerfjord inlet.

 

12. Kilefossen (Nærøyfjord)

A sheer series of drops totaling roughly 840 meters, Kilefossen can be seen right from the main E16 highway near Gudvangen as it ribbons down the steep fjord walls.

 

13. Rjoandefossen (Flåm Valley)

Visible along the Flåm Railway line or from local hiking trails, Rjoandefossen drops over 300 meters, with a distinct vertical split near the base.

 

Northern & Southern Wonders

14. Målselvfossen (Troms)

Norway’s national waterfall, famous not just for its volume, but for containing Europe’s longest wooden salmon ladder, allowing visitors to watch migrating fish leap through the rushing rapids.

 

15. Stigfossen (Trollstigen)

Cascading 320 meters beneath the hair-raising bends of the world-famous Trollstigen serpentine road. Driving across the bridge over Stigfossen is a true bucket-list thrill.

 

16. Svandalsfossen (Sauda)

Located along the Ryfylke National Tourist Route, a series of modern steel stairs allows visitors to climb alongside the roaring spray of this massive cascade.

 

17. Henningsvær Stream & Cascades (Lofoten)

While Lofoten is known for peaks and beaches, the meltwater waterfalls streaming down near Henningsvær and Austnesfjorden create striking contrast against the Norwegian Sea.

 

18. Hydnefossen (Hemsedal)

A massive cliffside fall in the eastern valley region, dropping over 140 meters. Popular for summer hikes and winter ice-climbing expeditions.

 

19. Linndalsfossen (Sunndal)

Tucked within the deep, dramatic Dovrefjell mountain region, Linndalsfossen cascades into a birch-covered gorge, offering an exceptionally quiet, untouched wilderness setting.

 

20. Valagardfossen / Skjervefossen (Voss)

Divided into twin drops flowing around scenic rock formations, Skjervefossen features carefully designed stone pathways and architectural rest stops along the historic road to Voss.

 

Best Time to Visit Norway’s Waterfalls

• Late May to June (Peak Flow): Spring snowmelt causes the rivers to swell, making early summer the absolute best time for maximum water volume and dramatic force.

• July to August (Best Weather): Trails are completely clear of ice, foliage is lush green, and access points are fully open.

• September (Autumn Colors): Lower flow than spring, but framed by brilliant gold and orange foliage across the valleys.

Travel Tip: Many of Norway's most famous falls lie along official Scenic Routes (Nasjonale Turistveger). Renting a car gives you the flexibility to stop at roadside viewpoints and trailhead parking lots at your own pace.