Stalheimsfossen
Waterfall Dramatic Norwegian waterfall and scenic roadside viewpoint
Near the Stalheim Hotel in Vestland, Stalheimsfossen plunges beside the steep Stalheimskleiva road; tourists stop for dramatic waterfalls and valley viewpoints along the route.
Stalheimsfossen is a waterfall near the village of Stalheim in Vestland county, Norway. It is one of several notable waterfalls in the narrow valley around Stalheim.
Views of the waterfall are available from roadside vantage points and nearby viewpoints that look down the valley. The falling water and the steep valley sides create a dramatic roadside scene visited by people travelling the Stalheim area.
The waterfall is a natural feature of the valley formed by glacial and fluvial processes; it has long been noted on travel routes through the area. It has been a named local landmark for centuries as routes developed through the valley.
Stalheimsfossen sits close to the village of Stalheim in Vestland, western Norway, above a steep valley that links fjord-side areas with inland routes. It is accessible from the road that runs through the valley.
- Accessibility: Easily seen from the road through Stalheim and from nearby viewpoints, making it accessible for day visitors.
How to Get to Stalheimsfossen #
Accessible by car via the E16 highway from Voss or Gudvangen; local buses between Bergen and Oslo stop at points near Stalheim. The viewpoint and hotel area provide the principal access points for short walks to view the falls.
Tips for Visiting Stalheimsfossen #
- Approach from the Stalheim Hotel viewpoint for the classic postcard composition-river, road hairpins, and the waterfall.
- Wear footwear with good grip; the path near the falls can be slick from mist.
- Bring a wide-angle lens-there is a lot of vertical drama to compress into a frame.
Best Time to Visit Stalheimsfossen #
Summer and early autumn are the most reliable for road access and hiking.
Weather & Climate near Stalheimsfossen #
Stalheimsfossen's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -5°C to 18°C. Abundant rainfall (1320 mm/year), wettest in December.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -1°C and lows of -4°C. Significant rainfall (152 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is the coldest month with highs of 0°C and lows of -5°C. Significant rainfall (114 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -3°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (145 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (147 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 2°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (148 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -4°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (163 mm) and mostly overcast skies.