The Canyon Edge of Hardangervidda
Hardangerfjord—the second longest fjord in Norway—presents a stark contrast of microclimates. While its low southern and western shores around Lofthus and Ullensvang support thriving fruit and apple cider orchards, its eastern border terminates abruptly at the vertical threshold of Hardangervidda, Europe’s largest mountain plateau.
At this boundary, the river Bjoreio plunges 182 metres (with a free fall of 145 metres) from the plateau into the narrow gorge of Måbødalen. This is Vøringsfossen, historically celebrated since the 19th century as Norway’s premier waterfall. For decades, sightseers peered through timber railings at the historic Fossli Hotel; however, a comprehensive multi-stage architecture initiative completed between 2015 and 2022 transformed the canyon rim into an extraordinary lateral observation platform.
The 99-Step Canyon Bridge and Rock Balconies
Designed by architect Carl-Viggo Hølmebakk, the architectural intervention at Vøringsfossen addresses the natural topography through steel, rock anchoring, and step geometry. The centerpiece is a 47-metre footbridge that spans the canyon directly above the waterfall torrent.
| Vantage Component | Engineering Configuration | Visual Perspective |
|---|---|---|
| The Step Bridge | 47m length, 99 steps, 16m elevation delta | Direct lateral gaze down the vertical throat of the falls |
| Fossli Plateau Terrace | Cantilevered concrete balustrade with glass panels | Classic profile view of waterfall and Måbødalen gorge |
| Fossatromma Viewpoints | Granite stone paths along lower rim | Deep upstream angle framing the bridge and falling water |
| Måbødalen Valley Path | Stony trail from highway floor to base (summer only) | Upward perspective through spray and hydro-turbulent mist |
The bridge’s 99 stairs are not merely decorative: they resolve the 16-metre height discrepancy between the northern and southern canyon rims without requiring steep, slippery ramps. Walking across the bridge places the viewer directly in the path of rising mist clouds, with an unhindered side view of the sheer amphitheatre walls carved by centuries of water erosion.
Driving the Hardanger Scenic Loop
Approaching Vøringsfossen from Bergen or Oslo along National Road 7 (Riksvei 7) involves transiting the engineered helical tunnels of Måbødalen, which loop 360 degrees inside the mountain to conquer the steep incline. Once past the falls and down into Eidfjord, travellers enter County Road 79 and County Road 550, which trace the tranquil side-banks of Sørfjorden.
Route Evaluation: Strengths & Considerations
- Unsurpassed Dramatic Scale: The juxtaposition of the 182-metre vertical fall with the deep Måbødalen rift provides some of the most dynamic vertical perspectives in northern Europe.
- Comprehensive Barrier Protection: Massive steel balustrades provide complete security even in high plateau wind conditions.
- Heavy Spray on Glass Balustrades: Depending on seasonal wind direction, fine water droplets can quickly mist up camera lenses and viewing barriers.
- Extreme Winter Conditions: While Rv7 across Hardangervidda is maintained year-round, convoy driving (kolonnekjøring) or temporary road closures are common during winter blizzard events.
Seasonal Orchard & Fjord Transition
A distinctive facet of the Hardanger side-view journey is the seasonal transition. In late May, when the apple and cherry orchards along Sørfjorden are in full blossom against the dark green fjord waters, the upper plateau at Vøringsfossen is still surrounded by frozen snowdrifts. This dramatic elevation gradient of over 1,000 metres within a 20-minute drive showcases the unique vertical world of the Norwegian fjord landscape.