Steinsdalsfossen Waterfall Guide
One of the most popular waterfalls in Norway. The Steinsdalsfossen has a fall of 50 m and is special because you can walk safe and dry behind it. The fall started flowing in 1699 when the river changed course.
While doing a little research on this waterfall, we learned that this waterfall was a favourite of Emperor Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany.
It was said that he would frequently visit Steinsdalsfossen every Summer (except a couple of them) between 1889 and the start of World War I in 1914.
As a result of this, it was said that some people would refer to this waterfall as the “Kaiser Wilhelm Falls.”
While we are generally not used to paved walkways going behind waterfalls, this one had enough of a setback that it seemed perfectly safe for them to do this.
The footpath ends on the other side of the waterfall, where there is a viewpoint looking right back at the Steinsdalsfossen as well as views of the valley in the general direction of Norheimsund.
There really wasn’t much more to see after you have been up and around the falls, so after you have got your photos just return the way you came.
The waterfall is open all year round and so is the car park.
It is FREE to park!
You can visit the falls on a Steinsdalsfossen Tour with our partner:
How to get there
The nearest town to the falls is Norheimsund, which is about 3km east along Mv7 on the western shores of the Hardanger Fjord (Hardangerfjorden).
We travelled from Bergen via car.
That required us to drive about 37km to the north and east along the E16.
Then, we left the E16 to continue onto the Mv7 for another 41km to the falls while passing by a few other waterfalls along the way including the impressive Fossen Bratte some 20km east of the E16 just before a tunnel.
This drive takes over an hour.
Open google and search Bergen to Steinsdalsfossen and you will get accurate directions.
Other information
How long is the walk from the car park? About 2 minutes. You can see the falls from the road and car park.
How long can you stay for? As long as you like! Unless you’re on a tour.. then you probably want to get back to the coach on time!!
Is there anywhere to eat? Yes, there were a couple of cafes and tourists shops, as well as the tourist office. We sat and had a coffee just by the river leading from the waterfall.
Other Guides
We hope you enjoyed this guide to Steinsdalsfossen. Feel free to leave comments below or to ask us any questions.
Other exciting Norway posts:
We loved Steinsdalsfossen! Make sure its on your list!
