Eidfjord: Vøringfossen Waterfall Tour & Scenic Måbø Valley Drive

Summary

From Eidfjord to wild waterfalls and windswept plateaus

You’ll follow winding roads from Eidfjord through Måbø Valley with a local guide, pause for homemade cake in a historic hotel once loved by Edvard Grieg, stand above Vøringfossen waterfall’s roaring drop, and cross high mountain plateaus where silence feels endless. This tour leaves space for both adventure and quiet moments—let yourself get swept up.

What’s the experience like?

"You can hear it before you see it," our guide said, and honestly, he was right — the rumble of Vøringfossen sort of crept up on us as we wound through the Måbø Valley. The drive out of Eidfjord felt like flipping pages in a storybook: river on one side, cliffs pressing in, then suddenly everything opening up into this wide, rocky plateau. I kept rolling down the window just to smell that sharp, cold air (and okay, sometimes to stick my head out for photos). The road twisted so much that I lost track of which way was north — but our guide, Arne, seemed to know every bend by heart.

We stopped at this old hotel — apparently Edvard Grieg used to come here? — and it still has that creaky-floors-and-woodsmoke vibe. I grabbed coffee and a slice of apple cake that tasted like someone’s grandmother had made it (maybe she did). The place was half full of hikers with muddy boots and a few older couples just staring out the window at nothing in particular. It felt good to just sit there for a minute before heading out again.

When we finally got to Vøringfossen waterfall itself… well, I’m not even sure how to describe it. You stand on this platform and it’s just raw noise and spray in your face. Some people went across the bridge over the gorge — I tried but got halfway and chickened out (heights aren’t really my thing). Arne showed us where the water drops almost 200 meters straight down into the valley; he said in spring you can feel the ground shake if you get close enough. I still think about that view when things are too quiet at home.

The last stop was Sysen Dam — wind whipping off the lake so hard my eyes watered. If you’re lucky with weather you can see Norway’s second-biggest glacier from there (we caught a glimpse through clouds). On the way back across Hardangervidda plateau, everything felt kind of silent except for our small group talking softly about what we’d seen. Sometimes you don’t realize how big nature is until you’re standing right inside it, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Scenic drive and nature exploration

• Pickup from Eidfjord
• Drive Måbødalen scenic road
• Visit historic hotel for coffee and pie
• Explore Vøringfossen waterfall and trails
• Walk on Sysen Dam and view glacier
• Enjoy views at Hardangervidda National Park
• Return from tour

Top questions

How long does the Eidfjord Vøringfossen tour take?

The total duration includes travel time; expect several hours round-trip from Eidfjord with stops along the way.

Is pickup included for this day trip from Eidfjord?

Yes, convenient pickup is included at the start of your tour in Eidfjord.

Can I bring young children or use a stroller?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during this guided tour.

What if there is snow before mid-May?

The itinerary may change slightly due to residual snow until mid-May; some stops could be adjusted depending on conditions.

Will I see Norway’s second-largest glacier on this tour?

You might catch sight of Norway’s second-largest glacier from Sysen Dam if weather allows.

Is there hiking involved at Vøringfossen waterfall?

You can choose an easy hike across a wide bridge over the gorge or enjoy views from accessible platforms—no strenuous hiking required.

Is food included on this guided tour?

You’ll have time to buy homemade cake and coffee at a historic hotel stop (not included in price).

Are there public transport options nearby after returning?

Yes, public transportation options are available near Eidfjord after your return.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable transportation with pickup from Eidfjord, guidance throughout by a local expert who knows every twist of Måbø Valley road, time to explore Vøringfossen waterfall at your own pace—whether crossing its dramatic bridge or relaxing on viewing platforms—and stops for coffee or cake along the way before heading back across Hardangervidda plateau together.