Fjord waterfalls: 6 tracks with wow factor

Fjords are not just mirror-like surfaces, but thousands of tonnes of water that have fallen from the sky. Glaciers feed rivers, rivers tear through rocks, and you get trails where you can hear the roar of the elements every minute – what a sound! The "waterfall + fjord hike" format is amazing! Almost all locations are accessible by public transport or ferry, and the elevation difference provides panoramic views without the need for drones.

Below are six routes that have been tested by our talented team of bloggers and local guides. Just imagine: a short climb (1–3 hours) followed by an exhilarating kayak or bike adventure on a neighbouring arm! Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime by adding one or two cascades to your list of outdoor adventures in Norway!

Why should waterfall hunting be a separate trip?

First, a waterfall is a great way to end your trip — it's a powerful sight and a nice cool down in the heat of July. Secondly, the paths to the waterfalls are usually clearly marked, which makes it easier for beginners to stay on the right path. Most importantly, they are linked to fjords. You can arrive by catamaran, walk 3–6 km, return along the same route or continue up the arm of the fjord. This format lets you do several hiking trails in Norway at the same time, without having to change where you are staying or carry a heavy backpack.

Langfoss, Åkrafjorden — "the trail along the water wall"

The trail starts at the Eljarvik picnic area. An old path used by shepherds goes up the rocky ledges for 3.4 km; the climb is 625 m. CNN said Langfoss is one of the 10 most beautiful waterfalls in the world, and TripAdvisor says the path is "like walking up a stream". ... At the top, you can see the whole of Åkrafjorden, and below, there is a pier where you can rent a kayak or SUP. Season: Best from May to October, especially after rain.

Vøringsfossen in Hardangerfjord is a bridge over a very deep and wide chasm.

The classic viewpoint by the car park has been enhanced by a glass arch bridge (opened in 2020). The Måbødalen Heritage Trail (3.7 km, 450 m elevation gain) leads to an old stone staircase and a series of platforms directly above a 182-metre cliff. The best time to visit is in June, when the snow melts on the Hardangervidda plateau. Don't forget to check that the walkways are closed in icy conditions: the people in charge of the tour route will remove them in October.

The Seven Sisters and Geirangerfjord – UNESCO's water ballet dancers

The best way to avoid the crowds is to take the early ferry from Geiranger to Skagehola. The Knivsflå Farm trail is a 5-kilometre (590-metre) path that starts at the pier. It offers views of all seven waterfalls, which are around 250 metres high. The path is steep but has handrails to help you. Local guides say it's a good idea to bring gloves and shoe covers because the water mist makes the ground very slippery. The best time to take photos is from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., when the sun shines directly on the waterfall.

Feigefossen, Lusterfjord — a shower on the second highest single waterfall.

A trail from the village of Feigum (3.2 km/350 m) leads to the base of a 218-metre waterfall. The last 200 metres of the trail are wet: water sprays into the forest and makes the roots slippery. Visitors see the amazing rainbow at lunchtime. There is a campsite and e-bike rental on the shore of the fjord for trips along the old road to Nigardsbreen.

Kjeragfossen and Lysefjord are bonus sites in the Kjeragbolten rock area.

Most people go there for a selfie on the "stuck boulder", but the journey across three plateaus also reveals the 715-metre Kjeragfossen waterfall. The track is 11 kilometres long and goes up about 780 metres. The stone steps have chains for grip, and there is still snow on the ground until the middle of June. The flow is at its maximum after heavy rains — it's twice as impressive as in dry weather. Take a waterproof case for your phone: foggy conditions can make it hard to see.

Ramnefjellsfossen, Loen / Nordfjord — "Falling Mirror of the Glacier"

The waterfall is fed by the Ramnefjellsbreen glacier (which is part of Jostedalsbreen) and drops 808 metres to Lake Lovatnet. There are two options: a 2-hour kayak trip from Loen Camp or a 3.2 km hike from Nesdal to Segestad Mountain Farm (420 m up). Local farmers rent out tent shelves in old barns – you can wake up and see the "silver thread"!

When is the flow at its strongest?

The snow usually melts in May or June, but this depends on the region: it melts earlier in Nordfjord than in Hardanger. August is often drier, but the trails are less slippery. In autumn, the waterfalls come to life after the rains, and there are hardly any tourists. Watch the Statens Vegvesen live cameras in the canyons. They show the water level at the mouth of the fjord.

What should you wear and what should you take?

Waterproof boots, trekking poles (especially Langfoss and Feigefossen), a waterproof top. Make sure you keep your camera case and phone on a safety strap, otherwise the humidity will drain the battery. A power bank and a dry bag for your equipment are a cheap way to protect them from the wind.

Here are some useful tips for shooting "silk" on a waterfall.

The ND filter lets you adjust the light intensity by up to 10 stops. It weighs less than 1 kg and is compatible with tripods. The camera mode is M (for shutter speed, which can be adjusted between 0.5 and 2 seconds). At Kjerag and Vøringsfossen, the wind is so strong that you can only take photos if you push your tripod into the cracks in the rocks. At Feigefossen and Langfoss, the spray goes horizontally, so you can shoot it from the visor of your backpack or get a microfibre cloth to mop it up.

Hunting for waterfalls is such an absolute blast! It's like a magical tour of an art gallery where the paintings come alive and rumble with excitement. Each fjord is unique, offering its own sound, perspective and microclimate – it's an amazing place to explore! The paths to the waterfalls add a dramatic vertical line to the watery horizon, creating spectacular views that are simply breathtaking.

Have you already taken these routes? Send your GPX logs, photos of silky streams and your own "secret splash guards" to the editorial office – we're super excited to see them! We're going to create the most comprehensive map of the best national park hikes in Norway! We will inspire new travellers to go out and meet the elements – to the cries of seagulls and the roar of water.