About Steinsdalsfossen
Steinsdalsfossen is a roadside waterfall in Vestland county, Norway, near the village of Norheimsund in the Hardanger region. The drop is approximately 20 metres and the falls are famous for the path that passes behind the falling water.
A short, well-marked trail and parking area make Steinsdalsfossen easily accessible by car and a popular stop on regional sightseeing routes. The falls are part of a scenic valley setting with nearby viewpoints and other waterfalls within easy driving distance.
The waterfall is a natural attraction rather than a historic site, and it is particularly busy in summer when the weather makes the walk behind the falls most pleasant. The site is located a short distance outside Norheimsund and is an established stop on local tourist itineraries.
- Behind the falls: A footpath runs behind the main curtain of water, allowing visitors to walk under the falls without getting soaked in most conditions.
Best Time to Visit Steinsdalsfossen
Best in summer for access and daylight; spring offers higher flows from snowmelt but can be wetter and more variable.
Weather & Climate near Steinsdalsfossen
Steinsdalsfossen'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 -3°C to 19°C. Abundant rainfall (1950 mm/year), wettest in December.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -3° - 2° | -4° | 198 mm | overcast | 94% | 2.4 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.4h |
| February | Poor | -3° - 2° | -3° | 163 mm | overcast | 93% | 2.1 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.8h |
| March | Poor | -1° - 5° | -1° | 156 mm | overcast | 91% | 2.3 m/s | 0.3 low | 11.6h |
| April | Poor | 2° - 8° | 3° | 90 mm | overcast | 87% | 2.4 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 14.4h |
| May | Acceptable | 6° - 14° | 9° | 82 mm | overcast | 80% | 2.2 m/s | 1.2 high | 17.0h |
| June | Acceptable | 9° - 18° | 13° | 100 mm | overcast | 76% | 2.1 m/s | 1.3 high | 18.5h |
| July | Acceptable | 11° - 19° | 15° | 122 mm | overcast | 78% | 2.0 m/s | 1.3 high | 17.8h |
| August | Acceptable | 10° - 18° | 14° | 149 mm | overcast | 81% | 1.9 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 15.4h |
| September | Poor | 8° - 14° | 11° | 214 mm | overcast | 86% | 2.0 m/s | 0.5 low | 12.7h |
| October | Poor | 5° - 10° | 6° | 218 mm | overcast | 89% | 2.2 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.9h |
| November | Poor | 1° - 5° | 1° | 214 mm | overcast | 94% | 2.1 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.2h |
| December | Poor | -2° - 3° | -2° | 244 mm | overcast | 95% | 2.0 m/s | 0.0 low | 5.5h |
How to Get to Steinsdalsfossen
Steinsdalsfossen is about 3 km from Norheimsund; drive via Rv7 and local roads or take the bus from Bergen to Norheimsund and a short taxi or local bus onward.
Tips for Visiting Steinsdalsfossen
- Walk the path behind the waterfall - visitors can remain comparatively dry in a light drizzle but the rocks are slippery, so good grip is essential.
- Combine the visit with a drive to nearby Norheimsund for fjord views and seafood cafés; the waterfall lies about 3 km from the town center.
